Busy Week

Well It was quite a busy week. I thought that I would be able to manage at least a couple of posts during the week after the day was done but it turned out that I was just too tired. There is so much to do to prepare for projects at school as well as projects at home for teacher gifts. I also visit Dad three nights a week after work with either N or n. So by the time we get home it is usually 6pm. Maybe this week I will try to write in the morning. That might be a better plan.

I Love Sundays!!

Sundays are the best! It is so wonderful to wake up in the morning and look forward to a leisurely cup of coffee while looking at the Sunday paper. We had a great day at home today. We continued our holiday preparations by making our annual 'Bullsye' recipe. They are so yummy. Chocolate covered peanut butter balls. Last year we didn't make them until after the holiday. I'm glad that we are off to an early start this year. The kids have been asking and asking about them so now we can check them off the list. We also worked on holiday cards for teachers. I think it is important for children to spend time on making a card and a gift for the teachers who work so hard all year. Baked goods and hand made cards this year. I was also able to put together sauce and meatballs, R made a fire and we enjoyed watching football. Don't you just love Sundays!

Before dinner I went to Dad's and brought him spaghetti and meatballs. He was pleased to have a hot homemade meal instead of a frozen meal. He actually brought down his Christmas ornaments and creche. I helped put some things up for him. He hasn't decorated in five years, since Mom died. It's nice to see him coming out of his fog finally.

Its fun posting each day. Maybe I'll be able to keep this going.

Holiday Preparations Begin!

Well yesterday I finally began the wind up to Christmas. In the morning 'n' and I prepared our first batch of cookie dough. "Cape Cod Oatmeal Cookies" it is a recipe that I was given at a cookie swap. They are the best oatmeal cookies I have ever had. We will bake the cookies today. Each year I make dozens of cookies. This is the first year 'n' has helped me with this holiday task. I hope to make it a tradition she will continue some day with her own daughter. I enjoy giving a variety of treats to friends, family. This year the children will be bringing cookies in for teacher gifts as well. We searched yesterday for balsam wood boxes to decorate and use to present the cookies but to no avail. We might have to revert back to baskets and gift bags with special cards designed by 'n' and N. After bringing 'n' to school I spent some time with my friend Melissa. We rarely have time to visit so it was great to be able to sit over coffee and chat. We also went shopping and I was able to find several gifts for my children.

This is one of my favorite times of the year. I really enjoy bringing up my decorations and looking through them with the children. It is a busy time but we try to remember to keep things simple and respect our family traditions like making the cookies, picking out the tree, and sharing special time with family and friends. I recently read an entry from a blog I enjoy regarding the over commercialism of the holiday season and it reminded me of the importance of simple traditions.