Later Christmas Night

After a very excited Sarah went to bed and Spencer left to drive Mrs. P home, Kate changed into her robe and slippers and enjoyed a cup of cocoa while she waited. She stared at her ring, not quite believing what happened earlier.

“Want anything?”she asked Spencer when he arrived.

“No, I’m still good from cake, thanks.” He sat on the sofa next to her and put his arm around her.

“I had no idea you had done so much shopping recently.” Kate looked at him, giving him a sly look. She finished her drink and set the cup on the table.

“Caught you off guard, didn’t it?” Spencer gave her a cheeky grin.

“You can say that again.”

“Does it fit ok?” Spencer indicated her ring.

“Perfectly. I love it.”

“Good. Did Sarah settle down? She was pretty excited.”

“It took a minute to get her back down to earth, but she finally calmed down. I read a couple of her new books and that helped.”

“That’s good.”

They didn’t know where or how yet to have a wedding, but the couple did pick a date. They chose the following Valentine’s Day.

****

Until next time,

Michelle

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.”

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.

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.

Kate’s Dinner with Jen and Kelly

Since Kate was leaving in a couple days, she, Jen and Kelly made plans to have dinner at the Olive Garden in Fairview Heights. Mrs. P would watch Sarah since Spencer had to work that evening.

Kate drove on her own so she could get some stocking stuffers after dinner. Tonight flurries were falling and the forecast called for two inches of snow by morning. She pulled into the restaurant parking lot and went inside to see if either of her friends had arrived yet. She added her name to the list when she learned neither of them were there yet. She sat on a bench holding her gift bags.

For Fun Fridays: What’s Your Thrive?

I love the music group, Casting Crowns. Their latest album, I mean CD :), includes a song called Thrive. I love it! Part of their song says, “We were made to more than just survive, we were made to thrive.”

Pancakes for Breakfast

“At least not yet,” Spencer whispered. He turned back to Sarah. “What kind of pancakes, blueberry or chocolate chip?” Spencer asked, changing the subject. Kate acknowledged she had the ingredients needed.

“Chocwat chip! No daddy?” Sarah, as if on a mission, marched toward the dining room. Spencer and Kate followed.