O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Welcome to Advent!  It's time to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ!  And I think Nick and I, and his family, are taking it a bit more seriously this year.  Nick's grandfather died on the last day of the liturgical year, and we have been thinking a lot about what it means to die a "happy death," and what the coming of Christ is really about; and it's a strangely fitting thing to think on at the beginning of Advent.

Grandpa was an extraordinary man; and I think he died much like he lived--joyfully.  I have never heard of anyone more ready to meet his Lord than Grandpa was.  I don't really know much about him, and I only met him twice, but everyone says he was wonderful, and that he was one of the holiest men they knew.  I do know that his was a very fulfilled life.  He lived as a child of God should, and there was nothing more he needed--or need do when he died.  His life on earth was filled and he was ready to move on to something better. 

That's why I didn't post anything on Friday.  We had gotten the news that he was on his deathbed, and we threw some things in the car and left.  Nick wanted to get there in time to say goodbye before Grandpa died.  And he did.  We spent all day Friday driving there, and all day Saturday driving back.  But Nick got to see him, and that's all that mattered.  And Saturday night, after we'd gotten back and gotten the call that Grandpa had died, we sat down and raised our glasses in his honor.  I think most of the family has. 

So here is the next drink recipe, and in honor of Grandpa, I would recommend adding a shot of rum!  And Grandpa, please pray for us who have yet to finish our journey.
Zizi

Fall Drink

2C orange juice
2C milk
2pint orange sherbet
4 bananas

Combine all in blender and serve topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips.  

*I haven't actually tried this one yet, but I've always thought it sounded good.  And something like rum, or triple sec, would be a perfect addition.  The paper said this makes 9 servings.