A Sad Goodbye

We had to say goodbye to sweet Amelia kitty yesterday afternoon.  She was sixteen years old and came to live with us in June, along with her sister Frannie.  They were my knitting buddies, especially Amelia, and she is going to be sorely missed.  She had lost almost 4 lbs. since August and was just a little over 6 lbs. yesterday.  She was loving and affectionate right to the end.

You could tell that these girls had a lot of love in their home with Brad and Mandy before moving to the “retirement home” with Papa and Grandma last summer.  She is missed already.

Please keep Mandy especially in your prayers.  Amelia was her baby from when she first moved to Portland years ago for her first nursing job.

Mandy’s favorite picture of Piper and Amelia.

Amelia is on the right in this picture taken a couple of months ago.  

Amelia was ALWAYS my knitting buddy and could be found on my lap or inspecting my work.  She slept with me nightly, curled up under the covers next to me.  Last night was difficult.  Frannie has been searching for her since I came home from the veterinarians office alone.  It’s HARD losing our fur babies.  They are family.

She helped me count stitches....

And inspected my work.  She was very conscientious about her job.

She is missed already.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.

 2 Corinthians 1:3

Blessings,

Betsy

The Day after the day after.

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas wherever you may be. Ours was very, very quiet.  It started out on Christmas Eve when we went to our candlelight service at church. We were treated to some special music by a small group of friends.  There was a wonderful message reminding us of Christ’s birth, some singing together of familiar carols and a sweet children’s moment. After lighting our candles and singing “Silent Night” together it was time to go home.

Afterwards, we drove by a couple of houses that were on our way home that were very lit up. I think I saw more Christmas lights this year than I have ever seen before. People seemed to be in the mood to brighten up their homes.  I absolutely love looking at Christmas lights. We went out on three different occasions and just drove around to see the beautiful displays.

The pictures don’t even begin to do these homes justice.

Dennis and I have enjoyed reading scriptures together every night during the month of December and lighting the appropriate candles for advent.  This week all of the candles are lit, signifying our Saviors birth.

We had a surprise snowfall that began yesterday afternoon and continued into the night. This is the sight I woke up to in our backyard this morning. Although it is beautiful, the roads are very treacherous today as it hasn’t warmed up much. I ventured out to Michael’s and the Christian bookstore which are only a couple of miles from our house. I came right back home because the roads were so icy.

Since we’ve been home so much, I’ve been making very good progress on Alex’s sweater. I have finished the body and bound it off early this afternoon.  I’m just beginning the first sleeve. After that I just have to put the neck band on and it will be done. I think he’ll be pleased.

We were able to FaceTime with Alex both on Christmas Eve when he opened his gifts, and early Christmas morning. Mandy also FaceTimed with us and watched us open our gifts from them. It was a good day although it was very quiet. I made chicken enchiladas and we watched several Christmas movies including white Christmas. Dennis had to work the last three days of this week but then will be off for another four-day weekend. It would be very easy to get used to having him home with me all the time and I’m looking forward to his retirement in a few years.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. We’re planning another very quiet holiday for New Year’s, just staying home. I’ve been enjoying seeing the posts that some of you have written about your Christmas. Wonderful memories being made with family and friends.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

Blessings,

Betsy

Happy Christmas Eve

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, always remembering why we celebrate.

A photo of Miss Piper from this morning while out an about, with her treat of hot chocolate.  I think it looks like an advertisement for the coffee place.  Isn’t she a darling?  I’m missing her terribly, today especially.

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a son is given; And the government shall be upon his shoulders And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.”
Isaiah 9:6-7

Merry Christmas to you all!

Blessings,

Betsy