One more week and Christmas is here. We celebrated the third Sunday of Advent well and look forward with great anticipation to Christmas Day and the birthday of our Savior. Family and friends make the holidays fun and we are so blessed.
Friday, I had my lunch bunch girlfriends over for lunch here at the house. Melody didn't come down but Heather, Shirley, Cindee, and Terry were here. We had a lovely time. I served a casserole of chicken, broccoli, and bowtie pasta with an alfredo-type sauce. We also had a fruit salad and a cheese plate. Dessert was Christmas cookies and Heather's gingerbread. Yum!!
I want to ask my prayer partners to please add Cindee to your prayer lists. She is sitting at the right in this picture. Cindee has Parkinson's Disease and is not doing well at all. We are all very worried about her. Please pray that her strength will return. Thank you!!
On Saturday, we got up late which was wonderful. Our Mas Verde community Christmas dinner was to begin at 4:00 with a social hour and dinner served at 5:00. Our HOA provided the turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. The rest of us all brought something to share and we had a feast. There were around 130 people in attendance and when dinner was over we sang Christmas carols. It was such fun and we got to know a few more folks a little better. We just love our new home and neighbors!!
Three dessert tables! Barely had room for dessert!
On Sunday, we got up early (for us) because we were invited to attend Helen's church (United Methodist) for their Christmas Cantata service, followed by a community Christmas dinner. Helen treated us (tickets required). It was lovely and the choir did a great job!! We enjoyed it all!
We arrived early. The church did fill up!
Lunch was served in their community hall.
We were certainly well fed all weekend and were in very good company! When we got home after dinner at the church, we went out again to do some more Christmas shopping. Almost done!! Arrived back home and Sharon (next door neighbor) came over for a few minutes and invited us over for a glass of wine and some snacks. They leave for their son's house later this week and we will be turning their outside Christmas lights on and off for them. We no sooner got home from there when Al and Theresa popped in. They had been out for a walk and took a chance on us being home. We caught up with them and their weekend and made plans to meet for dinner on Tuesday night at a restaurant not too far from here.
Today (Monday) I was invited by my former boss to attend the staff Christmas luncheon at noon, at the Museum. It will be fun seeing everyone!! I felt honored to be invited and wouldn't miss it!!
The days are flying by!! Are you ready for the big day? Thanks for your visit! Peace & hugs!
{{{giggling}}} Whew, your not slowing down with this retirement, are you, big smiles.
ReplyDeleteAs ready as we will be, I have some baking to do this week...and of course, last minute grocery shopping. I hope you have a beautiful Monday, friend. smiles.
I have another grocery list too, and will start baking tomorrow (oh...and laundry!).
DeleteTerri, you do stay so busy!! I love that your new community always has something going on!! We missed our church Christmas program this year. Traveling so much but we plan to go while we can GO. Prayers for your friend...
ReplyDeleteArlene, we feel the same. The day will come when we can't be on the go so much, so we are enjoying it while we can!
DeleteI am so happy to hear about your activities and that you are meeting new people almost every day. I am fighting an old sore throat and cold, so will be staying close to home this week. Got to get over it before the upcoming weekend. Have a great Monday.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself, Linda. I know you don't have to do all the cooking and baking, but you will have Jim with you and will be busy with him. Rest while you can. Love & hugs!
DeletePrayers lifted for Cindee. I'm ready. Cookies getting delivered today, mailing off package to Katie and Matt, got a lady coming over to buy a piece of furniture we've been trying to sell. Then off to Lowes for my final gift, then shopping is all done. Have a great week. Hugs to you and Joe.
ReplyDeleteHugs right back and thanks so much for your prayers for Cindee!!
DeletePraying for Cindee. Glad,she got to make it to your little lunch.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
DeleteIsn't it nice to have this beautiful weather to get out and do things. We have an active community too and lots to take part in. Enjoy your week! Holiday hugs!
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed!! Holiday hugs right back to you!
DeleteWhat a great feeling to be asked to attend the Museum staff luncheon ... did it feel like visiting family?
ReplyDeleteI'm honored to hold Cindee in my prayers. Please keep us posted!
Yes, Myra, it felt like 'going home'. I've seen several of them often, but there are a few I hadn't seen since my last day in July. Thank you for praying for Cindee.
DeleteI see you had a wonderful weekend and lots of delicious food. We are as ready as we will be for Christmas. Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas sweet Terri. Hugs
ReplyDeleteHello!! I haven't seen you here in awhile! Merry Christmas to you too!!
DeleteKinda sorta ready, but not really. I am wowed by all your fun events and all that food! What fun being surrounded by all those friendly neighbors getting together! That's fabulous. The cantata sounds wonderful, too! Your days are definitely merry and bright.
ReplyDeleteWe really are loving it here. Blessed!
DeleteYou are having so much fun lately! I'm glad you get to go to the museum party too. Praying for your friend. Parkinsons is such an awful disease.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your prayers for Cindee. Thank you! The Museum party was a great time. I got lots of hugs and then helped the office manager with a stack of mail she didn't know what to do with! LOL I was happy to help.
DeleteI stopped reading the prayed for Cindee. She looks like a sweet person. Parkinsons is an a terrible disease.
ReplyDeleteYou are really celebrating this wonderful season and I am happy that Joe is able to celebrate some too.