On the 31st day of December

Bags are packed for a trip to Sisa's house for the dogs and a trip north for the parents!  A quick trip to start the new year and grab a few more things to bring south.
 

On the 30th of December

I started a puzzle after crocheting most of the day.  My arms and neck needed a new position while I waited for Ted to get home from work.  I took down Christmasy decor and left up wintery things.  The house was cozy and welcoming when Ted got home.  Cooked apples sure made for a yummy smell too!

The last two days got very cool here, so staying cuddled up and warm with the dogs was not a burden.
 

On the 29th of December

I read this and am working to practice it as I see the expiration of our house listing draw nearer.  When we listed the house, being a newbie and not knowing exactly what to expect, I put the listing on till the end of the year.  I fully expected that God would sell the house quickly, as I had watched Him answer so many other prayers and details of this move to Tennessee.  I have been reminded over and over that His time table is not ours.  I will admit that I have struggled as I sit down here in TN and see an empty house up in MI.  In my human-ness, it does not make sense.  We have always been very careful with the stewardship of what God has given us.  We have always been conservative and frugal in our finances.  To me, it doesn't make sense that God would have this process linger on for the foreseeable future.  But God.  He is in control, I am not.  And He is working to grow my faith in my trust in His timing.  I know He is at work behind the scenes.  He sends little reminders by the showing of the house or calls asking if it is still available and questions.  And then the human-ness creeps in again...the listing expires on Dec. 31 and no one will see it as available anymore.  But God.  He has a plan...and He doesn't need my help figuring out all the details.  It is a lesson to be taught over and over...and this year will be no different!
 

On the 28th of December

We took a little drive to Alisa's for supper!

Her beautiful plant!

So cozy and smelled so good!  White chicken chili for supper...MMMM!

Another work call off?  Maybe.

Alisa has made her place cozy and inviting.  I found this sign and bought it for her to encourage her to keep spreading kindness and love to those around her...even on the hard days.

Alisa spoiled them with an egg for supper.  They were looking for treats..."but Sissy had none!"

Chatting...

Enjoying the time...and then home to watch a little of the football game before bed.

A special key chain made by Alisa!

The sought-after treat was the only thing on her mind when we got home!  She held it for a while, while Chica scarfed hers down as fast as she could.  The dogs are going to stay with Alisa for a couple days, so we will make sure treats go too!

Ted asked for something sweet.  So I introduced him to potato chips dipped in chocolate!

I dipped strawberries.  He dipped pretzels and potato chips.  "This could be addicting!"

Yes...and that is why it is a special treat for Christmas time.  We will have to go back to being good in the new year.
 

On the 27th day of December

We enjoyed the beautiful weather again!  Burned the rest of the couch and various other garbage then sat in the sun.  We are still enjoying the fact that at the end of December...it feels like early summer!  That is all supposed to change next week...but for now...we will soak it all in!

This weekend was for rest!

 

On the 26th day of December

Ted had to go back to work.  Alisa and I went out and about after a leisurely morning.  She found a couple things she wanted to get with bonus money for her apartment.  Her choices look so pretty!  She has worked hard and dealt with the discouraging politics that are in every work environment.  We encourage our kids to "put your head down and stay in your lane and work hard!"  God sees when nobody else does and His rewards are best.  His time is not dictated by our timeline.

Perseverance, dependability, diligence, kindness, attention, honesty...those are things that matter most, and in this day and age, these traits are greatly lacking in job settings.  "The people who know...know and see!  Don't give up!  Ask God for help and do your best!  That...is how you shine your light for Jesus every day!"  God has called us to be different...not weird or obnoxious...but different in how we conduct ourselves in daily life every day.  It isn't easy...but it is worth it for your peace of mind and heart.  And then...when the promotion comes...it is exciting and sweet!  We celebrate and thank God for His goodness in the hard work.  I am thankful that we get to sit on the sidelines, cheer on, watch, and sometimes coach, but always celebrate!

 

On the 25th of December

We had a quiet and restful morning!  Alisa joined us about noon.  We enjoyed sitting out on the deck in the sunshine and warm weather while dinner cooked.

And we did a little yard clean up too!  Our resident pyromaniac torched the old, broken couch.

We monitored it closely and were thankful for no breeze, so we could get that job done.  The neighbors were working moving a load of gravel.  Our job was much easier!  

Christmas 2025 in TN was a beautiful day!

Dinner was ready, so we doused it and will finish it another day!  And I didn't take any dinner pictures...oh well.  We three enjoyed ham and cheesy potatoes!

I did make a little batch of rice cream for Alisa and I.

Our day was so restful the dogs were exhausted!  We are thankful for the gift of rest during the last two months of change and work stress.  We are also thankful for the gift of time with our adult kids.

 

On the 24th of December

Walking around outisde as Ted set up his "new toy", I noticed the little things.  

The dogs scouted out the area and wondered what Ted was doing.  They soon found out and tucked tail and ran to the porch!

It got loud for a little while as Ted warmed up for the practice that will take place later today.  I took a shot too...right under the silver bolt!  Not bad!

After Ted shot, I asked him how long till he would have to replace the pole.  He looked at me like I was crazy...because from where we stood, I could see what he couldn't. "Wow!"

"That is a steel post.  They don't make them like they used to!"

We enjoyed a leisurely morning and then headed over to the kids.  It is a pretty drive...but very curvy!

"The pictures just don't do justice to the beauty of the area."

So homey and cozy!  Christmas at the Tackeberry's...

with Miller in his Christmas bandana.

Teddy made ribs that were delicious!

Such a neat experience to be the guest as the newlyweds hosted!  Love this stage of life we are in and the opportunity to be together!

Miller likes me.

The guys had fun shooting all sorts of guns!

We enjoyed girl time.

We were getting sleepy...then the guys came back in and we played games and snacked and laughed.  The afternoon faded into evening and the desire for rest overtook everyone!  These kids worked hard all week.  The girls had to work till noon and dealt with crabby people rushing around getting ready for Christmas.  We were thankful for a simple and calm gathering we had.  We have so much to be thankful for as a family.

 

On the 23rd of December...

I worked on our contribution to our Christmas Eve gathering at Teddy and Sloan's house.  Requested...cheeseball and deviled eggs.  The Mom in me added the shrimp and Chex Mix and hot chocolate fixings.

Ted got home from work and wasn't wanting a big supper...so we had simple cheese and chips with salsa.  We had a restful evening and watched Home Alone 2.  "It is so stupid it is painful." 

And Ted made it festive by wearing his elf shirt.  We are still tired after fighting head colds for the last week.