Oh the thought of making it a get-away, a get-away for two days, away from hometown and a chance to be at the lake, maybe go sliding and just be there over-looking the lake. Maybe stay in your pj's and sit around. Or dance and jump with joy to the music.
We watched the lake freeze this year, there was movement one day and stillness the next.
But let's back up to the week before Christmas when I got to spend two days at the cottage prepping, wrapping gifts and decorating with a lifelong friend who was entirely more generous than she needed to be .. but she just is all that, she's that sort of gal.
My friend offered to help me wrap all the gifts, plus she asked if she could bring something for each person. Seriously generous, don't you think?
Arriving exactly one week before Christmas we unloaded the packed full to the very roof of the Pontiac Torrent (with a peep hole left for rear view mirror sight) with food and gifts and we didn't stop moving that Tuesday until every last package was finished,
there was coffee involved, oh and snacks.
Then for a few quick decorating changes taking us from a summer look to Christmas.
On a walk a few years ago I discovered these long pine cones covering the ground on the east side of the lake, so going back with a couple of paper bags I collected plenty for this little addition to the great room.
On to the hutch; removing the summery dishes and replacing them with red and wintry designs was fun and took little time.
The two fabric ball ornaments sitting on the plates were made by mom's cousin Rhea, she was famous for them!
At least she was in our family. They need a showcase.
Here are a couple of cottage-ie bathroom additions; these goofy birds tickle my funny bone;
it's serving as a night light in the bathroom;
Speaking of my sweet friend, as I mentioned, she wanted to bring something for each member of our family to place on each pillow. I had no idea what she was going to do.
Along came a bag with 17 net satchels decorated with jingle bells and containing a piece of candy and a piece of paper printed with a Bible verse. Each with a different verse.
Before we left the cottage on Thursday morning I asked her to go through the cottage and place the gifts on each pillow. She asked the Lord to put the verses in the right spot, for the right person.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path". It's from Proverbs 3.
So we do that Lord, acknowledge you in all our ways today.
Even the kids.
One last thought before I close this post.
Perhaps you'll notice the linens are turned back in the loft. This is why.
As a child my cousins, sisters and I would spend a summer week at our grandparent's lakeside home.
We were always so excited to arrive and be together and do all the same things each year. We knew we would have supper on the boat, go swimming, check grandpa's beautiful gardens, especially the roses. We would have big breakfasts and listen to grandpa read the devotional for the day afterward.
But the one thing that always welcomed us upon arrival at grandma's house was a turned back bed in the guest room.
When I walked into that bedroom each year and saw the corner of the linens folded back and awaiting us I knew grandma was expecting us, wanted us. It was so welcoming.
I don't know if the children noticed but this year at Christmas every bed was turned back.
Blessings abounding ..
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