JANUARY
What a wonderful way to begin the New Year - another sweet grandbaby was born on January 1st.
I (Joy) had just dropped off Sheridan to relieve the sitter and watch the sleeping grandbabies at the Hammer's house and was parking outside the hospital when I heard the fireworks welcoming in 2020. As I walked excitedly through the downtown D.C. city streets toward the hospital, I paused long enough to breathe in this special moment in time. A new year, a new decade, a new baby coming soon, and a new adventure on the horizon for the Alexander family.
Welcome baby Cole
Cole couldn't have come into a home more eager for his arrival.
With the arrival of the new year came the very real deadline of moving off the farm. We would spend our last night at the farm on January 31st. In all the packing and sorting I came across Timmy's childhood teddy bear, flattened and unstuffed over the many years, and being kept in a plastic bag for safety. I showed it to him and as if seeing a long lost friend, he so affectionately said,
"Teddy, what are YOU doing here?!"
It was one of many times during the move when our hearts would be
warmed and saddened all in the same instant.
There was no way we could have imagined how difficult it would be to move off a 300 acre farm with more than a dozen barns and buildings and a farmhouse full of the stuff of a busy life and business.
With our next destination being a 900 square foot house on a 2 1/2 acre lot,
we had to do a lot of giving away, selling, and throwing out.
Since I like a simplified life, I thought it would be a challenge I was up for.
But then reality hit...I'd have to get rid of things that I still love,
things that could not fit in our new, smaller world.
I began to go from room to room assessing what could realistically join us in the little cottage.
As I surveyed each room I was flooded with memories. I remembered how terrible the old farmhouse was when we arrived more than 10 years ago. I thought about how hard everyone worked to make it habitable. I remembered how I moved in kicking and screaming on the inside. I didn't want to live in an old, abandoned farmhouse. I wanted new. I wanted clean. Yet this was what God had provided for us. I remembered the day when Timmy said I couldn't have the rusty, green, metal, peeling roof painted and I also couldn't paint it myself. And how I had to choose whether or not I would be content living in the most forsaken house on the road. I remembered Elisabeth Elliot's saying, "In acceptance lies peace," and how I decided to accept my house as it was. I remembered the peace that replaced the discontentment and how I went from barn to barn finding things to decorate the porch once I accepted it as my house - green, rusty, peeling roof and all.
(And I could never forget how several weeks later some metal roof painters drove down our lane asking if they could paint our forsaken roof...and Timmy said yes...and I, having given my desire for a painted roof over to God, shouted excitedly, "God wanted a painted roof!")
So many memories were made under that roof over the next decade. Here we were at the end. It was time to decide what would get packed up and what would be thrown out.
When the purging process began I said that I'd be fine as long as the boys' beds and the oak dining room table could make the move. The table had been custom built for us in exchange for milk years ago. It's the kind of table that I could never afford with sturdy, long benches and sideboards that could extend the table to 10 feet long. We had eaten so many meals and made as many memories at this table.
The boys' beds weren't valuable but the reason I wanted to hold onto them
would take a while to surface.
would take a while to surface.
Each week we would list more and more things for sale. Many weeks we'd make more than one trip to Goodwill with our 12 passenger van filled with donations. The farm dumpster that used to be serviced every other week was now on the twice weekly dumping schedule.
The continual theme: "We don't need this anymore," or "It won't fit in the little house."
Timmy told me but I don't think I believed him when he said we'd be reducing the size of the house we were moving into from 900 to 750 square feet initially and adding on the other phases in the future. He said it was just way too hard to run the farm and pack it up while also doing an enormous house renovation, so we'd close off a section of the house and only prepare one area to move into.
750 square feet? Really?! For how long?!
When I accepted it, I began to get rid of even more stuff. I realized the boys' beds needed to be sold, but it made me so sad every time I thought about it. I sure do have wonderful memories of buying the matching beds for all four of the boys before Harrison was even out of a crib, and choosing matching quilts and monogrammed pillow shams. Saying goodbye to the beds that represent that wonderful time in my life would be sad but it didn't seem to be the real reason for my gloominess. Was I hoping the boys would sleep in those beds again some day? No. That wasn't it either.
The untold, deeply recessed hope was that my grandchildren would sleep in those beds one day at our house. And not just any house. A house on the water. A house where we could all gather and play and make lots and lots of memories together. Saying goodbye to the beds really felt like saying goodbye to a dream.
Within hours of listing them, a couple our age texted and then arrived at the farm. The woman excitedly told me that they just bought a house on the water and they needed beds so their grandchildren would have somewhere to sleep when they come visit them. I told her she was living my dream! As they loaded the beds and prepared to leave I told her how happy I was for her to have the beds. I don't know if she began crying because she was happy for her dream to finally become a reality or sad because mine was not. Either way, it was touching.
While Timmy and his crew focused on the enormity of packing up the farm, Sheridan and I oversaw the emptying out of the 3 bedroom intern house along with the intern living quarters on top of one of the buildings. We left everything better than we found it but I don't know if I would have gone to so much effort had I known the owners would demolish the intern house within a short time of our move. In just a couple of months the house that had provided a home for over 20 farm interns throughout the years was bulldozed.
When I told one of our former interns her house had been leveled, she sent me these pictures of when she moved into the intern house. It was certainly not a nice house but it served the interns well.
This intern house, along with so many other things at the farm,
became the practical application of a quote by Theodore Roosevelt that hung in the farmhouse,
"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can."
As the time drew near to leave the farm, every spare minute was spent working on the little house we were moving into.
Within hours of listing them, a couple our age texted and then arrived at the farm. The woman excitedly told me that they just bought a house on the water and they needed beds so their grandchildren would have somewhere to sleep when they come visit them. I told her she was living my dream! As they loaded the beds and prepared to leave I told her how happy I was for her to have the beds. I don't know if she began crying because she was happy for her dream to finally become a reality or sad because mine was not. Either way, it was touching.
While Timmy and his crew focused on the enormity of packing up the farm, Sheridan and I oversaw the emptying out of the 3 bedroom intern house along with the intern living quarters on top of one of the buildings. We left everything better than we found it but I don't know if I would have gone to so much effort had I known the owners would demolish the intern house within a short time of our move. In just a couple of months the house that had provided a home for over 20 farm interns throughout the years was bulldozed.
When I told one of our former interns her house had been leveled, she sent me these pictures of when she moved into the intern house. It was certainly not a nice house but it served the interns well.
became the practical application of a quote by Theodore Roosevelt that hung in the farmhouse,
"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can."
As the time drew near to leave the farm, every spare minute was spent working on the little house we were moving into.
We affectionately called it our "rescue" house. There was a song that became popular as we were preparing for the move called "Rescue Story" by Zach Williams.
After realizing how relevant the lyrics were, we also noticed one day that the background vocals sounded just like cows mooing.
I think the children laughed as hard as I cried.
The Rescue House
It was built in 1930.
It was in such bad shape that our insurance company was reluctant to offer us homeowner's coverage. I remember taking the pictures they requested in the best light and of its best angles, hoping they'd see it as worthy of coverage.
It had a few outbuildings. This one just about fell in on itself because of large holes in the roof.
When we looked at the house for the first time, despite its terrible state of disrepair, there were vacuum lines on the large carpet remnant. This house was talking my language and calling out to me to help it regain its former beauty. Nothing says "inspiring" like fresh vacuum lines.
The house had a family room with a kerosene heater.
The family room led into the kitchen.
The floor was caving into the dirt ground below it. The previous tenants seemed content with a board and rug to camouflage the sinking floor.
There was a large foyer when stepping inside the front door that connected the family room/kitchen, the one bedroom, and the converted porch/bathroom/laundry room.
The Rescue House
It was built in 1930.
It was in such bad shape that our insurance company was reluctant to offer us homeowner's coverage. I remember taking the pictures they requested in the best light and of its best angles, hoping they'd see it as worthy of coverage.
It had a few outbuildings. This one just about fell in on itself because of large holes in the roof.
When we looked at the house for the first time, despite its terrible state of disrepair, there were vacuum lines on the large carpet remnant. This house was talking my language and calling out to me to help it regain its former beauty. Nothing says "inspiring" like fresh vacuum lines.
The house had a family room with a kerosene heater.
The family room led into the kitchen.
The floor was caving into the dirt ground below it. The previous tenants seemed content with a board and rug to camouflage the sinking floor.
There was a large foyer when stepping inside the front door that connected the family room/kitchen, the one bedroom, and the converted porch/bathroom/laundry room.
This was the only bedroom.
The bedroom didn't have a closet. It simply opened to the foyer.
This was the only bathroom and it appeared to have never been completely finished when the porch was converted to a bathroom and laundry room. Or maybe the bathroom floor had rotted out already and the plywood was trying to be a remedy.
The other portion of the porch was the laundry area.
The kids, in typical house-hunting manner, played made-up games outside while Timmy and I studied the little, old house, wondering if this would be God's provison for us.
After Timmy and Harrison worked long and hard repairing the foundation,
they began renovations by taking down the wall between the family room and the kitchen.
The cabinets came from ReStore, a Habitat for Humanity resale store. The family that used to own them must have had a really nice kitchen. I've never had such high quality cabinets, and I absolutely loved her dishwasher hidden beneath a cabinet door.
The bedroom didn't have a closet. It simply opened to the foyer.
This was the only bathroom and it appeared to have never been completely finished when the porch was converted to a bathroom and laundry room. Or maybe the bathroom floor had rotted out already and the plywood was trying to be a remedy.
The other portion of the porch was the laundry area.
The kids, in typical house-hunting manner, played made-up games outside while Timmy and I studied the little, old house, wondering if this would be God's provison for us.
After Timmy and Harrison worked long and hard repairing the foundation,
they began renovations by taking down the wall between the family room and the kitchen.
The cabinets came from ReStore, a Habitat for Humanity resale store. The family that used to own them must have had a really nice kitchen. I've never had such high quality cabinets, and I absolutely loved her dishwasher hidden beneath a cabinet door.
I was proud of Sheridan who researched, ordered, and replaced the wheels on the dishwasher's rolling rack. It's the nicest dishwasher ever.
We think there might be enough cabinets for our place as well as Harrison's.
(To see Harrison's venture, go to May 2019)
The guys were able to put down the flooring before we moved in.
Incidentally, the only item besides the boys' beds that I had hoped could make the move actually came to the new house, but only for a short while. The beautiful, oak farm table with its long benches and sideboards lengthening the table to 10 feet was moved into the kitchen, but we quickly realized it was way too big for the little house. It seemed it'd be easier to get rid of it than to see it here, reminding me of what once was. I listed it for sale and just like what happened with the boys' beds, someone quickly responded.
An older couple arrived with their daughter my age and her teenage daughter. They explained that they had just bought a home on the water and needed a large table for all of their family to gather for meals. I thought, "Not really! Seriously?! Someone else is going to buy my only other treasured item and take it away to make memories with their family on the water?!"
I wasn't excited when they left like I had been for the couple who bought the beds. This time, it felt too hard to rejoice with them. Instead I fought back the tears. Everything felt unfamiliar and uncertain in my new world. Even the things that contained dreams for my future,
that likely would never really materialize, were drifting away.
Saying goodbye can be hard - even if it's just saying goodbye to dreams.
FEBRUARY
On the morning of Saturday, February 1st I called upstairs to wake the children at the farmhouse for the very last time. It had been our last night sleeping at the farm. On this day we would pack up our mattresses and blankets that were all that remained in the farmhouse, lock the doors, and say goodbye to the farm.
I suddenly remembered a morning wake up greeting that had almost been forgotten.
Years earlier, once I adjusted to our new life at the old farmhouse and accepted the fact that the farm and farm business would totally take over our lives, I began waking my six sleeping children by calling up the stairs, "Good morning, children. It's a GREAT day at Avery's Branch Farms!" The farm had become our lives. We cared for the farm and in turn, the farm cared for us. We worked where we lived, and we lived where we worked. I had accepted it and had found peace.
Then, as the years passed and the children began to grow up, marry, and move away and the work became so much harder on the rest of us, I unknowingly stopped waking the children with the cheerful greeting. It was all but forgotten.
Suddenly, on this last morning I remembered it.
As I stood at the bottom of the stairs, I called up the steps to wake the only two children still left. My heart was heavy and I fought to say with a steady voice,
"Good morning, children. It's the LAST day at Avery's Branch Farms."
We loaded up our mattresses and blankets and left the farm.
However, since the little house still didn't have water we spent a week at a local Airbnb. It really opened our eyes, from a business perspective, to the possibilities surrounding this growing rental market. We've since heard of people who have completely transferred their rental portfolio from long term rentals to an Airbnb model. We began considering how that might work for this property.
With only one bedroom completed, Harrison and Sheridan took turns sleeping on the couch or mattress on the floor.
With only one bedroom completed, Harrison and Sheridan took turns sleeping on the couch or mattress on the floor.
Happy Valentine's Day - Sheridan gets to sleep like a queen on the mattress tonight.
I wondered how we could adequately celebrate Sheridan's 13th birthday in the midst of so much construction chaos and upheaval.
We decided we'd leave the dust behind and she and I would go to Disney
for a few days to welcome in her teen years.
S'mores - always a favorite evening activity
We stayed at Old Key West - a beautiful resort.
Even though it was mid February, it was still warm enough for swimming.
We spent time strolling around Disney Springs.
Sheridan had fun trying on just about every single outfit at the Lilly Pulitzer store.
Sheridan loved the big, free treat Starbuck's gave her for her birthday. Of all the children, only Sheridan would be bold enough to prance around crowds wearing a crown and sash advertising that she was now a teenager. People were so nice and many wished her a happy birthday.
For fun Sheridan wanted to spend a lot of time at Sephora doing makeovers.
A dear friend of mine, Susan, was also vacationing nearby. She and her husband blessed and surprised Sheridan tremendously with fresh flowers delivered to our room.
What a very thoughtful friend!
Meredith chose Sheridan's 13th birthday to give her all the letters she had been writing to her before she was even born. These were so emotional for me to read that I had to space them apart. How indescribably beautiful to read these precious letters from an older sister anticipating and praying for her baby sister's arrival, to giving her godly advice as she grew. Oh my - there are no words to describe what it meant for me to read them.
Meredith wrote this post on Sheridan's birthday...
"The difference between the firstborn and baby of the family? I remember being so excited to go shopping with my mom and my own $100 at Greenbrier Mall for my 13th birthday...Today my sister, Sheridan, is celebrating her 13th birthday on a trip to Disney World! Sheridan is such a fun sister to have. In many ways we are complete opposites and it is so fun to watch her grow up. I was the quiet and reserved girl on the sidelines and she is the one leading the entire dance floor. A few years ago she asked me in all seriousness how old our parents made me wait until I was allowed to have my first BB gun. She was shocked when I told her I had never even considered asking for one! She is very thoughtful, an amazing baker, an incredibly hard worker, a great makeup and style consultant, and she is becoming more and more of a dear friend. I prayed to have a sister for many years and I'm so glad she's mine!"
Sheridan got "bibbidi bobbidi boo'ed"
at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo Boutique.
We found a great ice cream shop that gives ridiculously big portions and
I wondered how we could adequately celebrate Sheridan's 13th birthday in the midst of so much construction chaos and upheaval.
We decided we'd leave the dust behind and she and I would go to Disney
for a few days to welcome in her teen years.
S'mores - always a favorite evening activity
Even though it was mid February, it was still warm enough for swimming.
We spent time strolling around Disney Springs.
Sheridan had fun trying on just about every single outfit at the Lilly Pulitzer store.
Sheridan loved the big, free treat Starbuck's gave her for her birthday. Of all the children, only Sheridan would be bold enough to prance around crowds wearing a crown and sash advertising that she was now a teenager. People were so nice and many wished her a happy birthday.
For fun Sheridan wanted to spend a lot of time at Sephora doing makeovers.
What a very thoughtful friend!
Meredith chose Sheridan's 13th birthday to give her all the letters she had been writing to her before she was even born. These were so emotional for me to read that I had to space them apart. How indescribably beautiful to read these precious letters from an older sister anticipating and praying for her baby sister's arrival, to giving her godly advice as she grew. Oh my - there are no words to describe what it meant for me to read them.
Meredith wrote this post on Sheridan's birthday...
"The difference between the firstborn and baby of the family? I remember being so excited to go shopping with my mom and my own $100 at Greenbrier Mall for my 13th birthday...Today my sister, Sheridan, is celebrating her 13th birthday on a trip to Disney World! Sheridan is such a fun sister to have. In many ways we are complete opposites and it is so fun to watch her grow up. I was the quiet and reserved girl on the sidelines and she is the one leading the entire dance floor. A few years ago she asked me in all seriousness how old our parents made me wait until I was allowed to have my first BB gun. She was shocked when I told her I had never even considered asking for one! She is very thoughtful, an amazing baker, an incredibly hard worker, a great makeup and style consultant, and she is becoming more and more of a dear friend. I prayed to have a sister for many years and I'm so glad she's mine!"
Sheridan got "bibbidi bobbidi boo'ed"
at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo Boutique.
We found a great ice cream shop that gives ridiculously big portions and
all the toppings you'd like at no extra cost.
Disney recently completed their gondola transport system. We timed it perfectly and were able to watch the fireworks while riding high in the sky.
It was such a great trip and wonderful way to welcome in Sheridan's teen years.
We left sunny Florida and came home to snowy Richmond - Sheridan still in her flip flops. We didn't know if the flower bouquet would be allowed on the flight but it made it home safely. We were excited to see the guys had cut a hole in the wall and installed a kitchen window while we were gone. The flowers looked beautiful on the plywood countertop with the sun shining in.
MARCH
Making progress.
It's starting to look like a place where people can live.
We were enjoying a cocoa break complete with Stroop Waffles before the guys began installing the concrete countertops.
Disney recently completed their gondola transport system. We timed it perfectly and were able to watch the fireworks while riding high in the sky.
It was such a great trip and wonderful way to welcome in Sheridan's teen years.
We left sunny Florida and came home to snowy Richmond - Sheridan still in her flip flops. We didn't know if the flower bouquet would be allowed on the flight but it made it home safely. We were excited to see the guys had cut a hole in the wall and installed a kitchen window while we were gone. The flowers looked beautiful on the plywood countertop with the sun shining in.
MARCH
It's starting to look like a place where people can live.
We were enjoying a cocoa break complete with Stroop Waffles before the guys began installing the concrete countertops.
Harrison is learning more about building and renovating than I could have ever imagined. From repairing cabinets to pouring the foundation to wiring and plumbing - it's amazing what he's learning.
This is phase 2 where Sheridan's bedroom, another bathroom, and a laundry room will be added.
(SACA)
Making progress
how much I needed Timmy and Harrison's help.
The grouting was a bit more reasonable for Sheridan and me to tackle together.
And then COVID-19 came and words like social distancing and quarantine became common. Everything shut down - our church, the YMCA, the mall, and all the parks and beaches. Everyone started wearing masks, staying far apart from others, and doing "zoom" video meetings for every social or business meeting. I heard we'd all be back to normal by Easter. How nice that would have been. Who would have believed this would be our new way of life for the remainder of the year and beyond?!
Trying to find some fun in the midst of the chaos, Sheridan baked a batch of socially distanced cookies.
Toilet paper was in very short supply. Stores, which had reduced shopping hours, set limits on how much could be purchased.
People waited in very long lines just to have a turn to shop.
Our pastor encouraged us to keep asking,
"God, what are You saying to ME during this unprecedented season?"
APRIL
Elliott, Bethany, and William came for a visit.
The brothers all helped Timmy put on the new phase's section of our roof.
They also helped with Tyvek and the new siding.
We enjoyed lots of uninterrupted time to fellowship since we weren't allowed to go many places or do much out and about.
Bruster's was still open so we were sure to get by there for half-price-banana-split-Thursday.
We found a park where we were allowed to walk around.
Some Good Samaritan had hidden Easter eggs for little children to discover on their stroll.
We enjoyed time at Michelle's decorating Easter cupcakes.
On Easter morning we met up at Oliver and Michelle's for breakfast and feasted while watching the sermon together.
We did an Easter egg hunt for William after the service and before Elliott and Bethany had to get on the road heading home.
Elliott, Bethany, and William came for a visit.
The brothers all helped Timmy put on the new phase's section of our roof.
We enjoyed lots of uninterrupted time to fellowship since we weren't allowed to go many places or do much out and about.
Bruster's was still open so we were sure to get by there for half-price-banana-split-Thursday.
We found a park where we were allowed to walk around.
Some Good Samaritan had hidden Easter eggs for little children to discover on their stroll.
We enjoyed time at Michelle's decorating Easter cupcakes.
On Easter morning we met up at Oliver and Michelle's for breakfast and feasted while watching the sermon together.
We did an Easter egg hunt for William after the service and before Elliott and Bethany had to get on the road heading home.
We went to church for the last time on March 8th.
https://youtu.be/avxaDJIFAuc
I felt so intimidated by the project of staining and sealing the countertops. Sheridan, when I wasn't looking, wrote encouraging messages on all the paper I taped up to protect and cover the backsplash.
"You can do this. I know you can!"
Done!
Well, we thought we were done, but the black stain didn't hold up well at all.
So Sheridan and I tried again. We stripped off the old stain and then we loved it. It's durable and a great mix of rustic and industrial.
As the guys moved forward with phase 2,
a pantry was being created from the other half of Sheridan's bedroom closet.
a pantry was being created from the other half of Sheridan's bedroom closet.
It was an exciting day when the guys cut through the wall and we could see phase 2 almost completed. Sheridan's nights on the couch were coming to an end soon,
as well as our trips to the laundromat.
MAY
I couldn't be any prouder of these productive girls during the quarantine. With face masks being all the rage, Meredith took an old Lilly Pulitzer dress that wasn't able to be sold and cut it up and made masks. Before she had barely finished the last stitch, they were all sold.
For Sheridan's productivity project she decided to reach out to sellers on Amazon...
"I am a teenage entrepreneur who is interested in cosmetology. I would like to use your product to train myself while also training others through my YouTube channel. During this time of the Coronavirus, now more than ever it is important that people have opportunities to be productive and I believe learning new things such as hair cutting is perfect. Would you possibly consider sending me a hair mannequin for free to promote your business while I model productivity and cosmetology for others?"
They said yes!
Sheridan had more fun cutting hair and making videos over the next few months.
My next project would be painting the wood burning stove and making a tile heat shield.
Sheridan had more fun cutting hair and making videos over the next few months.
My next project would be painting the wood burning stove and making a tile heat shield.
I always have these big ideas of how I'll do this or that but Harrison and Timmy pretty much end up doing all of them for me because I'm not nearly as skilled as I imagine.
I did paint the stove but that's about it. The guys did everything else.
I love how it turned out.
JUNE
It was great having phase 2 completed which included a bedroom for Sheridan. She painted her old piano bench and then covered it with some pink, fluffy fabric.
Although everything we're doing to the little house now has the conversion to a rental property in mind, we chose to paint Sheridan's room pink, even if she's only able to enjoy it for a while before we repaint it a neutral color.
Even in the midst of the constant state of construction,
we'd take any chance to have everyone over.
We had a great time visiting with all the kids and grandkids.
We can all fit but it's tight!
Harrison on a hiking adventure with his church friends
JUNE
We all loaded up and visited with Stephen, Meredith, and the children on Father's Day.
The Alexander brothers and sisters
Meredith prepared a wonderful feast that we enjoyed outdoors.
Oliver Cole with baby Cole
The weather was beautiful and fellowship sweet.
John drew this detailed picture afterward of everyone enjoying the wonderful day on the waterslide.
JULY
Since we didn't have to milk the cows anymore, we fit several beach outings into the summer, mostly around our trips to NC to cut lots for our bushhogging business.
The best start to a beach or lot-cutting day:
a NC-prepared Cheddar Bo from Bojangles.
I love the seagulls. I know they're scavengers and supposedly not special but I think they're beautiful. They have such pure white chests with rich black and gray accents and their heads and wings. I know you're not supposed to but I like to sprinkle snacks nearby on the sand so I can see the seagulls up close.
The Hershbergers came into town for the July 4th holiday.
We had such a great time visiting with them.
We went to Granddaddy and Grandma Lou's for their annual, much-anticipated July 4th celebration.
Here my dad (Coley) is with his newest great grandson, his namesake, Cole.
They share the same exuberant smile!
Games with all the cousins
Because of Covid health concerns, we enjoyed an outdoor visit with Nana and Oma while the Hershbergers were in town.
We also enjoyed an outdoor visit with PaPa and PatPat while we were so close by.
Timmy was so sweet to offer to drive Tabby and me around to the houses we lived in when we were young. One of the houses had just about fallen to the ground. The other looked just like it did when we moved there 45 years earlier. Even the dated eagle ornament over the garage door still hung proudly.
When I first ate at a Mission BBQ a couple of years ago with Sullivan, I thought how much my dad would like their mission of supporting American heroes. I noticed how the walls had real pictures of heroes both young and old. I began to dream about a location opening up one day close enough to my dad who lives in NC so that I could possibly add some of his pictures to the wall and surprise him. I'd check the website from time to time to see where the latest Mission BBQ's were popping up. Amazingly, as Timmy, the kids and I were coming home from a beach trip in NC one evening, we drove through Chesapeake and I saw it - a Mission BBQ that would be a perfect location for the surprise. I contacted the store and they were eager for me to bring them pictures of my hero dad. I took pictures of him in his Chesapeake police uniform and his Army uniform when he was a Green Beret in Vietnam. While the Hershbergers were in town, we all stopped by Mission BBQ and held posters that I'd later show my dad when I surprised him.
I think the staff was as excited as I was on the day of the surprise. They had designated a booth for my dad's pictures.
I was just thrilled to see a dream come to life where we could honor and surprise my hero dad.
Since our house is still in the concerning "are-they-really-living-in-that-house?!" construction phase, we figured our neighbors weren't too eager to meet us. Knowing they'd definitely not be wanting a plate of home baked cookies during the pandemic, we decided to deliver potted plants to introduce ourselves.
The guys pulled off the old asbestos shingles and uncovered rustic wood siding. Unfortunately, it was too far gone to salvage so we're installing white vertical siding.
We went to a drive-in concert to see Mac Powell from Third Day, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Michael W. Smith. I was excited when Mac Powell emerged from his shiny travelbus and I insisted the kids get in position so I could take a picture with him in the background. I suppose he can spot a true fan a mile off so he waved at us as we took the picture. I was so excited!
A new mik customer and farming friend has the neatest venture. She plants a couple of acres of sunflowers and people pay to pick them and have their pictures taken in the field over the few weeks they're in bloom.
It's always fun to catch up with old friends.
I don't know how this picture was captured but it's too sweet to forget. Harrison asked me to look at something on the computer and I had my hand on his shoulder. He so sweetly put his hand on my mine. It reminded me of when he was young and his heart was so tender and loving. He would tell me he loved me every single day even when he was nearing his tween years.
The brothers love to irritate Sheridan. Here, hanging out of the unfinished HVAC vent, is one of her hair mannequins that was given to her by the hair companies.
We were so excited to finally be preparing for a family vacation that had been rescheduled a couple of times due to the pandememic.Vero Beach, here we come!
Sandbuckets for the grandbabies
"Honk if you're happy we're going to Disney's Vero Beach (finally)!"
Of all the years, wasn't God so kind to provide us a vacation on the water?!
It exceeded my dreams!
Sometimes a crew would go to the beach first thing in the morning, carry down all the floats and toys, and set up our shade structure and chairs.
Timmy bought an enormously sized airplane float special for the beach week.
Oh my goodness...the memories we made - both hilarious and frightening.
We played on the airplane float for hours!
We also bought a bunch of float rings. We raced and lounged on them in the warm Florida water.
We rented jet skis and had such a great time on them.
Oliver and Michelle sneaked to the beach early one day and totally surprised us when we arrived with this shell announcement on the beach sheet.
"O + M BABY DUE 2021"
The girls were so amazing and thoughtful regarding meals.
They coordinated and assigned all the evening meals to teams, excluding Timmy and me.
We had the luxury of just showing up and feasting on what they prepared each night.
Meal Team Sully, Harry, and Sheridan: Nacho Night
Elliott and Bethany brought tomatoes from their garden that finished ripening in the window.
Elliott made us some yummy cocoa creations one air-conditioned, chilly, condo afternoon.
We get way too excited about the daily slide racing competition. We practice and try to improve our time throughout the week. Everyone wants to be a winner!
Our crowd dominated the winners' categories with first, second, and third place winners.
We received bracelets and medals.
The lifeguard looked on suspiciously as Timmy stepped onto the stand to display his first place medal like an Olympic winner.
Sweet Penelope learning to swim.
Lunches by the pool
Face painting and story times - such precious memories.
Evening game time was so much fun.
Sisters
I loved watching the grown brothers all playing video games together.
Sullivan is a good uncle to play games with the littles.
Evening storytime with the grandbabies
One afternoon a storm came up quickly and the anchor broke that was holding the airplane float in the shallow water while we were at the condo eating lunch. Everything turned serious when Timmy, who had gone to check on the plane with a couple of the boys, suddenly came back to the condo and said he was worried because Elliott and Harrison were trying to swim to the airplane that was quickly heading out to sea during the storm. He said we needed to drive down the road to see if we could find them. He also said he worried the sirens in the distant were for the boys.
I thought Timmy was surely making more of it than necessary, but we quickly left and drove about a mile down the beach road. We parked the car and ran to the beach. That's when I saw them. Elliott and Harrison were WAY out to sea, but at least they were on the airplane float. Timmy told me to call 911 but all I could do was hand the phone to him. I was so upset I knew I wouldn't be able to talk sensibly to anyone.
Down the shore we could also see Sullivan who had been running along the beach wanting to help. Evidently someone saw what was happening and had called 911 already. So behind Sullivan were two police officers also making their way down the shore. We finally met up with them and they said a Coast Guard rescue boat was on the way. We could tell that Elliott and Harrison were making progress trying to get the airplane to shore. Sullivan swam out to help them. Finally, they all made it to shore. Safely! Thank you, Jesus!
Elliott and Harrison later told all of us the details. They said the airplane's distance from the shore doubled as the storm's wind blew. They realized they had to make it to the float because they were so far from the shore and didn't know if they could swim that much longer because they were so exhausted. They each had spans of time where they were trying to swim to the airplane that they couldn't even see each other and worried terribly that their brother wouldn't make it. They were so relieved to finally make it to the airplane but by then they were far out to sea. They tried different methods to swim the airplane to shore and were finally successful.
We realize this story could have ended differently and we're so grateful that God brought our boys back to us safely. So grateful!
We decided to give the airplane to Teto, the beach boy who rents rafts and jet skis to the Vero Beach vacationers. I'm sure he'll be careful to only let it be played on when the sea is calm and the anchor sure.
We're so thankful for God's goodness to us to let us spend time with these precious grandbabies.
Stephen would have made the week perfectly complete,
but his work wouldn't allow that much time away. We sure missed him.
Always a sad day - the day when you have to mobilize the luggage trolley and check out.
In the past, we've always driven as many as could fit in our van for vacations in Florida. But this year Meredith was able to get flights for all seven of them for less than $150 each way! Of course, she opted to fly instead of taking the 12 hour long drive down through the night.
The five of us went to Orlando for a short after-party celebration.
I'm loving opportunities for us to go on long walks on vacations. The pizza place, our favorite - Giordani's, was a couple of miles away so we were hot and hungry when we arrived.
To keep the walk home brisk and upbeat,
we each bought a pint of Ben&Jerry's ice cream after dinner,
but decided we wouldn't eat it til we got back to our condo.
Worrying about how fast it was melting helped us walk fast.
We made a few more great memories at Disney's Boardwalk Resort.
Everything is so beautiful at Disney's properties.
Their customer service, accommodations, and overall attention to detail
leaves us as refreshed as we are inspired.
Oliver and Michelle had their after-party in Tampa and offered to drive the van back to VA afterward. So, the five of us also got to take advantage of $18 quick flights home.
Sheridan vlogged the vacation and we're having so much fun watching the highlights!
SEPTEMBER
Back to work on our rescue house that we hope will be an Airbnb rental one day.
I'm thinking an illuminated cupola might be pretty - something to add vertical, visual interest while emphasizing the coastal theme. I asked the kids to hold a variety of board sizes on the roof so I could figure out what might look good.
Sheridan is really getting good at cutting hair.
She has some regular customers now in her family members and even some friends.
These girls have brought laughter, wisdom and encouragement to my life for over 30 years.
"A cord of three strands is not easily broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12
I snapped this picture because it captures why our friendship is special. Our visits through the decades have been characterized by good coffee, delicious food, and rich discussions about our relationships with Jesus. Liz and Jen have spoken truth to me when I was confused and they have prayed me through many of life's trials. I am so very grateful for them.
OCTOBER
A fall get together with the whole crew.
Because flights were so cheap, and a hoped-for 36th anniversary trip to Hawaii wasn't possible during the pandemic, Timmy and I took several trips to Ft Lauderdale and Miami.
Ever since we were dating, our happy place has been the beach.
We always search out the best ice cream shops when we're in a new town.
Though small portions, this is some of the best we've ever had. It's from the chain called BurgerFi.
Beach trips give us a chance to catch up on all the books we've been wanting to read.
One of the trips coincided with my birthday in December, so there were Christmas decorations
in the warm, summery beach town.
I love to clip a flower for our room from the beautiful Florida landscape.
We heard about this place on the news and were eager to check it out. "Shake Shack" serves up some delicious burgers and amazingly operates debt-free. Inspiring for a business model but especially smart during a pandemic when businesses that presumed upon the future and had debt are sadly losing everything.
I love being married to my highschool sweetheart
and still enjoying the same things we did when we were teenagers.
NOVEMBER
We took a trip to Georgia to stay in my inspiration Airbnb. The hosts were so hospitable and set aside time just to share their experiences with us. Along with visting Elliott, Bethany, and William, we also visited with close friends, and enjoyed a trip to Six Flags Over Georgia.
This will be a special memory for a long while.
A longtime friend was being elevated in her church.
Timmy's unexpected involvement in the service will be something I hope I never forget.
Sheridan loves being part of the parking team at our church. She has such a heart for others that might not be connected yet and has been so intentional to invite them to join the team. She has been so blessed by the new friendships.
I just had to snap a picture of this crew. They are all part of the community group that Sullivan helps to lead with a friend at our church. I'm excited for him to be part of such a great group of young adults.
Our church hosted a 5K to raise money for the local Food Bank.
We enjoyed lunch and fellowship together afterward.
I sneaked this picture of Harrison. He goes to Panera's often
after his early morning workout to have coffee and do his devotions.
I was so blessed the morning I stopped by for coffee myself and saw him there.
DECEMBER
Harrison began a Christmas lighting business this year, "Christmas Lighting Professionals."
Everyone pitched in to make his first year a success.
The houses turned out beautifully.
Sheridan had a special outfit she wore when she helped.
Sheridan was great at keeping the lighting supplies organized, as well as being the fastest runner when we delivered advertisements throughout the neighborhoods.
These amazing friends are living their dream and serving God in such an extraordinary way. They recently built a beautiful, big home and are providing a loving, safe place for children in need of a family. We are so inspired by this couple who are our age yet caring for babies to teens...and loving every minute of it.
The Hammer grandchildren asked for another
Great Wolf Lodge adventure for their Christmas gift again this year.
An Alexander Christmas tradition - watching "The Grinch" together.
Sisters
Sheridan was sweet to babysit the children so Meredith and I
could enjoy a birthday lunch at the Cheesecake Factory.
Another Christmas tradition - watching "Home Alone" together.
We had a wonderful time watching it at Oliver and Michelle's this year.
Our church's Christmas Eve service is always so meaningful.
Opening the Christmas gifts at Oliver and Michelle's.
Before the Hammer's headed home, we stopped by Oma's to surprise her by caroling outside her condo.
It was special but so sad to not be able to hug her.
Harrison, Sheridan, and some of their church friends.
Later at night on Christmas Eve we feasted on our favorite dishes that we seldom have.
Timmy fried oysters for himself and I fried chicken livers for Sullivan, Harrison, Sheridan and me.
Christmas Day
After we opened the gifts, we got on the road heading to Geogia to meet our newest, precious grandbaby. Henry arrived on December 21st and was welcomed by William, his big brother, Elliott, and Bethany.
What an amazing year it was. It began welcoming a baby and ended welcoming a baby.
"A baby is God's opinion that life should go on."
In the midst of all the chaos, the move from the farm, the pandemic, and everything else, God has been so good to us. We have so very much to be thankful for!
