Friday, March 6, 2009

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. 


13 comments:

Short Stop said...

Thank you for updating on all the progress! Seems like everthing is going SO well! And, that Verne and Jon are spending good time together - that's awesome!

Ways of Zion said...

My you have been busy! I love reading the epistles of John as well. So uplifting and humbling at the same time I find.

I love antique markets, none nearby, I am trying had not to pout!

Hugs!

~~Deby said...

oh what a great post---it makes me think "this is the way it should be"--God is good and I am sure HE is blessing your efforts .
Thank you for the updates----I sure do like reading them. Great finds at the antique store, I for one am anitcipating yard sale season...
Deby

sherry said...

What a nice way to spend the days, Tracy. I'm thankful the two families came together for a single purpose and I can imagine that everyone, especially Autumn and Jon, are on pins and needles anticipating the wedding day. Makes my heart glad. :o)

Blessings to each one of you.

jAne

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

Sounds like a good tired, but exhausting none the less...will they be nearby after they are married?

So pleased that the families got along well, that is always a blessing!

Gena said...

I will keep you in my prayers - praying for energy! I know you must be having so much fun, even though the work is hard.

Love those little red-topped S&P shakers - too cute.

Have a restful(?) weekend!

Becky K. said...

Although it was twenty years ago, I remember so well how our parents helped us in getting our fixer-upper ready as newly weds. It meant so much to us! I know that Autumn and Jon will look back very fondly on these days and will not take your help for granted.

Many blessings!

Becky K.

the voice of melody said...

This sounds so exciting! Lots of work, but well worth it.

Best wishes for Autumn's concert tonight. She sure sounds like a very talented young woman. I think I know who she takes after! ;)

Abounding Treasures said...

Oh Tracy,

A wonderful kind of tired and it's so great that everyone is growing closer together as two families' dear ones soon will join together as one!

Those antique store finds are delightful and I trust the concert goes well for Autumn this evening!

Blessings as you all continue on this journey ...

Mrs. Anna T said...

Tracy, I'll be counting the days along with you! I'm so excited for Autumn and Jon! How fortunate and blessed they both are, to have such excellent parents.

Elise @A Path Made Straight said...

Oh, I'm just loving reading this whole courtship/engagement/wedding story. You are so blessed, Tracy! I am holding your tired self up in prayer. I send love! xoxo

Ila Mae said...

It sure would have been nice if we had the help when we first got our house. :) Total fixer-upper and we did all the work ourselves [still are!].

By the way your antique market finds are absolutely beautiful.

God Bless,

Ila

Beck said...

I have the same creamer and sugar bowl! It sounds like it's going to be a lovely little house. xo