The Lodger and Us

I have spent the last 3 years consciously avoiding anything or anyone or any shark that wanted to sing that song. And I was doing quite well. Not knowing the lyrics, not knowing there were actions, thus then not knowing the actions and not even knowing the tune. I had an inkling something existed that I definitely didn't want to know and I was fine with that. Even happy. Satisfied that I had avoided it all and now 3 years on it would be long gone and I'd be safe. Yes!! But then the Lodger went to a new school. And then the Lodger started learning things. And I'm not talking about the learning stuff he's meant to be learning but the other stuff. The little fist pumps he does when shouting "Yes!" Sometimes on special occasions, for example banana on top of his porridge we get a double fist pump. The toppings on porridge are very important to the lodger and generally, it's quite samey, the way he likes it. Almonds and goji berries, consistent, single f...

We're like the Who's in Whoville when it comes to Christmas. We love it.  I remember when I was pregnant with The Lodger dreaming of future Christmases, that would be filled with wonder and magic... and carrying on Christmas traditions my own parents started- The advent calendar, decorating the Christmas Tree, Santa leaving a trail of chocolate money all the way around the house, the Christmas stocking at the end of the bed, the excitement I shared with my sisters on Christmas morning, the gathering of family, the annual chocolate Santa and a selection box, the Christmas morning breakfast, mince pies and chocolate kimberley biscuits in the run up to the main day, Christmas dinner with the delicious smells of spiced beef and red cabbage wafting around the house, the tower of chocolate profiteroles covered in mars bar sauce, the Christmas Day games, the Christmas dinner leftovers to be enjoyed on Stephen's Day, the gathering of friends... The last three Christmases with...