Settling in Tennessee

Ashlynn and I took off for TN on Friday, July 23, at about 7:30a.m.  We got gas and then hit I-75 and headed south.  We took turns leading and following.  We stopped outside of Cincinnati for potty, gas, and snacks...knowing that a slow down was inevitable!  We lost about 40 minutes due to continued construction on the bridge.

We made it to the duplex in Corryton about 4:30p.m. We were tired but decided to just get it all in and then crash.  Ashlynn's sweet landlord came to see if all was well and chat with us.  I am so thankful for new friends in Christ to help us through these days!  This truly is a lovely place for Ashlynn's first grown-up home.

Beautiful setting in the rolling countryside with horses and gorgeous views.

We got everything in and had to sit down and cool off!  Glad we brought our camping chairs!  

Her first package...the box from Xfinity so she can have internet!  She unpacked and read through things.

After hydrating and cool down, we needed to go get food!  Ashlynn was getting hangry.

Subway!  Healthy choice and feeling revived enough to get some needs at Dollar General, go pick up a piece of furniture, and grab a few grocery items.

Some cleaning items...because we tracked in stuff as we unloaded and needed showers!

We puttered around doing this and that...Friday evening and Saturday morning till we went to buy/pick up the table and chairs.

A big Walmart run...because we needed a fan and to make cookies for the guys who said they would help us with a couch pickup!

Putting things how she wants them...

Mom made lunch and made her stop for a little bit.  Ashlynn moves/unpacks just like her Mom!  Go till it is done or you drop...whichever comes first!

Two new friends from church..."I can't believe they would just come help someone they never met...and kind of last minute!"  And there is where the body of Christ demonstrates love for one another.  You should have seen the happy faces when Ashlynn passed them bags of cookies and a little money to help with gas.  They didn't have to...but they did...and we sure appreciated their happy and willing spirits!

Supper in the new place...Ashlynn's choice...frozen pizza!

Exhausted but so proud of all that Ashlynn is doing and I will keep moving till she says she is done.

Monday's supper...crack chicken in the crockpot while we took care of more errands!

Picked up a bookshelf off Facebook marketplace!  Drove up a mountain this time!  If you want to learn the area to which you have moved...shop on Facebook marketplace for good deals and you see many sites!

We got the car needs taken care of at Walmart.  We got an account set up at the credit union.  We got some groceries at Aldi.  Ashlynn is filling her car with gas on the way home...and we are done!!!

We ate some lunch and then crashed!  We have decided we have done enough!  Shopped enough!  Tomorrow...Ashlynn's first day of work!

Refreshed and revived after a nap and supper.  Our plan was for taco salad, but that turned into just nachos..."It is just easier!" We ate at the table...and I forgot to take a picture.  Mom cooked and cleaned up so Ash could focus on getting things ready for work.

Up early...but not terribly early...because she didn't have to leave until 8:30a.m.  So fun to watch her plan and take all this on.  I know it is scary.  I know it is a big deal.  I am glad to be able to be here to help and keep her company for as long as she needs.  I am thankful her Dad saw the importance of that.  I am thankful that I have a job that allows me to do that right now.  I am thankful for Alisa who is helping at home.  I am thankful Teddy is doing well after is eye procedure.  So many things to juggle...but so many helping hands!

Happy first day at Ross & Co!  Learn all you can!

Yep...I stood at the door and tears streamed down my face!  This has been a long time coming!  It has taken some big steps...and some stumbles...but God has led Ashlynn to Tennessee and I know He has her in His grip!
 

Snapshots of a summer 2021

Teddy is all set for his lassie procedure next week!

I have been writing down recipes for Ashlynn in spare moments.

When my loves don't eat the fruit fast enough...I bake so as not to lose it to the garbage! Plus it is a little treat...Teddy's favorite...and we haven't seen him much because of crazy hours for work.

When the humidity drops and cooler weather makes an appearance...I take time to bake!

Finally sit down to check emails and surf Facebook marketplace for the moving girl's furniture needs...and I get sat on.

MMmm!  It was still warm when I served up pie to Ted!

Our girls...spending time together in many various ways this week...before Ashlynn and I leave on Friday.  It is not going to be an easy parting for the sisters. 

 

It's raining today!

It is the good, soaking kind of rain that doesn't show signs of stopping all day!  Ted mowed yesterday and the lawn looks so lovely!  As I watch the rain fall and sip my coffee, I have music playing.  A song comes to mind..."mercy drops round me are falling..." and then the tears fall.  God keeps sending mercy drops our way as we continue to watch our children take steps that lead away from our home.  God sends showers of blessing...not expected...and we stand in gratefulness as we watch Him work on our behalf.

"I just keep trusting my Lord as I walk along...He gives a song!"

New steps are frightening because of all the human unknowns; but they are all known to God.

"His mercies are new every morning!"

God sends reminders to keep walking and keep trusting...and I am so grateful!

"I see the evidence of Your goodness all over my life.  I see Your promises in fulfillment all over my life.

Help me remember when I am weak...You are my strength!"

The rain is bringing life and refreshment to the earth...and at the same time reminding me that God is in control of all our steps...as we yield to His best.

 

Cinderella's helper is at it again!

Today's goal...wash the blinds in the kitchen!  Tomorrow...our bedroom blinds!  Yikes...the dust!  We were able to have windows open quite abit recently and the dust and pollen surely is not good for breathing.  "I am just helping my family's immune system...a little dirt doesn't hurt!"

 My friend and I were talking about being wives and moms.  It has been a busy couple months for the mom schedule.  We realized we needed to do something together to encourage each other.  We took time out to do something fun and be crafty!  It was a blessing to sit and talk about things of the Lord and make pretty cards.  I am thankful for people that God brings into our lives at certain times.  I put it into the perspective of discipleship that we have been challenged with in our church.  We all need encouragement and it looks different at different stages of life!  Bonus...a friend who had the same view "What?  We are supposed to wash walls?  Who does that?"  And then we laughed!

This summer's sleep schedule...

has been super wonky!  Both Ted and I are having issues!  Some nights the dogs have issues!  And it always, always, always catches up with us sooner or later!

**School is now just 54 days away!  However will I convince myself to get it together for that?!**
 

Time with my sis

Mari and I met up to have lunch and re-connect after each of our families went in opposite directions for our family vacations.  They went north and we went south...way south.  She asked to try this new market and bistro.  It was a fun place to explore!  We sat out in a big area with stained glass style windows...hence the yellow and green casts to our lovely selves.  We felt so healthy drinking their special purified water!

There was a Californian eclectic natural organic type vibe.  We tried one of the specials of the day and split it so we could have dessert!  Flatbread...with chicken, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and balsamic drizzle.  Yum!

And tiramisu for dessert!  Double yum!  A fun place for us to go and enjoy sister time before her next infusion and procedure.  Praying Mari through each day....and remembering to be thankful that God gives exactly what we need for each day!

 

Time with the girls

Alisa had a week off from her job for the July 4 holiday.  She enjoyed a variety of different things as well as sleeping in!  She and I went on a little shopping trip in search of a couple things for Ashlynn...who had to work or go through her things to pack.  We scored big in Hobby Lobby's clearance aisle!

Ashlynn has chosen a boho theme for her first place and we want to make it more homey/cozy for her as she makes this big change!  I am always so grateful for gift cards in my wallet from my loving school parents...this year...I shared it with my big girl!

We have had several Amazon packages delivered as we prepare!

We made a list of needs.  We have a list of wants...that is set aside.  We are practicing being frugal without being cheap!  I think Ashlynn is starting to understand our instruction in this.

Sorting...decluttering...pitching...saving...

"Oh look, Ashlynn!  Boxes that you can use to pack in!"

It was like Christmas in July...opening and checking in the ordered things...and repacking!

The days are flying by!  We continue to pray for good decisions and clear answers and God's continued provision in this next big step!  We are thankful for new friends that are helping in the journey.  We (Kari and Ashlynn) will plan to leave July 23 to go and get settled.  Ashlynn starts her new job on July 28!

Ashlynn and I went out to get some slacks for work.  She needs a variety of items in black, grey, or white.  She also needs to have a professional look!  We were successful and went to get something to eat...she wanted pancakes...but ended up with a chicken wrap.

How could we ever have a conversation without facial expressions!?!  I enjoy time with all three of my big kiddos...together...or apart...they always are entertaining!