This, That, and the Other

The days and weeks are flying by. 119 days. 17 weeks. Yes, I'm counting. 

We've been occupied with getting Jon and Autumn's house cleaned, and ready to paint. Sure, we knew that there was work to do, but I believe we underestimated a bit. We are, however, in the home stretch. 

Last Saturday, our two families spent the day cleaning, repairing, and chatting. Autumn had only met Jon's parents once before, but it went very well. Conversation flowed easily, and everyone wore huge smiles as they talked of the upcoming wedding.  

My dear friend Lori, and her daughter Rebecca helped us on Monday. Not only did they arrive to help clean, but they brought us a hot lunch and dessert to give us strength. Good thing! Nothing says friendship like preparing someone a meal and cleaning up mouse droppings after you've finished eating!  

My hands just couldn't take being in more scrub water on Tuesday, and we took a break. After the girls' piano lessons we headed to a nearby town and took in an antique store. We picked up a few little treasures for Autumn's kitchen. Salt and pepper shakers from the 1950's as well as a matching sugar/creamer/butter dish set. 

Wednesday rolled around, and back to the house we headed. I was so tired by the end of the day, I wasn't sure I could drive the 40 minutes back home again. 

Not only have have our days been busy, but our evenings, too. Autumn has an orchestra concert this Saturday evening, and she's been practicing for weeks. We've hurried home each night with just enough time to fix a simple but nutritious supper before heading back out the door. Collin took it upon himself on Wednesday to stay home. We arrived to a prepared meal of pancakes and sausage, with chocolate cake for dessert. I could've kissed him. Oh wait! I did! 

Verne met Jon last night and they worked on a few things that we ladies couldn't do. There is such joy in watching these two men, who both love Autumn, grow closer together with each passing week. They meet weekly for breakfast and a Bible study, and plan to continue even after the wedding takes place. It's a joy, too, when Jon calls out, "Hey, Mama...  ".

Preparing one house, while keeping up with another is exhausting business. I've been thankful for reading God's word in the mornings this week. For the rereading of familiar passages from 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude. Passages that have been read so many times, and come to mind again as my hands are busy cleaning. "Lord, search me. You know the hidden places of my heart. Change me to be more like You; a shining example of all that love is. " 

Today, we'll rest. We'll enjoy our time crocheting with a friend. We'll be refreshed, and ready to work again tomorrow.