{Advent} Christmas Eve

It's finally here - what a beautiful, peaceful Advent it's been.  I can honestly say for the first time in a very, very long time, we have actually savored every moment of the season.

Amazing what happens when you say 'no' to some things.

We have lots of fun family traditions surrounding today, a few oldies but goodies and a newbie to the bunch are in our repertoire of memory-making.  Hopefully, I'll capture them all.  Truly, I do this because I want the kids to enjoy reading about this someday.

FAMILY LUNCH
Today, as we've done for several years, we meet my family for lunch.  Because we all splinter off later in the day to do our own Christmas Eve celebrations, this has become a fun way to connect.  Where there's food, we will meet :)

GIFTS FOR JESUS
This afternoon, I'm throwing a new tradition in the mix.  The kids will be drawing photos of the gifts they want to give to Jesus.  Maybe it's loving their brother/sister, giving away a toy to another child...I'll let them decide.  Whatever it is, the spirit of Christmas and Jesus' love must shine through.  I'm anxious to see what they'll do.

CHRISTMAS EVE MASS
After picture drawing and sharing, we'll take baths and get all cleaned up for Christmas Eve Mass.  Someday we'll make it to the Midnight one, but with littles in the house, we opt for the early bird special.

Note:  If you are a rookie parent, send one parent and non-squirmy/complainy children an hour early to save seats while the other parent and squirmy/complainy chilren arrive 15 minutes before Mass to enjoy said saved seats.  You can thank me later for that little tip.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
After Mass, we'll eat the traditional shrimp cooked in a thousand gallons of cream (yum-ola) and pasta dinner.  It's a Southern Living recipe, so you KNOW it's good.  Then, we will eat cake.  Birthday cake, that is.  This is something we've been talking about doing for YEARS and we're finally doing it this year.  Yea for new traditions!!  My fav-o-rite bakery made this masterpiece.  We'll be singing a round of "Happy Birthday Jesus", blowing out candles and then reading the story of the Nativity.

Yes, opening gifts is fun, but when my kids look back in 20 years, I want them to remember exactly why we celebrate.  I want them to have memories of how we celebrated the birth, not just the gifts.  Which is why, in our house, our kids only get one gift from us.  We put much thought into that gift and when it's opened, there is joy.

GIFTS
Everyone changes into their Christmas pajamas and we open gifts.  A couple of years ago, Scott started leading us in prayer over the gifts we open.  We pray for the givers, the recipients and those who made the gift and the jobs that they provided.  It's a really wonderful way to refocus the gift giving and opening. 

PREPARING FOR SANTA
We get the reindeer food, cookies and milk situated just "so" near the fireplace, make sure the notes to Santa have been written (you know, just in case he forgot), say goodbye to our sweet Elf on the Shelf, Sparkly, until next year, track Santa on the Norad Tracker...and then head to bed.

It is a day full of many memories, many reflections and a boatload of joy and anticipation.  Christmas is near!  Can't you feel it??

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!!

p.s. photos to come soon of all this revelry!

{Advent} Keeping Christ in Christmas

You know, earlier this week, I read an article about how 9 in 10 Americans celebrate Christmas by giving gifts and celebrating with family.  I was thrilled.  Then I read the second paragraph.  Not even 3 in 10 Americans even reads the story of the Nativity nor do they attend a religious service.

Now, I'm not foolish enough to think that all those who read my blog, follow me on Twitter or are my friend on Facebook fall into the 3 in 10 category.  I'm down with that.  This post is not meant to be judgmental or condescending.  If it were, I'd tell you straight up.

I'm just curious how one celebrates Christmas without attending church, without fully knowing what took place 2,000 years ago and why I believe it's worth our time to prepare, reflect and celebrate in that miracle.  I'll admit, I grew up Protestant and we attended church services every Christmas (well, the rest of the year, too).  Most of my friends did, too.  It never occurred to me that some people celebrate the birth of Christ by simply opening gifts and skipping church services.  Or, that some people did attend church, but only out of social obligation.

So, I suppose this post is for the 7 in 10 of you.  How about reading the Nativity this year?  If you don't have a Bible at home, google it, or click HERE.  Then, consider attending a Christmas Eve church service in your area.  I promise, there are many.

Of all the things we do to celebrate the "season" here at our house, attending Christmas Eve Mass is our most precious.  Here's hoping it will be yours, too.

God bless.  And Merry Christmas :)

{Advent} It's a Wonderful Life

A few years ago, Scott and I watched It's a Wonderful Life for the FIRST - yes, I said first - time.  If you have neglected to see this piece of stellar cinema magic, do yourself a favor and go buy it.  Renting it just won't do.  You must have this movie in your possession.

Jimmy Stewart was the consummate gentleman.  I haven't seen all his movies, but I really think this is his best.  Hands down.  It's one of the few non-Disney films that kids of any age can watch and it has a fantastic message.

Two years ago, we started watching this movie with the kids just before Christmas Eve.  It's become a really fantastic family tradition.  We pop some popcorn, whip up some hot chocolate, get in our pjs and watch a spectacular show about the season of giving and being thankful for what ya got.  Tonight's the night and Scott and I are excited!!

Yes, George, it really is a wonderful life.

Can you feel the anticipation?  Christmas is almost here.  YEA!!!!

{Advent} Top Ten: The Nativity

We've certainly had our fair share of fun and reflective moments these past three and half weeks of Advent.  It's been lovely.  The last week of school was slightly nutty, due to the stomach bug (post soon on that ball 'o crazy), but all in all, this has been one of our most enjoyable Advents to date.

As I was driving Scott's car the other day, I was listened to some XM radio.  Specifically, the Busted Halo Show with Fr. Dave Dwyer.  It got me thinking, as it usually does.  Here are a few questions / reflections I've been thinking about quite a lot.  Maybe they'll get you thinking, too.

TOP TEN:  THE NATIVITY

1.  Just how uncomfortable was it to ride, 9 months pregnant: on a donkey, fearful for your life, with no McDonald's bathroom pitstops along the way? 

2.  What kind of grief did Joseph get from his friends?

3.  Why do people celebrate Christmas, but not read the Christmas story?  (merely a question, not an accusation...post to come on Friday about this very topic)

4.  What was it like to be the direct beneficiary of St. Nicholas' generosity?

5.  When Mary gave birth, I wonder what her first thought must've been.

6.  What went through that inn keeper's head, when he led that sweet family of 2.5 to the back stable?  What went through his mind when he found out who it was?!

7.  I wonder what it felt like to feel the joy as it was all happening?  I can imagine, but to really experience it...to be there live and in color.  Wow.

8.  Do we really stop to think about what these two words mean when we say them:  Merry Christmas.

9.  What would Jesus think of the "Christmas" we celebrate today?

10.  After the flurry of parties, plays, presents and candy, will my children truly understand the Christmas story and pass it along to their children?

{Advent} Christmas Parties!!

Yes, that got two exclamation points.  Going up to the kids' school for Christmas parties is always so much fun.  Mainly because they still want me to come to them.  In fact, I got asked like a bazillion times (I counted, thankyouverymuch) if I was coming.

One quick story and then I'll get back to the day.  As I was leaving, I ran into a friend who has a son in Will's class (my oldest), her third.  She said B asked her not to come to his parties anymore.  That just made me sad.  For her and for what's coming for me.  I mean, I don't want to be the weird mom still crashing the party when he's a senior in high school.  I'm hopeful I'll be the "cool" mom.  The one where his friends beg him to invite me.  Yeah, that's probably not gonna happen, but a girl can dream, right?

The kinder and first-grade parties were just nuts.  The kids were all hopped up on sugar with crazy happy grins on their faces.  Parents were snapping photos like lunatics.  And there must've been 500 pizza boxes stacked in the corner.  It was still fun to see them so giddy with their friends.  Aren't school parties the best?

Clare's into this new thing of not looking anywhere near the camera when we say "smile!"  Stinker.  The party mood definitely shifted when I hit the fourth grade room.  Way less mania, alot more socializing.  We stayed there the longest :)

Will's class was definitely stoked about the school play.  He was one of the 10 lords a leaping, while some of the girls were the 9 ladies dancing.  They were all so nervous.  So cute and innocent.  Will informed me he had stage fright and was very worried about not leaping right.  "Mom, I'm not very good at leaping," he muttered.  "It's just not my talent."  At least the boy knows his gifts.  I would disagree, though.  Scott said he did beautifully.  And, I don't know about you, but he looks like SIXTEEN in this picture!?

I was on party duty, Scott was on play duty.  He said it went off without a hitch and the kids were fantastic, as expected.  All in all, a really great way to get us in the Christmas spirit and focus our hearts on Advent.  The waiting, the anticipation...it's awesome!

{Advent} Teacher Gifts

I'm all about gifts with meaning.  Teachers are a tough bunch to get the perfect gift for, I think.  We've done Starbucks and Barnes and Noble.  We've done gift cards and sweet treats.  But in the spirit of "the little things" this Advent, I thought it might be fun to put together a homemade gift mix that would allow them to spend some sweet time with their own kids making some cookies during the holiday break.

I hope they enjoy making these as much as I enjoyed putting them together!  SO easy and they turned out pretty cute.

To Mrs. M, Mrs. R, Mrs. T, Mrs. H, Ms. Lisa and Ms. Ginny - thank you for teaching our children.  For loving them, nurturing them and putting up with their crazy mom.  We love you!!

{Advent} Girl Time

In an effort to have some quality time with the kids, I wanted to do a fun activity with the girls (individually) during Advent.  I thought about lots of things, but ultimately decided to something girlie and fun. 

Yea for pedicures and cute holiday toes!

It was a fun outing with each of them.  Clare sat perfectly still and squealed - ever so quietly - when they added the flower to her big toes.  Very cute.  Anna-Laura asked when we were coming back to do it again.  HA!

I suppose I set the bar high for the "quality time" activity.  I guess next year we'll do toes and fingers :)

{Advent} Wrapping!!

There's usually one night during the Advent season when I crank the Christmas music, pour myself a glass of eggnog (man, I love that stuff) and wrap all our presents.  Truly, one of my top 5 favorite nights of the year.

This year, Anna-Laura and I enjoyed a wrapping and bow demonstration at The Container Store - you know, the place where I feel like the mothership has come home!  They had some great suggestions and it brought back some fantastic memories of my Granny Mary showing me how to wrap a package.  She and my grandfather owned a jewelry store in West Texas.  She wrapped many a package and shared some of her secrets and best tips with us, as kids.  Of course, I'm kicking myself now for not paying better attention :(

I had such a great time making everything look pretty.  May the gift recipients know just how much they are loved and appreciated!

{Advent} Visit with Santa

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving (hold on to your comments, please) I loaded up the van with Christmas-dressed kids and we chatted with Santa Claus.  Why?  Because I H-A-T-E standing in lines waiting on anything.  Detest it.  Such a waste of valuable time.  And, I want my kids to actually have the opportunity to visit with SC instead of just snap the picture and hear, 'next, please.'

We started going to see him earlier in the season a few years ago and it has been awesome.  Why did I never do that before?!  To be perfectly honest, my kids have no clue whether we're visiting Santa during Advent or just before Thanksgiving.  And, even if they did, I'm pretty sure they could care less.

The rule at our house is one gift from Santa.  Although, we have encouraged them to give him a backup gift idea, just in case their favorite toy is um, unavailable, in Santa's workshop.  In a world of overconsumption and more-more, we are desperately trying to buck the system and teach our children to be thankful.  In fact, a family saying around here is:  You get what you get and you don't throw a fit.

Santa is a fun thing we do (yes, we have an Elf on the Shelf), but it's certainly not the focus.  I don't believe he's evil or takes away from the spirit of Christmas.  He can.  But in our house, we work hard to make sure he adds TO the spirit.  It works for us and I wouldn't have it any other way.

And, as a sidenote, you may not know that Santa actually hails from Texas, his winter home is in the North Pole.  Just look at his boots.  Another reason to love him :)

Poor Clare. She is really not a fan of boys - of any kind. The waiters at restaurants, Santa's, babysitters, older brothers of friends. Nada. She only loves eight boys: her three brothers, dad, papa, the two uncles and great papa. If you're not on that list, I guarantee you she will hide behind my leg. If said boy advances to give her a friendly high-five, she will start crying. Case in point. When we celebrated the Feast of St. Nick, she WIGGED OUT. She was terrified "that boy" was going to come in her room. I assured her, I would take him down if he did. Fortunately, I did not have to make good on my promise.

2010

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non-digital - can't find it!

2004

QOTW: December 10, 2010

ME:  "Clare, you were so cute at the Christmas play this morning."
C:  "I know."

C:  "Mom, watcha doin'?"
ME:  "Cooking dinner."
C:  "But I want to eat lunch first!"

"ooo...ooo...oooooo"
Luke, everytime he sees the Christmas tree.  So. Stinkin'. Cute.

"Wow, these Christmas lights make the ones in our neighborhood look like a joke."
Will, commenting on the stellar light show we saw last weekend.  To be fair, the lights in our neighborhood our pretty great, the others were just amazing!!

Like most of you with school-aged children, we have a full weekend of parties, play practice and basketball.  The next 14 days will be busy, but I am really looking forward to next week being the last week of school for the kids.  It's time to have the chicks home for a while.  The slower pace and time off will be so nice.  Hopefully, I can squeeze in some baking this weekend.  I've missed doing it.

Make it a great weekend!  I'll be back next week with some more Advent traditions and celebrations.

{Advent} Top Ten: Tree Hunting Photos & a Funny Story

This farm has been a family favorite for many years.  One of the great things about having a big family is that's it's a party wherever you go.  We're just destined to make memories - some we'll laugh about and some not :)

I hope you enjoy these 10-takes (plus a bonus!) as much as Scott and I did taking them.  Scroll to the bottom for your funny story.

Ok, on to your funny story.  When we arrived, it was a little chilly and windy, plus we knew we were going to do some walking.  So, we bundled Luke up and put him in the stroller.  Once the hunt for the tree got serious, the stroller became a pain in the a$$, so I parked it and plunked Luke on my hip.  Just as I was going back to the stroller, I hear "Hayride's leaving!" and beelined to the tractor so we wouldn't miss it.  Didn't give the stroller another thought.

Until LAST NIGHT.  Scott was cleaning out the van and asked where it was.  My mind did a quick fast forward and we both looked at each other in horror.  Not only did we leave the stroller in Salado, but we left Luke's favorite blanket there, too!  Thankfully, after a quick call, the farm still has them both.  Wow.  That's pretty much the worst case of mommy brain there is.  I mean, how does one space the absence of  a stroller for a good NINE days??  On the up side, at least it wasn't a kid we left behind :)

{Advent} Blessing of the Tree

Last night we gathered the kids around the tree and officially blessed it.  Our first-ever tree blessing.

There was some shoving, some giggling, hitting (playful jabs by Luke) and some shushing.  Overall, exactly what one would expect with five kids, 9 and under.  We said a few prayers (click on the link above) and then lit 'er up.  Great fun.  Tomorrow, tune in for our top ten photos from the annual trip to the Salado Christmas Tree Farm...and for a REALLY hilarious story.  Honestly, folks, I can't make this stuff up.

Happy Advent!

{Advent} Feast of St. Nick

Long before the Santa Claus as we know him appeared on the scene, there was the original.  St. Nicholas.  I have friends who celebrate one or the other, both and neither.  We fall somewhere in the middle.  You might want to re-read this recent post I did about making peace with the man in red.

I have always believed in Santa Claus and I hope my children do, too.  Not just the man, but the spirit.  I believe it's possible to celebrate both and stay true to our Christian traditions.  As with most things, it's when we get too enamored with one and forget the true meaning.  That's where things go amuck.

At our house, on the eve of the Feast of St. Nicholas, which is December 5, the kids put their shoes outside their bedroom doors and awake the next morning to find their Christmas pajamas and a candy cane.  The pajamas are a small gift and the candy cane represents his crozier.  And, we chat a bit about why we celebrate and why St. Nicholas was a man we should all emulate.  The kids even celebrated at school which was pretty awesome, too.  On Christmas morning, the kids experience Santa Claus.  Probably a little counter-cultural, but our children only receive two gifts on Christmas at our house - one from us and one from Santa Claus.  That is, after all, 10 new things in the house!  Ultimately, though, we want to foster a spirit of thankfulness among our children.  It isn't - and never was - about the tangible gifts we get.  That's another post for this Advent.  I'm getting ahead of myself :)

This comparison was on the St. Nicholas website and I thought it was worth sharing.

Santa Claus belongs to childhood;
St. Nicholas models for all of life.

Santa Claus, as we know him, developed to boost Christmas sales—the commercial Christmas message;
St. Nicholas told the story of Christ and peace, goodwill toward all—the hope-filled Christmas message.

Santa Claus encourages consumption;
St. Nicholas encourages compassion.

Santa Claus appears each year to be seen and heard for a short time;
St. Nicholas is part of the communion of saints, surrounding us always with prayer and example.

Santa Claus flies through the air—from the North Pole;
St. Nicholas walked the earth—caring for those in need.

Santa Claus, for some, replaces the Babe of Bethlehem;
St. Nicholas, for all, points to the Babe of Bethlehem.

Santa Claus isn't bad;
St. Nicholas is just better.

—J. Rosenthal & C. Myers

Happy Advent!

{Advent} Christmas Lights!

I am a sucker for well-done Christmas lights.  Admittedly, if you drive by our house, our inner-perfectionist wins out.  All our white lights are perfectly straight.  Really, is there any other way to put up lights?  I think not.  Scott and I are believers in a "theme."  Can't say that I love a mish-mash of lights and decorations, but...to each their own, right?

That's what I love about looking at Christmas lights:  seeing everyone's unique personalities shine through (sorry for the bad pun).  We found some a-mazing lights these past couple of weekends.  So, if you need the 4-1-1 on where the cool lights are in north Austin, you've arrived at just the place.

Round Rock:  Forest Creek
2708 Collingwood Drive
Seriously folks, this family has 14,000+ LED lights all synchronized to music.  Be sure to have your car radio ready.  They have their own frequency!  Totally worth the drive.  Shows run continously to the theme of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" (they totally had me right there) from 6-9pm and the lights stay on until 10.  And, for a little icing on the cake, there are some other spectacularly decorated houses in this neighborhood.

Cedar Park:  Chinati Court
It's just behind Milburn Park.  These eight houses, located in a cul-de-sac, have their own miny Trail of Lights.  The theme is "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" and they're collecting toys for Brown Santa.  It's a spectacular display of community and the kids loved all the lights.  Awesome!

Cedar Park:  2410 Sharon Drive
Another synchronized show to Christmas music.  Tune to 95.5 and enjoy the show by the Rhodes Family.  They're also collecting canned goods for a local food bank.  I will say the house in Round Rock won our hearts for "best in show", but this one is pretty darn awesome.

There are certainly other neighborhoods worth checking out, but here's a good start for some houses totally worth the drive.  If you know of any others in Austin, comment.  We have the van ready!

I will say that we had peace and nostalgia in our car while we were sitting in front of said awesome houses.  However, it was not so Norman Rockwell while driving to each house.  Um, yeah.  That attitude needs some work.  I pretty much wanted to gouge out my eardrums.  Just keepin' it real :)

{Advent} Decking the Halls

I love to decorate - anything.  I'm pretty sure I get it from my mom.  You should see HER house this time of year.  I ain't got nothing on the momster.  Maybe I do it because it brings back such good memories for me.  The time spent "getting the house ready" with my mom was precious time.  And really, that's what we all want, isn't it?  Precious time with the people we love.

Last weekend, Anna-Laura was my biggest helper and we most certainly decked the halls.  I busted out the Christmas music and got in the spirit.  The only thing missing was a little dusting of snow (little, not alot).  Instead, it was 70 degrees and the kids were outside playing in shorts and t-shirts.  Eh, that's what you get when you live in Central Texas.

Here's a few fun things we did this year.  Note to self:  if you love what you did, take pictures.  You will thank yourself next Christmas when you have total brain freeze and can't remember where you put a thing.  Of course, I change it up every year anyway, but it's always a good baseline.

The entryway.  We (i.e., Scott) recently painted our art niches, not really knowing they would really make the decorations stand out.  Fun coincidence.  I love it when that happens.  The Santas I've had for a while.  The wreath was a plain Jane one from Michael's and I added the cranberry insert and a ribbon, hung it on the existing wrought-iron piece that's there year-round...and voila!

The music/Christmas tree room is another favorite in the house.  That 100-year-old-plus piano was my great-grandmothers.  I love it and it is a beautiful centerpiece for some of our most cherished Nativity scenes.  You know, the reason we actually celebrate this beautiful advent season :)

The dining room.  Funny, because up until taking all these photos, I never realized how "Christmas-ready" all the colors are in my house!  Really, we just added a few Santas, a fun beaded table runner I got 75% off at an after-Christmas sale at my vice, Pottery Barn, and some topiaries from my other vice, Pottery Barn Outlet.  On Christmas Eve and Day this is where the family gathers.  It is a roomful of total joy.

The mantel.  I won't show you what's below those stockings :)  I just dig looking at all seven, yes SEVEN, of those stockings hanging.  Lotta love in this house.  Lotta love.  The wisemen I got when I was a Southern Living at Home rep, the Santas we got in Iowa (boy, those bring back some good memories) and the garland was on sale at Michael's.  The pinecone and beaded garland were bought at...PB, for like $10 total.  We decided to forgo the stocking holders this year and just buy the 3M removable hooks.  Brilliant.

As you decorate this holiday season, may it be another step in preparing your heart to celebrate a magnificent birth.  Happy Advent!

Top Ten: Advent Rocks

The commercials may be screaming Christmas, but here at Casa Whitaker, we're all about the Advent.  I do believe Hollywood got it right on one thing, though...it really is the most wonderful time of the year.  I'm aware, though, that this happy time of year is also extraordinarily difficult and painful for some.  Maybe it's the first holiday season without a loved one or the anniversary of a painful memory.  Whatever it may be, I encourage you to lift up someone you know in prayer this Advent season.  May they feel the joy and be strengthened by your prayers.

Here's what I am loving about the Advent season so far...

TOP TEN:  THINGS I LOVE ABOUT ADVENT

1.  Christmas music on the radio 24/7.  Majic 95.5 here in Austin is certainly in the Christmas mood and I'm loving listening to all the music.  It's bringing back some great memories.

2.  Baking.  I'll admit it.  I'm a sucker for a good chocolate-chip cookie.  To be honest, I'm not really much of a sweets person, but I do love me some baking.  It should be a fun season making treats for those we love.

3.  The smell of a real Christmas tree.  Ahhh...

4.  The activities.  There's always an open house, Christmas play or office party to attend.  For many, I think the Christmas and Advent seasons bring out the best in us.

5.  The spirit of giving.  Our parish has a giving tree - as I'm sure many do - and I love that we've adopted an elderly angel to buy gifts for this season.

6.  Christmas lights and hot chocolate.  We might just have to jump in the car and go-a-gawking this weekend.

7.  It's a Wonderful Life.  Seriously.  If you have not watched this movie.  DO. IT.  We've made it a family tradition.

8.  Checking the mailbox :)

9.  The kids' excitement.  About everything.

10.  That I might just have the opportunity to give Santa a kiss this Christmas Eve.

Advent Wreath

At one point in time, we used to have a really fancy advent wreath, but I think this one suits us best.  Anna-Laura made it in class (score one for the Catholic school!) and it is accompanied by a prayer we say each night, which changes each week.  The kids are enjoying taking turns reading the prayer and I'm enjoying the "wax-free" wreath.

There's such anticipation building every night and I just love it.

Happy Advent!

Making Peace with Santa

Recently, a post about "Reclaiming Advent" caught my eye on one of the blogs I read.  Not only that, but it got me thinking.  For the past, oh I don't know, forever, I've always found myself rushing through Advent.  I looked up on December 24, shrugged my shoulders and said, 'I guess we'll do better next year.'

Don't get me wrong, there were some moments of brilliance and lots of happy family memories made during those fast and furious four weeks.  But, much of the time things became part of the "checklist."  Host an Open House, check.  Send out Christmas cards, check.  Adopt a child from the Tree of Giving at church, check.  Decorate the house, check.  And on and on.

Last year, in the craziness of Luke+Dell Childrens=4Ever, we were forced to slow down.  And Advent became a whole new beast.

It's funny, because one mention of Santa Claus and you get an auditorium full of raised hands on how to best celebrate and cherish him.  Yes, I said cherish.  You see, I was alot like the author above.  I got really frustrated when I saw how commercialized Christmas was and I found myself being a wee bit snarky at even tiny provocations.  Scoffing at the ridiculous price of Santa photos, but forgetting the looks on my kids faces when they saw him and chatted it up about their favorite toys.  Sighing heavily at the long lines of shoppers.  Completely perturbed at Christmas commercials on television.  All of it and then some.

Then, we slowed down last year and Christmas became so much richer.  Perhaps we were forced to focus on the blessings in our lives like never before.

Fast forward to this year and much of that has stuck with us.  Yes, I still get my Christmas cards in the mail the day before Thanksgiving so they arrive the day after.  It's a family OCD thing.  Truly, though, I LOVE writing them, and even more so, receiving them from friends and family.

When we hauled out the Christmas decorations this year, Anna-Laura beelined to my side and we had a blast putting them all up.  She was so excited and it just made me happy to see her squeal at every new thing I pulled out of the box.

We even went to a bow and package wrapping demonstration at a local store this weekend.  We had such a fantastic time.  And, I found myself really enjoying wrapping presents, adding special touches as I thought about the intended gift recipient.  What a beautiful way to approach gift giving.

As the kids took their photo with Santa, I loved seeing the kids interact with him (benefit of going the day before Thanksgiving - no lines!)  My most favorite moment of the afternoon was hearing Will say, "And, my parents would really like a date together.  So, if you could get them a PF Chang's gift card, they would really like that."

Today, we journeyed to Salado for our annual search-for-the-most-awesome-Christmas-Tree.  We found it.  In case you're wondering, it took 44 minutes flat to find the perfect one.  We were having a tough time choosing between two trees until Scott said, "You know, it's like the Charlie Brown tree.  Whichever one we choose will be perfect because it's ours."  Well said, sweetheart, well said.

We have many things planned to bring home the Advent message to our children this year.  We also have crossed lots of things off that list permanently in an effort to make room for the important stuff.  I'll do my best to share what we do each day - big and small - in hopes that you might be inspired to do things a little differently in your house.  Advent is about preparation.  We are preparing our hearts for the birth of Christ.  Technically, Christmas doesn't begin until December 25!

I'm excited about Advent.  I hope you are, too.

Jesus' Birthday was Fantabulous

Any of you with kids in school know what a rat race December can be.  Well, this year because of all the stuff going on with Luke, we bypassed buying the tickets to that crazy show.  Thank you Jesus.

I didn't remember to send the kids sweet note to their teachers via email, as requested by the PTO.
I didn't remember to bring the juice boxes I signed up for to their party.
I didn't host our family's annual open house.
I didn't get the tree decorated until 10 days before Christmas.
I didn't get the Advent calendar out and "count down the days."
I didn't do a lot.
And I liked it.

I did, however, have the blessed opportunity to focus on the reason for the celebration.  The reason for the anticipation.  Like Elizabeth, who's baby leapt with joy upon hearing Mary's voice, I too, leapt with joy at our "no frills" approach to the Advent season this year.

Christmas Eve was just us this year and it was really awesome.  We made it to Mass in time to score good seats up front.  I had time to nurse Luke in the chapel before Mass and he promptly slept through the entire celebration.  I have to admit, there were some tears shed as I held him, a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, as I remembered another mom.  The kids' behavior was A+ worthy and we even snapped a great photo of the fam, compliments of my bro, at the end of Mass.

We had our annual shrimp and pasta Christmas Eve dinner - yumola.  And, the kids had a grand time opening their presents from the Godparents and Scott and I.  Small, delightful, fun and memorable.

We concluded the evening with Santa preparations.  The usual...mixing of the reindeer food with a dash of magic sprinkles, setting out the cookies and eggnog and tracking the sleigh's flight pattern on the NORAD Santa tracker via the Internet.

Scott and I enjoyed the quiet after the kids finally crashed.  And we were thankful.  For so many things this year I don't even know where to start.  Life especially.  Our faith mostly.  Each other most certainly.

Christmas Day was more of the same holiday cheer.  We were joined by my parents, brother Daniel, SIL Amanda, niece Ava, cousins Mickey, John, Grace and Marie and Aunt Ava Jo and Uncle Joe Mack.  Talk about a house of crazy.  It was awesome!!

"God bless us...every one!"