Giving thanks for the little things

Last night thanks to members of my husband's family we went out for a nice anniversary dinner. Today has been filled with much more mundane things like the care and feeding of our two littles and post-holiday wrap-up. Which is just fine because eight years later I know that it is the daily tag-teaming through the chores and knowledge that my friend and partner has got my back that truly makes me feel loved and cherished within my marriage.

So here's to the everyday adventure of living, laugh and loving each other well as we seek to the best of our ability live out our vocation to build a marriage that serves as a loving and strong foundation for our children and a warm and restorative home base from which to serve the world around us. I'm so glad to be on this journey with you.

Merry Christmas!!

Wishing you and yours a Very Merry Christmas

as you enjoy all the wonders and blessings of the season!

Ten on Tuesday: December 21st

1. Do you do any volunteer work?

Not at the moment other than my ongoing mentor/friendship with my 'little' sister.

2. Do you have night and/or morning ritual?

Not in the morning but at night I'm fairly consistent about how I get ready for bed (brushing teeth, contacts, etc).

3. Would you rather exercise or diet? Why?

I rather do a bit of both so that I don't have to do either all the time. Eat well with the occasional bowl of ice cream, be active but don't beat myself up if a miss a couple of days.

4. If you would rather exercise, do you prefer going to a gym or working out at home?

I prefer going the gym ~ and hope to get back into that routine next year.

5. What do you think is a huge waste of time?

Trying to 'Keep up with the Jones'

6. What is one way you save time?

Cook a big batch of something on the weekend, and then have dinner taken care of one or two nights during the week.

7. What is your current obsession?

Reading blogs, trying to improve mine.

8. What is a current obsession you can’t wait to pass?

Meaning hype: Karadashian sisters, I'm ready for their 15 minutes to be up.

9. Are you currently reading a book? If so, what book? Would you recommend it?

My Life with The Saints by James Martin, which I would recommend

10. Since we had the 90s question last week, what’s your favorite songs from 00′s?

In general I'm more likely to listen to his wife (Faith Hill), but Tim McGraw had the knack of release the song I need at just the right time. " In My Next Thirty Years" came out right around that birthday for me, and "LIve Like You Were Dying" around the time that my father and father-in-law passed away.

Please visit Roots and Rings hosted by Chelsea to share your take on this week's batch of questions.

Quick Takes Vol. #68

1. Winter has officially arrived for me with the first snowfall that has stuck. Upside: it is very pretty and Lisbeth is very excited to go out and play, downside: we've yet to get her snow boots. Now this current snow fall is less than an inch so her rain boots are working just fine, but me thinks something just got added to her Christmas list.
2. The age of tea parties has begun ~ or rather picnics, where I am served ice cream and ginger ale. Lovely no? The menu somehow reminds me of 1920's lawn parties and everyone in pastels.
3. Have most of the shopping and baking done for tonight's Christmas party but a lot of wrapping still to go, here's hoping for long naps this afternoon.
4. Congratulations to That Married Couple on the new addition!!
5. One of my goals for this Christmas season was to become more confident with cookie baking. I have progressed from the separate & bake to the add an egg and butter variety, up next baking from a recipe.
6. Am somewhat in denial that Christmas is a week away ~ while simultaneously so excited to visit and celebrate with family. I'm also very curious to see how much of the holiday observance and celebration Lisbeth and her 'sister' toddler cousin join in on.
7. Plans for the weekend include cleaning/clearing and continued preparations for next week's travel and festivities.

Please head over to Conversion Diary to enjoy the rest of weeks round-up of Quick Takes

Small Successes: December 16th

1. Christmas cards sent!
2. Did not panic this week when the hot water heater died and needed to be replaced, I just did it ~ and gave thanks for the resources
3. Caught up on the laundry.
4. Shout-out for my toddler ~ She peeled (de-shelled) an egg all by herself!!

Giving Thanks this Thursday for:

• a warm place to come in from the cold
• baby laughs
• an imaginative toddler who takes me along on her adventures
• a hard-working loving partner
• hope renewed and love everlasting

Please visit Faith and Family Live to share your successes; small and otherwise.

Wondering Wednesday:Advent Music

First a confession: I love Christmas Carols and music far too much to only listen from Christmas to Epiphany; I listen throughout Advent.

However also enjoy listening and giving majority listening rights to Advent music this time of year ~ so I was wondering ~ what are some of your favorites??

Personally: Cherry Tree Carol; traditional though sometimes attributed to Peter, Paul & Mary

Advent Suite, & The Final Word; Michael Card

and a great CD by Marty Haugen "We Come Dancing"

Your turn....

My thanks again to Maggie of From the Heart for inspiring the wondering.

(sidenote: New Years resolution ~ will learn how to load videos on blog)

13 ~13th ~3

Today my little guy is thirteen weeks on the 13th and three months!

1. he is starting to laugh
2. while still a bobble head, is holding up his head for longer periods of time
3. will tolerate the car seat for short periods of time
4. starting to reach out for stuff
5. still largely naps in the corner of the couch, but would live in my lap if possible
6. loves his sisters tight hugs
7. fun to hold short but enthusiastic conversations with
8. no longer reminds me of an old man
9. still sleeps in a swaddle and often wakes with a smile
10. Growing, thriving and blessing us everyday!

Joyful Sunday!!

As a child I loved to try and count how often I would hear my name or a variation of it during mass, I always lost count somewhere along the way usually during the homily.

Now as an adult I have an even greater appreciation. It feels so right and fitting during this season of reflection and prayerful anticipation to focus on the happier aspects of this time of year. When preparing for a big test; it takes hard work and study ~ but ideally it includes taking a break from the intense focus and having some fun ~ more importantly remembering why I'm studying so hard.

Focusing on improving the place within our homes and hearts where we invite Christ to live is a good and worthy goal, but for today let us lighten the purple with some Christmas white and rejoice in the idea of the gift long ago given and that he desires with be with us wherever we are on the journey if we but invite him.

Small Successes: December 9th

1. Holiday photo shoot done, with a couple of good shots (I hope).
2. Christmas cards bound for overseas mailed and the rest working their way out
3. Advent wreath out ~ Advent calendar started

Giving thanks this Thursday for:

the new day

a little girl in her princess dress

a little boy who smiles at me more everyday

a husband to lean on and laugh with

coffee and scones on the tough days

Mary who said Yes, and teaches me to

that I am forever loved and forgiven if I but seek

Please visit Faith and Family Live and share your successes small and otherwise.

Ten on Tuesday: December 7th

1. What do you order at Starbucks?

Grande Mocha, hot or iced depending on the season. Pumpkin Spice Latte in autumn

2. Where is your favorite place to eat breakfast?

Panera or IHOP

3. Are you on Twitter? Why or why not?

No, one more thing I've not yet had the chance to explore.

4. What is your favorite Christmas movie?

Its A Wonderful Life

5. Are you a good gift giver?

I like to think so

6. Do you like your handwriting? Bonus points for posting a picture.

When I'm journaling yes, most of the rest of the time yes/no

7. Is your signature legible? Bonus points for posting a picture.

Provided I'm not holding a child trying to escape ~ yes.

8. Have you ever been to New York during Christmas season?

Yes ~ twice I think

9. Are there any items that you are completely brand loyal?

Yes, a couple ~ my contact solution, shampoo and laundry detergent

10. Who is your favorite public speaker?

My husband ~ having attended a couple of his lectures and presented with him at Pre-Cana ~ my husband

Please visit Roots and Rings hosted by Chelsea for others take on these questions.

Quick Takes Vol. #67

1. Thanksgiving: Perfect ~ a little parade, a little football, delicious food shared with family ( of which Lisbeth ate rolls and cranberry sauce) while the new little blessing napped. Bonus: a surprise snow shower lasting maybe 40 minutes to go out and play in!
2. Baptism: Craziness and chaos of gathering family and friends from many states slows into a wonderful calm as Liam wearing the same gown his father did is welcomed into the church; though having just fallen asleep found the cold water a bit of a rude awakening. Big sister behaved beautifully and the cake afterwards was everything I remembered from previous cakes from this bakery including our wedding, my inlaws anniversary and Lisbeth's baptism.
3. Advent: Let the journey begin ~ committing and pray for the guidance to prepare my heart and mind as I prepare my home and buy gifts for Christmas and the coming of the Christ child.
4. Lisbeth: (this really deserves its own post, but I want to get my thoughts down in part) Growing and changing so ~ now truly able to hold conversations with, often at her direction as she explains the imaginary game we are about to play, her hand very nearly fitting into mine allowing us to truly hold hands as we walk around the neighborhood, noticing the absence of baby budge when she dresses.
5. Though still little with moments of cuddlesome especially right after a nap, and at bedtime.
6. NFP and discernment: Excellent post this week by Rebecca and Sarah
7. Weekend: Family Time and beginning Advent observance in earnest

Please visit Conversion Diary for the rest of this weeks Quick Takes

Wordless Wednesday: A New Child in Christ