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Visions of Sugarplums

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The puppies were nestled all snug in their beds…..

I’m afraid that ‘Santa’ will be spoiling a little girl this Christmas. I know for a fact that he visited a local pet shop and went a little crazy. Santa knows that Scout loves nothing more that sniffing and opening presents, whether they are meant for her or for her mom and dad. Doesn’t matter. She loves presents. Her excitement level jumps off the charts.

As Don said, “I’m almost more excited to watch her open her presents than I am to open mine.” Spoken like a devoted father.

I have a few last-minute errands to run this morning. And some wrapping to do.

Having been off sugar for a month now, Don and I made the rather tough decision to forego our annual Christmas Coffee Cake. We love it. We’ll miss it. But we don’t want to start those cravings up again. It was close, though. I had the recipe out and was about to shop for the ingredients when we came to our senses. We’re losing weight and the cravings are gone, so we’re going to stick with our plan.

I woke up this morning with that feeling I had when I was a kid. Excited about Christmas, yes, but already sad that it’s almost over. Do you ever feel that way? I looked around at our simple, beautiful decorations and felt a wave of sadness come over me. Isn’t that silly? I feel the same way on my birthday. It’s finally here and it’s almost over. I must work on being present in the moment.

We’ve been dealing with some issues with my dad for the past day or so. And we’re realizing that he isn’t doing as well on his own as we had thought. He’s also getting more angry and argumentative and just plain mean with people other than his daughters. (We are battle scarred veterans of these wars.) But he’s in his right mind, so we really can’t make any changes without his permission. I’m already dreading the confrontations that I can guarantee you are coming. I know many of you have dealt with this sort of thing. Wish us luck.

scoutinaXmas

But back to happy things: I hope your Christmas Eve is wonderful and magical and peaceful. We’re watching  It’s a Wonderful Life this evening. George Bailey, Clarence, angels and wings….heaven.

Scoutie has visions of sugarplums dancing in her head. We love our girl.

I’ll be back with Christmas greetings tomorrow.

Happy Tuesday.

ClaudiaSignature140X93

Comments

  1. Good Morning Claudia, The pictures of Scout dreaming away are beautiful. He doesn’t have any worries! Merry Christmas and Happy New year. Doris

  2. I hope the new year brings an easier time for your dad. Wishing you, Don and Scout a Wonderful Christmas and a Very Happy, Healthy New Year. Hugs, Deb, the retired guy, Kane, Lily, Sierra, Annie & Audrey.

  3. Claudia,
    Be a kid for one day…Christmas. Look forward to the gifts, the sights and sounds, indulge in good food and just be present in the moment. You’ll be much happier even if it’s just for one day. The remaining 364 can be spent worrying, scacraficing and fretting about what’s to come.
    May you, Don and Miss Scout have a very merry Christmas,
    Vanessa

  4. Claudia, those pictures of Scout are precious! I would love to see her open her presents and yours. LOL

    Wishing you a Merry Christmas! We are going to open presents today because tomorrow promises to be a bit manic. But that is also part of the fun. I bet Cecelia could give Scout a run for her money in terms of present opening. She gets so excited she nearly hyperventilates, and I want to enjoy it while I can. She is becoming a young lady and changes daily.

    I will be thinking of you and your sister. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you in Florida. I will happily oblige.

    Love to you and Don and Scout…

    XO,

    Sheila

  5. Such beautiful, peaceful photos of Scout. When you describe her excitement about presents, it reminds me of a cat we had who loved Channukah. Whenever we would get ready to light the menorah, he would come running and sit on the couch to watch us, knowing that crinkly paper and ribbons would soon follow! Miss him.
    We also celebrate Christmas, and Sunday night TCM had on one of my favorites – “Shop Around the Corner.” I so love that movie. All the characters are wonderful, and the little details are so charming…even all the signs are in Hungarian.
    Merry Christmas to you, Don, and Scout.

    • That is in my top five favorite movies, Sylvia. We love it so much we own a copy!

      Merry Christmas to you and yours
      from
      Scout, Claudia & Don

  6. Merry Christmas to all of you, from Necochea, Argentina, at the End of the World (it´s a bit hot here. We are in summer).

  7. The pictures of your baby are precious. Merry Christmas to you and to Don.
    I feel the same way. It seems just when you are finished with everything and ready to sit back and enjoy it’s over. I really do not like New Years Eve. I am not ready to start the next year just yet.
    Yes, I have had those issues with our elderly parents and they continue. It is so hard.
    Toss that all aside for the day and just have a fun time/
    xo

  8. Merry Christmas Eve to you and Don, Claudia!! Love Scout’s Christmas spirit in anticipation for her gifts!! Our doggie does the same, even will scope his packages out from under the tree and start opening!! Merry Christmas to you and your family, Claudia!! Enjoy!! Francine

    • Our dog Winston used to smell the vinyl of his new toys and would sit facing our fireplace, eyes fixed on his stocking!

  9. Merry Christmas Claudia, Don and dear Scout! Wishing you a beautiful day tomorrow full of special moments and new memories.

    Our pups are excited about the gifts under the tree too and we’re also looking forward to when they get to open up their gifts and their stockings. Kids too but the pups are so funny! “It’s a Wonderful Life” is our traditional Christmas Eve movie and the perfect movie to ice cookies too.

    I’m always sad for these last few days before the big day. I’m sad the kindness of strangers wanes and the beautiful landscape that evokes childhood memories becomes burdensome and dark. I love this special season and wish it lasted longer. Cherishing all the moments that come our way and hold on to them until next year!

    All the best for 2014!!

  10. Dear Claudia, I have felt the Love of people around me,this Christmas Season,The people around me,have treated me with such kindness and generosity. The people in my neighborhood, and the people that I work with. I grew up like most kids just Loving the Holidays,and as my kids grew up I tried so hard to recreate those days for them. One day it dawned on me. I didn’t have to “Create Anything” Christmas is what it is! There in Lies the value. I never knew growing up we were POOR. Have a Wonderful Christmas Eve Claudia! -Judy A-

  12. Merry Christmas from ice covered Lansing! I came home for Christmas from Dallas just in time to move my parents to my nephew’s home. God has a sense of humor. From southern ice storm to northern ice storm. Their power lines are down (parents) but nephew got the last generator at the outfitters. Yeah nephew! You know you want to be here, Claudia :-)!

    LOL! Stay warm!

    Cassandra XO

    • Ice is covering a lot of the country right now, Cassandra! Stay warm and safe. We are strongly considering buying a generator this year. Merry Christmas!

  15. Those photos of Scout are just precious! You should leave them out so Santa can see them. I know Christmas is over so quickly, so thank goodness for the long build up! I found out the same thing about sugar. Stay off of it for a couple of weeks and then its easy! Will get back to that after Christmas. Right now I am eating it again and not liking it. And yes, I know the battle you are going through with your dad. Have a wonderful Christmas Eve. Two of my kids and two grandkids will be over tonight and we saw the oldest two boys on Saturday and yesterday. I refuse to make sure all the kids are here for The day. They are all grown with commitments elsewhere and want the day to be wonderful for all of them. Not rushing around in the car trying to get to everyone. Tim and I always have each other. Now all I need is a new dog! Merry Christmas Eve to you, Don and Scoutie.

    • Sounds like you are going to have a wonderful Christmas – sort of nice to spread out the family celebration over a couple of days, Tana. Merry Christmas!

  16. It is a magical time for sure! A time that is so full of expectation and excitement… Yet it is so fleeting.
    Is it any wonder that Christmas comes the same time of year as snow? They are the same and you’ve had both this holiday season … Like riding a way. :)
    I love that movie … Enjoy.
    Merry Christmas , Bedford Falls!
    -Pat

  17. What a beautiful shot of Scout! Bet she is dreaming of sugarplums! Sorry to hear about your Dad…I totally understand. I started watching White Christmas last night…but had to record it after the first hour…I was nodding off. I’ll finish today…and bake one batch of cookies…then it’s A Wonderful Life for me too! In case I don’t get a chance tomorrow…I’m wishing you, Don, and Scout, a very Merry Christmas! ;)

  18. Merry Christmas to you, Don & Scout! I’m going to attempt to make your coffee cake tomorrow morning; wish me luck!

    • Good luck, Lori. It tastes so good and is even better after you refrigerate it! Merry Christmas!

  20. Scout deserves a good spoiling from Santa! I remember hiding Christmas presents under the tree for our little cocker spaniel. One year, “Grandma” had wrapped some treats and put under the tree. I couldn’t find him for a long time and then heard paper wrapping behind the couch! He had sniffed out his present, pushed it behind the couch and had it half unwrapped when I found him! Of course, he gave me “the look” with his big eyes! I am so glad that you, Don and Scout are together this year for Christmas. Have a very, very Merry Christmas and an extra hug for Scout!

  21. Ah, I can understand your anticipatory sadness. I concluded a few years ago that my letdown after Christmas might have something to do with the light, not just loved ones leaving. Now I put up all our handmade snowflakes and white lights, and leave them up until the first day of spring. Our tree this year is a small weed alder we cut a few days ago, and I installed above our dining room table. It’s strung with white lights and birds and cones, so is more solstice-y than Christmas-y, and we’ll leave it up for a few weeks because it’s beautiful.
    Best of luck with elder care. It’s our demographic, I think. Our mother left us this year, but we still have Dad to love and care for.

  22. How cute that Scout loves getting presents! As you say, her own – and everyone else’s too. What does she end up liking better – the present or the wrapping? I’m guessing that like all kids, she has a major boatload of fun playing with the paper, ribbons and boxes. Your Christmas Eve sounds like it’ll be lovely and quiet. Enjoy “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I wonder if they knew they were making a forever classic at the time? Probably not. Merriest of Christmases!

  24. Merry Christmas to you and Don and Scout..Hope it’s the best ever…Good luck with your Dad…I had two sets of parents to “deal” with..I think they resent losing control ? Whatever it is, it ain’t easy…In any case..enjoy the Holidays and all the best in 2014..

    • I know my dad resents losing control. And he has never been an easy man to deal with. Ah, well.
      Merry Christmas, Missy!

  28. Love the picture of Scout sleeping. That needs to be framed. Merry Christmas to you and Don.

  29. Hey pretty lady, I just wanted to wish you and Don a very happy holiday. Our other chow mix, Ocean, is on her way out and close to being with her sister who passed last March. She’s almost 14 years old, it’s hard to think that it’s been that long and yet a blink of the eye. She has blown her left hind leg and there’s nothing we can do for her, due to her advanced age. We will probably be putting her out of her misery soon, but I have to let our youngest and hubby come to grips with it. I’m right there with ya about wanting the holidays to last a bit longer. I miss having youngsters at Christmas time and I hope someday I will be a grandparent, but the holiday always brings warmth and cheer to my heart. God Bless and keep you. Hugs,
    Meri

    • I’m sorry to hear bout Ocean, Meri. Scout has arthritis and she’s definitely slowing up. It isn’t easy to see our babies get older. Merry Christmas to you and yours, Meri!

  30. I’ve been feeling the same way about Christmas being almost over. But I’m excited because we are hosting my siblings and their families for our Christmas eve gathering tonight. My brother and his wife who don’t always come are going to be here and their daughter’s and one daughter’s partner. Our open to each other living/dining/kitchen area is going to be packed with 12 people but my brother is the best story teller so we’ll be laughing till our faces hurt. My 90 yrear old uncle passed yesterday morning so the day after Christmas we’re headed to Georgia for his funeral. It’s hard to be sad about someone leaving us who’s had so many years and leaves behind such a wonderful family. Hope you all enjoy your evening.

    • Have a wonderful day, Janie. I’m sorry about the loss of your uncle.
      Merry Christmas to you and yours!

  31. Merriest of days, Claudia, Don & Scout!! Went crazy w/ the cookies this year….. will have to eat them all before the 1st so we can be “good” and flush out our systems!! Saw a piece on Today this AM which said that back when It’s A Wonderful Life was released, some thought it had a Communist under-current to it ~ showing the banker as the bad guy. Unreal!! So sorry about your Dad, we have gone through that w/ both sets of our parents. It is so hard. So what will be your special treat in lieu of the Christmas coffee cake?? We have a vegan Christmas Eve meal today w/ the kids, and a ham tomorrow for us and hubs’ sister. Tale of 2 worlds. Hope your days are merry & bright!!

    • Hard to believe that people thought that. But then again, not so hard to believe given the tenor of our times now!
      We’re going to have sugar-free pumpkin pie for dessert,
      Merry Christmas to you and yours!

  32. Merry Christmas! Enjoy your holidays.
    I will pray for you and your Dad…I went thru that with my own Dad, and I know how upsetting it is. Just remember not to take it personally…they say things they really dont mean sometimes. Sorry you have to deal with it.
    Hope Scout likes all her gifts!

  33. What pretty pictures of Scout..she looks like she is having sweet dreams..Have a nice Christmas Eve together..We have had snow flurries here off and on most of the day..I guess that is better than no snow for Christmas..lol

    • We had some snow flurries this afternoon but they didn’t amount to anything.
      Merry Christmas, Nancy!

  36. What a wonderful time you will have in the morning! I know how it is to watch your ‘kids’ open gifts and get more joy from that then your own. This year Tiger is so excited about Christmas so it will be extra fun I know to watch him open gifts! Enjoy your evening and your Christmas day. I’m trying to relax tonight and wrap presents. Tomorrow will be an extra busy day I think!
    Merry Christmas!

  37. Merry Christmas! Just love the photos of Scoutie, and hearing how she loves opening presents, hers or anyone else’s. Reminds me of my sweet Annabelle, who I am missing very much this Christmas. But, I will focus on my Graham, who is dying to open some presents!

  39. Blessings on your house and family at this special time, Claudia. Scout looks so peaceful and contented. All three of you are so lucky to have one another!

  40. Merry Christmas to you, Don, and that sweet girl Scout. I am watching one of my favorite movies “The Bishop’s Wife” (Cary Grant’s my all-time favorite) and then “Christmas in Connecticut”. Nothing beats the old movies!

  42. Merry Christmas to you, Don and Scout. I pray that 2014 will be better for us all. I am well aware of the battle you must face with your father. Try and put that aside right now and just be in this present. Leo and Seraphina send their love and best hopes to Scout. Santa Paws rides tonight!!!!

  43. Merry Christmas to the three of you. Yes, we are confounded by evidence that my mother-in-law should not be living by herself any longer coupled with her ability to make perfect sense when questioned or evaluated. That’s except for the time recently that she threw a pad of paper and a pen at the doctor conducting an assessment of her memory and was referred to a psychiatrist, who she would not agree to see.

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