TWO TRUTHS & A LIE

As promised, here are all the juicy details!

See? Sometimes the truth really is stranger than fiction. That can definitely be said about some of the “truths” we shared on our Christmas card. Let’s explore those a bit, shall we?

Jeff’s Truths: 1. Chased a neighbor down the road with a 2×4

Yes, that’s true. Granted, the neighbors in question were actually dogs who killed two of our chickens, but the whole 2×4 thing didn’t sit well with the dogs’ owner and some words were exchanged. The Sheriff became involved. It was a fun time. No arrests were made and that counts for something. I don’t mind telling you that if those dogs ever return, ours will be the last property they ever step paw on. Moving right along though…

2. Allowed another man to explore his nether regions

Yep! He aged into his first colonscopy. Not to worry though, it all came out in the end (see what we did there).

And with regard to that doctorate we lied about, he’s SO close to being done. He should get the degree in May of 2025.

Darcie’s Truths: 1. Battled oral thrush for two+ months

Yes! It was the very unpleasant result of being on antibiotics after a tooth implant. Not only was it incredibly uncomfortable, but the infection was stubborn and just would not clear up.

2. Was treated in the ER for “weed shakes”

Having never used marijuana recreationally, those “weed shakes” were certainly an unexpected side effect of the CBD pills she used to try to get some help sleeping through the night. Sleep was not to be had when she ended up with a racing heart, muscle tremors and a night spent in the ER. You can bet she won’t be trying those pills again anytime soon, yikes!

She did, for the very first time ever, meet her Goodreads Annual Reading Challenge, so that lie was a little bit of a brag.

Devin’s Truths: 1. Wore jeans & a black shirt to Disney in 100° heat

Can you believe he did that? We couldn’t either. Novice. We’ve initiated him appropriately and he won’t likely make that mistake again.

2. Worked in Korea over half the year

That’s why he is not pictured (yet again) in our Christmas card photo. We’ve all missed him, but probably none more than Torri and Charlie. We hope he’ll be home soon!

He did get closer to his personal aspiration of finishing the sleeve of tattoos on at least one of his arms.

Torri’s Truths: 1. Shared spicy marital details with us

Yes, we’re blushing too. During a cruise in January, Torri and Devin took part in a very public activity similar to “The Newlywed Game” and one of the questions they had to answer related to the most unique location in which whoopee took place. The video makes for a fun memento. See for yourself.

2. Started playing Dungeons & Dragons

I never saw this one coming, but yes indeed Torri has taken a fond interest in D&D and even hosted her own 30th birthday party themed to the game.

She has not, however, run so much as a 5k this year, so that bit about her bragging on her half marathon was a fib.

Cassidy’s Truths: 1. Has started cursing like a sailor

Sadly, this one is true. It’s a nasty little habit that we’re trying hard to correct. We think she picked it up from her McDonald’s coworkers, and that explains her second truth…

2. She quit her job at McDonald’s

{See the explanation for truth #1.}

She hasn’t participated in Special Olympics for a couple of years now, but she spends her days at two different local day programs and enjoys the socialization and enrichment of both!

Jayce’s Truths: 1. Scored a full ride (including room & board) scholarship

Yes! This is one truth that we are thrilled with. He’s almost completed one semester and he is definitely thriving in all aspects of his college life.

2. Got suspended from school for a week

Also true, but this one we aren’t quite as thrilled with. His suspension was the result of a poor choice he made during his final month of high school, sigh. He learned an important life lesson or two from it, though, and it’s behind us.

Sadly, when he stopped in to inquire about test driving that new Corvette, they turned him away because he’s not a legal adult yet by Alabama standards. Can’t fault him for trying though, right? As his Dad often says, you lose 100% of the shots you don’t take.

Charlie’s Truths: 1. Spends a lot of time crocheting

Though this makes her sound like a bit of an old lady, it’s true. Charlie is a incredibly talented with the crochet needle!

2. Brainstormed a plan to reduce waste at school

Isn’t this cool? As a part of her GATE class, she worked in a group to identify a need and then put together a tentative plan to remedy the problem. Her group felt that the Styrofoam trays used in the lunchroom are super wasteful (and we agree!). Hopefully the school will soon implement some of the suggestions they presented as a solution.

Her hair, though, was neither cut nor donated and she, at least for now, is happy to keep growing it out.

That’s about all we have to report for 2024. As we enter into a brand new year, know that we wish all of you a healthy and prosperous 2025, overflowing with abundant blessings and memorable moments. xoxox!