Chugging along

Boy it's been tough getting in the Christmas spirit this year.  Moreso than usual.

I will say that usually December is a bit of a tough month for me, it tends to bring up memories of loved ones who have passed and are no longer amongst us, and it reminds me as well of the Christmas celebrations of my youth surrounded by a huge family.

Lots of laugh, lots of food, lots of chatting.

Nowadays, aside from the few times my mother and father in law have come to visit, it's just been us 4, which makes it a little hard to really get into the spirit.

But I'm pushing through it, I'm watching Christmas movies and tv shows and making a very big effort to get into the spirit, if nothing more than for my children.

Moving on.......I can officially say that we are done with presents this year, everything has been made, bought, wrapped, stuck under the tree and now we anxiously anticipate next week.

I should be doing some baking but truthfully, with just the 4 of us, I sometimes find it pointless because it will just sit there without anyone touching it.  Besides, I'll be baking up a storm for Christmas so no need for more sugary stuff right now.  Right???

Wanna see what I've been up to the past two days?  Alrighty, well grab some coffee, I have a huge box of chocolates we can share while we visit :)

Brought back a cooler filled with snow, from Flagstaff, so yesterday it was rainy and cold and we whipped up some Snow Ice Cream.



It tastes like the best vanilla ice cream you've ever had....no really, it does.



Made a few last minute trips to the store, came home and wrapped the last few gifts and was surprised with a huge and I mean HUGE box of chocolate from my honey. Like 2 pound box of chocolate surprise. No kidding. Of course I have to share with them all because there's no way I can eat all that by myself.

And after lots of wrapping, and busy housework, I enjoyed some yummy goodness while sitting next to my beautiful tree, enjoying the smell of pine, the twinkling of the lights and the myriad of presents underneath.



Today has been spent doing normal housework, tidying here and there and random puttering around, which I love doing.

Started this morning with doing dishes and I caught the reflection of my kitchen window in the bowl of water, which prompted me to reflect on some things as well.



I do find dish washing relaxing, it's usually when I tend to talk to God about things that are bothering me, or causing me worry. It's also when I ask for prayers for friends and family or just randomly talk to Him as if I'm talking to my best friend. It feels good to vent.



Next, I set my breadmaker to work. I bought it about 10 years ago at a yard sale for $5. The lady had just received a new one as a gift and didn't need this one anymore, it was pretty close to brand new.



It's served me very well for many years, but I've noticed it hasn't been working that well the last 2 times I used it, and today after it made it's last loaf, it finally gave in.

It's not that I use it a lot because I do enjoy kneading and making bread by hand, but I still love my breadmaker and can't say I won't miss it. Not sure yet if I'll replace it.



I finished up some more laundry and then started dinner. We love Crag Rangoon but it does take some time to make, so I usually grab my laptop and set it on the counter to watch something while I work.

Today it's been Kirstie and Phil's Perfect Christmas and  World Without End, fantastic period series based on the book by Ken Follett and also the sequel to Pillars of the Earth.



So good. You can find the recipe on my food blog. And speaking of food blog, I put together a little cookbook with some of our favorite family recipes and I'm offering it up for free. You can read it online, or download it, or print it at home. It also gives you the option to order a print copy for $9, but that is money that goes to the website, not to me, just wanted to clear that up. I don't want any money for it, that's why I'm giving you all the link free :)

Open publication - Free publishing - More blog

It's one of those days where I am feeling quite tired and ready for bed. But I think I'll work on my Bavarian crochet a little and watch some more World without End.