The Shafferland Shuffle

Before I launch into stories about our week, I want to pause to honor Ryan's mom, because today is her birthday. Though she isn't here to celebrate as we always did, I do want to celebrate the person she was. Last year on her birthday, she was a patient in Ryan's hospital, and her birthday fell on Saturday. Though the family had a party for her that evening, Ryan and I were able to share lunch with her...just the three of us. We took her pink roses (her favorite) and had our own little mini-party for three in the hospital dining room. It made for a sweet memory, and I thought of it often yesterday. This year she celebrates in Heaven - which is absolute perfection, I know. I will share a couple of pictures of our day last year - our last birthday with her.

(I'm so glad Ryan wanted to document all these days, because we sure treasure these pictures now!)

Her are a few glimpses into our most recent week...back to the year 2019!

* Sunday morning, on our way to church, we returned Phoebe to her home! We enjoyed church, which was in full Christmas swing, and then we enjoyed a day at home. Don't tell ANYONE, but I took a three and a half hour nap that afternoon. My goodness. I wasn't a total bum, though. I did get the gifts wrapped! (At least the ones we had in the house. We had to finish up the shopping this week.)

* It started snowing Sunday evening, so when we woke up Monday, it was so pretty outside! I will admit that I had prayed for the church secretary's baby to stay snug and cozy just a liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitle bit longer so she didn't have to rush to the hospital in that snow, nor did I have to drive to work in it! And it worked out just that way! I made bagels for lunch and did chores around the house, trying to continue getting all squared away for full time work. Ryan was super hungry that night, so we shared a bowl of popcorn - which is something we don't have nearly as often as we should!

* Tuesday was the day of pretty snow all day and pretty sunsets at night. I did more work at home, and when evening came, Ryan made lattes for us, and we enjoyed them by the light of the tree. Gorgeous and delicious all at once. 

* Wednesday was a HARD day in my heart. I blogged about it a little already, but there was just a lot of crazy emotion and prayer-worthy things stirring around in there. I tried to distract myself by making meal plans and more working ahead, but I was still a mess. Ryan canceled his plans for the evening to stay home and help me feel better - which partially included a Blizzard run and my first ever time to see Christmas with the Kranks! Being home with Ryan was definitely a big help in feeling better! 

* Thursday I made a quiche for lunch, and then I made more lists so we could do some grocery and Christmas shopping that night! I found Braeya nestled among the gifts under the tree, and she wasn't overly amused at having her hiding place documented. She was MUCH happier after we got home that night and she could snuggle up with Ryan. 

* Friday night, Ryan and I went to Phoebe's house so Ryan could do some electrical projects. Phoebe and I were not invited to help - can you even imagine why? We hung out in the dark and watched, celebrated when the work was successful, and then hung out for a while telling stories. The stories, I should clarify, were strictly among the humans in the room. Phoebe slept.

* Yesterday was crazy busy! I had a shopping trip planned with one of my friends, where I finished up the last of all the Christmas shopping. After Ryan got off work, he and I walked through the neighborhood to help a friend of his move some furniture - and we found the most beautiful sunset over the pond while we were out! And the rest of the night was dedicated to cookie baking! Batches and batches of cookies!