On the 22nd of December

sunshine and kitchen duties!

Making cinnamon rolls for my loves!  This time...it is a labor of love because it is harder without my big mixer!

 

On the 21st of December

Merry Christmas, Ted!  His new toy arrived so he can play with it on Christmas Day.  He just has to set it up.

We are enjoying the sun's presence here.  The dogs get me out multiple times a day to soak it in.
Ted and Sloan came and picked us up in their sleigh to go to Dolly Parton's Christmas Stampede.  We missed Ashlynn and Alex as they were out of town.

North (green) and South (red)...and the South won.

The ice skating feature...

Real animals in the presentation of the Nativity...

and the wonder and majesty of what Christmas is all about!  I love that they are strong in the reason for the season...and then the crowd erupts in thunderous applause.

Love time with our family...and I love watching them take it all in...

Pausing to decide if he is going to stand up and do the "Ho ho ho!" with Teddy...nope, not this time.

And then a little more fun with the other traditions of Christmas...

Everywhere...reminders of the beauty of the area...

Teddy is a great chauffeur!

We enjoyed our time.

God is good...and we are remembering to say, "Thank You, Lord, for the blessing of time with our family!"

 

On the 20th of December

We enjoy our coffee and late breakfast together on Saturdays!  Then Ted went one way and I went another.  We both are not feeling good, so we cheered each other out of the chair to get things done.  I went to finish laundry at Ash and Alex's house, thankful they had power back.  Ted hit the plant and Harbor Freight.  We met back and crashed.  Ted got to watch his team win.

 

On the 19th of December...

Well, that was fun!  We were drifting off to sleep when the wind and rain picked up.  Poor Chica lost her mind and tried to sit on Ted's pillow.  Thankful it was short lived and no damage!

I woke up feeling the effects of a cold coming on!  These days, Ted is sharing the germs with me.  So I am doing all the things to kick it, because tonight is date night to a Christmas concert!

 

On the 18th of December..

Was a stay at home day for me, as I was feeling off.  The dogs and I cuddled, and I used the rebounder.  It is a time of stillness for me and I am finding it to be comforting.  There are other times of struggle that I should be doing more.  I am having an opportunity to do what I have shared with others...be home to take care of my husband and home.  Since "taking care of the home" does not take up a lot of time, I do have time to be creative.  I started a crocheting project.

The quiet days have been a blessing and I look forward to Ted coming home each day.  Tonight was a late night for him as they continue to fight with machine problems and then a worker with a medical struggle.  

God continues to show Himself strong in the long days.  I pray Ted through his days, as so often that is the only way I can help!  And I know it is the best way!

Our Sunday School teacher in Michigan would always say that we are here to enlarge and enrich the Kingdom and our job is one avenue where we do that till God calls us Home.  I've been thinking about those thoughts and words that came from a man who lived out what he was teaching. I am thankful for the new parts of our life, but I do miss the blessings we had in Michigan.  I miss hearing him challenge us.  

As we "live in limbo", so it seems, and wait to move forward, I am focusing on all the things we have learned through the years.  God has brought us through some real struggles!  He gave grace for every step.  So many people have touched our lives, and we continue to have the opportunity to share the same kindness and love.  Our faith has grown through each struggle...each valley...for that is where we grow.   Living on the side of a mountain right now, I am reminded daily of the difference of the ground, plants, and setting.  In the valley on the other side of the road, I often hear the water flowing in the small river when it is quiet.  We get to enjoy the beauty all the time now! God brought us to a favorite area of ours...the Smoky Mountains!  He has allowed us to be closer to our children.  It still seems like a vacation spot to me...but it truly is home and I am thankful for what God is doing for us each day!  This morning, I am taking time to look back...because that is when I see all that He has done.
 

On the 17th of December...

 

taking time to be active in a new way!  Living on the side of a mountain does not leave room for walking safely...even up and down the driveway.  I am finding I need to do something active...and going shopping every day is NOT the answer!

On the 16th of December...

.                                  an offer was sent to us...and now we have a decision to make!  Asking God for wisdom and guidance in this next big step as I am feeling very unqualified to see this to the closing table.  I am so thankful for Ted's wisdom and insight.

 

On the 15th day of December...

I had to take Ted's computer to him.  I got to watch the sun come up and follow a school bus!  I made the delivery and found a Dunkin Donut coffee and took care of an errand.  

I explored the city a little bit and found the Hobby Lobby.

It is a cold but sunny day!  By the time I started to head back in the direction of home it was 26 degrees.

I found a place to get my nails fixed.  I enjoyed chatting with the gal next to me while we got "Christmas nails".

 

On the 14th day of December...

a beautiful drive to church and back!  Thankful for the encouragement of God's Word in song and worship.  He gave us what we needed through His Word today.  We both were feeling worn out mentally, physically, and emotionally this week.  As I was serving pie for dessert, I knocked one of the brand new plates on the floor and it broke into pieces and my spirit followed.  It is hard to sweep with tears flowing!  A cup of coffee and some rest helped reset the wounded spirit.  I was able to pull it together to make the dessert to take for the small group Christmas party we were invited to attend.

Ted got a nap in during the football game.  And then we were off on another adventure!  It is such a pretty drive...no matter where we go!

We found the home of the host family!  They have a structure outfitted for such gatherings and it was neat.  The attendance was amazing!  We have never done a white elephant gift exchange with over 50 people!  I lost all 3 blankets I went for!  Ted's idea was fought over at the end.  There was tons of food and lots of laughter.  We appreciated the kindness extended to us 

as we try to navigate all the change in life!  Truly memorable.

 

On the 13th day of December...

Our first family gathering to celebrate a birthday!

Saturday morning news and weather made me laugh.  The weather girl kept using the words "frigid" and "bitterly cold" to describe the forecast.  Granted...it is chilly...but to our MI constitutions this is mild weather!  I know it will change...but right now, this is funny to me!  And we are grateful to miss all the snow and below 0 windchills in Michigan these days.  The house is cozy and homey and ready for guests for supper!

Mississippi pot roast over mashed potatoes for the win!

Lots of laughter and conversation...

The kids thought this was a perfect fit!  "Welcome to TN!" 

Teddy told me it was too cold in the house!  

Sloan reacting to something...

Ashlynn reacting to something too...

Probably something Dad was saying.  And this makes me laugh...MI guy in short sleeves and TN couple in sweatshirts.

We were in our own little conversation...getting ready to play a new game and have dessert.

Dad and his kids!  Our hearts are full!

A type of cruel and unusual punishment...a game centered around color!  And Teddy held his own!

The laughter was long and loud!   The coffee drinks warm.  The dessert yummy.  And the hugs exactly what our hearts needed!  We are settled into a strong foundation of gratefulness for what God has done in the last few months.

Not every part is proving to be easy or go like we thought it would, but we know God is holding all the pieces and parts in His hands!  We know the job has some serious issues that need strong leadership.  We know the housing market has slowed down in MI.  We know God knows where we will end up settling and He is giving grace for this time of limbo we are living in and it is comfortable and warm.  And the promise of more family time makes my heart smile.