Archive for the ‘Christmas’ Category

De-Stress During the Hustle and Bustle

Sunday, December 7th, 2008
by Susan

Amidst the holiday hustle and bustle, I hope you will take time to de-stress so you don't wear yourself out completely.   My husband and I are doing that on a regular basis this year.   As we have gotten older we have realized that we need to take time for us to be alone together........ enjoying some of our usual activities. 

Yesterday we finished our Christmas shopping, I think.   We always shop for our four children, their spouses and our two grandchildren as well as a few other family members.   We don't spend a lot of money but we do spend a lot of time out there among the crowds.   We try to accomplish as much as possible on weekdays but yesterday, a Saturday, we were right out there in the midst of the hustle and bustle, along with all the other shoppers.

However, we also took the time to see a movie which is one of our favorite things to do.   This time we saw Australia, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.   I loved the movie..... it stirred so many feelings in me.   I did a lot of sniffling and wiped my eyes repeatedly.   Today we are going to a free Christmas concert to be performed by the music department at Missouri State University.  We plan to dress up for the occasion and perhaps have dinner afterwards.  

Oh dear!   I just realized another item we need to get at a store!    I'm also wondering if I purchased enough wrapping paper.   All of these holiday preparations are so much fun and yet so stressful, especially for those of us with anxiety/depression.   I think a nice long walk today would go a long way in de-stressing.  Sometimes a nap helps too!   Be sure to take time to de-stress in whatever way works best for you. 

After the Party’s Over

Sunday, November 30th, 2008

by Susan

I'm usually exhausted after the party is over....this time the party was Thanksgiving at the King's.   I was exhausted by Saturday, but pleased with the way my dinner turned out on Thursday and the fun we all had.   I think my children and grandchildren thoroughly enjoyed their time here.   I really enjoyed having all of them.   I'm rested today and starting to plan the next party which will be Christmas at the King's.

I had a few minor mishaps while preparing the dinner but all turned out well.  My daughter was ill so my husband was my right hand in the kitchen this year.  We ate dinner and visited for nearly two hours.   Some of us took a walk after dinner since it was a beautiful day here in the Ozarks.  One of my sons joined us while the other two and their dad reclined in their easy chairs and chuckled about us , harassing my youngest son for joining us. 

We all ate leftovers on Friday evening and now the food and the family are gone.  My only grandson was able to come for leftovers on Friday and  was amazed that I still had pumpkin pie left.  I told him I made two pumpkin pies this year.  I also made brownies.....a favorite of all my kids and an apple cake, which was a big success.   

Saturday morning at 4:00 a.m. my oldest son and I were playing our traditional game of Scrabble before he had to catch his plane to head back home.   Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he heads to Iraq in about two weeks.