I cheated a little and put up most of the Christmas decorations yesterday. It's what I usually do while avoiding all stores like the plague, but since I didn't have to cook yesterday it freed up a little time. And I have to admit, it was nice to walk into the house after dinner with Tom's family and see the little bits of sparkle and glitter.
My favorite wreath is on the front door, little trees are tucked in with my teapots and the Nativity is in it's place. Caleb helped with the Nativity this year, and actually shouted "yes, yes, I did it!" after putting baby Jesus in the manger. Christmas seems like it's going to be extra magical for him this year.
Everything but the tree is up, and Tom and the kids will bring that home today after helping unload at the church tree lot this afternoon. Hanna was a little concerned that I was giving them control of picking out the tree, but I'm fairly confident that they'll do just fine. Ornaments and lights can cover a multitude of tree issues.
I'm also working on plans for the rest of our simple holiday season.
- We are really trying to limit the gifts we give this year. We've always exchanged gifts with all of my siblings and all of the nephews and neice. I'm limiting it to just the kids this year. And I'm thinking the grandparents and great-grands might get framed photos of the kids...I just can't justify spending money we don't have right now. I am keeping my eyes out for a little something to make for everyone, though.
- My 7 year old boy - the one who wants EVERYTHING he sees on TV - he can't come up with a Christmas list. I asked him to give me 5 things he really, really wanted. He's at two. A fish tank and a new scooter. I have a few other ideas and will keep working on him. Hanna had no problem giving me a list, and it's interesting to see how much it's changed since last Christmas. Last year, she wanted shirts from Abercrombie and American Eagle...this year, she wants craft supplies and vintage clothing.
- We're going to be home alone on Christmas Day. Most of our relatives that live here are going elsewhere, so we're thinking we might open up the house to friends and family that don't have other plans for Christmas dinner. I'm still trying to come up with a theme.
- Christmas baking is going to be a little simplified this year. I saw Dr. F again earlier this week, and she was finally able to get all of my test results that Dr. B ran last spring. The results that he'd told me were perfectly healthy.
They weren't.
Not at all.
I was at the very least severely anemic, and she couldn't even figure out what other tests he thought he was running. She ordered new tests and is 99% positive I have some underlying hormonal issues that are being exacerbated by Insulin Resistance. I get my results Tuesday afternoon.
Which brings me to why Christmas baking going to be simplified this year. Dr. F pretty much demanded I go off all refined sugars and flours, as well as white potatoes and pasta regardless of what the test results show. Luckily, I've been finding some no sugar/no flour blogs and have lots of practice eating this way for short amounts of time. She thinks I need to make it permanent. It's how I know we should be eating anyway but I find it odd that in all of the health issues I've had over the last few years, no doctor has ever told me to modify my eating habits. - Other plans are in the works for Advent studies and our Christmas Around the World homeschool unit (I'll share resources as soon as it's all done). I'm planning to dedicate tomorrow to finishing those up. And the Christmas card letter is about 75% written in my head - I just need photos to go with it.
Over all this year, I'm praying for a simple holiday season. I'm hoping to have the shopping finished by next weekend, which might be a little over-optimistic but I'm still shooting for it.
My goal for this Christmas and Advent season?
To focus on the true meaning and reason...and in doing so, celebrate a peaceful, Christ-centered holiday.
Glad your doctor figured out it might be insulin resistance. I almost told you a couple times it sounded a bit like Type 2 Diabetes(the tiredness and pain), but didn't want to freak you out. There are lots of no sugar added or sugar free stuff that tastes way better now than it did when I first started having to eat this way 12 years ago. If you ever need advice or anything, let me know!
Posted by: Stacey | November 27, 2009 at 07:07 AM
I will be decorating this weekend myself...Love that the decor will be up early for us, before family and a new baby converge on my house. We are limiting our gift giving this year as well...but my solution? MAGAZINES! its magical! and I did most of it on the internet...hee hee
Posted by: Felecia | November 27, 2009 at 07:39 AM
It's funny how the things you ask for christmas change over the years. I, like Hanna was into the "name brand" thing for a year or two...thank goodness I woke up from that nightmare. lol. It changes a lot when you go to college too. Instead of asking for fun crafty things and new clothes or dance accessories...my list includes a throw blanket, a vaccuum for my dorm, and measuring cups... there are a couple other fun things but I just had to laugh when I was making my list...at the though of how excited I would be if I got a vaccuum for Christmas.
Posted by: Madeline Watts | November 27, 2009 at 08:31 AM
Madeline, just wait until you get even older. I asked my parents for a freezer this year and I'm using my Christmas money from my grandparents to fill it!
Stacey, once I know for sure I'll definitely need some pointers. I've been doing a lot of research since my appointment and it really seems to fit my symptoms.
And Felecia, I love the magazine idea. I'm going to have to see what's out there for the kids on my list!
Posted by: Samantha Widlund | November 27, 2009 at 08:50 AM