The HANDFUL

What a week...shingles off when we returned and because we got in late they were not noticed until two days later! We were a plus one though and we will have her til her folks come for Christmas!

It looks like we might be good but we will be keeping on eye on things!

And Merry Christmas eve...we are winding down for the evening after a lovely full day of houseguests popping in and out. It's the season. We have had a revolving door today and now we have settled in after our traditional pizza dinner, Christmas book reading and donning new PJs. The anticipation of opening that snowman tomorrow was off the charts!

So from our house to yours MERRY CHRISTMAS! We wish you happiness and good health this season.

The HANDFUL

No Littles this week allowed us to go up North. However, there was a slight delay...when one needs to set their water heater on the patio at 10:30 p.m. chances are it's not your best day. After a load of laundry, I hopped in the shower and that is when there was quite a puddle in our laundry. Stepped in by MiRV. Water was quickly shut off and the assessment was made that the water heater has failed...

A quick phone call the next morning confirmed the unit was still under warranty. Armed with instructions of getting a replacement it's off to the local home improvement store we go. Mission accomplished, new unit installed and working. MiRV got a shower and off North we went. Quite a bold move considering we just installed the new unit. But, thankfully, we had checkers checking in to make sure we weren't leaking. All was/is good PTL. I'm just really thankful it happened before we left. Because finding 40 gallons of water on the floor would not be fun in anyone's book!

In Northern news much visible progress was made as the bathtub was set in place and the toilet was brought in along with the vanity to check spacing/placement. WooHoo this is exciting progress since it is so visible! Got smaller quick with all the hardware though! And some of the workers are nearly unable to move their bodies today. It's all MiRV can do to get out of bed the next morning after helping with this remodel. The drive home will leave him stiff and aching for days.

The plan is to head home tomorrow or Sunday and it appears we will be a plus one. The Bee has already ask if she can come back with us to the Meadow. Of course we said yes! Hard to believe Christmas is just a mere week away. Looking forward to our Christmas Eve tradition of pizza this year. Made possible since as our crew is gathering on Christmas Day for our family celebration this season.

The HANDFUL

It's been quite a week. We took in a movie, the first since this whole Covid debacle started. We also participated in a cookie decorating party the same day...

Her masterpieces!

Enjoying Clifford the Big Red Dog with cousins.

We've had little girls again this week. MiRV got our lights on the house despite a gnarly sinus infection. I was able to get our little tree up and we made a quite productive City run yesterday. All in all a decent week even with sinus setbacks.

Such a sweet, sweet girl!

Operation hang lights...we got new LED C9s this year. The jury is still out if I like them or not...and a big THANK YOU goes out to MiRV for making this happen (even if he will be sore for days)!

Our little tree!

Bee's tree...we chatted on the phone and she was working on Christmas decor so when we hung up we said we would share pictures of our trees before bedtime. This is the one in her room in which she was in charge of the decor!

In other updates we are on the "losing our first tooth journey". She had complained about her lower tooth hurting while she was with us and this past Monday she bit into a Subway sandwich and it was VERY evident the tooth was in fact loose. It was a bit emotional for her. Sooooo there is a pending lost tooth in the somewhat near future for our Bee and we are anxiously awaiting the phone call proclaiming the deed is done.

UnFOURGETTABLY 4!

 Merry, Merry, Christmas from our house to yours!

It is such a joyous season and we are blessed to know we find comfort in celebrating the birth of our Savior in this chaotic world. We are happy to be living the life we have and know that we are nothing without the eternal security we hold in Jesus. This year has been challenging in unimaginable ways for so many, there has been loss, financial despair and so much sadness. And while the days have seemed gloomy we find joy in knowing this is not our forever home. Praying for the year ahead and knowing that truly our blessings are many even in bittersweet situations.

Cherish your moments, love deep and make memories...

The Grands with most of the Littles, one had already departed.

Stay safe, stay well...

This "selfie" our grand daughter took speaks for itself.

UnFOURGETTABLY 4!

After a quiet weekend we had a Tuesday guest this week, then I went North to visit the little guy on Wednesday. Thursday we made a City provisioning run and Friday we recovered! Actually, Friday I did all our in town errands, which included paying taxes. Personal property and real estate taxes are due by the 31st so I made the trek into the County Courthouse and up to the second floor to make payment. Writing that check was a BIG chunk of change. Perosnal property taxes on ROADA are severe!

While they look mighty fine, they are not!

Speaking of ROADA in the midst of our week she got new shoes. MiRV ordered them last week and they called so he made the trek to get them installed. Only they were NOT the ones we ordered so she is waiting for replacements to arrive and switch her current new shoes for the right new shoes. The originally ordered Continental shoes are evidently no longer available. However, they failed to notify us of that little tidbit of information and just installed another tire that was suitable. Well, suitable according to who? Not their own website. Tire size matters! And this one is not a good fit for ROADA. She has special needs and is a high maintenance type of girl so we had to figure out another solution. Having her speedometer off was not really acceptable to MiRV nor were the other "differences" that may or may not be within a margin of error that is acceptable even if a Continental person says it's okay. Their own website did not back up his inof!  So after A LOT of research on MiRVs part, several phone calls and moments of intense frustration we are hopeful that the new, new shoes that were ordered this time are available and will work for our girl. If you have some tire questions MiRV might be your guy. He had to become extremely tire proficient overnight because honestly you have to be your own advocate in everything nowadays or you might get screwed the wrong tires.

Quite looking forward to a quiet weekend. Then we will hopefully we welcoming the Northerns for a few days. Christmas with the family seems to be a go. Everyone is healthy and we are all excited to see each other and watch the Little ones . Looks like we will gather and enjoy a meal on Christmas Eve. We will do a small festive meal on Christmas Day and just enjoy the time together on both occasions.

Stay safe, stay well. 

Stay safe,s tay well.

UnFOURgettably 4 Friday!

Holidays are fast approaching! We received our first Christmas Card for the season. Two weeks away will be Christmas Eve, seriously. Not sure what that will look like this year. We were up North last year. Was hoping for a full family celebration this year on Christmas Day. Looks like that will be out, but a Christmas Eve gathering is still a potential if we can all stay healthy and the weather holds for travel. Otherwise we will probably go up North again.

Highlight of the week was a call from our girls. They are doing well and expecting snow today, so one of them is thrilled! She is such a Winter girl; she love, love, loves the snow. IF they get the four inches projected she will be in heaven. 

We attempted to see the Northern Lights late last night but didn't have success. Drove up North of town to get away from the lights in our little community. While it was a very beautiful night and the stars were brillant we did not see the Northern Lights. Someday I am hoping to catch them though! The stargazing was extra good and worh the trip along with staying up later than usual so it was still a win. Beautiful weather here the past two days. Though it is a bit dreary and rainy this morning.

Yesterday I spent the day with BP. We have been hanging out once a week for quite some time now. I think he likes it and I enjoy our time together. Have had a few rough moments but he's growing and seems to be enjoying things a bit more every week. He's definitely a mover, LOVES jumping, starting to sit up well, rolling over and in the beginning phases of napping in his bed along with playing just a bit independently. My how quickly they grow and change. Yesterday, we had BIG success on a bed nap! I was thrilled to be part of his journey. Sweet, sweet boy! 

Stay safe, stay well. 

UnFOURgettably 4 Friday!

DECEMBER! It's here. It is December, December 4th to be exact. Can you believe it? I'm certain I'm a bit ready for this year to be over but then again I am in disbelief we are already in the last month of the year. This has been a unique year for sure... so many awkward, odd, firsts have taken place and so much more. I, for one, am on the team of hoping 2021 is not a repeat.

Lots of little projects we would like to finish up but motivation seems to be lacking and dreary weather doesn't much help. Today did prove to be sunny which was a welcome change to the last several days that have not had much sunshine in them.

To brighten you day we have a new one set to arrive in June 2021. Our niece is expecting and will add another one to her brood. How exciting!

Stay safe, stay well!

Wild & Three Thursday!

Oh heavens so much. It is the day after the hoopla of the what I considered an over the top commercialized holiday. I am thankful that we personally have worked VERY hard to keep it in check over the years. It is hard. But when you just give it a hard look you should easily be able to see that less is more.

Not long after our daughter was born we started the three gift rule patterned after the number of gifts provided to baby Jesus. We did not "do" Santa Claus, yep, crazy I know. Don't judge us and we won't judge you. It's all about choices and we made the one to go without the Christmas clown eons ago. Our daughter now has chosen not to bring the jolly old man in on a large scale role in her daughters life. They make reference to "the farmer" and tackle discussions as they come without much fanfare. I like it. Whatever and however you celebrate the Christmas season is your choice but we do take the Jesus's Birthday approach with emphasis on the age old story of the Savior's birth in a manger when there was no room at the inn.

We started on Christmas Eve with our traditional pizza dinner along with a drive around town to look at Christmas lights. There were lots of "smiley's" which are snowmen in our world and the little one loved it. A new thing we did this year was decorate a gingerbread house and sugar cookies. It was lots of fun and everyone got in on the action. We will try to keep this up next year. We ended with playing several rounds of Farkle. This has become a nightly ritual; playing several rounds of Farkle after the little one is in bed.

Christmas Day started with cinnamon rolls and stockings! It was all good and filled with lots of laughter. My what a little one can do for your perspective. She is a hoot. Next was the opening of the "snowmen". Then a concentrated effort on a ham dinner with all the fixings and a pumpkin pie to boot.

 Her own SMILEY!

All ready and waiting. The snowmen are their gifts...three just like baby Jesus received. 

Throughout the day gifts from the rest of the family were opened in spurts. Taking time out to play with what was received helped not to get to wrapped up in the plentiful packages. We actually "reloaded" the tree. Christmas Eve was set with the Grands from LaLa's side and Christmas PJs to wear that night. Christmas morning was stockings, her Christmas from her parents and their snowmen from us. Christmas afternoon and evening were from her other Grands, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Whew, what a full, fun day we had. Tomorrow we head back to MO as impending weather moving in make it the best travel day.

Wild & Three Thursday!

Brrrrr....first snow day was Tuesday and we are still feeling the effects. Hmmm hope this isn't the way it's gonna be or I may have to be outta here! Guess it is nearly winter so shouldn't be complaining.

We are trying to tie up loose ends and finish last minute wrapping so we can make our way North to be with the Daughter for Christmas. So far, so good. Still trying to find a few stocking stuffers but otherwise done with that whole gift buying thing. Have a few cards to get in the mail and that's it. Not going overboard here. It's truly sad how much we are all guilty of overdoing. I really, REALLY try not to do that.

Happy travels if you are on the road, we hope to arrive a few days early and be all tucked in before the travel frenzy begins. Getting back right now looks like the bigger challenge as a strong storm will be moving in over the weekend after Christmas. We will adjust our return accordingly!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Wild & Three Thursday!

It's pretty much been sunrise, sunset, wash and repeat this past week as we continue to try and catch up with all that was left while we were gone. Several chores have been accomplished but there are several more on the list. We are still trying to finish what little Christmas shopping needs to be done as well as just procure some items while there are great sales going on. Honestly, it's pretty much Christmas time any given day of the week. We are a society of abundance and immediate possession. Unfortunately, we have fallen prey to this mindset on many occasions, too many really. Be mindful of the company you keep, I think it has plays a role. No longer do we wait for an event such as a birthday or Christmas for gift receiving or giving. We just get it now. Again, sadly, we are as guilty as anyone else. No excuses we just buy it. We have so much more then ever before and are still accumulating. I feel our clutter level has increased too much, I'm a bit out of sorts about that but yet I have contributed to the issue as well as anyone. Being in a real house again has made it harder. What to do, what to do? I plan to make a better, more concentrated effort to get back into the simpler, need based thought process lifestyle and not get even more sucked into the one of gotta have it now, overabundance and for show thinking. Something to ponder seriously and put more work into for sure. I enjoy the hunt for gently used and bargains and just need to make sure I'm not over buying.

Happy Holidays!

Wild & Three Thursday!

We are safely back at the Meadow. It's time for cleaning and catching up. It was a most wonderful trip. We did just over 5K miles. In fact, ROADA is gonna need new shoes! We were also thrilled to get to make a stop in OKC on our way in to see dear friends. It was so lovely to have a "catch up" dinner with those who are so near and dear to our hearts. AND maybe there might have been some new Sooner gear found :) I know for sure there was a new chocolate shop located that had handmade caramel that was sooooo delicious! Repeat visit needed FOR SURE!

December is shaping up to be quite busy as the holidays approach. We are planning to go North to be with the Daughter and family for Christmas. Bee has already called to see when we are coming. Give us a few days little girl, give us a few days! But until then there will be wrestling matches, band concerts, choir performance, candy making and snuggles with MGM. Along with gift wrapping and shopping.

Twotti Fruitti Tuesday Christmas Style

It's gonna be a great day!

Siding

It is very exciting to see some siding up. There will be work stopage for the next few days as we have the daughter and family here for Christmas but after our holidays we will be hitting it hard to get the siding DONE!

Twotti Fruitti Tuesday

If the weather holds we will see this crew next week. We couldn't be more excited! So we are praying for good travel weather for coming to and fro. 

Holiday Happiness

It was fast and furious and foggy but we made it. The SuperTrooper got off in the wee early morning hours so MiRV drove us on the first leg. I'm not sure anyone got any sleep. There might have been some dozing though. Once we reached I-29 the fog was better but still lingering. Long about Kansas City we changed drivers and finally pulled into the Grands about 9 a.m. Quick snack and then naps all around. Once we had a little rest it was then off to the Christmas Day celebration at Aunt Turtles.

I do believe Trigger had quite an exciting First Christmas with her Missouri cousins. She was very social and did pretty awesome all the way around! She took a great nap before presents were opened so she was all into ripping that paper. Though putting the paper in her mouth and playing with the boxes was way more fun than any gifts she got. Of course, that always seems to be the way it is with little ones this age. It was a quick turn and burn as we spent the day after visiting the farm Grands, having a quick Grill burger lunch then on to an evening with just the Littles and a pizza party before heading off to the North. So glad that we were all able to be home for Christmas we had not all been home together since 2007. Wow! We will take off later this week for a quick southern jaunt and unfortunately it doesn't seem like it will be warmer this time.

Lighting things up

No matter where we have lived we've always put up clear Christmas lights. Like since way back in the late 80s. This is real folks; like a family tradition. Well, that changed in 2012 when we moved out of our sticks a a bricks house into Sunny; no more lights :/ well with the exception of patio rope lights (not the same)! However, since we are wintering in MO we thought the Littles would enjoy lights, sooooo we busted out the old light sets and went to work.

MiRV in action

Now he wants to put some things in the yard...uh, no!

MiRV spent the better part of an afternoon getting them up and connected. This, of course, was after testing all the strands to see what was what since they'd been dormant for several years. We certainly had enough to do the roofline which always looks simply classic. Since Daughter had the clips we had to wait to put them up until those could be brought down on the TurkeyTrip. Not a problem since we are definitely AFTER Thanksgiving people when it come to Christmas lights. It was just that the weather was so mild and pleasant before Thanksgiving that we were gonna go ahead and get them up. No worries as the day we picked was pretty pleasant aside from a light breeze and maybe a sprinkle or too.

Merry Christmas

Christmas really is for children in my opinion and ours happens to be grown! She however, did send us gifts and we her as well.

Our Christmas is quieter this year as we are in Florida with part of MiRVs family. Low key and feeling blessed in spite of circumstances which we wish weren't what they are.

So Merry Christmas. We hope you know the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus...very simple, no fuss, a savior for all.

Wednesday Words - Pindar

Every gift which is given, even though it be small

is in reality great, if it is given with affection. 

~Pindar

Oh and Merry Christmas eve...

Wednesday Words - Bible

Merry Christmas...   

 

The Birth of Jesus as written in the book of Luke, chapter 2, from the Holy Bible.

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.

⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Merry, merry Christmas, officially!!!

Merry Christmas!

And we DO mean MERRY CHRISTMAS! That's just the kind of folks we are...not that there is anything wrong with Season's Greetings or Happy Holidays or any of that it's just we prefer Merry Christmas, thankyouverymuch!

Our official Merry Christmas note for the year...sorry, there was no mass mailing of cards this year, cause, well, you know, we are no longer at a mailing address. Therefore, we skipped using the USPS and went with an e-communication this blog post instead! Grab a hot cocoa, cup of joe and let's catch up!

 The UNofficial Retirement photo!

We are now officially R.E.T.I.R.E.D. Yep, that’s our BIG gigantic news for the year but keep reading as there is more BIG gigantic news...   However, after 26 years, 10 months and 3 days in the USAF it is our life nomore! Talk about change...this has been the story of our life but this year it's been HUGE! We are now happily living full time in our newtous RV and love it. We bought a 2002 Itasca Sunova just a year ago and have been to nine states and counting. We may just have to hit all the lower 48 states before we give this gig up!

In other BIG gigantic news our one and done graduated college in May and got married in July we are quickly became really foot loose and fancy free. And honestly, there was a point where we thought we would just both re-enter the work force and be somewhat normal Americans; then decided, nah, let’s live a little. We can always get jobs later! So that’s what we’ve been doing since the wedding living foot loose and fancy free! It's a pretty good way to go and so far we like the decision we made!

We have been all over the Midwest and decided to “winter” in central Florida this year . Then our plan is to trek up the East coast in the spring. We would like to hit the Boston/Cape Cod area, Maine and Niagara Falls for sure, the rest of the I-10 is wide open! Suggestions welcome! After that we will make our way down through the Midwest to visit the daughter before heading west! The thought is to make it out west for the winter. Then who knows what’s next! It sounds crazy we know and we are so excited to be able to make this journey at this point in our life, we are truly so very blessed and beside ourselves with excitement!

Speaking of blessings, we have had such tremendous blessings since we started this nomadic living! God has protected us, provided for us and given us much to be thankful for. We have been so blessed to be able to reconnect and spend time with so many from our past it’s been awesome. Don't think it's all been without hiccups because we have certainly had our days and doubts. But for the most part it's been just amazing. Not perfect mind you but awesomely amazing! 

 Living the dream...

Many blessings to you and yours as you enter another new year. Make it a great one and seize the moments you have! 

#MERRYCHRISTMAS