A This and That Monday

 

This is for sure one of those This and that Monday's. 💛

I failed to mention that I had a wonderful guardian angel show up this year the day before Thanksgiving. She came wearing an apron and delivered a German Chocolate Cake to me. 

My sister-in-law (Kay) didn't just bring dessert, she brought so much love disguised as food. While she was busy cooking for her own family, she also cooked for mine. I should tell you, She is a fabulous cook!!  Kay walked through my back door with a feast of sweetness:  The German Chocolate Cake, Coconut Pies, Orange Salad, and a bowl of Cherry Fluff that looked heavenly.  

All of it....every single bite...was exactly what my heart needed. It was all soooo very good. 

Last week was rough around here. Driving back and forth to Dallas can really exhaust you...But, Kay stepped right into that gap without being asked.  There truly are special people in our lives who make life easier and more bearable, just by being who they are. Kay is definitely one of those people and I am deeply thankful for her. 

But, woven into last week, a week of gratitude, there was also some grief. MY dear friend Joyce...(one of the ladies that I have lunch with once a month, and just got back from a trip to Branson with).....Her husband passed away last Wednesday...the day before Thanksgiving.  He had been battling pneumonia, and then his organs suddenly shut down. He passed away and this was a shocker to all of us.  My heart is heavy for her. If you think of her, please whisper her name in prayer. 

And somewhere in between all the emotion, the weather finally remembered it was supposed to be November and now December.  Our highs today will be in the low 40's.  For many of you up North, this probably sounds like short sleeves and errand weather. But here? I am living my best cozy-girl life.  lol. 

Of course, with cooler air blowing through, Cyber Monday also breezed in. Are you shopping today?  I don't think I will... I won't be clicking those keys today.

And speaking of clicking...if you're one of my blogging friends, please hear my cry of distress: 

As I posted last evening, I lost ALL of my addresses and email addresses. Every single one.  Poof..GONE!!  I'm working on my Christmas card list and would love for you to send me your address again.  This time I will record them in my book and I promise I will guard them like crown jewels.  For those who have already sent them, big thank you's!!  

"Sometimes the simplest acts of kindness become the brightest lights in the hardest weeks."

As I move into the heart of this holiday season, I want to slow down enough to see the gentle gifts around me. The people who show up, the ones who ease my load, the ones who listen, and the ones who love me through whatever the day may bring.  Gratitude and grief may share the same space right now, but both are held safely in God's hands. 

There are so many beautiful moments just waiting to be noticed and I pray for a steady heart to reach out to others who need to be loved.  

I'll leave you with a few pictures of my throw pillows.  These make me happy and are one of life's tiny joys. 

Mr. Moose

Trees and Gnomes

Mr. Snowman

And this cutie....

Shug....