Advent Day 12- Holiday #TBT

"I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus.  Christmas is coming, but I'm not happy.  I don't feel the way I am suppose to feel."  -Charlie Brown

One of my favorite things to do around this time of year is to just remember the past.  I have been consciously celebrating Advent for only about 4 years.  We have done many variations with the help of Focus on the Family who publish a free guide and calendar every year so far and with the book Before and After Christmas.  Unfortunately every year we are behind or don't even get to do half the activities because almost every night we are busy with choir practices, school performances, parties, and just plain anxiety from shopping (the last one is just me).  But I am never going to give up trying to slow down and reflect and write about how Advent is going no matter how often it feels like a failure.  Here are a list of past Advent/Christmas time woes and the humility it brought to the season:

2017- I was diagnosed with bronchitis and our washing machine smelled of burning rubber.  I was literally forced by my health to slow down and rest.  I was able to graciously ask for help and accept it from a friend who offered us a washing machine free of charge.  I really clung to the word HOPE that things would get better.  I never officially finished Advent that year.  

2016- It snowed much more than normal.  It tested my patience with the kids and the many school delays.  Also this was the year the dryer was screeching like a banshee and I learned how to replace the wheels and belt by myself.  I learned even more patience and confidence to do something I might never had attempted in the past.  

2015- The first time I participated in Busted Halo's Advent Photo Challenge and became very distracted because Star Wars: The Force Awakens came out.  I started off that season with a cold and over bought on presents.  I learned to be a little less snarky and plan a little better (still ever working on that!)  

A couple of other things during this season before I was very conscious about Advent were-the tornado in Aumsville the year we moved into the parsonage 2010,  Lucy's birth story (shadowed by a horrible event that led to the arrest of someone our family had known personally for years) 2011, and the year the car died 2013 just to name a few.  

So as not to end on such a downer note here a few favorite pictures from past Advents and general past Christmas time pictures in no particular order:

#TBT 2016

# TBT 2017

#TBT 2016

Advent Day 11- Seasonal Treats

"Preparation, I have often said, is rightly two-thirds of any venture." -Amelia Earhart

Christmas is a great time to indulge.  I have been trying to keep it simple, but I have been trying to eat a good breakfast at the very least.  I didn't make anything fancy and I don't have baking day planned, but my husband bought some really delicious Christmas chocolates as gifts for some helpers.  The most important thing for me today was to get the kitchen clean which I actually completed.  It just seemed like an impossible task after all the partying and cooking breakfast every morning.  I am not the regular cleaning type and can be quite lazy much of the time so I am proud of myself.  I rewarded myself by celebrating my own personal Saint Lucia's Day Feast with Swedish pancakes and a Saint Lucy bun and a cup of strong coffee.  

I got some star cookies for the girls to come home to even if they aren't from scratch I am glad to kick start my birthday/anniversary week!  

Advent Day 10- Hope

"We should live our lives as though Christ was coming this afternoon." -Former President Jimmy Carter

What a very cheery Christmas time!  I spent the day writing some Advent reflections and posting some pictures on Facebook while rewatching Downton Abbey because  I it has a couple of great Christmas episodes.  But during the evening we went to a family get together and had dinner with cousins and new friends and little ones.  

I took lots of pictures and ate some delicious foods.  The kids opened presents.  It was nice.  

Hanging out.

They don't do much rocking around the Christmas tree here!

Callie and Adore- super cuties!

With all the little children around I did really take some time to think about hope.  Hope for the future.  Hope to teach the young ones about Jesus.  Hope that they will grow up to continue to teach others and future generations. 

Patience!

New weapon- I mean present.

Earrings are adorable!

Hello, new friends!

Hello!

Advent Day 9- Christmas Socks (in my case Christmas stockings)

"When we love, we always strive to become better than we are.  When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too." -Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

Yesterday, I got to slow down.  I just sat, watched TV, and folded laundry.  I didn't stress.  I didn't worry.  I let myself be.  That was truly a gift.  Tonight we will be going to a Christmas get together at my father-in-law and Kori's house with his family of my husband's little half-sisters who are one and three.   I have hope for a nice night.  

Advent Day 8- Gathering

"There are two ways of spreading light-- to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." -Edith Wharton

We have had at least 3 main gatherings for Christmas already.  Our church Christmas party, Lucy's birthday party, and special choir/children's Christmas program are the specifics.  It has all been good fun.  Neil decorated our table Star Wars style.  Lucy's birthday was full of friends and cousins and emojis.  She is now seven and still a handful.   The choir sang a Candlelight Processional, Silver Bells, and The Twelve Days of Christmas.  

Advent Day 7- Devotion

"Among creatures, no one knows Christ better than Mary; no one can introduce us to a profound knowledge of his mystery better than his Mother." -St. John Paul II

Growing up Mary has been more a mystery then someone I should show any devotion to, but as I have learned and grown in my faith I have begun to recognize the reverence to the Holy Family.  It is not the intensity of worship and equality with God, but they do deserve our piety and affection.  

Unfortunately, I was unable to give them the devotion they were due, but I took the time to listen to the Ave Maria and simple thought reflection.  Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us.  

Advent Day 6- Fave Christmas Movie and Christmas Sweaters

"There's something about a Christmas sweater that will always make me laugh." -Kristen Wiig

Christmas sweaters are great and hilarious!  My oldest has been wearing hers every day since December started.  We finished up our church Christmas party and pulled out the Christmas movies, but sadly haven't had time to watch any yet.  But they are a comfort.  Excited time of year!