Another Update ...

Since the last update at the beginning of November ...

At the very beginning of November, we traveled to Oregon to see family.

We had a great visit with mom and one of hubby's brothers.

Being a more "open-minded" state,

we found a shop that made g-f donuts - and sampled all 4 of their flavors!

We even found a restaurant that was COMPLETELY g-f  

(as in, you could not even bring in "normal" food).

We enjoyed bbq meat and an awesome cornbread

and free cookies because it was our first visit.

Though we had a great time,

our hearts were also heavy,

because my family was also saying goodbye to our little nephew Timmy at the same time.

Many of you prayed for him specifically 2 years ago.

When we visited in November of 2016,

we thought that we met him and said goodbye in the same visit,

but God was gracious to give him another 2 years on earth 

to teach us so much more about love and compassion,

about judgment,

and about the ability to reach out to others.

It was of the Lord that we were also prompted to visit NY in June 

which allowed us to see him another time.

I finished teaching the 2-5 children's church in November.

It was good to be back in the classroom,

but I did determine that 2-3's are not really my age group.

I have a new respect for those teachers!

We spent a quiet Thanksgiving in NC.

We began with a walk/jog with 2 local friends.

And then had Turkey soup for lunch

and bagels, cream cheese, and smoked salmon (compliments of my brother-in-law in Alaska) for dinner.

December has been interesting in NC.

We have already had snow which is early for us.

It shut us down for 2-3 days.

But even in that, God gave us extra time to edit hubby's books

so that they could be completed by the New Year.

And now Christmas is upon us.

The tree is up

and plans are being made to celebrate with our church family here in NC.

Sunday afternoon we will be taking soup to share with a church family and then helping with the assisted living service.

Christmas Eve, we will spend with 2-3 other couples with a large dinner and games.

So excited to have a Happy Birthday party for Jesus on Christmas day with a couple and their 3 children.

Today, I need to make some trimmings for the potluck at work tomorrow.

Cranberry meatballs,

mini jalapeno cornbread muffins

and chocolate and mint crinkles.

Have a great day!