What Winter Brings

Sometimes winter is breathtakingly beautiful.

Merry Christmas To All Who May Dwell Here

Countdown to Christmas

Christmas time is here

Happiness and cheer

Fun for all that children call

Their favorite time of the year

Snowflakes in the air

Carols everywhere

Olden times and ancient rhymes

Of love and dreams to share

Sleigh bells in the air

Beauty everywhere

Yuletide by the fireside

And joyful memories there

Christmas time is here

We'll be drawing near

Oh, that we could always see

Such spirit through the year

Zingerman's

Last weekend we visited Zingerman’s Restaurant, a little over an hour away and definitely a favorite of the locals.

Friends here in town had mentioned it to me a few times, raving about their bread and Reuben sandwiches, so when we were in the Ann Arbor area we decided to check it out.

Wow.  What a cool place!

Zingerman’s has also been discovered by Food Network, and their mac & cheese made the Network’s “America’s Top 10 Comfort Foods” list. So of course, that’s what I ordered when we were there. Let me tell you, this ain’t your grandma’s macaroni & cheese! Mine had pieces of (free-range!) chicken, diced chilies, and bunches of cilantro with a smooth cheesy sauce.

Mike had their ribs, which are smoked for 14 hours before they are served. The flavor was so rich & amazing that he didn’t even put BBQ sauce on all of it.

And their mashed potatoes? Well, those you’ll just have to try for yourself. To. Die. For.

We chatted with the bus boy, manager, waitresses, and hostesses, and each one was charming and pleasant. It was truly five-star service but with the atmosphere of a Roadhouse. It was absolutely wonderful.

So if you’re ever in the Ann Arbor area, look ‘em up and give it a try!

Calming the Storm

Some days I am overwhelmed with thankfulness.

Not necessarily for any particular reason but simply…because.

Today is one of those days.

The odd thing is, my life has had a few potholes in it this week, but somehow today that doesn’t seem to matter. Last night I was stressing out about them, but here in this moment I’m at peace.

The past several days I have read many stories (blogs) about couples who’s marriages have survived against the odds and about families who have faced immense personal tragedy, yet in the midst of it all they have stayed faithful.  Faithful to the ONE who can work it all out and who gives us the strength to make it through the worst of storms.  Ahhh yes, the One who spoke to the storm and calmed the rough waters. 

Through my teen years, there were some lyrics to one of my favorite Christian songs that said: “Sometimes He calms the storm, and other times He calms His child.”

Isn’t that just how it is?  In the midst of our life’s chaos, He can reach into our lives and place a peace in our hearts that is unlike anything else.  When the war rages on, it is an incredible feeling to be completely secure and at peace in the knowledge of His presence in our lives. 

To borrow a quote from Jo March in “Little Women”, I am hopelessly flawed.  And I always will be this side of Heaven.   But how I thank God that the process of sanctification continues on, day by day, inching me closer to the day when my heart is made new and the old things have passed away. 

I am a work in progress and how I thank God He hasn’t (and never will!) give up on me. Today, I think that is the biggest thing I’m thankful for.

On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. . .

Snow Flakes in the Globe of Life

It's Snowing!!!

But I'll get to that in a minute. . .

How was your Thanksgiving? 

Our day was full of family and much delicious food!

The table was beautifully decorated and filled with lots of happy faces.

Mom made yummy desserts, including an Avocado Key-Lime pie which
was really good, despite the oddness of the ingredients!

Mike & I after the day's festivities were over.

After enjoying a long holiday weekend, we are back to work and normal-life-routine.

Last night Mike snapped this picture of me with our little Gizmo.

He loves to cuddle up under my chin while I'm holding him...not sure why.

And last but not least. .  .

IT'S SNOWING!

Like, really.  Up to four inches today!
December 1st and we get our first real snowfall of the year. 
How appropriate.
I love snow from December 1 - January 1, and then it can go away, if it were up to me. 
But until January 1st, I'm going to enjoy it and pray for safety on the slippery roads. 
Like this morning.

But in the meantime, "All I want for Christmas is You" is playing on the radio, snow is swirling around out my window, and I'm nice & toasty with my space heater next to me and a steamy cup of coffee within reach. 

Hopefully we can put up our Christmas tree this week and may the holiday fa la la la la begin!

Happy December!