Thursday, December 30, 2021

2021 in Summary



As I looked over the past year on my blog I realized that quite a bit happened in 2021. 

It began with me reclaiming my life from the Pandemic. Luckily, living in Texas, life returned pretty close to normal with the exception of Chuck having to wear a mask at work, and me having to wear a mask to doctor’s appointments. 

I returned to my in-person WW meetings, but was sad to find that most members never returned. Luckily, my friend Carol and I were able to continue our after meeting lunches. It felt good to be around people again. 

We began building our house at the beginning of the year with the foundation going in at the end of 2020. Each Saturday Chuck and I would drive to DeLeon to check on the week’s progress. We were excited to write scripture verses on the framing before the sheet rock went up.

From start to finish, not including the construction loan process, it took nine months to build the house. And just like expecting a baby nine months can go by pretty slowly. 

In the month of March I had an unexpected set back with a sprained ankle that happened while unloading groceries out of the car. It took a good two months to get back to normal, but I still had to baby it to some degree for several more months. 

You never realize how quickly things can go awry, and how much you depend on being able to get around independently. 

In the spring I continued to travel to Comanche to homeschool the older grandson, and to make it possible for Brittany to return to work two days a week. I also picked up her groceries on the way into town which also helped lighten her load. 

I never realized how much I would enjoy watching the boys. We became much closer, and both the boys and I looked forward to seeing each other each week. 

We found out that Brittany was expecting another boy, and attended a lovely shower hosted by her Comanche friends. Two days after we moved into our house the little guy was born, and he has been a blessing ever since. 

In June we put our Euless home on the market, and it sold within two days for well over the asking price. Praise God! Trying to coordinate the closing on two homes became a logistic challenge for me, and I found myself quite overwhelmed taking care of all the details.
 
Add into the mix acquiring an apartment, and shopping for furniture from IKEA soon after moving into the house it became a juggling match with balls falling willy nilly all over the place. 

It didn’t help matters much that I had gotten off my hormone replacement medication, and was literally running on empty. I was watching the boys two days, and running to Las Colinas mid week, trying to manage two households, and was failing miserably. 

Over time with Chuck’s help I was able to adjust my schedule, acquire a new doctor, and get my health back on track. What seemed to be a daily struggle has transitioned into a much better situation, and I’m loving watching the two younger grandsons each week. 

Chuck and I are attending a new church where we have met several new people. We both have attended separate Bible Studies, and have had dinner with three lovely new couples. 

Chuck was able to get a new riding lawn mower, tractor, and several power tools which has allowed him to take care of our property. Because of him the Rocking H is looking great!

It’s definitely been a year full of blessings with the birth of our new grandson, moving into our dream home just down the road from Brittany and Will, to even our beloved Tuffy fully recovering from being shot and missing for a week. (What kind of person shoots a cat?)

I’ve been able to meet my sisters, my YeeHaw friends, my friend Carole, and explore the surrounding community with Chuck. We even were able to meet Chuck’s aunt and uncle for lunch. 

2021 definitely had its challenges, but thanks to the grace of God we have all remained healthy, and are full of plans for the coming year. 

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

52 Week Book Challenge



 I fell in love with reading when I was eight years old and read The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes. I literally could not put the book down as I read it walking home from school that day. 

Over my lifetime I must have read at least a thousand books. 

Sadly, after getting my i pad twelve years ago I found myself less and less interested in books. 
It was only the obligation of my book club that kept me reading at least the one required book per month. 

What I had found was that my ability to concentrate had suffered greatly from constant internet use. I was able to bounce from subject to subject, and no longer seemed able to stay focused on just one thing at a time. 

My beloved fiction seemed a waste of time as I read about imaginary lives. I became a knowledge-heat seeking missile, and was drawn only to non- fiction. 

When given the chance to read or to spend time on my i pad, the tablet won out every time. 

I am challenging myself in this new year to read a book a week. I know I am perfectly capable of doing this, and have begun compiling a list of books to read. 

Many of them are coming from my own library, but I do intend to purchase a few I’ve had my eye on. Sadly, my local library is a little limited in the choice of books it offers, but I’m not opposed to getting a few titles from there as well. 

I’m actually getting excited about this challenge, and plan on keeping a log of the books I’ve read. Who knows this may become a yearly habit, and at the end of thirty years I will have read 1,560 additional books!

I may even post about each book I’m reading on the blog. Looking forward to 2022!

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Spider-Man





My middle grandson LOVES all things Spider-Man. 

After opening several Spider-Man related gifts at his house Christmas morning he longingly proclaimed he wished he had MORE Spider-Man gifts. 

His older and wiser brother reminded him that he hadn’t yet opened any presents from Mimi and Papa. 

Luckily, I had bought him several Spider-Man gifts. He loved his Spider-Man web thrower that he wore on his wrist, and looked forward to coloring in his new Spider-Man coloring book, but his favorite gift of all was his almost three-foot stuffed Spider-Man. 

He loved it so much that he struggled to open his other gifts one handed since he rarely put his new big buddy down. 

That night when it was time for bed he willingly gave up Cow, Llama, Biscuit the Longhorn, and his John Deere Beanie Baby for Spider-Man as his sleeping companion. 

He promised his Mom if she let him sleep with it he would remain in his bed all night. 

After receiving a text the next morning from Brittany it appears he was successful in doing so, hopefully giving his parents a good night’s sleep as well. 





Monday, December 27, 2021

Christmas 2021



Chuck and I woke up at the apartment after spending Christmas Eve with my family. 

We hit the road around 8:30 and arrived home two hours later. 

The Beahm’s arrived at our house loaded up with prime rib and presents, and the festivities began. 

The boys loved opening up their presents, and spent the majority of the day playing. 
The older grandson played checkers with his a Dad for the first time, and although he did not win, his thinking and use of strategy was quite impressive for a six year old. 

The middle grandson had received a Spider-Man Fit Bit, and was observed racing around the kitchen trying to get more steps. LOL!

The baby entertained us all with his overwhelming cuteness. 

Our meal was delicious, and although when everyone left Chuck and I were pretty exhausted we felt overwhelmed by the blessings the day had brought us. 

The best Christmas present of all is living in close proximity to our loved ones in our beautiful farmhouse. 













Friday, December 24, 2021

Christmas Eve




I’m excited this year to get to spend Christmas Eve with my brother and sisters. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!🎄

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Golden Books




Chuck and I were in Abilene today, and stopped by the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature.

Today was the last day for their exhibition featuring 80 years of Golden Books. These childhood favorites featured many different illustrators, some who went on to write and illustrate on their own. 

What I love about these illustrations and the books they grace is the innocence of childhood they represent. 

After leaving the gallery we headed to the gift shop, and Chuck gifted me ten Golden Books of my own.  

I’m glad we were able to make the exhibit before it was shipped off to Pennsylvania.

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Possibilities



                                  The possibilities are endless. ❤️