CloudDreamer's Journal

WOW! I did not think that I could "pull it off".  Aside from making the actual traditional Christmas fudge, I've gotten together every other baked (and nonbaked) product that I would normally make for Christmas in this household. My one son made the peanut butter balls, as I was "done" b4 they were! LOL             I accomplished this lil miracle over the last 3-4 days as gradually as I could while still "getting'r'done" in time.  Some of the baking was done in an assembly line format. I would get one batch going and as soon as I could I'd get the next kind of cookie's batch worked up so that all I had to do was occasionally adjust the temp on the oven!         Today was the end of my doings with only pushing out peanut butter fudge, peanut brittle, sugar cookies and gingerbread angel cookies. The choc. fudge just didn't get there. BUT I have the ingredients and might still do it over the next few days, just to say that I made everything that I woulda/coulda. And to think, this amount of baked/nonbaked goods should last a LONG time! They won't! LOL Not with the amount of  people who live here and how well they like their sweets. 

Oh and lets not forget that I still had to go get my labs done today too, and run to the bank and to Walmart for a few last min things.  I started crocheting a capelet for my dog (she shivers a lot and sits on the register when the furnace is kicked in.) I'm "winging it" without a pattern of any kind, but its coming along nicely. I was guessing on the belly strap and when I tried it on her (to that point) it was too long, so I have to tear out three rows of stitches and make that belly strap shorter so she doesn't pee on it everytime she squats out in the snow!! It even has a ribbed turtleneck top to it!  She keeps looking at me like I'm nuts everytime I try to see if it's fitting her okay as I go along. I'm not trying to "humanize her" w/ putting clothes on her, I'm just trying to allow her to be a lil warmer w/ as much snow as we have already and how cold it is. Dog sweaters at the store are $5 and I don't have the extra $5 to spare, yet I do have yarn and know how to crochet and can wing making things in a pinch if I need to.

My daughter and I were supposed to get baths earlier this evening. That didn't fit in the schedule. We ran outta time. I kind of doubt that I can talk her into taking a bath b4  opening gifts in the morning. What do you think? LOL

I feel bad because by the time I got done w/ everything that I got done I didn't have time for the baths because that also made us too late to get to Christmas Eve service at church! grrrrrrr We missed the Christmas program this past Sunday because there was too much snow to get out of the driveway (again/still/whatever!!! Arghhhh)

Although Santa still visits our home, there isn't a member of the household who doesn't know the true meaning of why we celebrate Christmas. I refuse to let them (if they were to want to) take Christ out of Christmas, cuz without Him, Christmas is just another day!

I'm so glad that treatment was on the 11th instead of the 18th. If it would have been then, just one week later, there would have been no way I'd of felt up to getting everything done. Does that mean that I'm not tired? Oh heavens no!!! I'm whooped! Did I overdo???? Sure I did! But, it's Christmas! Will I get to rest up soon? Very doubtful, this is my life we're talking about! It seems there is always something that needs done.

I have countertops filled with baked goods, all of the wrapping is done, the meat is thawed out to roast tomorrow, now all I have to do is figure out what to make to go with it, cuz I'm still not sure. I know salad and rolls are part of it.

Getting ready for Christmas always has me going down memory lane to Christmases past. Like I've said b4 I refuse to "grow up" and "grow old". I love Christmas/holiday music. I normally start playing it right after Halloween. It's my favorite holiday, yet winter is not my favorite season.  The grandkids have enjoyed starting to learn the "norms" of Grandma at Christmas time while they either watch or try to participate in the things that my daughter and I do! I believe that passing down traditons is very important. Especially when those traditions are wholesome and filled with love, joy and a giving nature!

I just wanted to get online and send some hugs for Christmas as well as journal that I AM ready for Christmas. It can "arrive", though it would arrive with or without my being ready. (If I didn't have a dime to my   name or an ounce of energy it wouldn't change the fact that Christmas is here!!!) I"m just so thankful that I was allowed to feel good enough to properly prepare the best that I could.

Wishing you all the Merriest of Christmases! If you don't celebrate Christmas, then I guess I'll just say that I believe in it with all that I am, and  I'm wishing you  Happy Holidays.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and wishes for a safe, happy, HEALTHIER new year!!!!!