T'was the Week before Christmas

Back from the frame shop.

Trying to stay “not busy” during the month of December can be downright difficult. You can have all of your shopping done. I had all mine done when I decided today that I was going to get Mama something to wear even though she doesn’t need it. She has always loved new clothes, so I am going out this evening to find something. You can have all your presents wrapped. Yes, all of mine are wrapped … minus the one I plan to purchase this evening. Now, those presents are wrapped with pretty paper and all have a sticker label on them, but not one bow. I actually love wrapping presents and making them especially pretty for Lindsay and Katie who will notice, but this year hasn’t been normal and I am sort of feeling my age and stressed, so I figured wrapping was better as I bought the presents rather than one big long session when each of my days is subject to interruptions. I am doubting any bows are going to be added this year, but oh well. Maybe next year.

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On my last post I think there are lots of thoughts and we are all right on our thoughts. Some love it and like me enjoy the china, and there are those of you who don’t care for it and that is A OK too. My sister-in-law falls in that camp. 

*But, my 2 cents is ladies, we should use that stuff and enjoy it! Use it and don’t worry if it ends up at a thrift store. I read a blog post once where a lady found a full set of my Silver Pines pattern and was thrilled with her purchase of it. Check it out.

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Jeff and I went on a three day weekend trip to Auburn, Atlanta, Columbus, GA, and Calloway Gardens. If I am being truthful from the moment our good friends asked us to go I had strong reservations. Climbing stairs at a basketball game and walking the distances for the other activities sent me into panic mode for Jeff. But, he was determined we were going. When he said yes, he was having some really good weeks. I prayed and prayed and had to let it go. I prayed hat he would be able to do it and that if he was going to struggle that he would still be able to do this without complication. Days before our trip, I began to see a change in his gait again. Let’s say we made it through, but I don’t want to go to big cities anymore. Quieter activities will be best.  

I have one more thing planned going with friends. I bought tickets to see Sean of the South and Three on a String in Pensacola for the end of February. I will also not be so quick to go with friends in the future as well. I don’t want to friends to have to deal with us if he is having a bad time. We are blessed to have such good friends but I just don't want the unnecessary struggles. 

I have pictures that look like we are having the time of our life and while I did enjoy the festivities the truth is I was stressed to the max. 

Maybe at some point I can write about this new life I am in, but for now I just need to walk it a bit more.

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December has been a lovely month. It is usually one of my least favorite months because a typical December is cloudy all day with pea soup fog at night. It has been mostly sunny and warm. The fall season in north Florida has never been more beautiful. The leaves this year are super colorful.  I am enjoying my Christmas decorations this year. I haven’t gotten ready to take it all down which usually occurs about this time…well, not the tree. I always like the tree.

We will be doing our family Christmas on the 23rd to help the children visit the other side of their families. We will do a brunch out at Lindsay’s on Christmas Day. Gotta see what Santa brought,

Then I hope to sit all day Christmas Day and stitch or read. Wish me luck.

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One picture I wanted to share was my first year teaching school. For years I had heard they had built a big new school. While driving the back roads from Columbus to Calloway Gardens we happened upon it. Such a beautiful fall drive  BTW. I simply had to hop out and have a picture taken by the sign.

Which prompted a quick drive by the original school which is now a middle school. We drove around back to see the door that I used to go into. It was on the back of the school. Auto mechanics was to my left and I entered my home economics room right there...

We made it to an Auburn basketball game and to the Christmas lights at Calloway Gardens. In between all of this we have been attending flag football games and just one thing after another even though I have tried to keep it all low key.

I did enjoy it but it wasn't at all an easy weekend. Just truthful, but I am all good. Don't worry!!! I am blessed and looking forward to Christmas with my family.