Ice and more Ice..

 The view out my window today is so pure looking...so white....and so pretty.  

We still have ICE on the trees and ice on the ground. The world in my area is frozen in place today.  This white ice is shiny and very slick and I think it looks very peaceful, yet I know it is quietly daring anyone to take a step onto it.  NOT ME!!

Schools are closed as Mother Nature has officially taken over the schedule for today and most likely for tomorrow.    

I somehow knew that MJ would be out exploring the ice.  

I have to laugh a bit....because in our area this ice storm is a little amusing.  We prepare like pioneers, checking the power, watching the roads, peeking out the window every thirty minutes as if the ice might just suddenly apologize and leave.  And then there is the power of HOT CHOCOLATE!!  Oh goodness, it taste so much better when you are wrapped up in a blanket with your PJ's on, watching the sleet as it falls.  This kind of cold gives cocoa a brand new purpose.  

My inspiration for the day could be compared to a cup of this deep  goodness we call Hot Chocolate.  Life has icy seasons too...days that feel hard, very slippery and very inconvenient.  But....those are often moments that teach us to stop...to savor warmth...to notice what truly soothes our soul.  The very word of GOD meets us in these icy seasons of life and scripture becomes warmth to our hands.  

I rarely rush through a cup of hot cocoa...I sip it and savor the warmth as it melts the chill in my body.  This is the way God invites us to feel as we read His word.  Comfort and Peace is there and it can warm our hearts right where we are. I am super thankful for this kind of warmth that carries me through.  

I know many of you deal with this kind of weather for months at a time.  I sure admire you all for the strengths you have and for your perseverance as you go through the cold winters.  

I do know one thing...this cold sure makes me want to eat.  Trista and I made a pot of Potato soup last evening and served it with garlic cheese toast.  AND, we also made a double batch of chocolate chip, pecan cookies.  Seems like all we have done is cook and eat.  lol.  

This is the last Monday of the month.

Can you believe it??  Y'all have an awesome day..

Shug...💙

Texas Winter 2026

This morning at the lake on the farm. 

Well....it is a very icy morning here in East Texas.  I would say that the morning arrived wearing ice in style.  

The second wave of moisture slipped in late last night.  It was very quiet like a thief preying upon the countryside.  lol.  Roads are slick and for sure all of our steps are demanding a little respect.  As you can see in the above picture, my pool has officially decided to downsize for the season.  The ice has nudged its edges inward across the pool cover. 

Still, there is good news worth celebrating.  We have kept our power!!  The pool pump in humming along and faithfully doing its job, keeping the water moving.  

What strikes me this morning isn't just the ice...it's the reminder that movement matters.  (Like the movement of the pool water).  when things get cold, stiff, or a little overwhelming, staying in motion can make all the difference.  We just need to keep circulating...keep showing up...keep breathing...keep trusting that what's flowing won't freeze.  I keep telling my body to keep moving...😅

We even have a few tiny icicles hanging around.  Kind of reminds me of winter's jewelry.  Pretty from a distance, but best admired without touching.  I know that these are very tiny...but they still count as icicles.

I can tell you that today, I am very grateful for electricity and working pumps.  I'm also grateful for lessons that come disguised as icy mornings.  Winter may have it's way of shrinking a few things, but it doesn't get to stop what is meant to keep going.  I consider this a big WIN!!

My prayers go out to all of you and the ones across the country who are still facing the arrival of this Winter Blast.  Stay safe my friends...Make wise decisions when it comes to the Winter freeze, and Keep warm.  

Hugs to all.

Shug...☃

Simple As It Gets

 This winter morning is about as simple as it gets.  The sky is gray and heavy right now...it does have a layer of sleet falling and it is gently tapping against our bedroom window. 

One thing that I do love is that there is NO rush to be anywhere.  Along with the soft tap of the sleet, I can hear a gentle humming coming from our fireplace. 

Our oldest daughter (Trista) came over to stay with us for the weekend.  She lives further out in the country and her husband is on a job out of town, so rather than to be home alone through this winter mix, she thought it best to come stay here.  YAY!!  I'm so glad she did.  

This area is cold and unsettled outside, but oh how I'm enjoying the warmth from inside our cozy home.  I have Chili in the freezer, a crockpot full of Beef Stew, meatloaf in the refrigerator and my pantry is completely stocked.  And for sure...I have milk and bread!!  LOL. 

When the path ahead feels uncertain, God invites us to trust His timing rather than rush His plan. A little sleet doesn't cancel the promise of spring.  The cold sleet... and possibly snow, simply prepares the ground for a beautiful spring.  

As the sleet continues to fall, I want to keep in mind that God covers every season of my life.  Nothing reaches us without first passing through His hands.  Even on simple, gray mornings, His presence brings a warmth that weather cannot touch.  

Y'all....I'm still very excited about the cold temps and the wish for some white fluff.  

I'm asking for Blessings to fall upon each of you.  

Shug... ⛄

Senior Night

 

Yesterday was one of those days that felt full from the moment it began.  I spent part of the day at the hospital, sitting with my sister-in-law, nephew and niece while my brother had surgery.  Thankfully, everything went well, and he'll be in the hospital for a couple more days to recover. (Thank you all for your prayers)

From there, it was straight into errand mode.  The evening had a surprise twist when Mylee's senior night basketball game was moved up to yesterday afternoon because of the freezing weather headed our way.  This game was not suppose to happen until today.  The change meant flowers to pick up, cookies to grab, stopping to get photos that had just been printed, and somehow making it all happen on schedule. 

 

I checked off every box, headed home to get Sam, then turned right back around to head to the gym (which is about 30 min away)  I needed to help Shan get everything set up. 

The game itself was a lot of fun and was full of lots of energy.  And, we got the big win by 24 points.  Mylee is only 31 points away from hitting a 1000 points for her HS playing career.  

There has been a lot of dedication and effort coming from this team and we were all (family and fans) cheering for them at this celebration. 

By the end of the day, I was tired in the best way....It's always great when you can show up, celebrate young people for their dedication to a sport, and witness the smiles on each of their faces.  It's important for them to know that they are supported by the school, their families and their awesome fans. 

There will always be a few busy days, but they have a way of rewarding us when we lean in to the gratitude and love that comes from having a willing heart. 

For Mylee, this day was wrapped in flowers, cookies, love, recognition, and knowing that her family was there to support her in every way.  

Mylee and her aunt "Tweetie"

Mylee and her mom and dad.

My plans this evening.   Catch up on reading blogs and commenting.  

Great Big ol' Hugs

Shug...🏀

PS:  I just noticed that most all my post this week have been about family...😊.   sorry!