832 cookies!!! Yesterday was the great Cookie Baking Marathon with the family. I absolutely love these people…every single one of them. And they are a vocal family. It’s great fun…everyone laughing and talking over one another. The kids running around playing and challenging each other over who iced the best cookie. Christmas carols and the television and electronic games and telephone calls. A great cacophony of joy and raucous noise that weaves the fabric of what constitutes a family.

It is really interesting. In the first two years, and even somewhat the third year, after losing Mr. Virgo, noise grated on my nerves. After an hour, my head hurt and my teeth were on edge. This year, was totally different. Ten hours of eight adults and four kids jammed in a kitchen was great fun! I nibbled on one too many cookies so when it was time to head out for BBQ, I elected to spend a little down time, write my post, and chill before we start packaging up all the baked goods for distribution to friends, neighbors, co-workers and teachers.

I “talk” to thousands of people every day in the written word. But, 75% of my daily vocalization is to farm cats! I live a pretty quiet life. I’m not complaining…I really enjoy the bustle my family brings to my world. I just also like my peaceful moments when I can concentrate and write.

I’m supposed to head to the mountains today but it’s snowing hard in the high country. I’ll be careful and go when the roads are clear. At the front end of my trip, time stretches out before me and now a week is gone already. Plans were made today to spend quality time with my grandchildren one-on-one doing something fun that they enjoy. They grow oh so fast. Today was one of those days when memories were made and love was felt deep within. ❤️

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14:19‬ ‭NIV‬‬