We went for the turkey and now have a daughter!

Yesterday, our family gathered for a wonderful Thanksgiving at my son's home, and it truly was a delightful celebration! My amazing daughter-in-law, Sara, and her sister, Cassie, put in so much effort to make everything perfect. Sara's perfectly brined turkey was a hit, and the feast was abundant - with way more food than I could even try!

They generously sent us home with plenty of delicious leftovers plus desserts! Which we will enjoy tonight for dinner. 

I thoroughly enjoyed everything, so I happily invited Sara to prepare our Thanksgiving meal each year if she’d like, and she agreed! 

I’m excited to take on Christmas in return! 

It was especially awesome that I wasn't expected to do anything - 

Being the matriarch of the family has its rewards. 

I’ve always wanted to host my own Thanksgiving, but my mom preferred to keep the tradition at her house for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, with absolutely no consideration for my family and me.  All I wanted was a little compromise - where I could begin to make my own traditions with my boys. 

I knew there would be one day, I would pass the torch - and happily take that step back - when my daughter-in-law was ready, so they could shine and celebrate their beautiful traditions as a family.

What a lively scene it was, with my sons chatting so loudly, each trying to outdo the other! Their banter never fails to bring me joy - my only regret is that Michael wasn't there as well.  Navy has this hilarious routine about baseball players at the plate that always leaves me in stitches. And don’t get me started on his take on the funny end zone dances in football - it’s pure comedy gold! He has one for basketball, too. 

The thing is, Navy only does this for family. 

And then reality shows up...

Recently, Cassie, Sara's sister, has been navigating the challenging journey of losing her high school sweetheart of 20 years, a couple of months ago. Her grief is still fresh, but she is showing incredible strength. There were moments when the weight of her emotions became overwhelming. 

It did not put a damper on the evening; instead, it fostered a closeness and connection. My husband warmly hugged her and welcomed her, saying she was now part of our family. 

We went for the turkey and now have a daughter! 💕

It was so nice to see Laydee having a good time! She looked adorable in her leather boots, which helped her navigate the wooden floors with ease. Seeing the Grandcat Harry is always nice, although we never did catch a glimpse of Ed. He prefers the peacefulness away from the noise, so it's understandable he chose to hide. 

The thankfulness that blossomed in November shouldn’t go away with the leftover turkey. As the month ends and Advent begins, we enter a time of waiting - not just any waiting, but hopeful waiting. The world looked forward to the Messiah, and now we look forward to His presence in our daily lives: in our homes, our families, our joys, and our struggles.

See you in December! 

Debby

 

Merry Christmas - See you on the 26th

Imagine handing your shopping list to God. While that may not be what this means when we're feeling overwhelmed, you can turn to Him for guidance and peace. Remember, whatever worries you during this preparation isn't a life-or-death matter, and it certainly isn't the end of the world. Embrace calmness and perspective.

Jesus is the Reason of the Season

This little prayer box was gifted to me by a young woman from my church, a beautiful gesture that touched my heart. We prayed together over her illness, which has no cure, and her gratitude was profound. While I was only following the path my Father showed us, receiving this sweet gift reminded me of the strength of faith and community.

It's cute, and I will cherish this little box. It will always bring Megan to mind and inspire me to pray for her and her illness. 

Speaking of prayer - 

This is Sarah. She is a missionary we proudly support as a church body. Currently serving in a sensitive area of the Middle East, where danger surrounds Christians, her courageous spirit inspires us. After a few months of silence, our hearts were concerned, especially with the challenges in Syria and the region.

Yesterday, we learned that she is in Iraq, in a hospital, battling pneumonia. Sadly, her passport was stolen along with all of her identification, but she is in touch with the American Embassy. These missionaries are truly remarkable individuals. Their unwavering dedication to the love of God and spreading His gospel inspires them to endure incredible hardships and dangers for the sake of their mission.

🎄Well, here we are!  It’s December 23rd, and we’re all in the holiday spirit! I ventured out today to grab some fresh produce for our Christmas dinner. Since the stores will be closed on Christmas day, it felt like half a million of us were on the same mission and sometimes in the same aisle! 

Afterward, my husband and I swung by PetSmart to grab some little toys for Laydee, Susie, and our grand-cats,  Ed and Harry. And can’t forget about Char's fish!

We scored a great deal on buy three, get two free, so we ended up with some good deals for our furry (and finned!) family. 

Tomorrow, I plan to bake my Christmas cake and try to get most of the prep done. We invited some neighbors to our candle-lighting service at church. I also need to drop off a meal for Gail, and after the service, we're planning to hit up a diner for dinner. I’m really craving a patty melt and a milkshake! 

I’ll be back right after Christmas or something. 

I Hope you all have an awesome Christmas!

Debby

 

Rain, Memories, a Tip and the Latest on Elias

This Friday morning, we have rain! 

Rain is falling, creating a serene ambiance that fills the air with a fresh, earthy scent with the promise of more rainfall in the days to come. 

I love sitting by the window, 

watching the rain.

I just realized that our shade screens from the summer are still in place. I guess I’ve become so accustomed to their presence that I barely notice them anymore. Typically, by this time of year,  they would have been taken them down. 

Here I go again - 

marching down Memory Lane...

In Northern California, the late autumn rains drench the air with a sense of festivity, stirring memories of Christmas that linger like the scent of pine. My thoughts go back to my childhood, where the thrill of riding the streetcar down Market Street in the heart of the City yields fond memories. The downtown streets pulsating with life—alive with the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers. 

Joyous bell ringers peppered every corner - each cheerful jingle echoed through the streets, weaving a delightful tapestry of sound that blended with the city's spirited ambiance. As a child, the atmosphere felt electric, filled with laughter and merriment, as if the very essence of joy itself had come to life. Perhaps my Mom, along with every other adult with children in tow, held a vastly different perspective.  On every street corner, there were puddles.  If you didn’t tread carefully, a passing truck or car would speed by, sending a torrent of water splashing up to greet you, soaking your shoes and sending a cold shock up your legs. In those days, it felt like every woman wore dresses or skirts, regardless of the chilly weather. Brrr, it really was cold! Everywhere I looked revealed another scene of the holiday spirit. 

And then came shopping malls...

That was Christmas in the City! 

Memories hold such a special significance in our lives, don’t they? They have a unique way of wrapping around us like a warm blanket, providing comfort during both joyful and challenging times. I remember someone sharing with me years ago that one of the telltale signs of aging is when you find yourself often drifting back to those cherished moments of the past, reliving them with a sense of nostalgia. It's fascinating how our experiences shape who we are, and reflecting on them can bring a mix of warmth and wistfulness.

Well, guess what? 

I'm getting old. 

So, what's going on in my stomping grounds besides rain?

The husband just returned from his appointment at the VA for podiatry. He needs special inserts for his shoes, and the VA also covers the cost of two new pair of shoes each year. His foot arthritis is quite severe, so they provide him with pain patches and a topical cream. Additionally, they supplied him with a paraffin wax machine, which he uses when he's in significant pain; he heats the wax and dips his foot into it. They also provide all the paraffin wax he needs.

If you suffer from Arthritis you might consider: 

A paraffin wax bath covers the hands or feet completely with molten paraffin wax. The warm, melted wax helps to reduce joint stiffness, heats the dilated blood vessels, improves circulation, and helps ease the pain. Since there is no cure for arthritis, this is one way you can help alleviate some of the discomfort. 

For some of you who have bad arthritis in your feet or hands, this might be a good option for less than $100. 

Plus, you get soft feet! (hands) 

And for those who have asked 

about little Elias  - 

From the Go-Fund Me page: 

The Latest 

We're not hearing much about his friend Roman - 

other than this mention.  I know the community was/is raising funds - the family desires their privacy. 

May this season be a time of joyful anticipation and reflection on the love and grace of our Savior, who came to dwell among us and will return in glory.

Talk to you later...

Debby

 

My Thoughts on Advent - Week One

It strikes me every year when I hear that "Jesus is the reason for the season." Well, of course, He is. Then, I go back to the hustle and bustle of Christmas. As I get older, I am more convicted by this: 

• Have I truly made Him the reason I celebrate the season? 
• Could I look Him in the eyes and say that I have?
• Would others who do not know Him yet recognize Jesus in me during this season? 
• Shouldn't every season be a reason to celebrate Jesus? 

It just so happens that I am studying Revelations during this season, so of course, I am thinking of His second coming. The season of Advent symbolizes not just the humble arrival of a Jewish baby that just happens to be the Messiah but also reflects our own journey as we navigate these modern times, not knowing when He will come back again. We know He will because He keeps His promises. We should all be eagerly awaiting His return—or Advent. 

The First Advent was Jewish! 

Today, we can see these parallels with Israel's experiences at the end of the Old Testament during their exile. The Israelites, in their deep longing, reflected on God's past acts of grace, remembering His divine deliverance from slavery in Egypt during the Exodus. Through this lens of history, they called upon God to intervene once more. They lived in a state of hopeful expectancy, eagerly awaiting a Savior, a Messiah, a coming King who would fulfill the promises bestowed upon them.

Today's Advent season invites us into a journey of reflection that deepens our faith. This time encourages us to joyfully celebrate the miraculous first coming of Christ, an event that forever transformed our world. At the same time, it fills our hearts with eager anticipation as we await His glorious return to gather His faithful followers. In this interplay of expectation and remembrance, we are called not just to wait, but to actively prepare our hearts for His arrival. 

How are we preparing our Hearts during this season? 

In my BSF study of Revelation, we explored 2 Peter 3, which describes the Day of the Lord. This reflection inspired me to contemplate His second coming, filling me with hope and guiding me toward a true spirit of preparedness. 

I am filled with gratitude for the baby Jesus' during this season yet I stand in awe of the glorious future ahead. That momentous day of the Lord when every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that the little Jewish baby in the manger is indeed, our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World. 

Because of Jesus, I am

Debby