The days between Christmas and the new year

Saying "Goodbye" to the girls as they headed back to TN...Ashlynn had to be back for work and Alisa went to visit for ten days.  The house got so quiet so fast...I knew it would be hard!

We got to see Bryn and deliver the throw that Alisa made for her and Peter.

Snow!  Not for Christmas...but a couple days after worked out just fine!

Date night with friends called for some dress up!  We had a wonderful evening!

Such a neat venue for a Christmas gathering...rustic hunting lodge decor with lots of animal mounts.

More snow...but just a dusting.

Supper with more friends who had not done fondue before!  It was fun to share the new experience. It was refreshing to talk about what the Lord is doing in our lives and families.

Pecan pie and coffee for dessert!

Tried a couple new recipes while Ted was home...trying to spoil him and eat most of our meals at home...which is now a treat for him!  First up...Bulldog brittle!  Toffee with pecans poured over graham crackers with chocolate on top. Yum!

An old favorite...white chocolate dipped pretzels. 

Steak bites in garlic butter!  Oh...wow...they were tender!

I switched out all the Christmas decorations to the snowman collection I have.  It is a must to keep up the tree and twinkle lights for the dark, cold days of winter!

Nights with my love!  We did not even try to stay up to see the new year arrive.  It is coming whether we welcome it or not!  The dogs were on high alert as the fireworks started about 9:30 and Teddy was still out and about.

Happy New Year, Mr. 8 point Buck!  Good morning!  The dogs were going crazy as he waited for his mate who was in the pine trees.  The snow we had all melted in the 40 degree weather...but more is coming!

We attended a wedding ceremony...and the snow was starting to fall.  So pretty!

We then picked up Teddy and went out to Black Rock for a little family New Year time.  It was a snowy drive!  These days are not as many and we are doing our best to savor the time together!

What could be better...my guys, a hunk of meat, and a stone so hot your face is flushed!?!

Sharing pictures with the girls...they were at a fancy place for dinner too!  How fun for them!  The guys were impressed that it wasn't their usual choice...like Applebees.

My stone...and I love to heat up my sides too!

In this new year, I will choose to delight in the small and big things in life!  This week has been full of reminders that we have all we need and so much more.  I want to delight in the blessings that God has given.  I want to focus on the fact that because I have JESUS...I have enough!  Everything else is over and above what I need.

Happy New Year...2022

Delight...in all things

And more snow to brighten up the landscape this morning!  I am thankful for a clear, sunny day as Ted travels south to TN tonight and then continues on back to GA tomorrow.

 

Merry Christmas 2021

Brad's jalapeño poppers...recipe shared by Sean and Becky!  MMMM...he did a good job!

Full dining-room...

Full plates...

Full hearts...

Tme to share Luke 2...Teddy and Caden did the reading this year.  Ted shared a special song for all of us to focus on...and tears flowed freely!  "You're Still God!"

Opening gifts and lots of talking and dog cuddles.

Rice cream and sweets for some...left-overs for others!

And then the quiet...Ted crashed...

and the rest of the evening turned into reflection...for me.  Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your Son and how He brings peace and joy in the every day moments of life!

The young people keep going and enjoying the day...making more memories.

With grateful hearts...Christmas was everything and more...as our home was filled with the people we love.  It was a big reminder of the gift of answered prayer this year...and I want to always remember!  God has done great things and He continues to be good...all the time!

 

We waited and waited!

And Ashlynn got home safely on Wednesday night!  The girls had a sleep-over to get caught up on life.  And the mothers joined for breakfast and coffee!

Love times like this!  I remember when we were young sitting around Gram's table with the aunties!

The puppies have to be part of the conversations too!

Ted made it home Thursday night...his plane landed at 9:30pm and the girls went with me to go pick him up!  It was fun just talking and counting the planes landing and taking off!  The DTW is a super busy place for the time of night it was!  I think things are back to normal with travel plans for many people! 

We haven't all been in the van together in like...forever!

So pretty!

We enjoyed an in-person candle-light service as a family.  We were invited by another family and it was a lovely and encouraging time...plus I got hugs from my little friends!

Our family tradition on Christmas Eve...appetizers and conversations and laughter!

Oh my...I am so glad that Ted is home!  I am soaking it all up as wife and mother!

Love the times we have with our kiddos...who really are not acting like kids anymore!  They are taking on more responsibilities and growing and soaring.  I get teary watching and listening to them!

Christmas conversations in the living room....that I don't want to forget...ever!

Serious...and silly...and back to sober...

Giving from the heart...

Our first ever...matching pajamas!  Everyone was a good sport!

Teddy putting together my gift...a new vacuum!  "Son, do you need the directions?"  Uh, no, they are useless. "Wow! ok!"

It works, Mom!

"Maybe the directions would show you where the attachment goes!"  Uh...I looked at the pictures and it is not even listed anywhere!  See, useless!

It truly is a Merry Christmas when everyone is gathered together.  We had no expectations beyond hoping that everyone would make it home safely...and God took care of that for us...in His good time!  We re-connected as a family and shared the gift of God's work in our lives this year.  As we look forward, may we not forget all that God has done for us...for our good and His glory!