Kansas Trip Part 2

November 25, 2020

We woke up to snow. Strong winds stopped at about 1:00 am. We stayed the morning inside cozy and warm while Jacob made us all breakfast. Moments like these are to be taken in their fullness. Anything that evokes a sense of coziness are some of the moments I look forward to in life. 

After we had breakfast and lunch we visited Greensburg's museum. Here we learned a bit of the town's history especially of the infamous  F5 tornado and the devastation it left behind.

The aftermath of the chaotic tornado caused people to leave but others stayed and rebuild.

There's a cute nostalgic ice cream parlor just before one enters the town's museum. My husband and his parents love sweets so naturally we stopped for some ice cream scoops. The library is just across the hallway. I was surprised that it's a decent size library for such a small town. I wish I would have had the time to browse.

Being here visiting family made us realize how much we cherish the power of family bonds and God's abundant blessings. Being intentional with family is what life is truly about ... creating memories.

After we had our ice cream we stopped by the town's water tower, the Big Well. The water tower was also destroyed as were most of the buildings during the May 4, 2007 tornado. It since has been rebuilt and showcases pictures of that fateful night.

This well is the world's largest hand-dug well, built in 1887. The well survived the event and remains a central attraction.

Here we are at the very top of the tower.

... here we are looking down at the well.

And here's us looking up.

It was quite an informative day. We enjoyed learning all the town's history and browsing their souvenirs.

THANKSGIVING 2020

The snow didn't stick around for long. The following day we walked over to the park to stretch our legs. Surprisingly it wasn't windy but mostly sunny and cold.

A father is respected because he gives his children leadership .... Appreciated because he gives his children care .... Valued because he gives his children time .... Loved because he gives his children the one thing they treasure most -- himself.

After the park we were chilled to the bone so we got cozy on the couch and enjoyed the rest of our slow afternoon waiting for the turkey to be ready.

Now that I look back, I just realized I hardly took any pictures of the day. 

This was Riley's serving. One green bean, lol! I don't have a picture of my plate or of the kitchen with all the delicious food. 

I am sure we had some type of dessert. I just can't remember what it was.

I "borrowed" this picture from my MIL. This is the only picture that was taken of all of us on this Thanksgiving day. 

We are thankful that we got to spend Thanksgiving with family. Ultimately, it is not about the food but the gathering in love and worship for all that has been given to us.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give

thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Kansas Trip Part 1

Saturday, November 21, 2020

Visiting my in-laws in Greensburg Kansas for Thanksgiving.

Our flight to Denver was set to take off at 7:50 am. I woke up a few minutes before my alarm went off at 4:25 am. Even if I'm all prepared for a trip, it always feels so chaotic to me. If it was up to me, I would take my time doing all the extra stuff that needs to be done and not have to speed through every task. I had to make sure the cats things were in order, all our treats/snacks properly stored and placed in my duffel. By the time I'm done getting ready and doing everything else I am hot. I don't like to get hot, so it felt so good to step out in the cold. We left the house by 5:35 am. Our son Nathan drove us to the airport. He was tired. Poor guy had worked the night before and had to wake up early.

There was a light sprinkle as we headed to the airport. 

I always overpack. I'd rather be prepared for any type of weather or in case I get dirty, so when it was time to weigh my suitcase, it went over by 3 lbs. So, I had to take out about three clothing items and put them in my duffel. And why is it that airports bring out the worst in some people. People just cutting you off or bumping you. There are a lot of rude people out there. It is never right to treat people mean no matter what you're going through in life. 

I like to get the window seat only because there's more room. I always pull down the shade. I really don't like to look out the window initially. 

Jacob likes to get the isle seat. As long as these two are snacking they are content.

Me, on the other hand I have to concentrate on keeping myself busy during a flight. I'm not keen to flying so I make sure I bring my headphones, something to read, and a word search to help pass the time.

My ears kept popping and I felt a lot of pressure in my nose this time. It was quite uncomfortable. There was slight turbulence which seemed similar to going off-roading, lol. My head also felt a little weird. I definitely was looking forward to the landing.

We landed in Denver at 11:20 am, rented a van and headed East.

I don't like to be in a plane for longer than two/three hours. That's the reason we landed in Denver. Besides, a road trip is more fun and relaxing. Given that we were in the middle of the pandemic Denver was on lockdown so dining in was out of the question. No matter. Eating in the car isn't so bad. Plus, we get to listen to our choice of music.

It may be nothing but hay fields and wind turbines but I prefer this over flying 100 percent!

We stopped in Kennedy Colorado to pick up a ham at the Honey Baked Ham Company for Thanksgiving. We also got some dunkin donuts. 

We saw geese flying. I love their honking sound. Their silly comical calls make me smile every time.

We crossed over to Kansas at 7:57 pm. It was my turn to drive so Jacob could take a break. We stayed in Colby, KS for the night.

Sunday, November 22, 2020

Didn't really get good sleep but we were ready for the day. Up, ready, and back on the road by 10:50 am.             ☺☺ Kansas is as flat as a pancake. ☺☺

We saw cows, hawks and sheep. I love seeing farm animals and birds! They are so lovely.

These tiny towns you drive through are quite bizarre. We didn't see not one human, cat or dog when we drove through Cimarron Kansas.

We stopped in Dodge City in time for lunch. Tacos Jalisco has pretty decent Mexican food. This was our first time eating here. We'll definitely come back whenever we're in the area. It was nice to see that they weren't sticklers when it came to wearing masks.

We arrived at the in-laws at 4:12 pm. It felt good to finally be able to relax and to take things slow again.

My in-laws have been enjoying living in their little town in Kansas. Although Kansas is a blue state as well, these small rural towns tend to be conservative, and they are definitely liking that.

In 2007 Greensburg was devastated by a horrific F-5 tornado that wiped out 95% of the town killing 12 people and injuring 63.

Most of the people left but some stuck around and began to rebuild. It's a cute small town. We like it a lot. We feel it's such a peaceful town. Everything is within walking distance if you don't mind walking. They even have a decent size library, an ice cream shop (very nostalgic looking) a small grocery store, and a hospital, among other small businesses. 

Here is my father in law showing us their storm shelter.

In laws graciously treated us to pizza for dinner then we went back to their place to wind down. So blessed that they have a guest room that has a full bathroom even if it's a tiny one. This makes for a much more comfortable stay.

Monday, November 23, 2020

They're into puzzles so that's what Jacob did for a while. I brought books and my journaling things to keep me occupied as well. Journaling tidbits of uplifting information brings me so much joy.

Riley missed several days of school, so he made sure to get online whenever possible to complete his work.

My father in law also plays the guitar so Jacob kept himself busy with that too.

Driving to the next town over takes us about thirty minutes. That's where the nearest Walmart is located and several food chain restaurants whoever it's still a small town but way bigger than the little town where my in-laws live. 

There are fields of cotton along the way.

Lots of cotton.

Being at my in-laws house was always relaxing. Life is slower there. Small towns offer comfort and that small pleasant environment. For me, this type of lifestyle (the slower lifestyle) makes me so much more aware of my blessings. You tend to live more intentionally. The scent in the air and sounds are more pronounced out in the country since you're away from all that city noise.

While we were here for Thanksgiving, we also celebrated my MIL's birthday.

After dinner and cake there was more guitar playing. I love the way Riley is looking at his dad, with so much love and admiration.

Will continue our Kansas trip in my next post. Just thought I would break it up in three posts because I wanted to share quite a bit of pictures to and from our trip.

Thanksgiving 2019

 {I have been neglecting my blog lately. Not happy about it but not enough quiet time ...well, I'm here now}

Thanksgiving 2019

Jacob is the main cook on Thanksgiving. I'm just his sous-chef. While the turkey and ham were in the oven Riley helped with the appetizers, making the onion dip. 

It's been about 2.5 years since this picture was taken. He looks so small to me. Not his best haircut but he's still cute.

He's always making faces.

It was nice having all of us together. The food was delicious as usual.

With full bellies and thankful for our blessings we now gathered around in the living room. Time to relax.

Sophie hung out with us for a bit. Her big eyes are too funny. She was more than likely feeling overwhelmed with all the talking and television on.

Oh boy, if we only knew that just a couple of months from 11/2019 that the unfortunate virus would hit we would have gone out more and created more meaningful memories before all the craziness started.

I am constantly aware of my blessings especially of the mundane ones and my ability to do the things that need to get done. I'm aware of what a blessing it is to just have a rested clear head, a strong body and mind, and all the things a home has to help facilitate with doing my chores. And I am grateful for my hardworking husband for loving us as God commands. All we have and enjoy is only because of God's goodness.  

These are the blessings I am most grateful for and for the good health and safety of my loved ones.

Thanksgiving 2018

Simple is my decorating style for my home. I want my home to feel relaxed, cozy and peaceful. I don't like clutter or extravagant decorations but at the same time I want to avoid emptiness. And simple beautiful pieces help to create the atmosphere I'm going for. Too much stuff and bright colors are chaotic for me.

This was my Thanksgiving tablescape. "White is possibly my favorite color to decorate with - It's classic, calm, clean and never goes out of style". I like to style my simple decorations with small pops of color. The colors I like to decorate with along with white are earth tones and pure-neutral colors. And candles. Candles sure exude coziness.

We had my in-laws over and a bountiful feast ... we are indeed grateful for God's faithfulness and many blessings because everything good comes from Him. I'm definitely grateful for family even with all of our imperfections and difference of opinion and the reason why I can say this with confidence is because the only validation I need is from God and this gives me peace and strength to continue my walk with Him.
Oh, I sure love ham and turkey! There's two things I don't like and that is the green bean casserole and stuffing. I so wish I could have seconds but I am always too full to eat anything else after I'm done with my initial plate. Looking at this picture is making me hungry! We gave Riley a tiny amount of mash potatoes and ham to try. He didn't like either one but at least he gave it a try. He sure doesn't know what he's missing.

And of course, holidays and family gatherings tend to be bittersweet for me. I don't really show it but Reagan and Lincoln are still very much in my mind. I keep their spirit alive within me and it's during these special times that I miss them the most. I like to wonder about how our lives would be like if they were here with us ... so full of wonder and fun memorable moments. Babies/small children sure bring so much meaning to a holiday and intimate family time.
This is my way of including the babies physically on this special holiday. Although it's extremely sad I love that I have two babies with Jesus waiting for us to be reunited. And it wont be until then that I'll know if Lincoln was a boy or a girl. I am looking forward to that day but I pray that it wont be for a long time.

May we all bring a smile to God's face today, 

because of the appreciation in our hearts and on our lips

and in our deeds for His faithfulness, righteousness, generosity and love. 

Thanksgiving Day 2017

what a great holiday Thanksgiving is.
thankful to God for blessing us with good health
amidst Riley's health issues which we realize is an adjustment
to our family activities but still grateful for the opportunities that we
still get to take part in and the wonderful experiences we continue to have.

i'm mostly thankful for the mundane things in life.
for having indoor plumbing, hot water, clean water, a washer
and dryer and everything else that allows one to live life comfortably.

thankful for Jacob's job. thankful that Jacob works hard
to provide for our family. thankful we have a strong loving
marriage. and most of all I'm thankful for God's love for us and for his
grace and mercy. Everything good comes from Him. He's the provider of all
that we have.

simple decorating

and of course, football on Thanksgiving day is a
must in our home .... although the way things are going
with those athletes that choose to kneel maybe we will opt to
watch something else for next Thanksgiving.

this little boy sure loves onion dip and
chips. i guess he takes after this momma. i
love chips and dip (or salsa).

riley looks so cute and what's up with
his hair? it's so long and choppy. he reminds
me of nathan in this picture when he was the same
age (6 yrs old).

i'm glad sydna and nathan hung out downstairs
with the rest of the family. not sure what they were
talking about but if i want to get a picture of them i have
to be sneaky about it or else nathan will try to hide his face. teenagers
can be so silly. i'm pretty sure i was the same way too at his age. oh well.

i sure love a thanksgiving feast. i wait all year for
turkey and ham, mash potatoes, green beans (but only
with garlic, salt and pepper), and the sweet potato casserole.
jacob and sydna are the only ones that like stuffing. riley about had
a cow when jacob served him a little bit of everything. it was non stop
whining. we told him he at least needed to try each thing. it took him a long
time but he did try it. i think we ended up making him a pb & j sandwich. i know
i know! very irritating.

thankful for these three earth bound children God blessed
us with.

and thankful for our two babies that live with
Jesus in heaven. even through our heartbreak i am
still so thankful to have seen my two babies. i am looking
forward to the day that i will finally meet them.

my sweet babies resting place. we miss you reagan and lincoln.

after tidying up the kitchen we bundled up and
went for a walk around the neighborhood. needed to
walk off all the delicious food we ate. the crispness of the
night felt good on my face ... and as we were heading back home
i noticed those clouds in the distance. i thought they looked awesome.
they look like a rolling wave.

orange is a pumpkin. yellow is the corn. brown is

the turkey with stuffing to adorn. red are the cranberries.

green are the beans. five delicious colors 

-- in a feast of my dreams.

Thanksgiving 2016

For the past few years Jacob has been taking the day before Thanksgiving off so he can begin his baking. That way he's not in the kitchen for the whole day on Thanksgiving day, since he's the one that cooks the entire meal.

Him and the kids love his chocolate pecan pie. I'll settle for a slice of store bought pumpkin pie.

On Thanksgiving day I woke up feeling good then all of a sudden an overwhelming feeling of sadness came over me. Can't help but to think of what our lives should have been like if Reagan was still growing healthy and strong.
While Jacob was downstairs making breakfast Sophie kept me company while I stayed in bed a little longer to have some time for myself.

Last year Sydna made thumbprint cookies and I thought they were super delicious. So I asked her if she could make her mother a batch for Thanksgiving. So proud of her for liking to bake ... definitely got that from her father since they both have a sweet tooth. Me, not so much but I'm hoping that once I become a grandma that I'll begin baking for my grandchildren. That'll give me something to do.

Our thanksgivings are usually on the quiet side. We watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, games that are showing and Hallmark movies in between.

I think Nathan and Riley were face-timing my sister.

While the turkey and ham is baking we look forward to snacking on veggies and dip them in ranch. Nathan and Riley like to snack on pigs in a blanket and I quite love chips and onion dip.
Not sure what Jacob and Sydna were discussing but I certainly caught them while they munched.

Riley is a bit like his momma. He also enjoys chips and dip, a lot. Constantly keeping my eye on him or else he will finish the entire thing then he'll feel sick and our evening will be shot. We've always been the time of parents to keep a close eye on our children but more so with Riley. He's way more active than his older siblings ever were at his age. We're not always correcting but we do have to constantly keep our eye on him.

Once dinner was cooked and everything was ready and we had sat down to eat Riley got the most serious look on his face when he saw his plate. He said he didn't want turkey or ham, or mash potatoes or sweet potato casserole. All he ate was the cranberry sauce with a roll. {eye roll} but whatever. I think he ended up eating a pb & j sandwich.

Food was good, as usual. Glad I didn't overeat though. I also made sure to leave room for dessert. After a little while I had about three thumbprint cookies. They were so yummy! I also had a small bite of Jacob's chocolate pecan pie and I didn't care for the flavor at all. Ew, but I'm glad the kids like it so the pie was devoured within a couple of days.

And I always want to make sure we include our sweet pea on important family events. Reagan is always ever so present in our minds and including him in our pictures and having him being part of our traditions is important to us and the right thing to do. Riley also loves it when I hand him Reagan's picture for him to hold.

With satisfied belly's, gratitude in our hearts of all our other blessings we called it a day. We do wish we could have spent Thanksgiving with family but on the other hand I'm glad it was just us at home because I'm still not ready to be amongst many people. I did get sad several times during the day and I definitely didn't want to attract any attention or given any advice from anyone. So I guess it was best that we spent Thanksgiving with just our children.

Our Father in heaven, we give thanks for the pleasure

of gathering together for this occasion. We give thanks

for this food prepared by loving hands. We give thanks for

life, the freedom to enjoy it all and all other blessings. As we 

partake of this food, we pray for health and strength to 

carry on and try to live as You would have us. This we 

ask in the name of Christ, Our Heavenly Father.

-Harry Jewell