Saturday, December 19, 2015

All I want for Christmas is a gift of just a few more days before it gets here..........

I think I need to jump in my car and head to the mall to ask Santa to add a few more days in the week before Christmas arrives.  Just two extra ones is all I am asking for, is that really so hard?  I keep thinking it is the 17th, and not the 19th.  I feel like I am perpetually two days behind.  Behind in work, behind at home, and behind in blogging.  I am seriously in need of those two extra days to get me ready for the big day.  Now I am done shopping, the cards are out, the teacher and therapists presents delivered, but my tree is still not out of the box, and the wrapping has not even been thought about except for at this very moment.  And I am working next week, well the first three days of the week anyway.  How do I find more time?  Well if Santa can work his magic I am hoping to turn back the clock!


Dear Santa, 
All I want for Christmas besides world peace and my family all at home at one time of course is for just 48 extra hours in the next week that I can use to prepare for the big day.  I don't think I am asking too much because I have been pretty darn good this year considering all that has gone on.  I could have been hitting the wine pretty hard on some days, but I hit the knitting needles instead.  I did not go off on anyone, although I feel a few people deserved it, I went and read a book instead.  So I don't think I am asking for too much!  Help me out okay?

Love to you you sweet guy and be careful on your travels,
Meredith

P.S. Remember I have had to deal with all of my Dad's stuff during this time of year.  I mean his condo is now all ready to be put on the market and it has not been fun.  I have cleaned, and cleaned, and cleaned all with my back and heart hurting.  I have only complained a little about all the extra stuff to do at the absolute busiest time of year, so do we have a deal ? 


Santa may not be able to help with my request but dear friends have helped so much.  I can't tell you how loving, kind and generous my friends are to me.  It warms my heart and soul to know that such wonderful people are out there giving me a thought now and again.

I met my dear friend Holly for a very quick breakfast yesterday before I had to race back to my Dad's place for the last round of his stuff being picked up.  Holly and I don't see each other near enough and I just adore her.  I hope you have someone in your life that just "gets " you like I have with Holly.  She is amazing and so honest.  I like that in people especially as I get older.  Superficial is not for me.  Honesty and sharing, that is what I find important in a friendship.  Honesty about the realities of life.  Holly presented me with the two amazing gifts above.  The sheep is sooooooooooooo adorable.  I am in love with her, she is for outside and I think she looks very happy to be surrounded by my beautiful Christmas Cactus.  She makes me smile every time I look at her.  Holly also gave me these beautiful earrings.  The little green balls are felted, they are just perfect.  I swear I have worn the same earring for like 10 years.  I need to branch out and be a little more hip, these will be great to get me moving in that direction.


Blogging friends are the best.  And I am still always just so surprised at the generosity and kindness I find in this little world we exist in.  I find it with kind words, a lovely comment, a kind thought or prayer sent my way.  I am just so, so thankful for the generosity I experience in this special place.  I have also felt that generosity with these special gifts that have made it to my mailbox lately.



I am not going to go on and on about who sent them, because I think especially at Christmas these gifts are given from the heart, not for personal recognition, but just as a special gift.  And I just wanted to thank all of my wonderful friends for their kindness in thinking of me this year.


I want to thank you for your time and attention to detail, and the exquisite gift of your talents.


I want to thank you for seeing something special and thinking of me from many, many miles away.  For thinking, "that reminds me of Meredith, I bet she would love it".  You are right, I do!


Your gift of friendship means the most to me.  For sharing and caring all year long.  That is what this blogging business is all about, isn't it?  I know it is a tricky time of year for all of us, and I bet you all want to ask Santa for some extra time.  So the time you spend here with me is even more precious to me  The time you take to visit, whether you can comment or just pop in is special.  I intend to get caught up with all of you this weekend, so you know that I am thinking about you and want to see how you are doing with this crazy Holiday Season.  And for those of you that have already signed off for the Holiday's, I wish you the best.   

I leave you with a picture that came home with Little Buddy from school this past week.  He looks like he is the life of the party!  He is the best gift of all isn't he?

35 comments:

Anonymous said...

A photo of Little Buddy always brightens up the day!

Oh my gosh! That little purple sheep has the most adorable face!

Betsy said...

Meredith, if I could beam myself to your house I would. I would cook and clean and give you as many extra hours as I could because you my friend, deserve some time to just "be". You have had so much extra responsibility and tasks, especially the last few months. You have also had to process your own feelings and loss, all while taking care of the normal everyday "stuff" that is the life of a wife, mom, full time worker, with a little one that has extra needs. I don't know how you are coping. But know that I am always praying for you. Every. Single. Day. That you will have the grace and strength to make it through that day, and then the next and the next. You are a true blessing to each one of us and I am so grateful that you are my friend. Hang in there. Christmas perfection isn't the important thing. It's just being with your loved ones and knowing they love you.
Blessings my sweet Meredith,
Betsy

mamasmercantile said...

You are truly blessed with a beautiful boy, a caring family and a lot of special friends. Time is the most precious of all commodities and that is what your family will remember, quality time spent with them. It doesn't matter about the tree as long as you are all together. Have a wonderful Christmas, wishing you and yours everything that you wish for yourself. Take care.

Shirley said...

Hi Meredith, It has been a year fill with every emotion that you could possibly think of. I feel for you right now and want you to know you are in my prayers. It is hard to lose a parent during this time of the year. When my parents passed away, my mom on the 18th of December and my dad on Christmas Day. We are still filled with emotions and thoughts of all of the memories. I understand just wanting a few more hours. I am still filling out paper work from my accident. Your buddy looks so cute. Thank you for stopping by. Your friendship and kind words means the world to me. Take care. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend Shirley

linda said...

He is indeed Meredith he looks so sweet in that photo. You know what even if we were granted those two extra days it still wouldn't be enough because we can always find something that still needs doing. I am now past caring I always reach this stage first panic and then the realisation that it doesn't really matter if everything doesn't get done. I have managed to finish two blankets and now need to finish a second sock for my boyfriend if it doesn't get done he can have them for his birthday in February. Those gifts are beautiful and so well deserved. Just go with the flow my friend and have the best Christmas ever. :) xxx

CJ said...

That last photo is absolutely gorgeous, how sweet your little man is. As you have been so good all year you shall be granted 48 extra hours to do it all in. It occurred to me today that I could do with some more time too. I hope you have a lovely Sunday, with a little time for yourself in there somewhere. Hugs, CJ xx

Amy at love made my home said...

Little Buddy is of course the most very best gift of all, but the other things are pretty lovely too! I love the sheepie cross stiches and can imagine where they came from, a truly lovely lady - but so are the others too! It isn't about best, but I do love those sheepies! I love Buddy too! If I could give you two extra days then I most certainly would. They would be flying across in an envelope right now! I am pretty sure though that once the day is here you will not notice most things and will just enjoy the day. That is my hope and Christmas wish for you. Along with the wish for no stress in 2016 and for only good things to come your way! In the meantime, know that your friends, in person and online are all here behind you, sending you positive things, even if you are not able to feel that yourself in the moment. Hugs as always!!! Happy Christmas!!! xxxx

Teresa Kasner said...

Greetings my friend! I was happy to see your post pop to the top of my list.. I love how honest and straightforward you are and you also have a fun sense of humor that shines through. If I could give you those two days I surely would. I think of you as a real and true friend and that is why I blog, I'd never have met you otherwise, or all my good blog friends. Being able to say hello to you and share stories is the best, isn't it? Give that darling little guy a hug and tell him it's from his Oregon Auntie. :-) Enjoy your days and don't stress.. I have to go buy a few things yet, but I am determined to enjoy it. Kristi has taken up sewing so I'm going to get her some fabric and sewing tchotchkes and wrap them all up. And I need a few things for Dayle. Then wrapping.. then done! Voila!

****************************************
*M*E*R*R*Y* * *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*
****************************************
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

gaia said...

Hello Meredith,
I wish you and your family a happy holiday season...
Hugs,
Gaia.

20 North Ora said...

That last photo is the best! What a Christmas blessing. Wish I was closer and I'd come help with those last minute things you need to do. I'm not doing too much this year for the holidays - this season seems to be so much harder than even last year. But, I have a lot to do on the new house, so that's where I'll put my energy!

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Judy

Judy S. said...

Love that photo of LB; he is such a cute little guy! These past few weeks, the whole year really, have been flying by, for sure. Maybe next year will be a little slower, please Santa!

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

Extra time is something I wish for most days. I do hope time acts strange for the next few days so that you may get more things done than you could have imagined possible.
What wonderful gifts! It is so wonderful to know people are thinking of us.

Caffeine Girl said...

Why is it so hard to be ready for these important holidays? We have a full year to get ready, and yet that is rarely enough! I am sorry that you have to work those three days instead of focusing on the holiday. With two weeks off ahead of me, I feel very lucky!

I am just one of the many people who value counting you as a friend. Your posts always make my day with their realness (is that a word?) and their charm. You are awesome!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Just remember Meredith, you do not need to do everything or be everything to everyone. If things are a little different this year, then that is okay, too. Spending time with your family, loving on Little B, slowing down and enjoying the moments to come are certainly the greatest gifts. Don't worry about the rest. Everyone knows you so well. Look at all those lovey little sheep and the rest of the thoughtful gifts. You deserve them all. Hugs and blessings, Tammy

handmade by amalia said...

LOL. No wonder they say time is the greatest gift. You are showing us some pretty makes today, Mer.
Happy holidays,
Amalia
xo

Janet said...

Meredith, you have put into words, so beautifully, how I feel. Time is such a precious commodity and friendship is all about making time for each other. Reading your blog is always time well spent. If anyone deserves to be given 48 extra hours it's you. I wish you and all your family a very happy Christmas. The picture of Little Buddy is a great present for all of us who read and enjoy your blog. Love Janet x

Karen said...

Love, LOVE that last photo. He is pure joy! even though he is also pure boy,too. Haha, I love hearing about LB and seeing his smiling face. It makes me think back to my sons when they were little. Meredith, you have expressed so beautifully the friendship we find in blogging. If I could, I would give you one of my days that are left before Christmas!

Merriest of Christmases to you!

kristieinbc said...

Merry Christmas Meredith! I hope Santa gives you those extra days, but just in case he doesn't know that the most important thing is that you are with your family on December 25, surrounded by the people you love, and who love you. If there are a few presents that don't get finished, or a few items that don't get baked, it won't change that, the most important thing of all.

Suzan said...

So sorry about what you're having to do to clean and prepare your Dad's condo. You have some wonderful blogging friends --- such adorable sheep ornaments. You are Blessed!! I know that Little Buddy is enjoying this school year!!!

Babajeza said...

Hello Meredith, I hope so much that you can squeeze in some extra moments of peace and quiet and some helping hands these busy days before Christmas. I know that the past months have been tough. All the best and hugs, Regula

busybusybeejay said...

Lovely photo of Little Buddy.This is what Xmas is all about.The children.Hope you can catch your breath after Xmas.Are th
E family home?

Toni said...

Oh my goodness--that picture of Little Buddy is just too cute for words!!!!!!

I hope Santa grants you your wish--or that some elves show up and put that tree up for you. Or maybe some Christmases don't need a tree?

LOVE that purple sheep!!!!!!!!! That is too adorable! And the sheep stitch markers???????????? Clever!

Jennifer Hays said...

Hang in there, Meredith. Everything will work out just fine. Like Betsy, I wish I could come over and help out. I would be happy to help with anything around the house and I'm a very good babysitter too. :) I hope you're finding some calm, relaxing time this weekend and the coming week is not too hectic for you.

Christina said...

Happy Christmas Meredith. I do hope Santa gives you those two extra days, you so deserve them. I would happily come and help you out but unfortunately I live on the other side of the planet. I am so stressed that I am in complete denial. I call this a downsized Christmas, it sounds better than a disorganised Christmas. I haven't even started with the cards, I just cannot face it. Little Buddy is very cute, if he (and you) are looking for a holiday in Scotland, you must come and stay with us. Lots of hugs. xx

kathy b said...

Lil Buddy Santa is the best! I showed my mom all the photo cards I got in the mail this year. She doesnt know anyone anymore but she lit up at the children's faces and so enjoyed the cards~

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Your post is honest...and we always seem to need a bit more time before the big Christmas day arrives. I've got a few things to mail out tomorrow as well and print out photos tonight. Take care and don't worry...it's gonna be all right. Hugs to you and your family and dear LB. It's back to rain today...let it rain, let it rain...it's Oregon! Merry Christmas, my friend! ++**++ God bless us all!

Chris said...

Well I think you should get not 2 days but 2 weeks bonus time.id like some too but I'd just find more things to do lol ! You have had a really really tough year, I'm amazed you are still standing. Just enjoy your family, share lots of laughter and a few tears and if course some yummy treats. What gets done gets done, and you know it really doesn't matter if we don't meet our self imposed goals. Enjoy that lovely little man of yours, he will make Xmas special for all of you!

kathy b said...

LIl buddy is adorbs. I took all my Holiday cards to show my mom this weekend. She doesnt recognize anyone so every child she gazed at was a miracle to her. She loved seeing them. Stay Sane Mere.....peace

Grammy Braxton said...

Merry Christmas, dear Meredith. If anyone deserves a couple extra days from Santa, it would be you. You are such a kind person, so giving. This time of year is so busy that we forget to breathe sometimes. Enjoy Little Buddy and revel in the joy of children. Sending you love and hugs,
Sharon

Debby said...

You have a plate full. I wish you had that extra couple of days. Last week I thought Christmas was 14 days away when it was 10. Oh, I remember the years balancing all those things and getting so stressed. Good luck. Adding all of your Dad's things makes it hard in more than one way.
Thanks for Little Buddy's picture. Yes,he is a gift for sure, the best kind.

Somerset Wedding Girl said...

These gifts really go to show that handmade is better every time! I love the little purple sheep.

Jo said...

We all need a little more time don't we. Hang in there Meredith and enjoy the moment. Jo x

elns said...

This is a great post Mere. You captured how I feel in your Title. I definitely feel overwhelmed and pushed to the deadline. I wish I had more time. I wish I had more done.

I haven't even gotten cards out. The worst part is that it just makes me feel so bad about myself isn't that funny? I mean obviously my worth is more than whether or not I get cards out, but it's such a weight!

I loved your letter to Santa and the spirit of being thankful and grateful for those wonderful people and relationships out there. I like how somehow you have done an excellent job of focusing on the positive all year long.

Happy Holidays Mere!

Needles and Wool said...

I wish for you more time this week to get what you need done. I also wish you time with your family and cherishing this special time of year. I have become quite stressed myself trying to get everything done, there is so much to do! Merry Christmas! all the best to you and yours.
Lisa :)

Lynne said...

Hope you finally got caught up with everything :) Have a very Merry Christmas Meredith. Wishing you a restful, peaceful, New Year, with lots of yarn and knitting!