Friday, January 24, 2026
We’ve been thinking a lot about those we know
who live in the southern states this week...
You all were blanketed with our typical winter weather!
We hope and pray that you are safe
and are now able to get around and dig out from the record snowfalls!
It’s definitely been a memorable January so far!
Today, we’re excited to be starting something new!
We plan to share a weekly post
that highlights GRAND moments from our lives
that we’d like to capture and remember!
Some might recall BIG moments that have taken place
while others... not so much!
as each of us revisits a few of these important snapshots (at least to us)
from our week!
Laurie has had a busy week as she and her family get ready
for a BIG change ahead!
She’s had one thing on her mind as she gets prepared for what’s to come!
A Home “Refresh” Begins!
A VERY EXCITING AND A VERY EXHAUSTING CHANGE!
We are in the beginning stages of a “refresh” of our kitchen and living room!
What started out last fall as meeting with someone
about replacing our kitchen floor and counters,
has now become a full project…
While the footprint of these spaces will be staying the same,
we are about to change everything else!!
Work begins on Monday (!!!) so we have been busy packing everything up and moving it all to our basement. Of course that includes lots and lots of cleaning since it's been twenty years since our last redo!
I’m not sure if you are like me, but our basement has become a catch-all for everything, including all those boxes that would not fit into our Middles’ apartments and townhomes when they first moved out years ago.
We now need that space to temporarily move our living room furniture into, as well as the kitchen boxes, so it was a call to action! Both our Middles are now settled into new homes so it is time for them to take back what is theirs! Recently, our Middles have spent days here, going through many memories and sorting, tossing and reboxing - one Middle doing so enthusiastically and the other one… reluctantly!
I THINK WE'VE BEEN VERY KIND!
When my husband and I moved into our first home,
my parents came over and left all of my boxes on our front steps!
I have to admit, it has been hard seeing beloved items - photos, stuffed animals, favorite sweatshirts, books and yearbooks - tossed into “DONATE” boxes by my Middles!. My heart has been aching for these reminders of not only my young children, but the young parent I once was - trying to give my children a happy and loving childhood.
But, as they say - time marches on! So, I took pictures of many things, which made letting go easier, and I really enjoyed the time spent reminiscing with our children and hearing and seeing their remembrances of childhood, too!
Now - time to move the furniture and get on with the new!
Let’s hope those Middles are happy to feed us for the next 8 weeks!
THINK OF ME NEXT MONDAY WHEN THE “FUN” OFFICIALLY BEGINS!
Meanwhile, Laura and her hubby have been hibernating
and doing their best to stay warm during these frigid days!
Did we mention, that we've had a week of below zero temps?
Cozy Winter Decor!
We always celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas in our home
so the holiday decor finally disappears on January 6 each year.
It’s can be a bit of a let down,
especially during the cold and gray Minnesota days that January brings us!
I’ve found that if I decorate our living spaces with winter trees and twinkling lights during January and February, our world feels much more cozy and inviting. What do you think?
A few cute snowmen and shimmering trees…
What is it about twinkling lights that sparks such joy?
And don’t forget about a candle’s glow!
Somehow, all of these touches make the extra long winter nights
feel just a bit more magical!
A Sip of Tea!
When the New Year arrived, I gave up my regular treat of Dr. Pepper…
Goodness, I miss it!
But, thanks to one of my best friends,
who made this introduction for me,
I’ve discovered a new afternoon pick-me-up that I’ve grown to enjoy!
While I don’t have it often,
it’s a lovely way to keep warm inside on a chilly January day!
(I simply fill my mug ½ full with the chai tea concentrate,
add skim milk and heat in the microwave.
Then I sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top!)
It hits the spot!
Meet the Grooms!
Earlier this month,
we hosted my hubby’s side of the family for a winter get-together.
Many of our nieces and nephews were able to join us,
even those still on Winter Breaks from college!
It's become quite a feat to get us together!
Our own Wisconsin crew came for the weekend, too, and since Hubby is one of five,
we had a houseful of family that day!
Two of our nieces recently became engaged and are planning
spring and early summer weddings!
Most of the family had not yet met either groom,
so I planned two fun games that gave everyone the chance to officially
”Meet the Grooms!”
and welcome them to our family!
We played the “Shoe Game” to get to know each couple better…
it was fun to see how each answered the same question simultaneously!
Then we played "Which Groom Said What?"
I had sent each groom a series of questions ahead of time
that they then answered on their own and then returned to me.
I created a document that included each question with both of their answers
and everyone (including the brides!) had to guess who said what!
WE LEARNED A LOT ABOUT OUR GROOMS!
In NEXT THURSDAY’S POST,
I’ll share more details about these games
and the menu, featuring chili and our delicious toppings bar!
Be sure to come back next week for all the details!
(If you sign up to subscribe to our blog you won’t miss a thing!)
😉
Together, as we wind down this week’s important highlights,
we couldn’t forget to include these two!
Snow Much Fun!
In yesterday’s post, we featured 5 ideas for indoor winter fun!
Check out our ideas here!
Our post reminded us both of other fun moments we’ve had with our Littles…
“ICE SKATING” INDOORS!
(Using wax paper for skates… it works on tile or carpet!)
SNOW PAINTING!
and
A DELICIOUS SNOWMAN TREAT have all been past FAVES!
You’ll find lots of these ideas (and more)
We invite you to follow us there!
God Knew!
Last weekend, when Laurie was in the midst of her purge and clean out,
she ran across two items that made her stop for a minute!
Soon, she was texting Laura with news of her discoveries!
First, when emptying kitchen cupboards,
Laurie had found a lone sheet of paper on a top shelf…
a Sunday School task that Laura’s oldest daughter had completed in third or fourth grade!
How? Why?
Psalm 40: 5 always provides a great reminder!
"Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done,
the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
Were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare!"
Then, a short time later, Laurie was going through sympathy cards from 2009,
and, on the top of the pile, was one Laura and family had sent!
As some of you may recall,
Laurie was Laura’s oldest daughter’s Sunday School teacher for seven years.
That’s how we first met!
By 2009, when Laurie’s dad passed away, their family had switched churches
and, from then on,
our families only kept in touch through yearly Christmas cards!
Who would have thought that 10+ years later
we’d unexpectedly reconnect?
GOD KNEW!
He brought us back into each other’s lives at the perfect moment
just as we were both retiring and starting out on an exciting journey...
as brand new GRANDS!
HOW GRAND IS THAT?
Let us know what you think about our "Weekly Snapshots" posts!
We'll still be sharing our GRAND topics each week
and will be weaving a few additional ideas into these Friday posts, too!
If interested, leave a comment at the end of this post
or feel free to email us directly at ourgrandlives@gmail.com.
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💗 We are delighted to join the following link up parties and blog hops! 💗
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