If I could tell the world just one thing
It would be that we’re all ok
And not to worry ’cause worry is wasteful
And useless in times like these
I won’t be made useless
Won’t be idle with despair
Will gather myself around my faith
For light does the darkness most fear

My hands are small, I know
But they’re not yours, they are my own

And I am never broken

We are never broken

In the end only kindness matters

We are God’s eyes
[We are] God’s hands

~Jewel

I was looking through some of my draft posts, that I’ve either never published, or didn’t finish. I saw this one, from August, when we visited Adam’s family in Kansas. These pictures make me smile, so I wanted to share them, even if they’re from a few months ago, now. We’re planning to go visit his family again, in January. The weather there is guaranteed to be cold as hell, and windy, that time of year. We won’t be able to do any outside activities, but I’m sure we’ll find plenty of fun things to do.

Jackie and I posted on our local social networking group, to invite anyone who didn’t have family to celebrate Thanksgiving with, to our house. Years ago, before I had Adam, I spent Thanksgiving in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Both my brother, and Mikayla’s father were there at the Naval base. Another local Virginia Beach family invited sailors who couldn’t go home, to their Thanksgiving dinner. That family was so incredibly welcoming and generous! I would love to be able to pay that forward, and do the same for people with no place to go. I told Jackie about how special that Thanksgiving was, to me, and how I’d love to do that here. Since I don’t use social media, Jackie made a post for me. So far, we have at least one young man who plans to be here. He’s only 20 years old. He’s stationed at the Army base, not far from us. He’s from Florida, but can’t go home to celebrate with his own family. We are going to have plenty of food, so I’m hoping that we can find a few more folks, like this guy, to invite to share our Thanksgiving meal with us. I can’t begin to solve the world’s problems. I do want to take the opportunities to do some good, when and where I can, though.

On another topic, there’s been a very public divorce happening, with someone known in the conservative commentator world. Adam is much more “conservative”, than I am. I consider myself to be more libertarian, politically. In my personal life, I definitely live conservatively, in general. All this to say, even my right leaning husband was disgusted with a home security video that was made public, last year, featuring this couple. The wife was very pregnant, and the husband appeared to be mistreating her. He wouldn’t allow her to leave. He raised his voice, and said some vaguely threatening things to her. It wasn’t outright “abusive”, but most everyone who’s seen it feels the husband was mistreating his wife, at least in that moment. Adam has never yelled at me. He’s never forced me to go, or stay, anywhere. He never threatens me, unless it’s with a spanking, which I’ve clearly consented to. All of the online commentators, suggesting it’s the wife’s fault for not being a “good Christian conservative wife” to her husband, drive me crazy! If you want a wife who treats you with honor and respect, you must also treat her the way God instructed. Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. ~Colossians 3:18-25 Marriage isn’t always easy. I don’t always feel like submitting to my husband. He doesn’t always feel like loving me. The Bible describes exactly what LOVE is,

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away

Does that definition of love seem like it’s always going to be easy? We’re human. We all fall short! I guess that’s why I get so annoyed with all of the finger pointing and assumptions I’ve been seeing lately. Everyone I’ve seen and heard suggesting that he wouldn’t have treated her that way, had she done all of her “wifely duties”, refuse to acknowledge the ways in which he was failing to meet the expectations of a husband. This isn’t about picking sides. It’s simply an observation I’ve made, about how utterly blind people can be to such obvious things, when they’re so busy defending an agenda. It isn’t necessarily an easy thing, considering the “other side”, but the absolute bias, we can all have, truly does create such division. Surely we can say something is wrong, when it’s clearly not right, without that meaning there is no possible wrongs happening on the “other side”? None of us are 100% right, always. Can’t we just acknowledge that truth?! Anyway, I’ll end this little observation now.

~Nate Smith

Although I’m very aware of the chaos going on all around us, I have to say, my own little world has been beautiful. I truly have nothing to complain about.

Last night, we all decided to watch some Christmas movies. We started with “The Grinch”. We all love the one with Jim Carrey, as the Grinch. Then, we put on “The Polar Express”. Those are both Adam’s favorites.

It was a great night, though!

We didn’t make it to church, today. Adam and I both have headaches, and still congested. We decided to stay home, one more Sunday. Everybody’s just lounging around. I’ve been sitting downstairs, while Gary guards the place from mice, for me. I’ve done some online Christmas shopping. We have a tradition I started years and years ago. On Christmas Eve, we open one gift. It’s always new pajamas. Everyone who’s here, gets some. My sister, her husband, and Pj will be staying with us. Justin and Jackie, too. So, I’ve already gotten the pajamas for Adam, our kids, my sister and her little family, Justin, Jackie, and myself. I also picked up some warm fuzzy socks, for all the girls. I even found a pair for Pj! It’s so much fun, to me, finding things for the people I love.

On Friday, I was texting with Adam. We were talking about something someone had said. I wrote to him, “Some people 🙄”. That lead to this exchange, between Adam and I.

I really haven’t done a thing worth a sore behind, in a good while. I’m actually pretty proud of that.

I think I’m going to make us some potato soup, for supper. Today seems like a perfect soup day. It’s sunny, but cool. Well, my watch says it’s 61 degrees out, but it sure feels cool! I cut our heat on, this morning. Our house was only 63 degrees, inside. I’ve been able to set it at 70 degrees, in the mornings, without any conflict from Adam. This summer, we agreed on a compromise. I agreed to turn our AC down to 65, at night. Adam agreed I could turn the heat up to 70, in the mornings. I usually turn it down to 68, a few hours after everybody’s up. Then, at night, I turn it down to 60. I’m grateful we have such an efficient system, at our house. We can have the house warmed up from 60 to 70, in like 10 minutes. We never have crazy high utility bills. Still, I think Adam and I both want to be reasonable, and avoid using more energy than necessary. We do have higher light bills, this time of year. Between it getting dark so early, and all our Christmas lights, it’s always more expensive. Adam doesn’t complain, though. I’ve been pleasantly surprised with his willingness to get into the Christmas spirit with me, this season!

I crafted a couple of new things, this weekend.

I’m also working on something, for Jackie. I need to go vacuum the floors, clean the bathrooms on the main floor, and do some laundry. I’ve enjoyed this very lazy Sunday morning, but I suppose it’s about time to get busy.

Tomorrow is Wyatt’s birthday. He had an all day wrestling tournament, today, so we set up his birthday present. I bought him new bedding, for his room. We also gave him a TV, for his bedroom. I think he’s going to be surprised, when he gets home. I can’t wait to show him! Jackie and Justin came over. She helped me clean his room up, and get everything set up. He took his curtains down, when the guys all hung our outside Christmas lights. We couldn’t find where the world he put his curtain rod? So, I couldn’t hang his curtains, yet. Otherwise, I think it looks great in his room.

I’ve got a honey ham and some baked potatoes in the oven, for supper. Jackie and I decided to go do a little shopping. We went out to a couple of stores. We saw the bell ringers out front of Walmart. The Christmas season is officially upon us! Now, we’re just hanging out, waiting for supper to be ready. We don’t really have any plans for where our night will go. As usual, we’ll wing it. As always, it’ll most certainly be a great time.

~Paul McCartney

I’m literally finding a little pause in my night to write here. It’s been a busy day with little ones. We made some reindeer, with their handprints for antlers.

Justin and Jackie came over. We all sat and talked and laughed. Jackie and I weren’t ready for the night to end, so she talked the boys into watching a movie.

I literally have nothing else to write…but I promised myself I’d write everyday. So, this is my day.

~Todd Herfindal

Last night, as I sat downstairs, enjoying my cocoa and movie playing on TV, something happened. I saw two mice run past, on the floor!

I placed some of the sticky traps, that our pest control place leaves for us, all around. Also, I’ve got a little friend down here with me, tonight. I’m hoping Gary will help to get them suckers out of here.

Wyatt had a construction competition, today. He got second place! He won a whole bunch of tools. He was so proud 😊

Adam is starting to feel much better. I’m so anxious for everyone to be feeling well, again. My voice is also slowly improving.

It was beautiful outside, today. 75 degrees and sunny. Looking into the forecast, however, it appears Thanksgiving day will be cold. The high is only 44 degrees.

I was looking back at photos, from this time last year, earlier. It’s incredible how much my babies have grown! They’ve changed so much. The changes just one year can bring, never cease to amaze me. It’s been a real good year, though. I find myself appreciating a whole lot, lately. I’m grateful for everything this past year has brought to me and my family.

~Dylan Scott

Poor baby Emma is feeling just miserable. All she wanted, today, was to be held. The other 2 littles are feeling much better. They’re back to their ornery selves. So, it was not the easiest thing trying to keep up with them, while giving the baby the snuggles she needed.

Adam is still feeling crappy, too. Not worse, but not better. I feel great! My voice is still hoarse as heck, but I don’t feel sick at all. Our kids are also all fine. We learned why Adam and Justin are feeling so poorly, while the rest of us recovered quickly. It’s Covid…. The kids and I have had Covid like 6 times. The guys had never gotten sick with it. It makes sense that’s why they’re struggling like they are.

I’m sitting downstairs, watching a Christmas movie. I’ve got my vanilla cappuccino, and I’m wearing one of my Christmas pajamas. It’s actually warm outside. I’ve got the windows open. Still, I’m enjoying the cozy feel.

After the little kiddos left, Jackie and I went and did some shopping. We haven’t been able to get out together as much, lately. She helped me set up some cute decorations, on my kitchen cabinet tops. We also added a few things out front of our house. We planned out who’s making what, for our Thanksgiving dinner. Jackie’s making an apple pie, and the mashed potatoes. I’m making my caramel apple cheesecake. I always make it, for Thanksgiving. I’ll have to share that recipe 🙂 I’ll also be cooking the rest of our sides. Adam will fry the turkey, and Justin will be smoking another turkey. We’re going to be eating turkey for weeks! It was a lot of fun hanging out with Jackie, today. I needed to get out with her, for awhile. I’m looking forward to the holidays, next week. We’ll all be able to spend lots of time together.

That was the extent of my Wednesday. Perfectly imperfect, and I’m really grateful for all the good.

~Dinosaur Pile-Up

This darned virus is knocking all of us down. My voice went from bad, to worse. All I could do was make quiet squeaky sounds, yesterday. That made it much more difficult to look after three little toddlers. They wanted to touch and explore all of the new Christmas decorations around the house. I found myself clapping to grab their attention, so that I could get down on their level and have my barely audible voice be heard. My squeaky “no no, don’t touch please” wasn’t quite as assertive, which also presented a challenge.

Last night, Adam began to feel crummy. He had chills, body aches, and was extra sleepy. I could tell he didn’t relish having to get up and go to work, this morning. Wyatt also woke up with a sore throat. I’m downstairs, with the little kiddos. They’re going back and forth between playing, and then climbing under blankies and watching cartoons.

We’ve mostly just been taking it easy. Everybody needs extra rest right now. I don’t normally let them watch TV for much of the day, but this is a good time for an exception to that rule.

That’s about all the “news” I have to report here. Not a whole lot of excitement at my house! Hopefully everyone will be back to good very soon.

Let it be Christmas everywhere
In the hearts of all people both near and afar
Christmas everywhere
Feel the love of the season wherever you are
On the small country roads lined with green mistletoe
Big city streets where a thousand lights glow

Let it be Christmas everywhere.

~Alan Jackson

We got most everything all set up! I do have one more Christmas tree to set up, downstairs. I’m planning to have the little kiddos help me with that. My big kids did a great job, yesterday! I had so much fun. This has been one of the best weekends. There is just nothing better than spending time with people I love, laughing, and enjoying one another. Everyone got into the holiday spirit, including Adam.

The kids are outside. They’ve got a football game going. T is still here. I’m just sitting downstairs, watching them play out the window. It truly doesn’t get much better than this. ❤️

Our good friend, Biscuit, is in jail. He’s been there since August. He’s not a bad guy, he just does dumb shit. He refused to get a driver’s license. He’s got several “quirks”, like that. He always says “I’m an outlaw, sweetheart”, when I ask him why he is the way he is. I won’t go into details, about why he’s incarcerated. He just did more of his “outlaw shit”, and got busted. I’ve written to him. We sure do miss him. He’s the kind of man who would never hurt a woman or a child. He doesn’t steal, lie, or cheat. He’s also the kind of man who wouldn’t hesitate to hurt anyone who hurt his friends or family.

We have a friend coming over, to spend the next couple of days hanging out with us. Mj’s best friend will also be here. I’m waiting on Jackie to wake up, so she can come help me get started decorating my house for Christmas. I’m excited to get that started.

Adam went into work, today. He should be home in a couple hours. The kids and I are just hanging out. They helped me pick up the house. I changed the sheets and made the bed, in our guest room, so our friend will be comfortable. I got a little cold, from the little ones I’m babysitting for. It wasn’t terrible. Just stuffed up, sore throat, and a cough that won’t stop. I’m feeling much better, but now I’m losing my voice. That almost always happens, as I’m recovering from a cold or flu. I took a long hot shower. I put some drops of my eucalyptus oil on the shower floor, to help open my airways. That always helps to make me feel better. I want to get silly, and have fun with friends, tonight. We’re going to grill chicken breasts, for supper. I’m planning to make scalloped potatoes, and a pasta salad, to go with. I’ve been eating much more than usual, now that I’ve had the tiny kiddos all day. I make them good breakfasts. Then, I eat some. I make a yummy lunch. I munch on that as well. We have snacks, which I generally partake in. Then, I make supper for everyone, and scarf that down. I’ve been consistently hovering around 96 pounds. As much as I’m eating, chasing after little ones has definitely got me burning extra calories!

Our kitten, Gary, is sure getting big! He loves to be near the kids. I have so many pictures of him laying where they’re playing.

My kids are doing fantastic. I’m proud of all the academic and athletic achievements they’ve been making. Adam’s been happy and “light”, lately. Work’s been going great, for him. We really have no serious troubles. My behind has remained unspanked, too. Of course, there’s plenty of silly, playful, gentle smacks. But, nothing serious in a good while. I’m sure I’ll have things to say, and pictures to post, tomorrow, after our evening spent with friends. For now, there isn’t a whole lot going on. I like it this way, though. It’s nice. I’m attempting to commit to writing something here daily. Some days, there isn’t much to report. Still, it’s helpful to be in the habit of expressing myself in words everyday. So, for today, this is the extent of my thoughts.

~Simple Plan

Today, I helped the little ones make a couple of Christmas themed crafts. It was a fairly relaxed kind of day. After they left, Jackie came by. We hung out awhile, and talked and laughed. I just made some pizzas for our supper, tonight.

Now, I’m sitting downstairs. I’ve got a corny Christmas movie on the TV. My dogs are snuggled next to me. It’s cozy and comfy.

Tomorrow, Mj’s best friend “T” is coming. We’re going to get out some of our Christmas decorations, and begin the season. I’m so excited! I told Adam about this plan, this evening. He said, “That’s fine”. For him, that’s the closest thing to excitement I could’ve gotten from him!

It’s a quiet, unbothered day. It’s a perfect kind of day.