Bridal Shower

 

Jenna with her three aunts at her bridal shower

1. My niece, Jenna, is getting married on February 7. I won't have trouble remembering the date of her anniversary because Paul and I met on February 7, 1997, and we started dating a few weeks later. She had a surprise bridal shower on January 2. Her mom, aunts, and Toby's mom hosted a shower for her yesterday at Toby's parents' house. At one point I wasn't sure if Nadia and I would be able to attend, but thankfully, we were able to drive down, attend the shower, and drive back home before it started snowing. I purchased the favors for the shower, took photos, and planned the three games that we played. Jenna wore a white dress and her very cute white boots that she will be wearing at the wedding. It was Nadia's first bridal shower. 

Here are some other things I'm thankful for today:

2. The window above our kitchen sink has been broken since 2018. Since it's a Pella window, it cannot be repaired. We have gotten estimates twice over the last several years for replacing it. The most recent estimate by Window World was far more reasonable than the first estimate we had several years ago. We decided to take the plunge, and on Friday we put down 50% toward replacing one window plus our sliding glass door. Thankfully, the salesman honored the quote we were given last May despite the fact the price of the door went up $800 over the last 8 months. 

3. I enjoyed taking my friend, Cheri, out for lunch on Thursday to celebrate her 69th birthday. 

4. When the boys had an orthodontist appointment last week, I visited the library that is across the street from the orthodontist. I discovered that you could check out board games! I checked out Blank Slate. We played it at co-op last week, and we've played it twice as a family over the last week. 

Jenna with Toby's Grandma and two of his sisters

5. I'm not a fan of cold weather. The last four years I walked outside almost every day no matter what the temperature was. A couple of months ago I decided to switch to exercising on the elliptical in our basement. When the weather is nicer, I definitely prefer being outside in the fresh air as I enjoy seeing plants, animals, and the sky, but I am very grateful we own an elliptical. We purchased it in 2016, but I haven't used it that much over the years. I don't go as many miles, but my heart rate is elevated far more as I can up the incline and the resistance level. I've gotten my time for completing 2 miles under 30 minutes, which is a big improvement for me. I know for some that would still be a snail's pace, but I'm pleased with my progress.

6. Paul and I were able to attend an 80th birthday party for a woman in our Sunday School class last Sunday afternoon. 

7. Our church cancelled the in-person service today. Thankfully, they had recorded a service on Wednesday night that they streamed today. So far, we've gotten 14 inches of snow today. As an added bonus, our former senior pastor (who retired in 2021) preached the sermon. I miss him!

8. A few weeks ago, Ian asked if he could start cooking a meal every Saturday. I was thrilled that he took the initiative with that. Since I was gone most of the day yesterday, Ian (and I) cooked our dinner tonight. I'm hoping we make this a habit so that by the time he graduates from high school he will know how to cook a variety of dishes. Nadia makes the majority of the desserts we consume. She made a delicious peanut butter pie today. Yum!