God, we long to always have the joy that comes only from You in our lives - not just happiness that is temporary. We know that joy is deeper and given to us only through your Holy Spirit.
Amen

This Advent season, remind us of the joy we have as we anticipate Your arrival a second time... but also that You are with us, in our presence here and now.

We ask that in the midst of war and strife around our world, you would bring peace and reign over all in your Kingdom.
Amen

2/2

With a little effort, I think you could fit "Doughn't Bread On Me" written on there...

Looks pretty.

Mmmm... Brown's Chicken.

I hope they have the day they deserve.

Now, if they attached plows to them and actually cleared walkways while delivering food, I might actually almost shift to the 'pro' camp.

We love going to the CKM as a family, but we've increasingly disliked the crowds. As much as I hate "there's a line wrapping around the block" it absolutely makes for a more pleasant experience inside with shorter lines, accessible tables, and room to breathe. And no fear of being trampled.

This makes it a bonus then! He *gets to* explore and experience independence in healthy, safe ways!
This is all of the winning. Do this.

It's 3 blocks from Union Station to the Brown Line. For a reasonably-street-savvy college frosh, that should be no problem. Brown line only leaves the Loop in one direction, so there's no worry that he'll end up on the wrong 'spur' of the line.

I think this is a reasonable request.

This year, we are bringing Deviled Eggs (some with homemade bacon jam), homemade cranberry relish, shrimp cocktail, and apple/cranberry/walnut salad with homemade vinaigrette.

How do you turn the channel to Channel 4 for the Atari, tho?

I stopped posting to FB earlier this year because it's such an echo chamber.
I started again when the 🧊 blitz started because it was so firsthand disruptive; I had to share witness.

Zero of my conservative family engaged those posts, despite lots of comments and re-shares. Zero.

Heartbreaking

I spent the last 48 hours feeling like crap. A smidge of post nasal drip, some joint aches, a headache that would not quit, and just tired AF for 2 days.

The 11yo had it too. I think it's going around. Thankfully short lived.