Today dawned sunny. Over 48 hours have passed since the last spew here at Casa Mir, and I think I shall declare myself free and clear. There were a few hours, last night, when I wondered if I would be the next to fall to the dreaded stomach bug. But all is well and I think–for once–I dodged a bullet.
And there was much rejoicing!
The children are off with their father. This allowed me to:
1) Sleep late.
2) Have coffee ice cream for breakfast.
3) Assemble the world’s most annoying nativity.
Now, as you can see, Playmobil normally extracts the cash equivalent of a first-born virgin-conception son for this set. And don’t forget the three wise men! Sold separately! Not as expensive, but twice as annoying because who ever heard of a nativity without the wise men? I feel so sorry for the people who forked over the bucks for the main set, only to arrive home and discover that the Baby Jesus is getting bupkus, because–oops!–the Three Kings are still on the shelf at the store. Sorry, kid!
My set was, naturally, procured at Target after Christmas for 75% off. Because I’m no fool, and also because I am cheap. So far I’d say I still overpaid. Especially considering that I expect half the pieces to go MIA within half an hour of the children discovering it.
Anyway, like all Playmobil, this was a real treat to set up. First I had to assemble the barn background, then I had to put together all eleventy billion teeny tiny plastic pieces which are so realistic, right down to the individual bracelets the wise men wore (stylish guys, they were) and the tripod that a cauldron hangs from over a fire pit. Also the Playmobil people cannot be bothered to attach decorative silver threading to the various boxes of treasure, so I followed the directions to cut the piece of cord to the proper lengths and arrange it as directed. I particularly enjoyed harnessing the camel; it felt just like I was in ancient Bethlehem!
The thing about Playmobil is that they spare no detail. I mean, sure, other nativities are nice and all. But do they have three separate bundles of chopped wood? In a basket? That sits on a stand? I feel closer to God already. And my inability to identify all the crap that came as part of the three gifts (how did three gifts turn into seven??) just goes to show me that my religious awakening is not yet complete.
Tonight after church I’ll help Santa fill the stockings, then retire with visions of my sugarplums coming home tomorrow to share their time with me. Chickadee has already phoned me in tears, today; she said she was missing me and feeling too sad. I told her that I love her with my whole heart every second of every single day, whether she’s with me or not. It resonated for both of us. A calm descended. Then we discussed tomorrow’s plans until I had her giggling.
It’s almost Christmas, and just as it was so many years ago, it’s not what was planned. And yet I’m glimpsing an acceptance of things being as they should, whether I understand it or not.
Inner peace and lots of small plastic objects… what more could a mom want?
Merry Christmas, everyone.
I am noted for losing most everything I touch…except for the baby Jesus that went in the Nativity my mom treasured (because it was the first Christmas decoration she bought when she was out on her own…) Every year when the stuff was packed up, I’d steal baby Jesus so that my barbies could have a “real” tiny baby…and then when Christmas came around, and the boxes of stuff hauled from the garage…I’d return Jesus to his place in the manger…with a sharp nail stuck through his back….
…somehow that always bothered me
Merry Christmas Mir :)
You just have to love Tar-zhay!.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Merry Christmas Mir.
:)
Merry Christmas to you and the kiddos!
I have many blogs that I love to read, yours is one that I also admire. You are one of my super-heroes,
My holiday message to you:
In this season of celebration I also celebrate the wonderful people who have touched my life with their glorious spirit, wit, wonder, and joy. This list of people does indeed include you.
Wishing you love, joy and wonderment during this glorious time of year.
Merry Christmas Mir!!
Warm wishes for a Merry Christmas to you and your kiddos!
Merry Christmas to you and your kids – hope you guys have a great weekend.
I want that navity set. It better be 75% off at my Target next week or else I’m writing a heated letter to … Mr. Target?
Merry Christmas Mir…
Merry Christmas Mir!!
My oldest two are old enough to drive here for a LONG visit, and then drive to their dad’s for a SHORT visit.
Merry Christmas!! And yes… the chopped wood in a basket would make me feel closer to God.
ok. Not really. I know other people go all ga-ga for PlayMobile but I just don’t see the big draw for the same reasons you described.
Anyway… I really did come here just to wish you a Merry Christmas. And drop off some cookies. And cake. And a nice wine.
Really.
Merry Christmas, Mir.
Our nativity set is missing (you guessed it) the Baby Jesus, who appears to have been carted away by a soccer-playing kitten.
Nollaig Shona (an Irish “Merry Christmas”).
Hang loose! Or, er…um…hang the moose…snicker…oh, have a wonderful holiday!
(psst…the kids are in bed and I officially drank my mommy toast to Christmas Eve – can you tell?)
**much giggling**
Merry Christmas! My jaw dropped the first time I saw the prices for playmobil stuff, and that was 10 years ago.
Merry Christmas!
May your turkey be firm and juicy, and may you resist even THINKING the obvious ass joke that my wish for your turkey engenders.
Merry Christmas, Mir! Despite the changes, you and Monkey and Chickadee will find comfort in many new traditions as time goes by. Enjoy!
Merry Christmas, Mir, Chickadee & Monkey. Warm wishes.
You can come for dinner anytime!
I have the same nativity set, but we also have two previous Christmas Playmobile sets, involving Santas and townspeople, so the stable can get pretty crowded with everyone wanting a glimpse of the newborn babe!
Sorry I’m late chiming in, but Merry Christmas!
Happy Chrismakah (thanks to Mama in Waiting for that one) to you and yours, and may 2005 be kind to you all.