The two week Christmas break from school for the kids (my 3 yr old son & 6 yr old daughter) was split with the first week being with my ex, Grayheart, while the second week was spent with me.
That first week I traveled to Colorado and came back Christmas Eve. (Captain headed out of town to visit his family for Christmas.) The kids did dinner that evening with me and my family; what we call Noche Buena. Grayheart picked the kids up late that night and they stayed over at his house. They woke Christmas morning at his home. They called me over and I got to watch them open presents there. (Raggedy was out of town visiting her own family.)
Then I took the kids home with me while Grayheart followed behind and had them open gifts at my house. We had a really nice time all together as a family. It was nostalgically nice. Grayheart was pleasant, we chatted in a friendly manner and none of it felt fake. I then took the kids (on my own) to abuela’s house (aka my mom) to then do gift exchanges there.
The kids went back to Grayheart’s house late afternoon. Captain drove back and met me at my home so we could celebrate Christmas evening together. We exchanged gifts* and then watched Star Wars at the movies! (Which was amaze-balls!)
All things considered, it was a wonderful Christmas! There was lots of positive energy, everyone was cheerful and we did a great job sharing our children.
*I’m going to gush a second…Captain was amazing! He got me a few books he thought I’d love, a mani/pedi certificate to use on a day he is working, salsa lessons for us to do together, paintball day and archery lessons! He’s paid such close attention to me…it had me in tears. It’s been so long since I’ve been loved like this. And I don’t quite think I’ve ever been loved better.
Hope you all enjoyed the holidays!
(Please excuse the mess in my home! Eek!)
😘
Amazing! Truly amazing! I’m happy that you and the ex are so ADULT about the situation. One day, one day, in a time/galaxy far away, that’ll be me and my ex. Love the pics!
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I wish it for you, Phoenix. I really do. I know you put your kids first but your ex is a stubborn moron. I think he’ll get there though. Your faith will not let you down.
I was surprised how well it went. I guess we got into the Christmas spirit. 😉 xo
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Yes, he is. I just have to give him to God. Btw, I loved that cake. So pretty!!!
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Thanks! Publix, baby! Lol
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GoPro’s are awesome! We saw Star Wars New Years Day. It was great, but I hated the ending!!!! 😕
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Agh! I wish we could talk more about it without giving it away!
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I know! And Han Solo?!?! Hated that part. Oddly, I felt really bad for Chewy! 😃
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Chewy… Best character ever! 😍
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Hard to argue that. Although, Darth was pretty friggin’ cool!
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I loved the pictures of your little ones opening their presents. I have missed seeing that. (I’ll live vicariously through your children and pretend they are my grandchildren.)
What a joyous thing it must be to feel loved. So happy for you. 🙂
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Lol! Consider them yours! They really had a nice time and I can tell they didn’t feel any hiccups being split between two households.
I appreciate your kind support, L. I often ask myself how I managed to finally find balance when I was in so much despair a year ago.
As challenging as your life has been, you are very supportive and kind. Continue to spread the warmth.
Xoxo
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LOVE my new “children.” LOL. Thank you…what a great gift!
I’m so happy you had a wonderful holiday. Here’s to many more. 🙂
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Lol! Come visit when you’re ready! They’ll be ready for you next Christmas! 😉
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Yay!
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I am happy you had such a great holiday. =)
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Thank you, Laura! I’m happy it’s now over and that I can say we jumped this hurdle successfully.
How are wedding plans coming for you?! 😉 xo
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I am happy for you too! Wedding plans so far – told everyone, got rings, marriage this summer in our backyard, kids will standup, it will be a bring a dish & your own drink not a gift and stay long kind of wedding. David friend will marry us on the deck. Saving all our $ for the Honeymoon – looking at Greece or BoraBora.
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Woohooo!!
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Omg! That would be amazing!! Honeymoon is always the best part. (Beside marrying the man of your dreams!)
Can’t wait to see everything as it happens! So happy for you!
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Looks like you had a great Christmas! I agree with the Star Wars film – amazing.
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Wow! It sounds like it went great. Oddly enough, it’s almost identical to my Christmas. Well- I mean, minus the hot and thoughtful boyfriend, and the trip to the mountains!! Just the smooth-going kid/ex/holiday part 🙂 So glad it went well!
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That’s wonderful to hear! I’m glad you had a smooth Christmas as well. I felt like it was such a relief to think we hadn’t ruined an important holiday for them.
You crack me up… Lol! Thanks for the love! Xo
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Wow sounds like a lovely holiday! so happy to hear it! 🙂 xxx
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Thanks! I’m very grateful it was. 🙂
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Star Wars was amazing! I’ve seen it twice already 🙂 I’m glad Christmas though probably different, was still something you could enjoy peacefully. I’m glad you’re being loved and doted on too. Archery lessons! Fun! Those fingers will probably hurt after, but it’s fun channeling your own Lara Croft / Catniss self.
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Lol! Twice! That’s awesome! I wouldn’t mind seeing it again, to be honest. It was so fun to watch. I’d like to be Rey for Halloween I’ve decided, lol!
I’m totally trying to channel my inner Catniss. 😉 Fingers will suffer but I’ve never been known to have pretty hands. 🙂
Thanks for the kind wishes. Hope you’re doing well. Xo
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Looks and sounds great. Amicable! That’s a state I’d like to be in by the end of this year. Time will tell!
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Thanks! I hope you reach this point soon. Your ex will hopefully get over his pettiness and take your lead. Best of luck. Xo
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This is a very nice post. You and your husband sent a good example for your children. There is nood need for the bvkering or hate. It has beena decade since I spent time with my daughter on any holiday. Shame not everyone can be as mature as your example. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks 🙂 We try hard to make it work even though at times I want to strangle him.
I’m sorry to hear it’s been so long since you’ve had the opportunity to have your daughter. It doesn’t do any child good to be separated from either parent. Wish you luck here.
Thank for stopping by! 🙂
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Thanks.
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Sounds like you all have gotten the hang of this mythical “co-parenting” theory I keep hearing about! Yay to you, and sounds like the captain nailed his first Christmas with you!
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Thanks, darlin’! We are trying. Not always easy.
Happy new year! Where the hell have you been?!
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Holidays, holidays, holidays trying to get back to a regular blogging schedule. I certainly miss it :(.
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I’m so happy for you! This made me smile 🙂 My former spouse and I have the opposite of this kind of relationship and the Christmas exchange with the children was especially icy this year (despite the 75-degree weather on Christmas Day here in DC!). Maybe one day we will be able to move past the ugliness and have a grown-up relationship again. Maybe.
I saw Star Wars on Christmas Day with my parents and brother, too! Sooooo good!!!
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This is very sweet, Erika. I really appreciate you taking the time to praise this and share your experience. I’m sorry to hear it’s ugly for you and your ex but I truly hope it gets better. It’s so painful and stressful when it’s angry. (Trust me, I feel like I’m oftentimes just a second a way from wanting to punch my ex in his smug face!) lol
I lived in Fairfax and worked in DC for several years. I miss it just not the cold. But when you hear of the wacky Christmas weather, makes me laugh!
Enjoy your week! Xoxo
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Such a small world! I’ve lived in Fairfax/Burke/Fairfax Station my entire life. So I know you understand why I said I was from DC. 😉 Can’t imagine moving anywhere else now, and yes, the weather can be weird. And horrible. But it really is a fantastic place to live. (Mostly.)
Have a great week!
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Agreed! Miss the variety of great cuisines. And Wegmans! (None in Florida.) lol!
Xo
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OMG, I’m such a Wegmans snob!!! Nothing else compares and people who don’t have them don’t know what they’re missing! Another HUGE point for NoVa… 🙂
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Lol! So true!
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Love the photos, and your house is not a mess compared to mine 😉
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Lol! Thanks! I don’t know, though… My kids can wreck through the house faster than any tornado I’ve ever seen!
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LOL I think that is a trait of all children 😉
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Awwh well a messy house on Christmas is totally expected, Glad you had a great time! Happy New Year to you, Happy days ahead ❤ 🙂
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Lol! Thanks! Happy new year to you as well! Xo
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Looks like a great holiday! And wonderful photos ❤
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Thanks! It was lots of fun! 🙂 I appreciate you stopping by! Xo
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I am glad. I wish you lots of fun and happiness forever 🙂
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