Tender Tennessee Christmas

1,032 miles was the distance of our first journey to Tennessee to celebrate Christmas with the Miller family.  We traveled along the prettier part of East Texas, the rocky roads of Arkansas and the entire state of Tennessee.  And of course, we listened to a small bit of country music just to make it feel like home.  We arrived at 3am not so bright-eyed nor bushy-tailed, but praised the Lord for a safe trip.  The green machine (Chris' truck) was faithful til the end of his days and we were glad to give it to Dad.

Visits with Mom and Dad, Harry, Stacee, and Ross filled the next few days, with a special trip to Yamato's...Chris' favorite restaurant.  For anyone passing through Johnson City, TN...it's worth a stop in for their sesame chicken with shrimp sauce.  Sunday gave us a chance to visit with the Antioch church family and share some special memories and stories.  A hike up Buffalo Ridge in the snow brought us to the spot Chris wanted to propose and after he did for the second time, I said YES!!

One of the greatest parts of the trip included the walk down memory lane of Chris's childhood.  We visited the oldest town in Tennessee, Jonesborough, which reminded me of Nevada City. Also, the park where they had baseball parties was the same place Davy Crockett was born.  We stopped by Mamaw Miller's and I met the oldest living member of Chris' family...what a precious woman.

On Thursday, we had a chance to meet up with the Robinson family in Asheville, NC.  It was a great time of reconnecting, laughing, drinking coffee...it was guud.  Later that afternoon we braved the 22 degree weather of the downtown Asheville streets and found a cute little restaurant and cupcake shop to enjoy.  Our drive back over the mountain gave us some amazing sights to see on the snowy, smoky mountains.

Christmas Eve came quickly, and led to the Miller Christmas Eve party.  I wasn't sure what to expect since I was warned some uncles might show up with underwear on the outside of their pants, but found out they went easy on me for my first year.  In other words, it was a blast and I loved being inducted into the family!  We spent the night with Harry, Stacee, and Ross and woke up to a beautiful white Christmas!! YAY!

Christmas was a wonderful, fun-filled day of presents, delicious food, hikes in the snow with Ross and great family time.  It was such a joy and blessing to celebrate Christ's birth, reflecting on the incredible ways He has blessed my life this past year, especially with such an amazing husband!!

The snow continued to fall through Monday, keeping Chris from preaching at Antioch, but allowing us to enjoy some quality time with Mom and Dad and each other.  Sledding, walks in the snow, movies, football, and cooking brought relaxation and refreshment.  We headed back to Fort Worth on Tuesday after a wonderful meal at Cracker Barrell and walk on the river in Pigeon Forge with Mom and Dad.  Our first Christmas together was all I hoped it could be, and we are looking forward to many more!

Can you tell it's his favorite??

A view on a clear day shows all Johnson City and Mom and Dad's house

Jeff, Mama, and Justin Robinson

Millers