How do I elaborate on that statement? I honestly don't know. The bed still has 'stuff' on it, but it's mainly the Christmas stockings now for my children and their spouses, and hubby. And I realize..... I bought wayyyyy too many snacks. And since for some grandchildren I have no idea what to get them - for years it has been a flannel shirt and a hoodie and I want it to be different every year... they aren't getting both of those... so one or two may have 'snacks' as their 2nd gift. I generally give 2 gifts to the grandchildren. Except for my girls. They tend to get a bit more, and I won't apologize for that... my girls and I are much closer. We talk during the year, which doesn't usually happen with the boys. I even got a text (a thank you) from a grandson up north who apologized he 1) didn't send me a list as I always ask for, and 2), he appreciated what clothes he did get from us. Of course he gets salsa too, which I guess is a good thing.
Speaking of - although I was working yesterday, I managed to get a batch of cranberry pumpkin nut bread made and also about 4 batches of salsa. After work I finished up the salsa, then headed to visit my daughter. From there it was back home to fix pizza for dinner for hubby and I. He is getting in my way a lot lately; insisting on washing dishes while I'm cooking. Sigh. I get it, I understand, but the kitchen is MY domain, the only room in the house that I can call 'mine' (other than my bathroom) - and now he wants to be 'in it'. Lord, help me be patient! I actually got a few more gifts wrapped last night - mainly because I have to get the dining room table cleared off. And I realized then that I missed some ... and had to improvise. Oh if only I could have time with the grandchildren during the year - even if in December! - so that I could 'know' them and know their dreams, their wants, their needs. I know the parents of the adult children feel the same way. And, by the way, I realize shopping for us is difficult as well - and it shouldn't be. There is nothing we need. All appliances are currently working. Food is in the cupboards and in the refrigerator/freezer. All I need is love. :-)
And then I tell myself once again, I am the grandparent. I need to just stop and think things through and let one thing come to mind and let that be it. I don't look at the cost (cause I do not spend that much on a gift), but I want them to know how loved they are, just as they are. I miss the days of 'old' when I could gather the grandchildren about me to bake cookies (in a much larger kitchen) and laugh and just enjoy being together. I so very much miss those days. I hope those days of memories mean as much to them as they do to me. I love each one so much - if they only knew....
I have today, tomorrow, and Thursday off work. Still debating on working Friday. Since I really won't be going anywhere and cooking dinner for my daughter and family coming that night to have Christmas together, it's ok to get away from the desk and just check back. My male boss is off as of tomorrow through next Friday - YAY! Sue is taking the same days as me. Save a vacation day; work as needed, and get done the things I need to.
I am meeting Sue this morning for breakfast at our usual place. Since we both took the day off, we don't have to rush through breakfast (not that we did) but can exchange gifts and chat all we want. Yes, I still need to get ready. I also need to put her bag together. I got her a nice purse, and she will also get bread, chocolate protein bars, jam (my last jar of strawberry; guess I need to make more), scones, cookies, cheeseball.... and I can't remember what else. I had to write it all down last night (oh yes, salsa too) so that I remember to grab everything today. She plans to retire this year and that is going to be so hard on me. We've been together over 30 years.
After we go our separate ways, I need to stop by a thrift store and pick up a bath chair and a walker for my daughter. I can't believe her insurance company has denied both for her. She called around and found a thrift store that had several so I will stop and pick up and drop off at her house so that she will have. Some insurance companies! I get the no wheelchair, although that would be handy here in the beginning for her to get around in, but seriously - not even a walker? Do they want her to fall again? She is definitely excited about getting to go home. They have also said she could travel if takes frequent stops to get out and move. She's excited about that as well. She was so loopy a couple days in the hospital she doesn't even remember her son coming to town and staying overnight with her at the hospital. Does not even remember him being here. See why I was so scared at what was happening?
After picking those up and dropping them off, I need to pick up a few groceries (not for baking, but for eating) and then I have a chiropractor appointment in the middle of the afternoon. It only takes 5 minutes and then I'm on my way. We are meeting friends for dinner tonight at 5:30PM. Always on the go in December, it seems.
So there you have it. My day is going to be somewhat busy. Tomorrow I have nothing on the agenda except I still need to go see Ms. Diane, and Ms. Vicky. I really need to. Maybe I can make a batch of muffins and give a couple to each one. I still need to make more bread as well. Only my daughter and her family like it, but I know my daughter has three loaves in her freezer cause I'd give to her to take to the grandson - and she'd forget. Oh well. I use the loaves as gifts, and there are a couple neighbors I really want to give a little something to - even if it is just a loaf of bread.
And I need to confirm with each of the children what they want for their meal when they come over. My daughter wants soup - so that's easy enough. Love using my crockpots and let them cook throughout the day. I think my oldest son wants lunchmeat sandwiches, potato chips, and salad. That's even easier. Just need to make sure I have condiments to go with them. Think I'll do a 7 layer salad this year. I'm not sure on the youngest; we had talked soup - but since it is Sunday after church they will be coming over, I won't be home in the morning to do much cooking. I wonder if they would wait until about 2PM so that I can pull some soup together. He usually wants garbage, but I guess some family members complained it's the 'same food every year'. LOL But if it is what HE wants, he should get it, right?
And I need to get off here and get dressed and ready to leave. Looking forward to not having to 'go' anywhere tomorrow unless I call in a grocery order. In fact, I may skip going today and order it in the morning for pick up - and let Frys do my shopping. I love doing that - saves me time and money - and yes, I generally forget what I need unless I write it down, but if I'm inside the store, I pick up things that I don't need at that moment. I don't even know what hubby and I will have for Christmas day - as we will be alone. I probably will fix ham and eggs for breakfast; but have no idea for the rest of the day. Will figure it out; we have plenty of food.
And with all that rambling, I'm getting off here and start getting ready. Don't want to rush and forget anything. Love the times I can run away. Even if it is only for a few hours. Enjoy your day -
Blessings!
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