There is something in me that loves to do things for my family. To make days special. And so of course on this amazing day of our Christ's birth, I have been up early baking and cooking an amazing dinner for my family.
Up at 3 am to prep the turkey, which is now roasting, making the house smell amazing.
Next, at 5, the dough was begun for the rolls, which are finally in the oven. Cloverleaf rolls, in honor of my mother, who made them for every holiday. I can only hope that they are half as light and amazing as hers.
Sweet potatoes are boiling, to be mashed for souffle, potatoes are peeled and ready for cooking/mashing, and the cranberry relish is made.
Only thing left this morning is to prepare the stuffing. Mom's stuffing, of course.
I have loved being up, with cheesy Christmas movies on, the fireplace rolling, and a cup of good coffee to keep me company. The family is sleeping, and the time is mine. Soon I'll be setting the table, and pulling out serving dishes, and lighting the candles, to enjoy the afternoon with those I love.
I am so thankful this day, this day that we celebrate our Savior's birth, for all of God's Blessings.
Merry Christmas Everyone, and God Bless You.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
all in perspective
Went to visit my dad today.
A little frame of reference.
It never gets easier. Knowing that as soon as I leave that floor, through the locking door, he has no recollection that I was even there. But the visits are for me. At 42, it's so hard not having "parents" anymore. Mom has been gone for over 6 years, and dad has had severe dimentia since. Since age 36, I've been on my own, with the help of a couple of my older sisters. It's weird, but it's my normal. I don't know anything else.
So today my DH and I went to visit dad. It's been a few months, something I'm not proud of. But as I said, he doesn't remember when I do come. But the visits are special when we're there.
Today we did a lot of chatting about Iron Belt, WI, his home town, and Hurley, Ironwood, and other areas of the UP. I got to tell him that we'd been there for a playoff game, etc. He asks a lot of the same questions over and over, and offers the same comments over and over, but it's still good to see him.
Every once in awhile, he asks about mom. And I remind him that she's gone. And he asks what happened, and I explain.
Part of today's conversation:
Dad: "I am trying to figure out where to live."
Me: "You live here now, dad."
Dad: "What is this place?"
Me:"It's the King Veteran's Home. You live here."
Dad: (Hard of hearing AND dimentia) "This is my home? (looking around, smiling, at the expansive common area). Pretty nice!"
It was so cute. He thought he was living in a big fancy house. ANd that made him happy. And when he's happy, that makes me happy, no matter how confused he may get. What matters is that he's taken care of, in a good place, happy and content. And that he is.
A little frame of reference.
- He has severe dimentia. Has for years.
- He currently resides at the Veterans Home in King, WI, an AMAZING place that makes him feel very happy and comfortable. He is very well taken care of there, despite his dimentia.
- Some days he knows who I am, and will ask questions about my family, job, etc.
- Other times, he asks very generic questions, and I know that it is because he really has no idea who I am, and he is just being polite.
It never gets easier. Knowing that as soon as I leave that floor, through the locking door, he has no recollection that I was even there. But the visits are for me. At 42, it's so hard not having "parents" anymore. Mom has been gone for over 6 years, and dad has had severe dimentia since. Since age 36, I've been on my own, with the help of a couple of my older sisters. It's weird, but it's my normal. I don't know anything else.
So today my DH and I went to visit dad. It's been a few months, something I'm not proud of. But as I said, he doesn't remember when I do come. But the visits are special when we're there.
Today we did a lot of chatting about Iron Belt, WI, his home town, and Hurley, Ironwood, and other areas of the UP. I got to tell him that we'd been there for a playoff game, etc. He asks a lot of the same questions over and over, and offers the same comments over and over, but it's still good to see him.
Every once in awhile, he asks about mom. And I remind him that she's gone. And he asks what happened, and I explain.
Part of today's conversation:
Dad: "I am trying to figure out where to live."
Me: "You live here now, dad."
Dad: "What is this place?"
Me:"It's the King Veteran's Home. You live here."
Dad: (Hard of hearing AND dimentia) "This is my home? (looking around, smiling, at the expansive common area). Pretty nice!"
It was so cute. He thought he was living in a big fancy house. ANd that made him happy. And when he's happy, that makes me happy, no matter how confused he may get. What matters is that he's taken care of, in a good place, happy and content. And that he is.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
a few of my favorite things....
I am SUCH a Christmas sap. I just love how this holiday feels.... people giving to others, thinking of others....doing as Jesus would have us do - ALL YEAR LONG. There are so many things I love about this time of year...so here are a few of my favorite things.... (true Christmas officianados hummed that last line!)
Merry Christmas and God Bless!
- watching sappy holiday movies on tv
- baking and giving away treats for others to enjoy
- finding the perfect gifts and watching loved ones open them
- the fireplace
- snow on the ground, and the glow of holiday lights in the snow
- getting Christmas cards, updates of friends, and pictures
- eggnog, and hot cocoa, and Tom and Jerry's, and spiced cider
- the smell of balsam trees
- Christmas programs with little children singing
- going to the woods, cutting down our tree, and dragging it out
- mistletoe
- the Christmas service at church
Merry Christmas and God Bless!
Friday, December 14, 2012
no words....
I was online this morning looking for a recipe when a blurb on the screen said there was a shooting. in an elementary school. in connecticut.
So I turned on the television.
Early on, there were three hurt, and the gunman dead. But then the day went on, and the numbers started rising. Horribly rising. To now, where there are 20 children and 6 staff dead at the school, as well as the shooter, and another adult deceased at a different site. 28 people, almost all children under the age 11, dead at the hand of a single man.
How does someone turn a gun on innocent little children?
There are no words to express my deep, deep sympathy to all involved in this tragedy, both survivors and families of the deceased. I cannot say or do anything to ease the pain.
I pray to God today - for the families and victims, that they find comfort in their Faith. I pray for our society, that we bring God back into our daily lives, getting back to living life as God would have us live. And I say a prayer of thanksgiving - for all of the heroes that we will begin to hear about - that protected some of the children.
There are no words to describe how I feel today. There is a pit in my stomach. There is an ache in my heart. And tears in my eyes. A deep, deep sadness fills my soul today.
God Bless the people of Newtown, CT. May God be with you in the coming days....
So I turned on the television.
Early on, there were three hurt, and the gunman dead. But then the day went on, and the numbers started rising. Horribly rising. To now, where there are 20 children and 6 staff dead at the school, as well as the shooter, and another adult deceased at a different site. 28 people, almost all children under the age 11, dead at the hand of a single man.
How does someone turn a gun on innocent little children?
There are no words to express my deep, deep sympathy to all involved in this tragedy, both survivors and families of the deceased. I cannot say or do anything to ease the pain.
I pray to God today - for the families and victims, that they find comfort in their Faith. I pray for our society, that we bring God back into our daily lives, getting back to living life as God would have us live. And I say a prayer of thanksgiving - for all of the heroes that we will begin to hear about - that protected some of the children.
There are no words to describe how I feel today. There is a pit in my stomach. There is an ache in my heart. And tears in my eyes. A deep, deep sadness fills my soul today.
God Bless the people of Newtown, CT. May God be with you in the coming days....
Sunday, December 9, 2012
More freezer cooking!
Today was another freezer cooking day. For under 50$, and 4 hours of work, I put 2 meals of Tequila-Lime chicken, 2 meals of Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs, 1 meal of Sweet Asian Chicken, 2 meals of meatless manicotti, 4 sides of rice pilaf, and 2 sides of garlic mashed potatoes in my freezer. I know that people claim they don't have time for this, but the time I save far outweighs the time I spend.
It takes organization. And planning. But I was able to spend about an hour picking recipes and writing the shopping list, a half hour in the store, and 4 hours prepping and cooking. But the 4 hours included a lot of girlfriend time, so I am sure it could have gone even faster. And now I have seven main courses and six side dishes in my freezer. Yeah for me!
Tonight during commercial breaks and half time of the Packer game, I've prepped one kind of cooking (dough needs to freeze before slicing and baking), and made one candy. Again, it's not a ton - but every bit helps.
The key is to bite off little chunks of projects. Fit them in. If I can fit one candy/cookie in each day this week - I'll have my holiday baking done with a week to spare. And honestly, my attitude is just this: I'll get done what I get done!
People comment all the time about how much I get done. It's about organizing - and using those little bits of time that seem to be lost. That's all it is!
It takes organization. And planning. But I was able to spend about an hour picking recipes and writing the shopping list, a half hour in the store, and 4 hours prepping and cooking. But the 4 hours included a lot of girlfriend time, so I am sure it could have gone even faster. And now I have seven main courses and six side dishes in my freezer. Yeah for me!
Tonight during commercial breaks and half time of the Packer game, I've prepped one kind of cooking (dough needs to freeze before slicing and baking), and made one candy. Again, it's not a ton - but every bit helps.
The key is to bite off little chunks of projects. Fit them in. If I can fit one candy/cookie in each day this week - I'll have my holiday baking done with a week to spare. And honestly, my attitude is just this: I'll get done what I get done!
People comment all the time about how much I get done. It's about organizing - and using those little bits of time that seem to be lost. That's all it is!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
check!
My life has been CRAZY for the last few months. Ok, it's crazy most of the time. But it's been REALLY crazy as of late.
The craziness culminated with my annual craft sale this last weekend. Two days of people in and out of the house, after weeks of prepping - cleaning - crafting - - - - -
So having these last three days free has been such a gift. I've been able to get the house back to normal, some Christmas decorating done, some baking done, bird feeders filled and bird treats hung, and TONS of things off my looming list of things to do. Things that I've been putting off for WEEKS. Little things -
So I'm writing up a list. I don't do it often, but there is something to be said for being able to physically check something off of a list. Here we go.
garbage out.... CHECK
basketball articles submitted..... CHECK
finish Bible Study .... CHECK
finish cookies and cream cups ..... CHECK
create and order Christmas card
put dry dishes away... CHECK
send card to Tyler
laundry.... CHECK
Seems like a lot - but I'll do what I can get done. It will be GOOD to check some things off this list! Here's to being thankful for the time to do these things. In the comfort of my home, with the fireplace going and coffee hot and fresh.
being thankful..... CHECK!
The craziness culminated with my annual craft sale this last weekend. Two days of people in and out of the house, after weeks of prepping - cleaning - crafting - - - - -
So having these last three days free has been such a gift. I've been able to get the house back to normal, some Christmas decorating done, some baking done, bird feeders filled and bird treats hung, and TONS of things off my looming list of things to do. Things that I've been putting off for WEEKS. Little things -
So I'm writing up a list. I don't do it often, but there is something to be said for being able to physically check something off of a list. Here we go.
garbage out.... CHECK
basketball articles submitted..... CHECK
finish Bible Study .... CHECK
finish cookies and cream cups ..... CHECK
create and order Christmas card
put dry dishes away... CHECK
send card to Tyler
laundry.... CHECK
Seems like a lot - but I'll do what I can get done. It will be GOOD to check some things off this list! Here's to being thankful for the time to do these things. In the comfort of my home, with the fireplace going and coffee hot and fresh.
being thankful..... CHECK!
Sunday, December 2, 2012
"one more thing"
Started this day looking forward to my Sunday rituals. Couldn't wait to get to church. For my loyal readers, you know just how much I need Sunday church to renew my spirit, set me up for the week. I love my church family as just that, family. So I love getting to check in with them every week.
And today started out the same!
Before the service, we were joking with Pastor T about the length of his sermon, etc. like we do every Sunday. He went back to his office shaking his head and smiling. Ah, the beginning of another amazing Sunday.
Pastor started out the morning with lengthy announcements...of pancake dinners, and holiday events, thanking people for service, etc.
and then there was a pause...
he added "one more thing"
He's received a call. To another church. He has until Christmas to decide. And we should feel free to stop by and talk to him about it.
It is hard to even write about this right now, being so fresh. I cried through the entire service. And I've cried with two other members of our congregation, as well as one woman who heard the news on the radio.
While he has not told of his choice either way, in my heart, I feel he is going, and it is devastating. Pastor T is the Faith head of our congregation. Father. Leader. and most of all Friend. There are so many of us that only transferred into the congregation after he arrived. There are so many things...
His sermons are amazing. He has such a gift. I feel every week that he is speaking just to me.
Our children LOVE him. He makes them feel at home. Recently, he went to the funeral of a mother of a friend. His being there meant the world to their young son, who at his young age, sees Pastor T as family. My daughter has already told him before that no matter where she gets married, HE is to come to do the service.
My son has an especially close relationship with Pastor T. And it hurts to think that this important male figure may move out of his life... I know that my son has learned so much from him, and been influenced by him. I just hope it doesn't have to end.
And his wife. I cannot even begin to talk about what she means to me....
I have been part of congregations that have lost pastors before. And I've never been affected this way before. He is so much more than a Pastor. I honestly cannot even imagine our church without him.
Being a Christian, I know that it is out of my hands. It is God's plan, which ever way it goes. But it doesn't change the incredible loss I already feel, not even knowing if he is leaving. While I am giving it up to God, my heart continues to ache.
And today started out the same!
Before the service, we were joking with Pastor T about the length of his sermon, etc. like we do every Sunday. He went back to his office shaking his head and smiling. Ah, the beginning of another amazing Sunday.
Pastor started out the morning with lengthy announcements...of pancake dinners, and holiday events, thanking people for service, etc.
and then there was a pause...
he added "one more thing"
He's received a call. To another church. He has until Christmas to decide. And we should feel free to stop by and talk to him about it.
It is hard to even write about this right now, being so fresh. I cried through the entire service. And I've cried with two other members of our congregation, as well as one woman who heard the news on the radio.
While he has not told of his choice either way, in my heart, I feel he is going, and it is devastating. Pastor T is the Faith head of our congregation. Father. Leader. and most of all Friend. There are so many of us that only transferred into the congregation after he arrived. There are so many things...
His sermons are amazing. He has such a gift. I feel every week that he is speaking just to me.
Our children LOVE him. He makes them feel at home. Recently, he went to the funeral of a mother of a friend. His being there meant the world to their young son, who at his young age, sees Pastor T as family. My daughter has already told him before that no matter where she gets married, HE is to come to do the service.
My son has an especially close relationship with Pastor T. And it hurts to think that this important male figure may move out of his life... I know that my son has learned so much from him, and been influenced by him. I just hope it doesn't have to end.
And his wife. I cannot even begin to talk about what she means to me....
I have been part of congregations that have lost pastors before. And I've never been affected this way before. He is so much more than a Pastor. I honestly cannot even imagine our church without him.
Being a Christian, I know that it is out of my hands. It is God's plan, which ever way it goes. But it doesn't change the incredible loss I already feel, not even knowing if he is leaving. While I am giving it up to God, my heart continues to ache.
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