No title because I've lost my mind!

I can't believe it's been over a month since I last posted but I just haven't been able to get back into a routine since I got back from Arkansas.  My trip was extended an additional week in order to help my MIL and FIL get settled into their new routines.  Jack's really in a great place with caring people and he seems to be slowly adjusting to his new environment.  It's been probably harder on Kay than it is on Jack.  She's been caring for him every day for the last 54 years so she's having to get used to only seeing him a few times a week instead of every day, all day long.  I'm hoping that her ladies group will keep her busy and she will take up some of her hobbies again like painting, flower arrangements and sewing.  It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do but I'm so thankful that I'm not working now so I could be there to help them.  I decorated Jack's room to make it feel more like home and the pictures aren't the greatest but here they are:

Back Wall with metal wall art

Family photos

Snack table

His hat rack with his military ball caps

 

And lastly his new quilt

I just got back from another vacation as Mark likes to call my time in Arkansas a vacation (NOT) but my parents took me to Asheville, NC and the Biltmore House.  My Mom had a convention to attend so I got to go and keep my daddy company during the day.  It's such a special time of laughter, tears, family stories and just enjoying time alone with my parents.  I always come away from our trips with a new appreciation of just how amazing my parents are as people as well as parents and grandparents.  The Biltmore was just beautiful and is decorated for Christmas already.  Of course, the house is very grand and elegant and as usual I was more interested in the servants quarters and the kitchen.  The house did not disappoint any of us but I do have to say the kitchen was one of my dreams!  The copper pots and pans are original to the home!

 

 

 

And this is how Clarice reacted when she saw my suitcase come out again when I was packing for my NC trip.  I think she misses her momma a lot when I'm gone. I looked for her in every room until I finally saw her little white chin 'cause with her eyes closed she blended right into the suitcase.

 

 

I have lost my stitching mojo right now and haven't picked up a needle since the first of Oct.  I unfortunately I had joined Vickie from

A Stitcher's Story but I just didn't get anything more than part of the tree trunk stitched.  There was just so much going on in Arkansas and then again in Georgia and Tennessee when I finally got back home.  I hate that I just couldn't finish or really even get a good start on this SAL because it was Vickie's first and as you know, I don't do WIPs so this is a first for me as well.  I will finish it but think I'll wait until after the new year. 

 

While I was home I got to see my wonderful, smart, gorgeous, witty nieces (yes, I could go on and on about these special girls forever!) Rachel is a senior in HS so it was extra special that I got to be there to see her.

 

And this was Josi's first homecoming so I was thrilled to be a part of it with her as well.  But an even more special time was that I got to see her baptized into the Christian faith and I have to tell you that I was just so touched to get to be a witness to that event in her life.  I get all teared up just thinking back on it now. 

 

No new news on the home in Atlanta but we are still praying that the right family comes along really soon.  I would love to be in Tennessee before winter really sets in and then I could "nest" in our new home which we haven't even started looking for yet....LOL!  I just don't really want to look until I have a contract on our home because I just refuse to carry 2 mortgages at all. 

 

Hope everyone has a wonderful week and do something today that makes you smile!  I did because I had a starbucks pumpkin spice latte and snuggled with Clarice this morning so it's been a special day already.