Spencer’s Surprise Gifts

After eating, Mrs. P offered to load the dishwasher but Kate protested. “You go on, and play games with Sarah. I don’t mind helping after such a great meal.”

“If you insist…” Kate didn’t think it was right. Spencer pulled Kate away saying, “I have something for you to do anyway.” He knew why Mrs. P had volunteered to clean up. “Put your coat on and we’ll take Buttons for a short walk.”

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Christmas Dinner

Mrs. P and Spencer arrived, with their arms laden with packages, and assorted items for their dinner. They made quick preparations for the ham, potatoes and assorted side dishes they could quickly assemble after they opened gifts.

Spencer liked the CD and cologne he opened and Mrs. P raved about the new sweater Kate gave her. Sarah got more books, puzzles and a simple matching game she wanted to play right away. Buttons enjoyed himself, running through scraps of paper and jumping into piles of boxes. Kate had given him a new bone, and she told him to go lay down with it. He was happy to oblige.

Soon after cleaning up the mess, it was time to make another one in the kitchen. Kate stirred gravy while Spencer and Sarah set the table. Mrs. P sliced fresh bread she baked the day before and then helped with the salad and vegetable tray.

Soon they were seated around the table and eating a wonderful meal. Spencer prayed over the food and they passed heaping dishes around. Sarah didn’t seem too hungry, but Kate thought it was because she had so many new things to play with. Kate asked her, “Can you eat a few bites of ham and mashed potatoes before you go play?”

“If I have to.” Sarah looked down at her plate.

“You do. Eat up and then we’ll play your new game.” When Sarah heard that, she perked up some and started eating.

“Your mom and Mrs. P made great food, Sarah. Let’s show them we appreciate it.” He held a forkful of potatoes and shoved them in his mouth with exaggerated enthusiasm. Sarah laughed and said, “You funny!”

Spencer exchanged a quick look with Kate and gave her a wink. Kate smiled.

****

Until next time,

Michelle

Christmas Morning

Kate and Sarah’s tree

Sarah woke up and said, “It’s Christmas, Mommy! I want to open presents.” She threw off her blankets and jumped on the bed, trying to wake Kate. Buttons joined in, not knowing what the excitement was about, but he didn’t want to be left out. He jumped round on the bed, barking.

Heir Force: a Recap

Dear Readers,

So my homeschool year has started and I’m exhausted. I won’t bore you with the details, but it’s going to be a loooong year.

Good thing we’re on chapter 14 of Heir Force! We left off with Kate, Sarah and all preparing for Christmas. Snow covers the ground, it’s cold and Kate has the nuisance of her cast to work around.

This is the final chapter of Heir Force, so stay tuned to find out how it ends. There will be a cover contest late next week and other announcements. Please stay with me, I think you will like the ‘next chapter’!

Thanks for being patient with my starts and stops along the way. You can’t always plan for things that happen in life. Feel free to ask questions or leave comments about the story. I’d love to hear from you! I know you’re out there 🙂

****

Until next time,

Michelle

 

Scott AFB Security Forces K-9 Demo

Last week I had the opportunity to watch a K-9 demonstration by some of the Scott AFB Security Force troops. They showed us some of the equipment they use and how they train their working dogs.

An Heir Force Update

Hello Readers!

As Kate, Sarah, Spencer and Mrs. P prepare for Christmas, I am at a crossroads. I need to decide where I am going to go (and how) at the conclusion of Heir Force.

Some of my decisions include whether to stay here at the Heir Force site and turn it into more of a writer’s life blog, start a whole new blog and hope you move with me, or stop blogging altogether.

My next novel coming out in September, Cookie Encounter, is part of my Chance Encounter Inspirational Romance series and is not related to Heir Force at all, except for being a novel written by me. I could start a new blog using the Chance Encounter Romance theme, but am not sure that is what I want. I also have a part of me that includes scrapbooking, homeschooling, traveling and reading dozens of books a year that I could include in this new venture.

So, I will be thinking about this over the next several weeks and will continue to post Heir Force, but maybe not as regularly. Speaking of Heir Force, last week I had the opportunity to see a Scott Air Force Base K-9 demonstration and took pictures I will post later this week.  I was so excited!

Bear with me as I navigate the turns in my life and thank you for reading, and liking this blog. I am thankful for you. I welcome any input you may have, questions, suggestions, etc.

****

Michelle,

living a writer’s life, which is crazy at times

Kate Recuperates

Mrs. P seemed to be in her element. She caught up on the Kate’s laundry, made a delicious soup, and played with Sarah. Kate did what she could, one handed, but was glad Mrs. P was around. Sarah kept touching the rough plaster of Kate’s cast, frowning. “You hurt?” she would ask.

“I’m okay. Just tired.”

Kate Released from Hospital

The next morning, Kate woke up stiff and sore. She was instantly worried about Sarah as soon as she realized she was in the hospital. But Spencer told her what happened and reassured her that Mrs. P had everything under control. After getting Kate’s cast in place, some prescriptions for pain, and discharge instructions, she was released.

Spencer Calms Down

Spencer found the room Kate was assigned to and walked in quietly. She looked okay, except for her arm in a sling and scratches and bruises on her face and neck from the airbag. Spencer knew she would be sore for a few days at least.

A nurse came in to check her temperature. “Do you have any idea how she is?” Spencer asked, not too hopeful.

Spencer Arrives at the Hospital

Spencer pulled into the nearest Emergency Room parking spot and whipped out his ID from his wallet. He would get answers and he would get them now.

As soon as the receptionist behind the check in desk saw Spencer striding toward him in his uniform, he knew who we was looking for. He picked up his phone and held up a hand toward Spencer to let him know he was on it.