>and my ignorant brother and his girlfriend who'd been invited for dinner, had decided to go to the pub for a couple of hours.
OMG that is horrible,your poor mum :(
Ours was ok,we went to my mums which is always swish with loads of yummy food,and this year only a couple of smart arse comments from brother and witchy poo sister in law about the dogs,but i dont care,my dogs are part of my family and leaving them at home would be like leaving my kids behind because some of the guests didnt like children,just aint gonna happen! We all ate too much and my mum had a go at making a chocolate mousse in which she put about 5 bars of toblerone,so your spoon stood straight up in it and felt sick after 2 mouthfulls,bless her :P
Astarte my OH is away aswell,he left the friday before christmas and wont be back till after New years,however i'm dreading his return as it's been so nice and relaxed without him here.I dont have to cook if i dont want to,can watch what i want on tv,can have a shower at 5 in the afternoon if it so suits.I mean,i can do all of those things when he's here but the pressure is just off...Just me and the kids to worry about,utter heaven!! :D