When the Big Guy Arrives

December 25th. The most coveted day of all the year for kids, and it has finally arrived. I say finally, yet it seems as though it is here so quickly. I'm still back in June, with sunshine and lollipops. Instead, we have rain, cold temperatures, and wind. At least it's not snowing ... yet. 

Our fur babies are ready for their treats and toys. Heck, they are happy just to have their food dishes set down in front of them. Terry and I do get each other a couple of gifts each to share in the time-honored tradition of gift exchange. Hey, it's a thing. 

But for now, I'm going to back this time machine up a bit. It all started before Christmas Eve. On my birthday, December 22, I received a nice massage from Terry's massage therapist. It was wonderful! 

Heated massage table. She also used some hot stones during my massage. I was definitely in 7th heaven. Those hot stones under her hands, moving up and down on your muscles makes everything bad in the world go away. Lovely process to get your muscles back in shape again. 

Before my massage began, Amber handed me a package with freshly made zucchini bread and a small birthday token that was adorable. 

I took my dill and put it on my desk where I would enjoy it for a long time to come. Not being able to take a big bite or eat much of it, but I did tear off a corner of the zucchini bread to taste and wow! Just wow. A very moist, wonderful tasting mini loaf. Those little things you do for people, the small gifts you give them, they mean the most. It made me smile and created a nice feeling to start off the birthday. Thank you, Amber!

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Terry and I spent Christmas Eve with Mallory and Hayden. We talked it over and chose ham for the Christmas dinner instead of turkey as we first thought we would do. Within five minutes, my kitchen had been struck by a group of messy elves, ensuring there was not one single inch of counter space left that was clean. Actually, I was that group of elves, and I have to say, I did a damn fine job. 

With an overflowing set of sinks that were filled with dirty dishes, I still managed to pull off a ham, stuffing, homemade gravy, mashed potatoes, rolls, sweet corn, and some green beans. Oh, and let's not forget my husband's favorite, a large baking pan of sweet potatoes, with marshmallows, his favorite part. 

I have no counter space in this house, so we use the stovetop and anywhere else we can place things. Yes, I could do dishes as we go, but that still would not take care of the lack of space on the counters.

Chopped mushrooms, celery, olives, and tons of herbs were added to the stuffing. We added stuffing to the dinner because we both love it, not because it goes with anything in particular. But, oh my, was it delicious. 

 

We added a couple of pies for dessert. One was a chocolate cream brownie pie. I guess it was great stuff. I didn't hear a peep out of anyone about it as they ate. Dead silence filled the room. To me that means it is heavenly and we aren't talking because our mouths are full. That's a good thing. 

Hawaiian sweet rolls were added to the mix as well. I guess they were good too, as everyone ate them without a complaint. 

Beyond the chocolate cream brownie pie was a sugar-free apple pie I made. It was very good. Nothing like warm apples with apple pie spice, cinnamon, and of course, the mix of tart and sweet apples, with so much whipped cream over the top you can't see the pie. That's the way we eat pie in our house, at least on holidays. Before I get any comments, yes, I know the pie crust slumped to the side, but who cares? It was so buried in whipped cream, nobody cared. 

Our dinner was great. We played Christmas music by Chicago in the background, and talked. Chatter and laughter filled the room, making Christmas what it is meant to be; filled with love, family, and good food. Of course, it also means our beautiful fur babies in attendance with us as well. Christmas was almost perfect. The only thing missing was the rest of the family. 

Over the years, as our family has grown, we reserve Thanksgiving for our time of sharing with family. Christmas is too hectic, so we all go our separate ways, but we do keep the love for each other in our hearts, and make sure we say, "Merry Christmas" to each other, followed by a heartfelt, "I love you." Branching off into our own homes for Christmas is fine too, as the family is so large now. 

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Onward through the evening we went. Once again, Terry spoiled me beyond belief. Each year I cannot think of anything when he asks that familiar question of, "What do you want for Christmas and for your birthday, babe?" The gesture is sweet, but I truly feel I have everything one could want to make life comfortable and happy. And every year, he succeeds in creating a beautiful birthday and Christmas anyway. 

I already have a lovely, operable car sitting in the driveway that we just signed up to adopt. The car actually looks great and it runs too, unlike one certain car we just went through hell with. Inside the house, I have him, my fur babies, and a home I love. We are comfortable, happy, and love US. Unable to think of anything, he went wild with ideas anyway. He's just that kind of guy. 

My black hoodie, that I will cherish, is one from the Duck gear selection. The Oregon Ducks are my favorite, and I am a huge fan. I do love me some Ducks. Because of that, Terry gave me this shirt with five of the best players in our past packs of players, and there have been many for sure. The shirt says: "Yes, I am old, but I saw Ducks greatness," and displays the signatures and photos of five players that mean a lot to Duck fans. Not all of the players that mean so much, but a few of the big names from past teams. 

The hoodie is lined with fleece, has the hood, and is a good fit, making it the perfect hoodie for me. I mean, who can pass up a great fitting hoodie with Oregon Ducks as the theme? Perfection. 

I also received a gorgeous shirt that has a beautiful blue-eyed kitty on the front that looks like our Birman, Kit. Another score by my hubby. This shirt is what I'm wearing today (December 28) actually, to go to work in. 

Speaking of clothing, we went to Bi-Mart to look for some waterproof work boots for me to wear while I deliver items to customers. My feet always end up wet inside my tennis shoes by the time the first delivery is complete. It makes for a miserable day later when your feet are sloshing inside your shoes. 

We found a pair that is a lot like my old pair of waterproof boots that I had a few years ago. I loved them and these are just like them, but a different color. 

These boots tend to keep my feet drier, but also create a safe feeling on the ankle I dislocated a while back. Great traction on these too, ensuring a safer walk in the mud as I walk Togo. Good, solid boots all the way around. 

But Terry wasn't finished yet. He brought out another package that he wanted me to open, even though it was for both of us. I excitedly ripped at the tough plastic exterior of the gift, until I dug far enough into the wrapping to pull out another plastic-wrapped item. I tugged at the plastic hiding the gift inside until I tore a corner. That made the removal of the plastic so much easier. Inside was a gift that brought joy to my heart.

Moving Terry's heavy desk into the office on the day we bought it was accomplished by using our old bedspread. The bedspread was torn to shreds, literally, by using it for this task. My generous, loving husband took care of that for us today too in this gift:

The colors in this dragon bedspread and sham set were perfect. Purples against the black, with touches of white and yellow created a beautiful bedroom feel. Our names on the pillow shams added to the excitement in seeing the set. I love it!

In our honeymoon post of this blog, we had picked up a double dragon figurine that we have on our dresser. The figurine is two dragons that are facing each other, and reminded Terry and I of our togetherness as a couple. 

Our "honeymoon dragons" sit on top of our dresser in the bedroom and will now have company with our new bedspread. 

Speaking of dragons, Terry also found another dragon piece that adds to our home. I throw my keys on the kitchen table upon my return. It is not real wise, as we have two cats that love to get up there and throw things off the table. Terry thought of something to take care of that too. 

His special addition of our names is a beautiful thing. I still have to put this together by adding the hooks to hang our keys on, but it's a wonderful, thoughtful gift. When I complete the project, it will hang in our bedroom so the cats cannot get at the keys dangling from the key holder. Thank you again, sweet man. 

***

I got Terry a watch with a black metal wrist band. On the face of the watch is a dragon with his name written under it. It's a beautiful piece and just had to be purchased for him with his love for the mythical creatures. 

But I did not end it there. A while back, I purchased a pendant made of copper to create a necklace for Terry. He likes mermaids and dolphins, so the pendant was a blend of the two. As you may recall if you follow the blog, the dolphin is looking over the mermaid's shoulder and they are both focused on the mermaid's hand. Her hand hosts a pin to place a stone, crafting a fantasy of both sea creatures looking lovingly at the stone. Terry chose an opal for the stone. 

Now, one would think an opal would be simple to find. He wanted a real opal, not one of the machine or manmade items you can find for a dime a dozen. He wanted a fire opal, one that breathed life into the fantasy he imagined. I searched, and searched, and searched. Finally both of us had kind of given up on the piece. It sat in my desk for months, up until about a month ago, when I happened to come upon an opal seller. 

I was losing hope as I had tried to get a couple of opal dealers to drill holes into undrilled opal rounds, but they had them break. I figured it was time to search for another stone but maybe one that was intriguing enough to capture his interest. 

The new seller's website had all sorts of opals. Yes, fake, but plenty of them that were AAA grade and real. I looked through them. Sitting amongst the opals for sale was a single bead, a shiny, beautiful opal that I had to have. It felt right. I made the necklace and smiled at the finished product. If he didn't like the bead, I could replace it later, but until then, the deed was done. 

He opened the watch, put it on, told me he loved it, and sat back. I suggested he look under the watch pillow to see what might be under it. He pulled out the necklace and smiled. 

Looking over the pendant and seeing the new stone, he said, "You found it. I can't believe you found one." I love to see him happy. He could finally wear the pendant after it sat in my desk drawer over the past few months. Merry Christmas, babe. 

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We are leaving this post here. Hoping you all had a very Merry Christmas. We wish you all happiness, health, prosperity, and love through the upcoming year. Until New Year's Eve, hugs, hope, and happiness to everyone and thank you for reading the blog!