Waiting...for our travelers!

Grandma helped us get ready for our chair-fillers this week.  We had everything purchased, wrapped, and cleaned, so we were able to just relax and cuddle!  The quiet moments are nice between finishing some odds and end. 

The geese were out all over the city as I ran errands.  It reminded me of the story about the the Christmas geese.  The dogs had followed me around from room to room all day...knowing something was up!  I finally sat down, pleased that everything smelled and looked cozy to welcome our weary travelers.

They are here!!!  They made good time and the first thing Teddy did was to pull up the Bulls game.  We are so thankful for a safe trip for Teddy, Ashlynn, and Alex.  It was fun to meet Ashlynn's friend.

Catching up and enjoying the comforts of home in Michigan.

Love these times around the living room with everyone!

Dad sharing an interesting story of his opportunity to spend the day with a co-worker.  He shared a text earlier in the day.  "This is going to be a fun afternoon!  I was just asked 'what is the Bible belt?'  I get to talk about God and guns this afternoon!"  Then we got to share some Christmas treats and a couple minutes with this co-worker when they stopped by the house to pick up something.  We are praying for the seeds that are being planted as Ted answers questions.

Just wanting to remember the glimpses around our home...when our chair-fillers came home for Christmas this year!

 

Friday night in the D

We took Mom down to the D to see the lights!

It was pretty!  A nice evening to experience Detroit at Christmas...with lots of other people enjoying the sights and music and activities.

The market booths...

the smells...

the lights...

Hot cider to warm up our hands...

Hot cocoa for Mom...from a random man at the stand who wanted to buy our drinks "because it is Christmas!"  A kind gesture that brought strangers together!

The countdown clock for the NFL Draft coming to the big D in 125 days....

A beautiful night...no snow or ice!

Our first time to get a picture here...after living here for eleven years!  Wow...time has flown by quickly!

Walking back to the parking garage by the RenCen...headed home to warm up!

 

The first company Christmas party

We went downtown Wixom to Volare to meet up with Ted's co-workers for their company's Christmas dinner.  Date night in our hometown!

We had a nice time together.  I got to know more about the people I hear about each day.  The restaurant was busy,  The food was very good.  I forgot to take pictures of the the appetizers that the others ordered...octopus and scallops.  No, thank you!  Ted's plate...salmon and gnocchi.

My plate looks like a child ordered...but to be fair...it is an Italian place with wood-fire and was on the adult menu!  I ordered the Caesar salad which was huge and I only ate half.  We have enough for for another two meals.

The piece of chocolate cake that all of us cut from...and still brought a chunk home!

Came home to see what the girls did...and heard Grandma ask Alisa something we never thought we'd hear...What did you girls do tonight?  Oh wait...let me guess...you went to Culvers!?  Yep...we did!  And then we went to Target.  "Alisa, are you still high?"  What?!? 

"Grandma, I wasn't high!  I said I was nauseous because the smell was so strong.  There was a guy smoking pot in Target...pretty sure he had the lit joint in his pocket..."  Well...that sounds...a little off...but ok!  Glad you had fun! 

 

The first time to make lefse...all by myself!

Getting geared up to be productive today!  Coffee, cuddles, and Mrs. Oleson while doing a search for a true Norwegian lefse recipe.  Mixture ready...balls waiting...

using the tools I had...

I didn't fuss with cloth base and cloth covered rolling pin...

lots of flour...everywhere...and a brush...

some pieces were nice circles...others were rustic shapes...

I think it tastes right!?!  Add butter and sugar to a still warm piece....MMMMM!  Yep.

Or...a little piece with pickled herring!

 

Out and About and Home

Taking Grandma out and about to make a grocery run...so we stopped to see Alisa at work and get a shake/tea.

Learning all the things about the drinks that Alisa makes.

A Very Merry for Me!  Cuddles with my fur baby!

Running an errand...meant a coffee date with my love too!

A fire...and a yummy dinner!  Ted's smoked pork with mashed potatoes and fresh green beans.

An annual birthday treat...but this year...mini coconut cream pies.  Yummmm!

Catching up with my sister...lunch and pedicures!

It looked like a snowglobe outside all day on Monday!  Such a festive way to spend the day!

The temp dropped and the snow accumulated and stayed around till Wednesday.

Working on Christmas cards...a little late...but nevertheless...

thinking about all the people who touch our lives throughout the year and my heart is grateful!

Whew!  A completed job...and off to the mailbox!

Christmas baking!  I made Chex Mix and puppy chow.  Grandma made cut out cookies...now we have to frost them!

Alisa is trying to finish a Christmas crocheted gift...but had a problem...which we all giggled about...

she ended up giving up...and took it all apart.

Enjoying the peacefulness around our home at Christmas time!  We are ready for our TN chair-fillers to come to Michigan for a short visit!