The Unexpected

 What better way to end out the year than a blog post? December in a nutshell- a flurry of activity with a few curve balls thrown in. So many miles traveled. December is always a busy time, but this year more than ever. These are some highlights- 

We started off the month with a wedding- our daughter (to the right of the bride) and daughter-in-law (far left) were in the bridal party so there were 2 dresses to alter (which is always a little nerve-wrecking that one doesn't screw it up!) 

And I spent the week of the wedding baking cheesecakes for the reception. I was told the groom's aunt was making the other half of the cheesecakes, but what I didn't know is that she bakes commercially to sell. I was feeling good about mine until I walked in and saw hers- I almost wilted! I thought I made tall cheesecake with 4 blocks of cream cheese; she uses 5. I'm told she could practically make them in her sleep; it's not a hobby for me and I don't charge enough to make money on it. Oh well, I did my best. 

Arianna gave a killer maid-of-honor speech. Proud mom moment. 

Wish I had a recording of it because it was that good. 

The next week I was in charge of a ladies fellowship evening at our church; we opted to do a craft night. My SIL Ruth taught wreath making; I taught a frosted luminary craft. With soup & charcuterie on the menu. It was so much fun, even though I ached so bad [from working on concrete all evening] till I got home that I could hardly relax to fall asleep.

The school Christmas program was of extra interest this year with Arianna being a teacher. Her students were joyful and exuberant. Avery did excellent with her solo! Can this be the same timid kiddo that had a hard time going to school last year?!  

Somewhere in the midst of all the activity that week, we found out that we will be driving Richard's parents to Florida for the winter. Colton's Christmas program was on the 17th so we negotiated to leave early on the 18th. Richard & I were not on the same page initially about how long to stay in the sunny south; he was of the weeks' vacation mindset and I was more concerned about getting all the Christmas "stuff" done at home. Christmas airfare was the deciding factor; we stayed a week. Christmas preparations got turned over to Arianna & Ang. 

A snow day on Sunday, 14th, was such a gift! We had been so looking forward to a chill Thanksgiving Day which did not happen on account of a very scary medical episode with our grandson the night before. Nothing can prepare you for the sight of flashing lights from police cars and 2 ambulances in your son's driveway late at night, and a floppy, glassy-eyed toddler you love in a paramedic's arms... and following an ambulance to the hospital while shaking uncontrollably from the adrenaline rush that completely reversed the sleeping pill you took 30 minutes before you got the call "he's choking!" 

So getting 'snowed in' was a postponed chill day, an unexpected lovely surprise. 

I hardly moved off the recliner all day. 

I envy people who can fall asleep anywhere; I could not shut my brain off and fall asleep on the 17th. 3am on the 18th found Richard & I hitting the road with Richard's parents, heading for their winter home. They were the ones that wanted to drive straight through, but I'm not sure I would agree to do it again; it was a long day for all of us! Especially those of us who didn't get any sleep. 

We introduced them to Buc-ees in Georgia. They didn't seem overly impressed. That brisket is 😋 tho!   

At last! But it's still an "everlasting" drive from here...😔 We arrived in Pinecraft at 8pm.

There are always lots of maintenance issues to fix and cleaning to do in a house that sat empty for 8 months. This was our first time being the first ones there, helping with all of it. More work trip than vacation. 

Before I cleaned the invasive species out of the landscaping...

After...

Once the sisters arrived, the cleaning went into high gear. 

While we were down there, something exciting happened at home. We already knew about the matchmaking going on and were not exactly surprised. Ugh, it was tough being 880 miles away! Especially knowing that when we get home, they will both fly to FL (completely coincidental) and we'll miss out again. Richard has the advantage of knowing his folks; I do not. I grew up in a different state and social circles so I don't have the same Mennonite Game connections. I have yet to officially meet him, but we've heard nothing but good things. 

We had the most amazing weather while we were there! Balm for the soul. I'm so glad we stayed a week. I would've stayed longer if it hadn't been for Christmas obligations at home. We may or may not be planning a future family Christmas in Florida... 😍

We flew home on the 24th. Arianna picked us up from the airport, giving us a chance to catch up on the events of her life. The next day we hosted Christmas at our house. Easiest hosting ever -when you let everyone else do all the work. 😁

Wyatt is becoming the biggest copy-cat! LOL 

Sticky Hands was a fun new activity Josh introduced. 

The day after Christmas we made food and packed up for the trip east for Christmas with my family. Richard & I drove through some treacherous weather. Our kids opted to come together the next morning and had better driving conditions. My dad is not in the best health, so I really appreciate the effort they all made to be there. 

The next morning we took Arianna to the airport. It was supposed to be a race to see if she could get to FL before we could drive home. A maintenance issue with the plane had her stuck at the airport until we were home, and an [understandably] anxious young man on the other end waiting to pick her up. To our knowledge, there have not been any more unexpected glitches and photo evidence indicates she's having a well-deserved Christmas break from school teaching. The future's so bright I gotta wear shades! 😎

My calendar is so wide open in January that it's almost a culture shock. Shh, don't tell anyone though, I don't want to jinx it! I'm frequently asked if I have any big plans in the new year. Working on the school handbooks is at the top of the list, although I "have the itch" to catch up on scrapbooking instead. In answer to the persistent question about future travel plans, Israel is all we have on the calendar for 2026. 

I hope you have a blessed new year!