2023 is off to a fast start and a busy few weeks

 I can't believe that it is already the 27th of January!  I really don't know where the last few weeks have gone.  It has been a busy time for me, with activities filling the weeks and thankfully, mostly good weather.  That is, until this week.  So, in typical Chicago fashion, the last week of January and the month of February are often the snowiest for us.  And this year is no different.  So I might be housebound for the next few weeks.  I am so thankful for all of these activities that filled up my January calendar.  To start off the year, my car (which is a 2016) turned over 100,000 miles! While this used to be a big milestone, it seems that cars are now lasting well over that mark and even making it to 200,000!  

So thankful for a car that runs well, is dependable and comfortable to drive.  Especially grateful for the garage and parking inside during these winter months.  

I started off the year, helping arrange a sleepover time for Anna and Grace.  These two cousins have such a neat relationship and it does this grandma's heart good to see them having so much fun together.  After meeting Gwen 1/2 way to pick up Anna, we stopped for a special lunch out.  

I really cherish these one on one times with the grandkids.  They are growing up so fast, and before I know it, these days will just be a distant memory.   I dropped Anna off at Grace's house for a sleepover and then returned the next day, for my regular time to watch Grace and James.  I got the entire day to watch the girls go from one fun activity to the next. Jimmy was mostly just happy to follow after the girls and watch from a distance.

There was painting, coloring, dancing, game playing, clay and so much more and the day passed by quickly.  Anna spent the night at my house and then Gwen met us the next morning to bring Anna home.  

The little bit of driving to help these fun times happen is so worth it.  I just love getting to spend time with the kids.  Having the girls together was just an extra bonus.  

The following week, I got to attend a preview of Lia and Ellie's Spotlight Company's winter performance.  As usual, it was amazing.  The girls work so hard and practice so many hours to make these shows happen.  This year once again, the show will be performed at various local nursing homes.  So grateful that COVID is over and the residents can enjoy seeing these wonderful dancers.  I loved the theme and the costumes! And of course, the girls!  They danced so well!

The following week, I got to invite a good friend, Diane, to come to Fellowship of Faith.  She got to tour the building (that she has heard so much about) and then got to see a few of the Rock kids sing.  It was fun to show off my grandkids and my church!  

Rounding out this busy month, Susie had invited me to attend Disney on Ice with Grace and Susie's parents.  This was a Christmas present for Grace and she was extremely excited about the show.  Sadly, Susie's parent were not able to attend since they were sick.  Susie offered the tickets to Gwen and Anna.   Since Gwen had a work commitment, Lia was able to bring Anna!  So I got to spend a wonderful morning with Susie, Grace, Lia and Anna!  I think I might just have enjoyed the show more than the kids!  

It was a Frozen and Encanto show.  These are two Disney movies that I know pretty well.  The skaters were really good and the stadium was packed!  I don't think there was an empty seat.  I especially liked all of the Disney Princesses and the Disney Regulars (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pluto and Goofy) that showed up at the end!

Again, just so thankful for time spent with family.  There is really nothing that means more to me than that.  

It seems totally impossible that Ken has been gone for almost two and half years.  At times it seems like just a few months.  But I have certainly settled into a routine and fill my days with family and friends.  For that, I am very grateful.  I look around my warm, comfortable home, while sipping on my coffee and feel a deep peace and joy.  In a few weeks, I will have lived in this house for 45 years!  That just doesn't seem possible.  Yet, I am so thankful for God's provision.  So many seniors are not so blessed.  

If the rest of 2023 is anywhere near as wonderful as this month has been, it is going to be a stellar year.  So much fun, so much family and so many good friends.  So much to look forward to.  I can't wait to share it all with you!

Jesus, thank you for these wonderful times.  Holy Spirit, help me to remain in this attitude of gratitude.  Remind me of the blessings of family and friends and house and home.  Thank you Jesus for your provision of everything that I need.  Thank you for children and the joy that bring to us.  Amen