I'm Loving These Quiet December Days.......

 This December feels different from any previous ones....and that's not a bad thing....just different.

Back in previous years, Decembers were really busy and full of all sorts of activities.

Visiting nursing homes and shut ins, cooking and hosting and going here and there at nearly break neck speed. Louis Dean would play his music for Mother, Reaoma, Lillian and June and others.

We visited all my siblings and had great family gatherings.

I hosted huge Christmas Tea Parties for my friends as well as dinner parties for close friends and family.

It's bittersweet to realize those days are over and yet I feel good about embracing our slower life now.

I am a 'keeper at home' and able to enjoy time with Louis Dean with less responsibilities for others.

Actually, Louis Dean is the ONE whom I am concentrating on.

He does best when I am home with him even if he stays in his room all day puttering and I am in other parts of the house doing what I do - cleaning and decorating - baking and cooking!

God continues to bring people into my life - as in my neighbors across the street.

I've known them since their children were very young.

Now the son and daughter are grown and taking care of their parents and recently sent some delicious Indian food over. That has led us to a deeper relationship to them and I took pumpkin muffins over to them two days later.

Do you know why we had not 'connected' sooner?

I could not pronounce their names!

The family has watched out for us all these years and know us better than we know them - when our pecan trees gave us big harvests - the mother would chase off people coming into the yard to gather them.  If friends wanted to pick up some, I would go out with them!

Now that I know their names and can call out to them - our friendship is growing by leaps and bounds!

The dad is named Anise - like the spice.

Once I accidently called him and he immediately called me back thinking I was in need!

Now that is a friend!

The mom is Habiba - which means My Love and that's what I call her!

The son is Ahmed and I can say that.

The daughter is Katoon (I think) - which means Melody.

I saw her yesterday morning and called out, "Good morning, Melody!"

She has THE most precious dog named Mocha and that dog LOVES me and I LOVE him!

Times change and things change but God is always moving and bringing to us the ones we can minister to no matter what time of life we are in.

And I thank God for that.

Have you ever prayed the Prayer of Jabez?

His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

I Chronicles 4:10

I have prayed that prayer before and am praying it again now.....

Perhaps you will join me.

Louis Dean loves the days that we stay at home - and he stays here for days on end while I go out to do errands every other day or so.

Samantha only has eyes for Louis Dean!

Tabitha is the one who is keen on escaping so when we get going with our days - meaning in and out the doors - I put them in the guest room for their own protection.

I've been looking through my old recipes I keep in a metal box.....

And made up a batch for the first time in 19 years!

Still as good today as it was back then!

A small pan of pepper poppers because I forgot I had them so I could only use a few parts of them since they were old.

Filling was plain cream cheese and this seasoning.

SO good!

Served with potato soup from a day ago!

Friday was a 'spa' day for us.

I called ahead and made appointments for mani/pedis for three!

We met Brenda there and had such a relaxing time.

They always treat Louis Dean like he is super special - which he is!

I finished cleaning and decorating Louis Dean's bathroom on Saturday.

It's warm and cozy in there.

I took a bubble bath Friday night complete with candles and a glass of wine and fragrant body wash and lotions! It was an AHHHHHH time!

I tried to decorate 'man style.'

Candles make every room special.

Saturday I worked in our bedroom!

Not overly 'Christmas' but will last through the winter season.

The icicle ornaments are the only purchase I made at the thrift store this week.

I'm loving this season and the slower pace.

Pam came by yesterday and it was so good to see her. I sent her home with a bag of soup and muffins.

She's recovery from a recent knee replacement surgery.

I've been missing Ilene and will make sure we visit some this next week.

She is such a blessing to us.

Kimmy came by and picked up potato soup and pumpkin muffins.

No matter what our situation in life is - God can still use us to bless others while he brings others to bless us!

You cannot outgive God!