Gratitude Overwhelms
Hi,
----if you're too tuckered too read this journal today, but need a little silliness to lift your spirits......scroll down to the P.S. ---- left you some silly little Christmas jokes!!!!
.......remember, do what you can, when you can...... don't pressure yourself. .........and if you can handle a little corn mush from a former Iowan, know this......I love you just the way you are...........I really do ya know!!!!!!!
Big doins' at Sparrow Cottage. Sam arrived at mid-day and we baked. And baked, and baked some more.
With a smaller budget, cookies seemed like a labor of love as Christmas Presents this year.
The hinged dome-topped Christmas Tins are delightful! Lift the lid and you will find old fashioned Starlight Peppermints......and more. Unfold the glittery tissue paper and discover an assortment of goodies.
Peanut butter cookies, one topped with milk chocolate kisses, the other topped with special dark chocolate kisses. Chocolate fudge crinkles, Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies (great with milk!), Double fudge cookies with dark chocolate chunks, and delicious fudge brownies.
I completely forgot the walnuts and pecans. Didn't realize til we were cleaning up. Doh!!!! Sam, ever the diplomat, said, "Not to worry Mom, you can tell them they are nut free, so no worries about nut allergies."
He brought me a present. It is the cutest little snowman........but not a snowman. He is round, soft, furry and white, with a big black top hat, trimmed with a blue satin hatband. He has HUGE EYES.....his little nose and eyes are red and remind me of a puppy......he is also wearing green mittens and bright red ear muffs to keep his adorable little ears warm. His cheeks have a mild blush and now I think......could he be a girl snowman? Well whaddya know......now to come up with a name. When you squeeze her.......she makes a crinkly sound. When she sticks her tiny little tongue out at a body she makes a squeezy comical sound.
It is toooooo adorable. I LOVE TOYS! What a mood lifter.........squeeze for INSTANT JOY!
While Sam was here he changed the air filter upstairs, put in a fresh carbon filter in the air purifier...helped get the screens vaccuumed .......and going again. This air purifier really does make a difference. Within a couple of days without it on, my nose drips constantly......which gets really old, real quick!
He delivered a bed ruffle. Asked him to get it weeks ago.....found a real nice one brand new at the Treasures Store......for $13. Then forgot to BUY IT while I was there. ARGHHH! (luckily it's two doors away from Sam's work ......and it was still there!!!) We tried to get by just using wrinkle release spray & the dryer, but it was no use. Had to break out the ironing board and iron. It isn't often that I iron anymore......I don't miss it! Spent many tedious hours ironing clothes for work (for so many years!).
Getting this sucker on was a big production. Off come all the pillows, then the blankets, comforter, and additional pillows (perfect for fibro/CFS babies). He lifted the mattress up, I held it in place and he got the new ruffle situated. It's a more refined look than my old one. Has box pleats. As much time as we spend in bed, having our bedrooms nice makes the seasons bright in a daily way!
There is no way I could have managed that without help.
Right now I can't honestly say I ever want to do this bake-athon again. I wonder if it's like giving birth? Pain that will fade over time? Not sure, we made double batches of everything.......which now seems CRAZY! But in addition to "neightbor gifts" I wanted enough cookies for the party on Wednesday, a tin for Debbie & Bruce each........and the postman, etc. Wish you could have seen Sam do the assembly line.......he was really movin'!. Humming some song........zipping from container to container grabbing goodies and packing them up!
God blessed me with a son.......who is kind. Generous of heart and spirit......and a lovely wonderful daughter.....we're made a lot of progress this year, my daughterface & I!
PRAYER REQUEST: this is a big one. My lawn care & general handyman, Bruce, was laid off from his long time employer about two weeks ago. (.......i know, right before the holidays.......a rough break for anyone.)
We spoke briefly - he sounds calm and hopeful........this man has a lot of strength.........Please pray for an employer to discover his resume, realize his skills --- HIRE Bruce for his many talents. He would truly be an asset to any company........he has been a Godsend to me.
Next project.......Christmas Cards. (as of today I have two ready....) Feel like the little engine that could..........ya gotta believe. Ya gotta keep on with that spirit that says "I think I can, I think I can......." There is still time to do these things. I was gonna work on them tonight, but my body is well......let's try this another way........cheerleading pom pom style!!!!!!
give me a "B", gimme an "R",gimme an "O", gimme a "K," gimme an "E", gimme and "N.".......what's that spell.......BROKEN!! Broken, broken, yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (yes, i have lost my mind...........xoxoxoxo)
Sam left around 6 with big gift bags for the folks at work..........hope they like treats!
Tomorrow will be a rest day.......definitely. It will take prayer to make it to the OWLS party. Have the gift ready to go.......took a red & white holiday basket, lined it with tissue paper, added a pretty Christmas card, a small poinsettia box holds a $10 dollar store gift card........one tin of home baked goodies just for the recipient, a miniature devotions book.......a Santa hat, starlight mints, Hershey kisses.....and a glittery shiny OWL ornament. Hope the person likes it!
I have listened to all the Christmas music I own.......twice. Today I watched a NYC holiday special, it was done a few years ago.......at Radio City Music Hall.....featuring the Rockettes! Those ladies can kick really high! When I was a littler girl my sisters and I used to try to kick as high as the refrigerator. Not today's frig, but the frig's back in the fifties & sixties. A more doable goal.......these high kicks in the kitchen caused quite a ruckus among the parents and big brothers........but we did not care. WE were so determined to OUT KICK each other...........!!!!!!!!
Eyeing the frig right now...... not a chance in H E double hockey sticks that I could do that today. I would break my tiny little brain, and a hip and perhaps an elbow or two. Wonder what God would make of Daddy's girls doing high kicks in Heaven some day?! Once you're in Heaven, can you be kicked out ????
We know our health can flip in a second.........not sure how things will go, but I gotta lotta faith - hope and love.......parked the quad cane by this chair, have a feeling I won't be able to get up........talk about taking overdoing it to a whole new level. Sam did a lot of the work today.......mixing and rolling and taking trays in and out of the oven.......he was first rate all the way.
I thought of Sara a lot today....... hope that next year Sara and I can plan to do something like this together.........let prayer lay the foundation - aim for goals with a steady firm pace. I sent her a text on 12/4 about baking cookies together and never heard from her. .......not going to dwell on it......gonna pray and keep my faith on track. This year my daughter and I have come a long way........much to be thankful for!
The final prayer request? I want to have my family over for a meal, to spend time together......mentioned this to Sam today and he seemed stressed about figuring out a day. I said we could make it in January .......I could leave the tree up. Again sensed a lot of stress. So lets pray for Sam.......to work through whatever is troubling him, for a good day to present itself to celebrate family and Christmas......and the New Year too. I want to share a meal, play games and act like kids for a day. That is my grown up Christmas Wish.
I have no clue how long this journal is..........it felt so good to sit down and reflect on this day......and plans for the next week or two. (to sit, journal and center on HOPE.)
Hugs, Southern Sparrow
P.S. Silly holiday jokes:
Q. What did Adam say on the day before Christmas?A. It's Christmas, Eve.
Q: Did you hear that one of Santa's reindeer now works for Proctor and Gambel? A: Its true . . . Comet cleans sinks!
Santa goes up and down so many chimneys that he's thinking of getting a yearly flue shot!
Q: Why was Santa's little helper depressed? A: Because he had low elf esteem.
Christmas: The time when everyone gets Santamental.
Q: What do you call the fear of getting stuck in a chimney? A: Santaclaustrophobia
Q. How is the Italian version of Christmas different?A. One Mary, one Jesus, and 32 Wise guys. Q. What happened when the snowwoman got angry at the snowman?A. She gave him the cold shoulder.
Q: What do lions sing at Christmas?A: Jungle bells!
----if you're too tuckered too read this journal today, but need a little silliness to lift your spirits......scroll down to the P.S. ---- left you some silly little Christmas jokes!!!!
.......remember, do what you can, when you can...... don't pressure yourself. .........and if you can handle a little corn mush from a former Iowan, know this......I love you just the way you are...........I really do ya know!!!!!!!
Big doins' at Sparrow Cottage. Sam arrived at mid-day and we baked. And baked, and baked some more.
With a smaller budget, cookies seemed like a labor of love as Christmas Presents this year.
The hinged dome-topped Christmas Tins are delightful! Lift the lid and you will find old fashioned Starlight Peppermints......and more. Unfold the glittery tissue paper and discover an assortment of goodies.
Peanut butter cookies, one topped with milk chocolate kisses, the other topped with special dark chocolate kisses. Chocolate fudge crinkles, Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies (great with milk!), Double fudge cookies with dark chocolate chunks, and delicious fudge brownies.
I completely forgot the walnuts and pecans. Didn't realize til we were cleaning up. Doh!!!! Sam, ever the diplomat, said, "Not to worry Mom, you can tell them they are nut free, so no worries about nut allergies."
He brought me a present. It is the cutest little snowman........but not a snowman. He is round, soft, furry and white, with a big black top hat, trimmed with a blue satin hatband. He has HUGE EYES.....his little nose and eyes are red and remind me of a puppy......he is also wearing green mittens and bright red ear muffs to keep his adorable little ears warm. His cheeks have a mild blush and now I think......could he be a girl snowman? Well whaddya know......now to come up with a name. When you squeeze her.......she makes a crinkly sound. When she sticks her tiny little tongue out at a body she makes a squeezy comical sound.
It is toooooo adorable. I LOVE TOYS! What a mood lifter.........squeeze for INSTANT JOY!
While Sam was here he changed the air filter upstairs, put in a fresh carbon filter in the air purifier...helped get the screens vaccuumed .......and going again. This air purifier really does make a difference. Within a couple of days without it on, my nose drips constantly......which gets really old, real quick!
He delivered a bed ruffle. Asked him to get it weeks ago.....found a real nice one brand new at the Treasures Store......for $13. Then forgot to BUY IT while I was there. ARGHHH! (luckily it's two doors away from Sam's work ......and it was still there!!!) We tried to get by just using wrinkle release spray & the dryer, but it was no use. Had to break out the ironing board and iron. It isn't often that I iron anymore......I don't miss it! Spent many tedious hours ironing clothes for work (for so many years!).
Getting this sucker on was a big production. Off come all the pillows, then the blankets, comforter, and additional pillows (perfect for fibro/CFS babies). He lifted the mattress up, I held it in place and he got the new ruffle situated. It's a more refined look than my old one. Has box pleats. As much time as we spend in bed, having our bedrooms nice makes the seasons bright in a daily way!
There is no way I could have managed that without help.
Right now I can't honestly say I ever want to do this bake-athon again. I wonder if it's like giving birth? Pain that will fade over time? Not sure, we made double batches of everything.......which now seems CRAZY! But in addition to "neightbor gifts" I wanted enough cookies for the party on Wednesday, a tin for Debbie & Bruce each........and the postman, etc. Wish you could have seen Sam do the assembly line.......he was really movin'!. Humming some song........zipping from container to container grabbing goodies and packing them up!
God blessed me with a son.......who is kind. Generous of heart and spirit......and a lovely wonderful daughter.....we're made a lot of progress this year, my daughterface & I!
PRAYER REQUEST: this is a big one. My lawn care & general handyman, Bruce, was laid off from his long time employer about two weeks ago. (.......i know, right before the holidays.......a rough break for anyone.)
We spoke briefly - he sounds calm and hopeful........this man has a lot of strength.........Please pray for an employer to discover his resume, realize his skills --- HIRE Bruce for his many talents. He would truly be an asset to any company........he has been a Godsend to me.
Next project.......Christmas Cards. (as of today I have two ready....) Feel like the little engine that could..........ya gotta believe. Ya gotta keep on with that spirit that says "I think I can, I think I can......." There is still time to do these things. I was gonna work on them tonight, but my body is well......let's try this another way........cheerleading pom pom style!!!!!!
give me a "B", gimme an "R",gimme an "O", gimme a "K," gimme an "E", gimme and "N.".......what's that spell.......BROKEN!! Broken, broken, yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (yes, i have lost my mind...........xoxoxoxo)
Sam left around 6 with big gift bags for the folks at work..........hope they like treats!
Tomorrow will be a rest day.......definitely. It will take prayer to make it to the OWLS party. Have the gift ready to go.......took a red & white holiday basket, lined it with tissue paper, added a pretty Christmas card, a small poinsettia box holds a $10 dollar store gift card........one tin of home baked goodies just for the recipient, a miniature devotions book.......a Santa hat, starlight mints, Hershey kisses.....and a glittery shiny OWL ornament. Hope the person likes it!
I have listened to all the Christmas music I own.......twice. Today I watched a NYC holiday special, it was done a few years ago.......at Radio City Music Hall.....featuring the Rockettes! Those ladies can kick really high! When I was a littler girl my sisters and I used to try to kick as high as the refrigerator. Not today's frig, but the frig's back in the fifties & sixties. A more doable goal.......these high kicks in the kitchen caused quite a ruckus among the parents and big brothers........but we did not care. WE were so determined to OUT KICK each other...........!!!!!!!!
Eyeing the frig right now...... not a chance in H E double hockey sticks that I could do that today. I would break my tiny little brain, and a hip and perhaps an elbow or two. Wonder what God would make of Daddy's girls doing high kicks in Heaven some day?! Once you're in Heaven, can you be kicked out ????
We know our health can flip in a second.........not sure how things will go, but I gotta lotta faith - hope and love.......parked the quad cane by this chair, have a feeling I won't be able to get up........talk about taking overdoing it to a whole new level. Sam did a lot of the work today.......mixing and rolling and taking trays in and out of the oven.......he was first rate all the way.
I thought of Sara a lot today....... hope that next year Sara and I can plan to do something like this together.........let prayer lay the foundation - aim for goals with a steady firm pace. I sent her a text on 12/4 about baking cookies together and never heard from her. .......not going to dwell on it......gonna pray and keep my faith on track. This year my daughter and I have come a long way........much to be thankful for!
The final prayer request? I want to have my family over for a meal, to spend time together......mentioned this to Sam today and he seemed stressed about figuring out a day. I said we could make it in January .......I could leave the tree up. Again sensed a lot of stress. So lets pray for Sam.......to work through whatever is troubling him, for a good day to present itself to celebrate family and Christmas......and the New Year too. I want to share a meal, play games and act like kids for a day. That is my grown up Christmas Wish.
I have no clue how long this journal is..........it felt so good to sit down and reflect on this day......and plans for the next week or two. (to sit, journal and center on HOPE.)
Hugs, Southern Sparrow
P.S. Silly holiday jokes:
Q. What did Adam say on the day before Christmas?A. It's Christmas, Eve.
Q: Did you hear that one of Santa's reindeer now works for Proctor and Gambel? A: Its true . . . Comet cleans sinks!
Santa goes up and down so many chimneys that he's thinking of getting a yearly flue shot!
Q: Why was Santa's little helper depressed? A: Because he had low elf esteem.
Christmas: The time when everyone gets Santamental.
Q: What do you call the fear of getting stuck in a chimney? A: Santaclaustrophobia
Q. How is the Italian version of Christmas different?A. One Mary, one Jesus, and 32 Wise guys. Q. What happened when the snowwoman got angry at the snowman?A. She gave him the cold shoulder.
Q: What do lions sing at Christmas?A: Jungle bells!
Replies
Low elf esteem! LOL purfect!! I loved the smiles!
Got through as much of this wonderful journal as brain would allow.
I\'m VERY upset about Bruce!! Is he going to have to leave you?? NO! I want a Bruce of my own! I\'ve told you that before. Oh goodness. I hope he is able to find work quickly! Like I said, mostly I hope he can still be there for you. He does EVERYTHING!!!!! Prayers!!
Wonderful the time spend baking with Sam. Must be nice to have a son. I have a close daughter/mother relationship with my gal, but always envied my brothers\' relationships with my mom. Special. Real special. Then again, I had that \"real special\" with my dad. Still do. Funny how things is????
Well, I\'m hungry now after reading about those cookies with chocolate. I may be tired, but thing I can cram a small Dove dark down my throat before my sleeping meds. Bad idea. But hey!! IT\'S CHRISTMAS!! We can celebrate and have a good time and I hear there are no calories in anything baked at this time of year. So let\'s all just pig out.
Over and out!! Sleep well tonight, Sparrow! XO
Good to catch up! I wasn\'t going to bake this year (just may as well put them all on my butt because that\'s where they end up) but I just might. Here\'s a recipe I like to make. You\'re all festive listening to music, baking, singing. send me somma that k? Bruce will find work, he\'s a doer, he has a network. He will enjoy the holiday break and get something early in 2016. Period. He could get contract work with all of your DS friends no doubt? Maybe I\'ll make some shortbreads instead.... HUGS bird lady, ours are all on their way south to you. Just have sparrows, cardinals, blue jays and chicadees hanging through winter.
Baking. What??? No molasses cookies? You live in the South! You have to make molasses cookies!
I use to do sugar cookies. I would round up the kids. I would make sugar cookies and the kids would paint them ..... Christmas trees, reindeer, bells, rocking horses, stocking candy canes, Angels, Santa Clauses ......
Now, all of the kids think they are too old. I have a 5 qt. ice cream bucket full of cookie cutters that never get used!
Haha. I got a kick out of the silly jokes at the end. Laughed out loud with a couple of them. I think you are amazing to have made the cookies with Sam\'s help. I would never have the strength to do that - I hope that everyone who receives your cookies knows they are a gift of love. I hope you make it to your OWLS party. Your gift basket sounds so nice. Your creative flair shows through in everything you do. I\'m glad you and Sara have made some progress this year - baby steps as they say! xoxo, Elle