Oops! I was busy and forgot

I finally felt like a human, but was so far behind the eight ball that I had to let my preconceived notions of what constitutes a perfect Christmas go. When I think back I have had decades of wonderful holidays and none of them have been "perfect", but they all have been joyous. I will have most of those important to me at my house for brunch, and those not here physically will certainly be here in spirit.

Son1's family will be in Portland which is where they should be. I truly believe children should experience Christmas magic at their own homes on Christmas morning, but I also appreciate the Apple team who gave us FaceTime so we can have a morning visit from afar.

My Beloved Sister and BIL will not be with us either, but we plan a Christmas Part 2 sometime in January.

So now it is Christmas Eve morning, cookies aren't baked, the house is not as decorated as I prefer, and life will go on. Tomorrow will be a great day, even if our family traditions are not observed in the same manner.

Monday joy: Even though I felt like a human I was still so tired and got little done. I needed to do some major Christmas shopping but it did not get done. 

Monday dinner: We were not very hungry.

Soup

Tuesday joy: TheHub and I went to Independence Place. Instead of cooking this week, we made Grinch Hot Chocolate (made with white chocolate and food coloring). The highlight of the day was one participant, who happened to have a Grinch outfit there. ( Who would have thought anyone would have a grinch suit in their backpack?)

He put it on and enjoyed sneaking around all the other participants doing Grinchlike moves.

While we were there we ran into my cousin and her grandson. They joined us for a late lunch at a nearby restaurant. 

While we were there, Son2 called. He was between appointments and joined us too. So we had an unexpected lunch gala.

Tuesday dinner: We had eaten a fairly big lunch and were not hungry.

Soup

Wednesday joy: Though it is not necessarily joyful, having the laundry done does create some happiness.

Wednesday dinner: We had something either forgettable or regrettable. Either way, I don't remember what we ate.

No idea

Thursday joy: TheHub and I went to our church to help put food bags together for members of the community who are struggling this Christmas. I think this time we filled 209 bags. My vehicle has enough room that we were able deliver quite a few of them.

After we finished we went shopping for groceries, to Costco and Kohl's. 

Thursday dinner: This seems to be the recurring theme for the week.

Soup

Friday joy: DIL2 came over and we addressed all of Independence Place's Christmas cards. I love spending time with her!  That evening I wrapped most of our Christmas gifts. The unwritten  and long observed rule seems to be that I do all the shopping and wrapping except for whatever TheHub gets for me.

Friday dinner: We still had very small appetites and nothing sounded really good.

Veggie stuffed baked potato

Saturday joy: Every year TheHub gets a Honey Baked ham gift certificate. We stopped by there to grab our pre-ordered half ham, did a couple of other quick errands, then came home to do some houwse stuff and watch the college play-off football games.Between games, we  organized our contributions for the year,  and I made dog food for my sisters dogs

Saturday dinner: I figured as long as I was cooking rice for the dogs foodI might as well add enough for our dinner also.

Conecuh Sausage, cabbage, rice

Sunday joy: We woke early and got dressed in time to go to our church communion service, early church,  and Sunday school. 

DIL2 and Son2 dropped by for a short visit while they were out shopping.  

I finished wrapping gifts, thought about baking___didn't do it. Maybe Monday (didn't happen then either) or maybe I'll just buy some Christmas goodies.

Sunday dinner: Made a from scratch version of a grocery store standard

"Hamburger helper" coleslaw

Meal plan for the week:

1. Christmas brunch: Breakfast casserole, ham, turkey, broccoli, cranberry relish, crescent rolls, green bean casserole, potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, assorted individual desserts.*

2. Steak, baked potato, tossed salad

3. Soup

4. Soup

5. Leftovers

6. Leftovers

7. Sandwiches, coleslaw

Have a great week staying on plan, going off plan, or with no plan at all.

May all your weeds be wildflowers.

Anne

* I am having to plan a little differently than usual because of some dietary issues