"Don't cry because it's over!"

Windows to floor...a favorite place for Chica to look out!

The girls had their own coffee shop vibe going on Monday morning...or should I say afternoon!

Teddy left to go on some emergency calls for heat.  The girls went out shopping.  Ted and I crashed!

And then it started to snow!

We all came together for a supper of chicken and fish!  Another thing I found out I forgot...the thermometer to help us regulate the oil temp.  Two things...I only forgot two things!

And then it was time to say "Goodbye" to Teddy and Ashlynn.  They loaded up the car to head home to get ready for work in the morning.

About two inches or so of snow made for an interesting drive home!  Slippery on those winding up and down rolling roads!

Chocolate cream pie for dessert...and then some time gathering things together for our trip home before bed.

Hearts are full and thankful!

And all good things eventually come to an end...time to go home.

Packing up and waiting...

till they discovered the snow!  They zoomed around the yard the rest of the loading process!

Contemplating the morning...the rest of the day...and the upcoming year.

A place we want to remember for another time!

Driving out of the neighborhood was interesting...snowy, slippery roads till we reached the main road.  Ted is a pro at handling our vehicles.

Gorgeous view as we headed north on I-75!  Light traffic and another easy trip home...and we are so thankful!

The snow in TN will be gone by the afternoon...the snow in MI may be gone by the end of the week?!?

Lunchtime stop for BBQ brisket sandwich and sweet iced tea!

Cincinnati!

We will continue to use the Dramamine trick for Chica!  However...the dosage may go up...it took her half the trip to just give up and lay down!

We arrived home at 6:00pm.  It is wonderful to go away...but it is always a blessing to come home!
 

A Smoky Mountain Christmas Part 3

Christmas morning was cold and sunny!  Teddy drove us to church.

Sunday in the south called for a picture of the mountains on our way to church!  Our beautiful girls!

The lights were so pretty!  The music made me cry.  The challenge touched our hearts.  The realization that our children choose to go to church without anyone telling them to...but because they know they need people speaking truth into their life...priceless.  Loved watching Teddy interact with his friends

The emotional dam broke in me as the service ended with the song "Make Room in Your Heart".  Life gets so filled up with things and busyness and changes and schedules.  If we don't make room for Him...He cannot write His story on our hearts.  We need Him...His direction, His wisdom, and His guidance!

Just love him...we are not perfect.  We feel like we know less now than ever...but we are trusting God and holding onto each other.

Dad sharing his desire and prayer for this year for our family...in our home or out!  We all shared something this year has taught us...and we are thankful for those gifts.

Thoughtful gifts for all!

He's excited to wear this one!  Ashlynn finds the best t-shirts for her Dad!

Monkey bread...made in a springform pan because I forgot the bundt pan

Christmas dinner this year...steaks on the grill!  I made roasted garlic butter to add when they came off the grill.

It was a cold day in TN...but these Michigan people soaked up the sun anyway!

Teddy brought his remote control car!  It was a great backyard for running it!

And Velle and Chica ran and chased the car.

My gift from Ashlynn...warm slippers!  Perfect!

Merry Christmas!  What a yummy idea our guys had for dinner!

Food coma...more resting and talking and napping and music.