On the second day of December...

I took a little drive...to find the Target, Dollar Tree, Marshalls, and Karm Store!

I took the garbage out to the burn barrel and lost Chica in the woods.  She insists on going down into the weeds to take care of business...and then I find ticks on her.  GRRRR!

Caught up with some phone calls and emails.

Then headed over to Ashlynn and Alex's for a girls' night!  There were a few snowflakes mixed in with some raindrops on the drive over!

So pretty...

I made supper for us and Alisa brought Disco Chicken donuts.  We had a big salad that we topped with chicken and several fixings.  It tasted very good! 

So thankful to be able to get together and share life after their full work days!

These donuts are amazing and gluten free.  Sloan introduced us to them at the wedding.

Coco watched us and asked for more treats.

We all have matching pjs per Alisa's encouragement. 

Hot chocolate and conversation with Elf playing in the background.  We didn't last too long because these girls have 'sponsibilities tomorrow!  The perks of growing up...JOBS!

I hope they rest well tonight.  I pray they know they are loved.  I am thankful for these days that God has given us.
 

Learning TN living

I am enjoying being here with Ted and having supper ready for him when he gets home.  It is fun getting ideas to try...like pouring melted butter mixed with honey over hot cornbread to go with chili!  It was so very good!

A friend taught me about growing sprouts...and they love the window!

Saturday, we drove over to Morristown for Ted to go to the plant and check on things.  I found my way to Walmart and Aldi.

The drive around town is pretty.

The girls came over to visit.  Cocoa was not so sure she likes Velle and Chica.  She made me laugh how she was laying in the chair with her Momma.

Our Sunday morning drive to church was foggy and sunny!  We visited another church as we seek where God wants us to worship and serve.

We went to the plant again for Ted to make an appearance and check on things.  I got to do a little project for him.  We then took a trip down memory lane by going to Fazolis.  "I didn't get nervous today with little saucy, greasy hands trying to hug me."  We would go to Fazolis for Sunday dinner often when the kids were little.  They always wanted to sit by Daddy or hug him...while wearing his white shirt.

Different plant life around these parts...

and lots of ticks!  I am finding them every once in awhile on the dogs...even though I treated them.  I burn them in the sink with the lighter.  I shiver and itch at the thought and fearful of getting them on me again.

"Kari, you are going to have to learn to deal with it and find what works."  So I have found several different things to use in different ways.  Apple Cider Vinegar in the dog's water.  Essential oil to spray on their fur.  Tea tree oil shampoo for me.  Raking leaves away from where the dogs want to roam.  Just a new area to learn about and figure out.  Today...it is pouring rain again...and I am hoping it stops or really slows down before I have to maneuver down the driveway to go get my new state license.

More weekend fun

Soon to be "grand dog".  It is a good thing he likes Teddy!  November 15, 2025, is the day they will say, "I do!"

Snapshot from Teddy and Sloan's time at their church's weekend retreat for college and career.

Taking Dad to Black Rock for the "cook your meat on a stone" experience.  Black Rock did not do its best to impress this time.  Poor service and low expectations will lead to fewer visitors soon!

Sunday afternoon sunning...

Monday morning baking....it was so chilly in the house...I decided to bake to warm things up a little!  It smells like fall!  Geting to hang out with Mari and Brad too! "I could have walked over here!"  Dad, it is a mile...that's a little longer than I suggest, right now.  Plus, they need the four gallons of water due to the boil order...I cannot carry them that far!

 

A Saturday morning drive

I had to dig out six dead bushes.  I am now in the process of filling in the front with new perennial plants.

I headed over to Grand Haven on Saturday morning to meet up with Grandma Jello.  We shared the morning together.  I brought her a special china cup from Mom's collection for her apartment.

Mom's dearest friend was a blessing to my heart again.  So many years and memories together in Michigan.  Making plans to spend time again in June!

I then went over to SpringLake for the bridal shower for Paige (Alec's fiancée).  It was a chilly day, so the event was moved inside Paige's childhood home.  We had a lovely time with yummy pizza from the Village Baker.

It was so fun to meet Henry and catch up with the girls.  We are looking forward to seeing everyone again in June for the backyard wedding.

I was able to meet up with Sean while on duty.  We met at the police station!

We got to visit for about an hour before he was summoned.  I am so proud of his work and willingness to serve and protect his community.  Time with family...no matter where, when, or for how long is always something I will be grateful for and not take for granted!

 

Easter across the south 2025

Happy Easter to our family from Missouri...

spent with Aunt Pat and the pups.

Alisa was in Florida visiting with Grandma and Grampy.

Teddy was in Tennessee with Sloan.

Alex, Ashlynn, and Cocoa were in Tennessee with family.
 

2024 Christmas with our grown-up kids

A quiet day of rest after a big trip north from Florida.  Ashlynn and Cocoa brought over food for our Christmas supper.  We waited for all the hard workers to get off their shifts.

Teddy received a warm and slobbery welcome!

Time around the table was heart warming!  The food was yummy!  The laughter was hearty!

Time to share a few thoughts that made my eyes wet.

This year Christmas looked different than past years and we all embraced it knowing that God is in control and He is the One writing each of our stories.  There is peace, hope, and contentment in that promise!

Time together...whether long or short...is always sweet!  The fact that our grown-up kids want to gather with us and without us is truly a blessing!

Fun gifts...thoughtful gifts...practical gifts...

and Mom being Mom!  I will never not do this because it makes him smirk everytime.  It is my way to bring Grammy and Gram into our celebrations.  They always added practical, every day items to gift giving!

Alex was excited about this tool set to help on his job!  I learned there are specialty tools that the guys really need and appreciate.

Ted was able to crash and relax!  "I don't know why I am so tired!?"

I went to spend time with Ashlynn and Cocoa who also was crashing!  "Ok, girls, give me a job to do!"  I was able to do Teddy's laundry and help Ashlynn clean a little.  Another thing I learned from my mother every time she came over to our house.

Alisa got off work early!

Ashlynn and I made New Year's Eve supper.  She made the home fries and I made the burgers.

The guys hanging out...

The girls hanging out...

It was a nice time together, but we parted ways early...because everyone was tired!  The only one who saw the midnight hour was Teddy.  The dogs barked the New Year in with the celebratory fireworks and gun shots!