sublimatedangel | Short days with little light

I feel like I don't bring much cheer in my very few posts. So let's try and focus on the positive while still being honest...

Thanksgiving went very well. My (step)dad was back from the middle east for a while - I'd hoped to have more time with him, but it didn't work out that way. We ended up just the four of us plus my brother and Sarah for dinner, so it was intimate and fairly casual. I changed up a few recipes this year, as is my wont... really, I think the only things that never change are the basics I grew up on - Stovetop brand stuffing, canned corn stewed in a stick of butter and liberally mixed with black pepper, cranberry sauce that is clearly from a can... yeah, nothing beats that. Everything was good, though as always I have hopes of topping it next year. I will be keeping the super-easy recipe for mini pecan pies, but wow, I'm sending every single one home with people in the future since me and temptation are not always mixy things. My dad showed up for dessert and it was nice to have so much of my family in one place. Beth and Glen, down from Canada, were supposed to come but ended up not showing.

We did get to see them a couple days after (along with Trudy, Chris, my new neice Ella, Cassie, Mick, CJ, Sarah, Bob, Melanie, Mike, Shannon and Chloe) for the Train of Lights. We've gone every year since Alex was just little... it's always a very nice way to kick of the holiday season. Played lots of Pass The Baby, and confirmed my suspicion that Ryan intends to scream when presented with Santa... going to have to try and get one of him sleeping again this year. And I got to lure

denyce over for a visit on Sunday. Yaaaaaaay for time with an awesome friend. I am still not "good" at this socializing thing, but I love the people in my life. Must make more time for them.

Last weekend was more family goodness - the Littlefield family ornament exchange! Hee. My family on that side is kinda... crazy :) but in a good way, that feels like home. I decided to go retro and made one of those pin-bead-sequin on styrofoam ball ornaments... my grandma did so many of those (and similar projects) with us kids when we were little, and I don't think any of the ones she made are still around. I was originally going to make three and give them to my aunts, but they take longer than I thought they would, so I ended up just using the one as my exchange ornament. It was HIGHLY sought after (which means I win! Even if my prize is Littlefield family prestige).

Also went retro with Pioneer Woman's bacon-y cracker appetizer things which was another win. Typically I end up bringing 3/4 of whatever I make back home with me.... these disappeared before all of the guests had even shown up. May make again next year with a larger batch.

Last year, my dad dressed up as Santa who "showed up" at our party with a bag full of gifts for all the children. It was a huge hit, and we'd planned to do it again this year. Unfortunately, he's been suffering from a migraine for going on a month now (as well as a lot of other health issues that are generally not treated as well as they should be) and so was in and out of the hospital for most of his time in the US. He was able to make it to the party but was in no shape to entertain... thankfully my uncle Richard stepped up and took his place, and it ended up being awesome after all.

I've accepted an offer on my mom's house. At this point it's more heartbreaking and stressful than anything else, but it should eventually relieve some of the stress I'm under in trying to close up her estate. Had to give 30 day notice to those living there... one of which may get ugly. I'm hoping for the best, though trying to be prepared for the worst. With so many reminders of those we've lost, it's been a struggle trying to find the spirit of the season. We have gotten some decorations up but most of it is in a halfway state.

In health news... I'm trying to take care of myself. Have my necessary apptments coming up in the next couple weeks. Nate and I ended up purchasing the Wii Fit system to encourage me to get some exercise in. I'd originally planned to do so in the morning while Ryan naps, but we've ended up doing it together in the evenings after the kids are in bed, which is working pretty well. Have missed a few days (with Thanksgiving and then when we came down with a cold) but have stuck with it surprisingly well so far. It has only nudged my bloodsugars down a smidge, so I'll likely still end up with insulin, but hey... exercise = good, and even a smidge helps.

Okay, I think that's it. Love to my flisties... and if anyone is crazy enough to want to get together for a cookie exchange or gingerbread/cookie house decorating or just wants to hang out, let me know.

Short days with little light

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