Seasons of life

In Tennessee, it is still full on summer as September begins!  But there are signs that the things in nature are getting ready to rest.  It has been a beautiful growing season in so many ways.
 

Tuesdays are for Bible study

We are going through the book of Ezekiel and as I listened, I noticed how intent we all were.  This is a book I have not studied...ever...and barely have any markings and no notes in the margins.  It was convicting to me how little time is given to these OT books.  I have been in church a long time.  Over these last nine months, I have realized how little preaching and teaching I have heard from the books we have been hearing taught in our church here.  I am thankful!  And it has been helpful in many ways!
 

A Big Project!

A wanted form of relaxation...

started becoming a reality...

day by day by day...

over the course of five days.

We have ordered parts from Amazon.  We went to Home Depot.

Ted put in lots of heavy lifting.

I was his little helper.

We both put in sweat equity!

Prepping the ground was the hardest part...

work after work...work on a day off...work all weekend...work on a day off...

Thinking and planning and tweaking and researching and planning....

Reading directions...watching videos to learn...trying and re-trying...

Alisa came on Friday night.

Ashlynn and Alex came on Saturday afternoon.

Dad called it a night and work ceased.

Alex and Ashlynn brought fireworks.

God gave us a beautiful evening after a week of hot, humid weather.

Sunday...we got the sides up and set...and started filling with water.  The water level was finally correct on Monday.  We set the filter and got everything running.  Ted and I got to enjoy the pool before rain moved in on Monday afternoon.

A want we had could be considered a need in this heat!  

The filter on the hoses helped keep the water clean and nice.  We will have to work with chemicals eventually...but right now...all is good.

It was a huge job!

We sweated ALOT and drank lots of water and Gatorade.  We were overwhelmed at times.

But...oh...it is so nice!  A big thank you to Ted and to our big kids!  Pool is open!
 

June 27

Momma made the best Swedish pancakes!  In the quiet of this morning, I am remembering all the wonderful things she taught me.  I am a blessed daughter!  Momma cared for us so well throughout her life.  I am so thankful for the memories I have of caring for her!  Today is the day...two years ago...that Momma breathed her last breath on earth and her first in Heaven.  I am so thankful for the hope of Heaven!  

We went downstairs to do laundry and craft.  The dogs fell asleep listening to me sing along with hymns on my Spotify list.  I put together 20 cards using parts and pieces I have collected over the years as I spent time crafting with Mom, Mari, and my dear friend Angie.

The weather is gearing up for a storm.  I am thankful for the sunshine and the rain!  Our garden is growing so nicely.  Yesterday, the pumpkin plants popped up.  With all the heat and humidity and more coming, we are catching up fast!

I worked the twine around the poles for the tomatoes and green beans.  A gal from the plant is coaching me on what to do and when and how.  Since I have lots of cardboard boxes...I am using that to help squash the weeds between rows.  There is a bale of straw in the shed...but I am not going to lie...I am afraid of what might be in or under it!

We are figuring it out and learning as we go!  I hooked up the wagon all by myself and get to drive the lawnmower to work on projects.

 

Time with new friends

Since we went to the vet and got her big girl's shots, Oakley can now go outside and in the grass.  She loves hopping around and exploring.  It also meant she could go with me to meet a new friend.  Pam invited me over to help her get some things ready for Bible study and a visit.  I packed a doggie bag for all the things...just in case!

Ellie welcomed Oakley and wanted to play, but Oakley was tired...and feeling shy?!  

She curled up in the doggie bag and slept there most of the time...even though she had her nice travel cage.

We made cupcakes and chocolates and mini cheeseballs. We visited.  Then we went for a walk to see the garden and the big garage.

Loved her bike!

I am thankful for people who have reached out and drawn us into the church family.  Pam has been welcoming and kind.  Added bonus...we like to do a lot of the same things.  She has had Morkies and Yorkies in the past...so that will be helpful if any questions come up.

Oakley and Ellie did play quite a bit after the initial nap.  Ellie was gentle with the baby.  They are fast friends...now to get Velle to make friends with Oakley!  She was very tired when we got home!

 

"What do you think? Are we making an emotional decision? Are you sure?"

 We talked about it a couple days.  We looked at options.  We tried not to think about it...but it was hard!  A manager at the plant told Ted he had one baby girl left from the litter born March 25, 2026.  He sent a picture, and we talked some more.  A LITTLE Morkie...black, brown, and white.  We decided we would take her on the morning of May 19!  She would be ready to go to her new home the week of May 24.  "Would your wife like to meet her?"  We had a plan for him to bring her to the plant on Thursday after I finished teaching the first ESL class.  A little while after Ted talked with him, he sent a text that said, "My daughter corrected me...she is 8 weeks on Wednesday and fully weaned now.  Would you like to take her home on Thursday morning?"  OH MY! I found the bells in my craft stuff for her collar and I went to Walmart to get TINY puppy items and ingredients for cookies for the first ESL classes.

As soon as the class was over, I was handed our new baby.  I cried and she cuddled up to me.

We sat and waited for Ted and the managers to finish their morning meeting.

She snuggled right in with me.

She whined on the way home.  I had to quick stop for puppy pads because I totally didn't even think of those till the breeder told me.

She puked on the ride and messed up her new bed.  Good thing I have baby wipes!

Velle was not sure about what we have done!

She rested after her big move!

And Velle got some one on one time!

How about some lunch?

Only if you put a blankie down 'cause I don't like this plastic floor.

On impulse, I picked up these little dishes...I am glad I did because the other ones are still at the other house in a box somewhere.

The pictures make her look bigger than she is.  Velle stayed up high watching over all the things!

Very playful...and I found socks as a softer alternative to the bones.  She likes to bite and chew.

"The floor is lava!  How can you stand there?"  She stayed on the carpet and blanket...afraid of the dark floor.

She loves her bed and finds comfort there for her naps.

Sooooo tired!

Is she staying here?

I'm tired...I will just lay here and eat.

Another nap...before bed!

It didn't hit me till before bed...wait...she is not going to sleep through the night, is she!?!  

And so begins the first chapter in our second life novel...the day a little Morkie...we will call Oakley moved into the house on the hill in Tennessee.