Yesterday I wrote about my friend, and her difficulties at this time, and how I wanted to make something for them. As I started making the 'garbage' to have ready for my youngest's family, I realized I didn't have enough hamburger. Either I would cut it short for his family and give to my friend, or just not go with the nudge to do it for my friend. I opted for making sure I had enough dinner, because I was really second-guessing myself that I should do that. Was it God, or was it just my love for my friend that I wanted to prepare them something? Well, I opened up the center drawer of the refrigerator and found two more packages of meat that I had forgotten about - had put there to thaw and well, thought no more. My refrigerators are so full that I totally missed where I 'hid' things. So I went ahead and made more garbage - and enough that I could put a little in the freezer for us later - and totally forgot I had planned to make chili today for my daughter's Christmas. Ooops. All the hamburger meat has now been used - I checked the freezer again - nothing. So I'm going with split pea soup and ham instead. And, got to get it on soon. Anything to keep from going to to the store. And I remembered I forgot to get a rotisserie chicken... which means I have to use the diced chicken I have in the freezer, which will take away from the flavor of the chicken noodle soup. But - I don't have time to go to the store, and we both know hubby will not.
Anyway.... ending this long story.... I grabbed a coffee cake I had bought at the bakery when I met my boss (felt like I needed to buy it, although I knew we would not be eating it). I put the coffee cake in a bag, along with a jar of my bread n butter pickles, and a couple small gifts I had, and took the 'garbage' over to my friend. She was surprised, but grateful. And I was blessed to share with her. I'm not telling you this to get any glory, please do not. I'm sharing to show you how God provides. I forgot I had meat thawed out; God didn't. We didn't need the chili; but she needed a friend to show they cared, and God chose me to show her how much He loves and provides for her. And for that, I am grateful. He is truly a good good, Father.
After that, I made a trip out to my middle child's to give him his very own special gift.... I had made his white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. And what all three of the children may have realized by now is that the place has written on it something like 'made with love by Mom'. My youngest tried to give me the plate back (for refills, I imagine LOL) but I told him no. The plates now belong to them. As a reminder of a Christmas I made something special for each of them. In the busyness of this season, my thoughts were of them. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be their mom.
My youngest and his family came over last night and it was a good time. Got to see my great-grandsons, whom I had not seen for several months. And it was great seeing the grandchildren too, minus one. But he had already text'd me after receiving his gifts. We opened gifts and ate dinner and just enjoyed the time together. These are times I treasure.
Today my oldest - my daughter - and her family will be coming over around 1PM I think. It's almost 6:30AM now and I need to be getting moving soon and get the split peas in the crock pot and get them cooking as they will be the longest to make. Fixing also potato soup and chicken noodle soup. I bought the salads as I just don't have the energy nor time to throw it together. Yes, making salad is easy, but it is much easier to buy one already made than all the individual things I'd want to put in it and on it.
I did go to the store yesterday after visiting with my oldest son, and it wasn't too bad. I bought 4 different kinds of lunch meat and 4 different kinds of cheese (although he isn't a fan of cheese) - I need to think of the rest of his family too, and they might like cheese on their sandwiches. To make it easy, I bought individual bags of chips so that they can choose what they like and eat all they want. I also plan to make something special for my son.... which I need to get busy and get started.
Now that several jars of salsa have been taken from my refrigerator, I need to finish making what I need to get done. And I told my youngest that I won't be doing all that next year.... (I may go to pints; much easier to finish) ... and some traditions will be falling by the wayside, such as the sausage and the chocolate covered cherries. Prices have jumped tremendously the past few years - so if I buy sausage, or chocolate covered cherries, they will be the 'gift' and not extra. I am serious about cutting back on spending next year.
This is still my favorite time of year - not for the gifts, which I love to give - but just to be with my children and their families. As I have shared many times, I want to leave good memories of special times .... one never knows when their time has come to an end... so this is for me as much as for them.
21 years ago tonight my big brother, Samuel, aka Sammy as he asked me to call him in his later years, had a heart attack while wiping snow off his windshield.... and passed away. His was the first funeral I ever officiated. It was hard to say goodbye to my big brother. A year and a half ago it was my big sister who passed away. I miss them both so much. I'm so grateful I had spoken to them a short time before and told them I loved them. I also remember my little brother, Buddy, who passed away around 1997. It was around Thanksgiving time. And of course, I think of my mama. It doesn't take away the ache in my heart for them, nor keep tears from falling when I remember them at times like this. Christmas Eve always reminds me of them. I'm grateful this year that Sammy's grandson has reached out to me and we've connected. Have even chatted with Sammy's daughter; first time in many years. Maybe this is also a time of new beginnings.
Today, Christmas Eve, pause a bit in your busyness and reach out to someone you haven't talked with in a while; let them know that you are thinking of them, and tell them that you love them. You will never regret it. Pause in your busyness and think of the reason we celebrate Christmas. It isn't because of Santa Claus, that's for sure. It's all because of Jesus. Think about that.
Blessings!
