2023 Reading Challenge Complete

At the beginning of the year, I made a goal of finishing at least 6 books. I understand that is a small number, but this is in addition to everything I read for school and my spiritual studies. I also didn’t count any audio books I listened to. I am happy to say that i achieved my goal as of today. I will make the same goal for 2024. Hopefully, I won’t be so close to the wire again. 

Finished in Time

 I forgot to write about Eric’s and Peyton’s socks. I am happy to say that I finished both pair before they came over on Christmas Day. In all honesty, the last one was finished that afternoon before they were tucked into stockings. This was a big accomplishment for me. I don’t think I have ever knit two pairs of socks in one month. I have yet receive confirmation about how well they fit, but they seemed happy with them that night. I hope they get a lot of use. 

Goals for 2024

As we get closer to the start of 2024, I have been considering the goals I want to pursue. Do I want to make a goal that will take the whole year to complete or should I concentrate on weekly and monthly goals? Maybe I could do a combination. 

My main goal of the year is to graduate. I have been working on this degree for a long time. All I have to complete is the internship and the one very hard, yet required, class. I can finish. I just need to concentrate on one thing at a time. If I do that, I will be done in July. 

The other big goal is to train for and complete a marathon. Chad and I made a goal to run a marathon the year he turned 50 in 2018. At the time it seemed so far away, but he will be 50 in February next year. Now, we have to do this thing. We have chosen to run the Saint George Marathon in October. It is supposed to be a good one for first timers, and he can visit his mom while we are there. 

For now, these will be my main goals. I don’t want to overwhelm myself with too much all at once. 

Unintended Social Experiment

I have been wearing my Christmas sweaters from December 1 through Christmas for three years now. This year, I was out in public more than past years. One day, I went to the grocery store with Chad wearing a sweater that has lights and pom-poms on it. I got several different types of looks. There were the people that just gave me a polite smile. Others did their best to ignore me. I saw a few snickers. Then, there were the people that gave me a disgusted look as if my sweater was affecting them in some way.

My friends are supportive of my sweater endeavor. I had a few ask how many I had saying they were impressed that I had at least one for each day. Others commented on how much they moved my social media posts. One friends didn’t even bat an eye when we went out to lunch, and another even talked up my sweaters around others. Have I mentioned how much I love my friends?

I started wearing my sweaters when I found out I wouldn’t be going back to work in an office as a way to brighten my spirits. Now, I look forward to wearing them each year other people can judge me if they want  They are just jealous. 

Christmas 2023

I love when I get to celebrate Christmas with my family on Christmas. I have been trading Christmas and Christmas Eve with the ex for most of the kids’ lives. This year was my year! I was so excited that Santa did his job without helpers this year like when the kids were little. The stockings were filled and presents set out on a table in front of the tree (to keep the dogs away from them). 

After Santa was done, I made a breakfast casserole for those who didn’t want the Pop Tarts he left us before waking Sean and Noel a little after 6am. Sean was still awake but resting, and Noel was not happy to be woken up so early (we agreed on a time the night before). Thankfully, her mood changed quickly as soon as she opened her first present and got better from there with each gift. 

Chad was given something for each of his hobbies I could think of as well as an emergency preparedness kit to keep in his car. I gave him a bike tool kit that straps to his bike, a hydration kit for marathon training, and a cookie cookbook (this one may have been a bit selfish since I love when he bakes). 

Sean was given practical and fun gifts. We gave him some jeans, the next book in the series he had been reading, a “Merry Sithmas” mug, and train set. He promptly set up the train and let it go around the track for a while before putting it away and going to bed. 

I think I did the best with Noel’s presents. She was given some gel nail things that I don’t understand but she loves, an easel for when she paints, a flannel jacket with pockets, and a hair styling kit with a crimper and three curling wands. 

Chad buys my Christmas present, for the most part, and he did a great job this year again. He got me a new sweater, a knitting book that I have wanted for a year or two, a planner for next year, bone conduction headphones, and Ticket to Ride (a board game). 

Eric and his girlfriend, Peyton, came over around 5pm when they were done hanging out with her family. They opened presents as what needed to be cooked for dinner was cooking or warming up. 

Eric is not easy to shop for since he buys himself a lot of the affordable things he wants. When asked, he said he wanted forks, cat toys, and car stuff. I did my best but forgot to get him car stuff. We gave him a cat laser toy, a set of silverware, a dinosaur taco holder, and an Eco Dot with a clock on it. I think the best thing he was given was a painting of his cat playing a guitar that Noel made for him. 

Peyton was easier to shop for this year than the past two years. I think it was because we have gotten to know her better. She also wanted car stuff and cat toys. We got her a car vacuum (which she was excited about), a cat toy, a Sherpa lined hoodie, and a dinosaur taco holder. Chad also gave her some kind of light for her car interior. I’m not sure what present she was excited to receive the most, but she seemed quite pleased with how well we have gotten to know her. 

After all of the presents were opened, we had a dinner of appetizers and charcuterie. Noel made a beautiful charcuterie that we all enjoyed, and Chad made cheese balls and cooked Anytizers. I baked an apple pie for dessert and helped Noel a bit. 

Dinner was followed up with my new board game. I love that Eric likes to play games with me and everyone else is willing to appease me when Eric wants to do it, too. 

After all of the sleep that I lost worrying about today, I think it was one of the best Christmases we have had in a long time. I am thankful for my family. I am glad that my kids love each other and like being around each other. I hope to have more special days with my family as we navigate having children in this phase of life. 

Holiday Baking Championship

 

I stream shows while I work, and they often become obsessions for a while. There have been a few that I stopped watching before the end simply because they lost me in one way or another after many seasons, but for the most part, I watch them from the first episode to the last. 

My most recent show is the Holiday Baking Championship from the Food Network. I’m not normally a person that would go for a show like this, but I am loving it. I started watching it a few days ago because I wanted to watch something to bring the Christmas spirit to my day that I could start and stop around my daughter’s schedule for finals. I knew if I started a movie, I would be reluctant to turn it off when I needed to take her or pick her up, and I was potentially going to need to pick her up or drop her off every hour or two because of the crazy schedule she had one day. She ended up being sick and not having a voice they say I was concerned about, but I was hooked before she woke up. (I start work at 6am.) 

I have had fun watching this show. There aren’t many episodes per season which makes it even easier to get sucked in. I am currently in the middle of season 4 and still loving it. It has also made me want to bake again. My family will happily help me eat the things I will make for tomorrow. 

I don’t know if I will keep watching it much longer because it u in s a very seasonal show. I will have to remember to watch it again next year. 

Our Favorite Christmas Party

 

Every year, Chad and I are invited to the Riemans’ Christmas party. It gets bigger and bigger every year, and it is always fun. They have a few games, play Christmas songs on chimes, and have a white elephant gift exchange. In the past, we have won a few games including an ugly sweater contest. 

This year, I went alone because Chad went to a lacrosse game with his brother. I was so nervous because I don’t typically do well in big crowds. I was pleasantly surprised to feel comfortable as I found a person to attach myself to. We laughed and joked most of the night. She helped me get the gift I actually wanted with strategic steals, and I came home with a s’mores kit included an electric s’mores warmer. It will be a perfect addition to our appetizer dinner on Christmas. 

I love going to this party each year. I’m not sure it would feel like Christmas if I didn’t go. 

Pfeffernusse

 

When I was growing up, my parents often brought pfeffernusse cookies at Christmas time. It used to be easy to find them thins time of year.   I haven’t been able to find them anywhere for four or five years. My solution is to make them myself  

Today, I made these cookies tonight from a recipe I found online. This was the best recipe I have tried so far. I replaced the shortening and margarine with butter. I really don’t like shortening, so I do this quite often. Next time I make them, I will put the anise in the wet ingredients instead of the dry. It seemed a bit odd.  

Random Thoughts of the Week

I have had a lot of random thoughts going through my head lately. They have invaded so much that I’ve been struggling to sleep the last few nights. Some are political or religious in nature, and others come from who knows where. 

First: New York is trying to force Chic-fil-a to be open on Sundays? That is wrong in so many levels. I understand they have donated to anti-LBGTQ organizations. That is not a good thing. This is not how to retaliate. Maybe they could kick the restaurant out of their state? They wouldn’t do that because they enjoy the tax revenue they get from all of the people buying the delicious food. Maybe they could boycott the restaurant because they don’t agree with their values? That’s what a normal person would do. (In my opinion.) Instead of doing these things, they want them to go against their beliefs and open the one day a week that would breach RELIGIOUS practices. Is that even constitutional? I would think not. Religious freedom and free commerce are protected under the constitution of the United States. Also, the argument that people will be starving while they travel on Christmas Eve is lame. Are there no other restaurants travelers can go to that day? As they wage this war against this business, are they doing the same to other businesses that choose to close their doors one day a week? 

Ok. That is probably the most heavy one. It just makes me mad that so many government officials don’t know or care about the liberties granted us by our founding fathers. 

Second: I love Christmas more each year. We may not be able to make this one as nice as the last couple of years due to inflation, but I am determined to make it as perfect as I can. I know I have gotten everyone things they didn’t ask for, but I hope they like them. Seriously, what are Eric and Peyton going to think about the taco holders? Was that a dumb idea? Hopefully, they at least get a chuckle out of them. Also, I want more Christmas sweaters. 

Third: I have great friends. I really don’t mind that I don’t have a lot of them. I feel like I have carefully curated the ones I have. I don’t feel ill towards most of the people in my life that I don’t regularly spend time with. I just choose to be friends with people that I feel a genuine connection. I get invited to parties with other people and enjoy being around them, but I don’t think I could create a deep bond with that many people. 

Fourth: I am so thankful for my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have been though a faith crisis and come back. I love my Savior and want to honor His sacrifice for me. I know the teaching of the Church are true. I am thankful my parents, especially my dad, raised me in this church. I have a testimony of eternal families. I know I will see my mom and brother again. 

Fifth: I am never going to finish these socks. What was I thinking? Maybe I can just give Eric one sock with the promise of the other one for his birthday…no. That probably a dumb idea. 

And these are just the thoughts that roll around continually. That doesn’t even count the little things here and there. How does one sleep when all of this is happening all of the time? Maybe I need psychological help…

Anthony’s 47th Birthday

My brother, who passed away at 19, would be 47 today. How weird is that? I would like to believe he would have grown up to be as wonderful as I always knew he was when we were kids. I like to believe that he would have fought his demons given the chance. I like to believe our kids would have grown up together, and he would have been the fun, protective, caring uncle my kids would have loved deeply. Maybe he wasn’t meant to become that person. Maybe he was meant to teach me how wonderful a big brother could be. I’m glad I had him as my friend, protector, and brother. Happy birthday in heaven, Anthony!

Being Sick

We have had a nasty cold like illness going around our house for a few weeks. It’s possible that we have each had a different virus since we have some different symptoms even though the main issues seem to be the same. 

Sean started it which is a bit odd because he rarely leaves the house. The only symptom he made me aware of was that he lost is voice for about a week. I got him some herbal tea that he drank with a bit of lemon and honey, and it seemed to do the trick. 

I was the next one that got sick. I had a cough and headache and sore throat. I went to bed early most nights until I got past the worst of it. It was good that I was working from home so I didn’t spread it too much to other people. I did take an at home COVID test, and it was negative. 

Noel was the most recent to be sick. She had a sore throat that she said felt like it was on fire and woke up with a slight fever for a few days. I kept her home from school for two days and had Chad take her to the doctor to make sure she didn’t have strep again. The strep test was negative as was the COVID test. They said it was most likely a virus that just needed to run its course. She slept a lot for the days she stayed home and ate popsicles to help with the throat. I also bought her some daytime and nighttime TheraFlu to ease some symptoms. The next few days she had me make her ThraFlu while she got ready for school. By the time I picked her up, she was exhausted. 

All three of us slept more than usual as we fought this virus. Noel is still not completely better, but she is doing so much better than a few days ago. Sean shows no signs of an illness. I am still coughing more than normal and keep getting headaches. Noel is recovering faster than both Sean and me. I hope Chad isn’t next. He is such a baby when he is sick. 

Wrapped Gifts

My daughter likes to wrap gifts, and I hate it. This works out fairly well for both of us when it comes to Christmas presents. All I have to do it give gifts to her and tell her who they are for, and she wraps them for me. 

This year I did almost all of my shopping on Amazon, and I couldn’t just hand over the boxes as they came because I wrap her presents so she is still surprised on Christmas. A few days ago, she begged me to go through the boxes and give her things to wrap. The next morning, I woke up to my kitchen table filled with wrapped gifts and empty Amazon boxes. (Don’t worry, the boxes will be recycled once I am able to assure we don’t need them to wrap the last few things I will be buying today.) 

I am so thankful for her efforts to wrap our family’s presents so beautifully. I know I will have to do it myself one of these days. Hopefully, no one will mind my horrible wrapping job when that day comes. 

Next Pair

 I have finished Peyton’s socks, and i have started Eric’s. The original yarn I chose for his looked a lot different when it was delivered. (One of these days I may learn to stop buying sock yarn online.) I kept trying to convince myself it would work, but I knew it was not something Eric would be drawn to. Once Noel had a chance to look at it and confirmed my suspicions, I had her help me pick out another yarn for his socks. This one has two shades of gray, a brown, and a dark red. It really looks like something he would pick out for himself. 

With 11 days until Christmas, 10 days to work on them, I have already finished the cuff and started the heal on the first one. My hope is to finish it this weekend and finish the other one next week. I am pushing myself to do them very fast. 

They Ruined It

I have been using mint.com for my budgeting needs for a few years. It has been quite helpful when I use it properly. Recently, I got an email saying that I needed to switch my data over to creditkarma.com by a specific date with the assurance that everything would be working fine. Each time I logged onto Mint since this email there has been a banner at the top reminding me to switch over with the reminder that when I did so I would no linger be able to use that website. 

Today, I took the plunge and switched over my account. It was a disaster (in my opinion). My data was imported, but I can no longer use it to budget. It is just informational. How frustrating! I wasn’t using Mint just to see my credit score and transactions. I was using it to budget. They took away the main function I needed, and it took me forever to even find the basic data on Credit Karma that I can get on my bank’s website or app. Now, I need to find another budgeting software and start all over. I my just switch back to old fashioned spreadsheets. 

Christmas Fun

Tonight, we went to a light show at Water World. I loved it, and Sean has even been talking about the e parts he liked. Chad drove through the show as we listened to the music as people would do at a drive in theater. It was fun to see the creativity as we watched Santa, elves, reindeer, and snowmen sing to us. I never thought I would pay to drive through a light show, but this was more than worth the $35 per car. 

When we got home, I had Sean take a picture of my sweater for the day and searched for a quote to pair with it for social media. All I could think of was the song from the Sesame Street Christmas special from when I was little (Mr. Hooper days). My mom loved this song because Bob taught the kids to sign it for Linda. My mom loved just about anything that involved sign language! 

“Keep Christmas with you

All through the year
When Christmas is over
You can keep it near
Think of this Christmas day
When Christmas is far away
Keep Christmas with you
All through the year
When Christmas is over
Save some Christmas cheer
These precious moments
Hold them very dear
And keep Christmas with you
All through the year
Christmas means the spirit of giving
Peace and joy to you
The goodness of loving
The gladness of living;
These are Christmas too
So, keep Christmas with you
All through the year
When Christmas is over
Save some Christmas cheer
These precious moments
Hold them very dear
And keep Christmas with you
All through the year.”

My Books

On the shelves above my desk, I have mostly decorative items, but I also have four books. Two of them are reminders of my past life that I was able to bring into how I currently live. 

One of these books is a Nicholas Sparks book I bought to take camping this last summer. I like Nicholas Sparks books. In my 20s I devoured them. For quite a few years my ex would buy me the latest for Christmas because he was my favorite author. At the same time, I would checkout his other books at the library when I got the chance. I don’t read Nicholas Sparks as much now because I have been reading more nonfiction and doing a lot of school work, but I have plans to read this one as much as I can when my classes for this semester are done (only 2 days until finals are due).

The other important book on this shelf is my scriptures. I no longer carry the physical book to church because I use the Gospel Library app when out and about, but I do read from the physical book at home. For many years, I either used the set my dad bought me when I was a teenager after my other set was damaged or used my mom’s. The problem was that I didn’t want to mark up my mom’s too much because I loved seeing her handwriting and what was important to her. Also, the set I used in high school have been showing their age for quite sometime. At some point after the ex left, I adopted his scriptures that he asked  for Christmas when we were first married. He used to take them to all church meetings back then, but he didn’t really mark them. I have been reading from them and marking them as I see fit for quite sometime. I love reading them and seeing what I marked as important in the past. I feel like I am not only learned from reading them again, I am also learning from my past self. 

These books could be replaced if I chose to do so. There will be a time that the Nicholas Sparks book is replaced. It may be by another book by him, it may not. I can almost guarantee that it will be a pretty book like this one. I don’t see myself wanting to replace the scriptures. To me, they are an external reminder of one of the most important things in my life, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I don’t intend on this changing. 

Mixed Fruit Galette

 

Chad made a tasty dessert with dinner tonight. It was something he had been talking about making since he got Will it Skillet. He made a mixed berry galette which is kind of like a pie. It was pretty good. I love when he makes stuff like this because I get to enjoy something tasty and don’t have to make it myself. I’m hoping he bakes a lot as we get closer to Christmas like he did the last few years. 

Feeling the Stress

As it gets closer to Christmas, I am feeling the stress of trying to make sure it is as perfect as it can be for my family. I typically try to buy each person four gifts. This started with the idea of given everyone something to wear, something to read, something they want, and something they need. I found the idea on Facebook five or six years ago and found it a great way to better stick to a budget and assure that no one got more gifts than another. It has always been hard to get everyone something to ready because Sean is the only kid that is an avid reader. This year, I am going to give them each four gifts plus their not-so-secret Santa gifts and stocking stuffers. I am not going to stress the specifics of the four things, though. As we get closer to Christmas, I am realizing I need to figure out the rest of the presents for my family members. Thankfully, I don't feel pressure to get the perfect stocking stuffers. Those are all taken care of already.

Eric and Peyton have not given me much of a list. They said they need forks and want stuff for their cars and cats. I am making them each socks and have bought them each a few things, but I am struggling to think of other things to buy them this year. So far, I got Peyton a car vacuum, and that is about it. 

Sean wants book and video games and needs jeans. I have gotten him none of those things. I got him a mug and a stuffed animal so far, and I plan to get him a train set because he keeps mentioning how he misses the ones he used to play with when he was little that I gave a way a long time ago not realizing how much he still wanted it (he didn't play with it much). I will probably get him the next few books in the latest series he has been reading. Really, it is just a matter of buying the things I am thinking of getting him. 

Noel is not hard to buy for because she often talks about the things she wants or likes. It's really just a matter or narrowing down what to get her. I have bought her an easel for her painting (it has become a way for her to release stress), a crimper/curling iron set, and nail stuff. I can't decide what else to get her. I know she wants clothes, but I just spent a lot on clothes for her when we did her birthday shopping trip, so it will probably not be that. 

I just bought a few things for Chad. I'm not going to mention them here because he occasionally reads my blog. I think I am at a point with him that I need to open the Amazon boxes and count to see how much I have bought so far. I may be done, but I may need one more thing. I can't remember. 

As far as food goes, I think I have it figured out. I am not going to do a big dinner this year. I really want to do another charcuterie board. Sean reminded me that it isn't very filling, so he helped me decide on a good appetizer dinner we can do. We will have a charcuterie board, some wings, and fill my appetizer 3 small crockpot thing with meatballs, little smokies, and cheese dip. I think this will be enough food to fill people while giving the relaxed atmosphere we all need. 

I want this Christmas to be perfect for my family. I want them all to feel loved. I am so lucky to have each of them and want them to know that. I want them to look back at Christmases fondly as they grow older. I never know if or when any of them will move too far away to celebrate with us. 

Powerful Words

“ In this, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we worship Him who commenced His infinite Atonement in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was willing to suffer for the sins and weaknesses of each of us, which suffering caused Him “to bleed at every pore.” He was crucified on Calvary’s cross and rose the third day as the first resurrected being of our Heavenly Father’s children. I love Him and testify that He lives! It is He who leads and guides His Church.” President Russell M. Nelson

I have been listening to President Nelson’s teachings since he became the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 2018. I am doing thins with the help of the Gospel Library app study plan. It has already compiled the talks and messages. All I am doing is going down the list one item at a time. The last couple of talks were so powerful! They were both given on Easter Sunday, and the one today speaks of it being Easter and its significance. It feels to hear these inspiring words. They are pulling me out of my emotional slump. 

Broccoli Cheese Chowder

Over the past year or so I have cooking unless it is for a special occasion such as Thanksgiving or the dinner we hosted last Sunday. (Thankfully, I only have to cook three times a week most of the time.) There are times, however, that I crave something I made in the past and happily dust off a cookbook to make something more involved than my usual. Tonight was one of those nights. 

Tonight, I made a Broccoli Cheese Chowder that I have only made one other time since marrying Chad. I used to make it quite often until my first husband started having issues with dairy. With him not able to eat much of it and the boys being too picky to eat more than the cheesey part, there wasn’t much of a point to make it for a toddler and me. Chad doesn’t have issues with dairy and appreciates when I put effort into meals. I was reminded tonight how much I like this soup and plan to make it again in the future. 

Flowers Just Because

Chad likes to gift flowers, and I am more than happy to receive them. Most of the time, he get them for Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day or another special day. Yesterday, he bought me a cute little Christmas bouquet just because he wanted to. I feel so special! I honestly can’t remember the last time anyone did this for me. 

Dinner at My House

Last night, I hosted a Christmas dinner at my house. It was originally going to be a Friendsgiving with an ornament exchange, but I’m in Christmas mode now. I made a roast with potatoes, carrots, and onions like my dad does and cheese broccoli casserole that I have been making for holiday meals since I got the recipe from my former mother-in-law. Chad made a gluten free bread and an applesauce bread that was gluten and dairy free for people that came that had allergies. Each couple or family that came brought a dish as well: soup, peanut butter cheesecake, and sliced oranges. We also serve a festive punch, water, and hot cocoa. The food was excellent. And with 13 people in my home, there was only a little left over. 

I had a lot of fun hosting this dinner. It was a bit more involved than I had expected, but I’m glad I did it. The next one will be for Chad’s 50th birthday in February. I can’t wait!

So Spoiled

I have left the house without Sophie a bit more than usual over the past week or so. First, I went to a Thanksgiving dinner at a friend’s house on Thanksgiving since I was celebrating with my kids the following day. Then, I took Noel out for her “Mom and Noel” day as her last birthday gift. This week, I had to pick Noel up from school and take her to the doctor (again) on Thursday, went to a 5K race this morning, and went shopping for tomorrow’s shindig this afternoon. This poor little dog is not used to me leaving her so much, and she is acting a bit like a toddler. In other words, when I am with her, she will not leave my side. 

Yesterday, we went for a walk with a friend of mine and her dog. I dropped her leash and left her with the friend to put a present in the car. Sophie looked so sad and walked to me very slowly. When I got back to her, she was shaking and insisting I held her which I did for about a quarter mine. Today, she has been curled up to me as I do homework most of the time that I have been home. When I try to move, she scoots over to me. 

I love that she loves me. I will soak it up as much as I can. However, it can be a bit overwhelming when trying to get stuff done or even when I simply just need to go to the bathroom. 

December Tradition

Two years ago, I started a new tradition for myself. Starting December 1, I wear a different Christmas sweater or shirt each day. I take pictures each day to post on social media along with a Christmas message. It is a lot of fun and a bit of a challenge at the same time. 

The first year it was a struggle to get enough. I bought all of my sweaters and shirts at thrift store and didn’t pay enough attention to the sizes and ended up having to take pictures with some of them held in front of me. 

Since then, I have been able to be more picky about what I add to my collection. Last year, I bought a few pairs of sweater pants that I love and were so much fun to wear to parties. This year, I bought 2 more sweaters that I love and wish I could wear more than one. I’ll wear the first one this Sunday to church and the other one to one the parties I’m going to. 

I love Christmas. I enjoy spreading Christmas cheer with gospel messages. This is such a fun way to do just that.