Thankful for the sweet surprises

 

It is not a secret that I have struggled with soupy pecan pies.  I was determined to make Ted a treat on Friday.  What should I find in the utensil drawer from Teddy's collection?  A thermometer!  I made sure the pie came to temp before taking in out of the oven.  Success!  And I got to serve it on our new dishes that arrived Friday...not Wednesday...before Thanksgiving as advertised!

We went to the storage unit and grabbed a couple things...of which were the Christmas tree bags!  I set up the tree while Ted had a football game on...

and watched me pull random things out of the bag.  I think he was impressed.  I had pine branches to make the top of the tree come to a point.  I did not put the last section of the tree on...because Teddy told me I could not poke it up through the ceiling.  Ha.

The lights I ordered via Amazon were delivered during the set up process.  Alisa sent me home with the load of bubble garland I made for craft shows.  And we have a "homespun Christmas" for our first official Christmas in TN!

It adds a coziness to our living space.

This made me laugh...while I make Ted shake his head.

Alisa left her insta-pot with me so I could cook up the turkey bones.  

We got some good bone broth to use!

Saturday morning, I finished going through the big, red bags.  I found another tree!  I found garlands, poinsettias, four more smaller trees, a wreath, and some other odds and ends.  I was excited to spread Christmas cheer throughout our temporary dwelling place.  My haphazard way of putting things away last January provided some extras to make this first Christmas in TN festive.

I went over to Ashlynn and Alex's to do our laundry.  Memories of their special day last year filled my mind as I enjoyed quiet time as the washer hummed.

They were away for the weekend and got to enjoy some time together.  I love pictures from our young adults as they live life.

We woke up to a rainy and foggy Sunday.  Our drive to church was filled music and conversation.

A stop at the plant and then at the gas station.  Now Ted's car has a tire with a slow leak.  Thankful for a roof overhead and a chance to double-check that all is well.  A small yet very helpful tool!

The ever-changing look of the mountains fascinates me!

We rested for the afternoon and then Ted got a text with an invitation.  We drove back to Morristown to meet up with a co-worker of Ted's and his wife about 5:30.  We enjoyed getting to know them and taking advantage of making that personal touch that we were challenged with in the morning service.  God brings daily opportunities to us...what will we do with them?  

An errand to get my TN license

See the little face at the door?  The dogs always wonder where we are going and when we are getting home.

I left in the rain to head into town.  Thankful it had slowed down!  The drive is just pretty in ever-changing weather.

My first stop...the tire place to have them check and add air to the tire they fixed.  They were so kind, helpful, and thorough!  The fix was holding great.  I have never been more aware of the need for all things to be working correctly on a vehicle than I am now.  We do alot more driving on narrow and winding around here.  Thankful for the straight roads as I near Morristown.

A successful appointment to get my TN drivers license!  They were fast and efficient!  And there was a DD just down the road as I did a little exploring.

Crashing

 

A plant tour...five stories up!

We started at the bottom where the magic happens...

and went up one floor..

two floors...

three and four floors...

five floors...to see the process...and then back down.  

This line makes contractor bags...starts as little plastic pellets...and ends up in a big roll ready to be slit and folded and packed.

I am watching and learning as Ted manages all the things 24/7.  It is neat to watch him interact with the workers as he builds relationships and improves processes.  God has gifted him in many ways and he is well aware of the accountability that comes with that responsibility.
 

Another TN Thanksgiving 2025

But this year...but the table we share has a temporary/permanent address now in TN!  The morning brought quiet contemplation of God's provision and working through all the details of our life.

Alisa came after work and spent the night and will share this first official holiday in "our new for now home".  The turkey is in the oven and the coffee machine active.

Ted and I headed to the plant to deliver some Thanksgiving goodies and be present for the meal that was brought in for those that worked the shift today.

A sweet treat...

Cracker Barrel for the win!

I now have my own safety glasses and ear plugs.  I wore Ted's steel toed shoes and got a personal tour of the plant.  I thought the sign above my head was clever!

God has given us a new place to be a light...and we are letting our lights shine.  So thankful to be able do this with Ted.

Alisa finished up the sides for dinner while we were gone.  She did a great job between dog cuddles!

The turkey fell apart and was super tender!

Happy and hungry!

What did you serve your green beans and gravy in?  Still finding ways to make up for lack of kitchen utensils..."Mom, I asked if you needed me to bring anything!"  I know and couldn't think of anything off the top of my head...plus...you don't want to haul more stuff from your home!  This worked just fine!

The dishes I had ordered to be delivered on Wednesday were delayed...till Friday delivery!  Oh well!

Every taste of Thanksgiving was delicious!

The dogs begged for their bite of turkey too!

Naps and football!

Waiting for company...Teddy and Sloan came for the evening!

So fun to share time with our chair-fillers!  Ashlynn and Alex were with his family for a time in the mountains. We are grateful for the opportunity to be close enough to stop in for visits anytime now.

The Lord has provided a desire to be closer to the kids...and He provided the means...in His perfect time.