Change in Plans

We had planned on being in St. Louis this Christmas. Through the weekend we were eating all the perishables, getting everything ready to go, getting new tires on the suv, etc. At the same time, we were monitoring the weather, as a big storm was set to head in to the area this week, and we wanted to make sure we got out before it got here.

Things then started getting complicated. My mom was put in the hospital last week for double pneumonia---they caught it when she went in for her latest round of chemo. Initially she was to be in for the weekend, but she's now there through Christmas.

Ryan caught a tummy bug on Sunday night. His little brother had gotten it earlier in the week, and I had gotten it as well. This now ruled out any chance of the boys seeing their grandma, as she's on a floor that is very protected for low immune systems, and we can't risk her being exposed to any new germs right now.

By Monday night, when Ryan was still sick, my gut told me to cancel the trip. Hubby went along with it, but I don't think he agreed with me 100%. My concern was that we could still be passing the tummy bug around to each other, and if we got sick in St. Louis we wouldn't be able to go back home because of the snow. Meaning the boys would spend a miserable Christmas in the basement of the in-laws. No fun.

So early Tuesday I ran out and restocked all the fresh stuff we'd been clearing out- milk, eggs, produce. Made sure to get plenty so we wouldn't have to try to get out during a storm.

My gut proved to be correct Tuesday night when both Jonathan and I came down with the tummy bug. Bad. I'm still not back to normal. Snow is now coming down. But I'm about as happy as can be. We can rest in our own home. The boys have been able to keep themselves entertained pretty well here at home, which would have been much more difficult to do in St. Louis. Hubby just carried a ton of wood upstairs, and now we'll be able to enjoy nice fires in the fireplace.

So I will be posting the meal plans I've been hastily putting together for the rest of the weekend, since none had been needed before.

It is a nice reminder of the things that are important. Sure, I would have loved to have been able to visit all of the family, but I would much prefer to have a nice, warm, snuggly Christmas inside with my boys and hubby while the snow comes down. Oooh. Note to self---make hot chocolate :).

Hope you and your families have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas.

Getting geared up with ideas for the holidays

Just like everyone else, I'd like to save a little where I can this holiday season, but more importantly, I decided early this year that I wanted to incorporate some gifts that utilize some of the skills I've developed over the past two years. The family will be getting photo collages with the latest photos done in frames scrapbook style amongst their other gifts. And for friends, neighbors and coworkers, I've been trying to come up with the right mix of things.

I know for some I'm going to do baskets of goodies like summer sausage, nice cheeses, crackers, and then my own touch with homemade mustard and jalapeno jelly. Which means get out the cookbooks!

This recipe looks good http://www.recipezaar.com/Jack-Daniels-Hot-Mustard-For-Canning-205688, and I'm eyeing this recipe for Orange Jalapeno Jelly http://www.thatsmyhome.com/general/orange-jalapeno-jelly.htm

Still not totally thrilled with my ideas, so I need to think this out carefully, or whatever I attempt will end up in the pile with the soapmaking supplies and the candle wax!