Monday Morning Coffee

Good Monday morning, my friends! I hope you had a lovely weekend and stayed cozy and warm. While my family was out and about doing all the things, I held down the fort here at home, comfy as could be. I did warm up the Jeep and venture out for mass and a Dukin' run for coffee, but other than that, I stayed happily busy at home.

This morning was cold. Like cold-cold. So, rather than walking, I admired the beginning of a new day from inside. I did, however, take a few pictures of an early-morning December day around here. 

And then, I sat down with my pups and my coffee. Which makes me think of my Grandma Mil. Sometimes, when I sit with my coffee, I think of her. She was my mom's mom and an amazing woman. She could sew, crochet, bake, write, and tell the very best stories ever. She liked to play cards, watch The Price Is Right, and drink a little coffee with her cream! Today is her birthday, and she would be 111 years old. 

Grandma Mil 

She made the very best pumpkin pie, and when I got married, I asked her for the recipe. She wrote it out on a recipe card with the black marker she always used. I framed it along with a picture of us one Thanksgiving, and Madison had a pie pan made with the recipe on it. I keep these out all year long, and whenever I see them, I tell her hello.

I was thinking back to that cold January day last year, when I had to let go of my momma. I was so overcome with grief to see her go, yet I knew, as sad as I was to let her go, Grandma Mil would be so happy to welcome her home. And that helps. Just a little.

Grandma Mil always sat in her chair by the window in her house. She had a table where she set her coffee, a notebook, her thin black marker, and her phone. I remember stopping at her home and visiting with her when I was a young, newly married teacher. I remember thinking how I would be so happy to do the same. Fast forward some thirty years, and guess what? Yep. I am sitting in my spot on the couch, with my coffee, next to a table with my phone, my notebook, and my thin, black marker. As my mom used to say, "Life is but a dream."

And so, while I was happy to be at home, my children were out living their lives. They know I am always here, cheering for them from the sidelines. One of the most challenging things about being a parent is relinquishing your role as director of activities in your children's lives. It is also, however, the most rewarding. Watching them become happy, responsible adults is one of life's greatest gifts. Even better? Receiving texts and pictures that they wanted to send to share with you all the special and ordinary moments of their lives.

This weekend, while this was happening here at home...

My family was doing things like...

Hunting at our camp in Pennsylvania with Peyton and Chris! And although there exists no photographic evidence of Peyton, I know for sure she was there. How? Well, I recognize her work anywhere!

Madison and Nicolas went to Nicolas' work Christmas party! 

And Rhett and Kyrstin were working. We did have some fun together while the others were at camp! Madison and Nicolas had Kyrstin and me over for dinner and a movie!

And Kyrstin and I had fun hanging out with these guys!

Well, this was a long one today! I am going to get cleaned up, make my bed, and pour another cup of coffee. Then I will snuggle on the couch and spend some time reading and catching up with you! Have a wonderful Monday, my friends. Happy Third Week of Advent!

Billie Jo