Advent Day 17- Belonging and Peace

"One thing done in peace will most likely be better than 10 things done in panic...I am not a hero if I deny rest; I am only tired." -Susan McHenry, author

I am piggy backing off yesterday because I spent nearly all afternoon and evening at the laundry mat or shopping.  The quote is great for the laundry mat though because of the need for peace.  This picture if from Grandpa and Kori's Christmas party.  This is their 2 year old daughter Callie.  She barely keeps still and is so adorable.  I am reminded of family and where we belong in this world.  During the holidays I don't get to see my mom and dad since starting my own family.  I do think about them and pray for them.  I reminisce often during the holidays and I am sure if your memories are happy that you do as well.  We all want to belong especially to a family that loves us.  

Advent Day 16- Poinsettia and Playing

"I hate the radio this time of year because they play "All I Want for Christmas Is You" like every other song.  And that's just not enough." -Bridger Winegar, screenwriter

This is the first official day of winter break for the kids and Christmas party at Grandpa's house.  He has babies at his house so it is so adorable so now my husband has two little half sisters- Kali and Adore.  I didn't have time to get a poinsettia this year but there was one on the bag for the present we were bringing.  Also more rejoicing that I didn't have to cook- I am starting to think I am just not into cooking as much as I use to be...hmmm a new revelation or just burnt out?  Any way- it was a fun night and filled with cousins and little ones.  

 

Advent Day 15- Rejoice!

"May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility."  -Mary Anne Radmacher, author

Rejoicing because I made it to church and because I didn't have to cook dinner!  AMEN!  That is all I have to say about that. 

Advent Day 14- Hustle and Bustle and My Birthday

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy." -Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist Monk

Eugene Holiday Market

For my 35th birthday and our 11th year anniversary we spent the day down at Eugene.  We saw the new Star Wars movie The Last Jedi and then went to one of my favorite Christmas places ever- the Eugene Holiday market.  My husband use to sell his dad's wooden mirrors and pill boxes and hair sticks etc. here while we were dating and for about a year or two after we were married so I have fond memories.  Our girls haven't been down there since they have been grown- they were a little groggy from the movie (it was way too long IMO) but I wanted to go and it was my birthday so they had to humor me.  I bought some super cute owl earrings and ended the night with taco salad and made my own cake.  Thank goodness I am flexible and love the holidays or I might have felt a little let down, but I got my very own Harry Potter coloring book and magnet book markers AND a little Christmas owl necklace.  Also very thankful for my husband who said we didn't have to do anniversary presents or make it a big deal this year- I wouldn't have felt very up for it any way since I was almost sure I was never going to be well again (that was an exaggeration).  I will still say there is always next year even if I say it A LOT.    

Advent Day 13- Invitation (to the Manager and to Star Wars- apparently)

"I find your lack of faith disturbing." -Darth Vader

So this Star Wars thing is a big deal?  Okay, okay, I KNOW it is a big deal especially with my husband.  It is fun times.  We went to see the movie on my birthday (12/16) so I am bit behind on the pictures. I do like Star Wars just wasn't feeling it as much as 2 years ago probably because of all the illness at home (it wasn't just me who was coughing).  Also I think other moms and bloggers or just creative types who don't have a whole lot of resources might have these grand ideas of how things will play out and their imagination does not end up fitting the reality- totally me.  I wanted to maybe write a review, do my hair all Princess Leia like, and maybe make some Star Wars cookies or give some Star Wars related gifts to my kids and husband.  Nope!  Woke up at 5 am to my 8 year old crying and saying she hadn't been able to fall asleep since 1am because the pressure of her cold had spread to her ears.  It was a little panicky for me as we had already had plans but we happened to have the right medicine and she was able to get a little more sleep before we had to leave around 9:30 or 10:00.  I didn't even remember to wear my Death Star earrings or my Tie Fighter ring.  I will party on and my faith will be strong even when expectations don't get met- not even the tiny ones.  

 

Advent Day 12-Cozy

"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime." -Laura Ingalls Wilder, author

 I have finally recovered from the bronchitis and school has been out for a couple days now I have some time to write and think.  Also washing machine smells like burning rubber now so that is fun- NOT.  What a season!  I haven't gone completely crazy or stressed- praise God!- but it is still annoying.  I haven't been proud about anything I have written this Advent.  I was truly trying to find time in the morning to write so I could spend more time with my husband in the evenings.  But I have to face reality for the millionth time- I AM NOT A MORNING PERSON!  At least not a thinking morning person.  Mornings are for three things for me- coffee, reading, and MAYBE a BIG MAYBE some exercise to get the blood flowing.  Three things it is NOT for- writing, rushing, and clarity of thought.  So as I take my time this afternoon while my husband is out I will say thank God he loves shopping and thank God the stressful part of Christmas is pretty much done.  I had a cozy time with my girls watching Elf.  I don't feel like cleaning any more today so I took a break from that as well- at least for one day. 

Advent Day 11- Waiting and Welcoming

"Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there's room for Jesus." -Neal Maxwell, scholar and religious leader

We are now more than half way to Christmas!  It hasn't been great because of the bronchitis in fact it was kind of a mess.  It reminds me of the dryer fiasco of last year's Advent and the season about 3 or 4 years ago when the car broke down..  I guess it is so I can always have something to write about and a reminder of who to truly rely on.  As I was just telling a friend, "Of course something like this has to happen around the holidays!"  I guess one can expect the unexpected during Advent just like Mary who probably hadn't planned to be the Holy Mother of God so I will welcome the crazy even when it doesn't look the way I personally want it to be.