December started off with Sophia’s 13th birthday on 12/14/2022. Here are a few pictures of our birthday dinner celebration. Just the two of us! We got dressed up and made reservations for PF Changs in Scottsdale. We had a fantastic meal and dessert (of course). Afterward, we had coffee, and she opened her gifts from me. It was a time for us to connect, bond, and make beautiful memories, and a tradition I am carrying on with all of my grandchildren from here on out. Better late than never.
Next was Zachary’s 43rd birthday. We celebrated it on Christmas Eve at a new diner I had never tried. It was called Biscuits Cafe’. For some reason, we always go out for breakfast/brunch for Zach’s birthday celebration…with the entire family. And it never fails to be one of our all-time highlights of the year. We always have such a great time. It’s loud and boisterous and full of love and fun. This year did not disappoint.
On December 28th, Madison Raine Torres turned 12. She and I got to make our celebration dinner on New Years’ afternoon. She wanted burgers and fries, a Barnes and Noble bookstore trip, and a treat from Starbucks. She’s definitely a girl after my own heart. Food, books, and coffee! It was stormy, cold, and pouring down rain…but we had an absolutely delightful evening.
Finally Christmas! I spent it with Zoe and the kids. We had a lovely day…after the Sunday morning church service, we came to her house and had homemade chicken sour cream enchiladas, Spanish rice, salad, chips, and salsa. Afterward, we opened gifts, then had coffee and rum cake! Relaxing, playing games, and being together made for a wonderful and memorable Christmas. Zachary and Marcy spent it with her folks this year. Mom was in Louisiana with my sister Melody, George, and my nieces and nephews! I was happy to see my mom enjoying special moments with her grandchildren and great-granddaughters. What a sweet memory-making moment. We sure missed her here but knew she was in good hands.
December proved to be a beautiful end to a challenging year. I am so thankful and blessed to have my kids, grandchildren, mom, siblings, and nieces and nephews still healthy and happy. God is so faithful, and his mercy and grace have truly been abundant this year. May His everlasting love shine on us again in 2023, and may we always remember where our hope comes from.
My hope is in the Lord,
Pam
Pam Torres | Author 
Loved. Nothing like family. The only thing sad is not being close together all the time but we all do our best and no matter where we are, we are enjoying being together. Love, Mom, Grandma and GG
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