Thankful Thursday:December 29th

1. As I write this: Christmas lights twinkling in the dusk
2. The chance to introduce my littles to sledding and their laughter during
3. Another year of marital love and partnership
4. The baby born in Bethlehem 
5. Friendships: new and old
6. Love enduring and grace everlasting

Please visit our host Rebecca at The Road Home and share what you are thankful for

Happy 9th!

Thru all the ups and downs ~ sickness & health, richer, poorer and everything in between ~ I love you and being loved by you!

 Happy Anniversary!!

Merry Christmas!!

,

From our family to yours!!

Thankful Thursday: December 22nd

1. Friends like family to celebrate the Anticipation of Christmas with
2. Happy little ones ~ snuggly when not
3. Shopping & wrapping nearly done
4. Cards from afar found in the mailbox
5. A loving partner to A-frame through the worry and stress with 

Please visit The Road Home and share what you are thankful for:

An Advent Favorite

In honor of the fourth Sunday of Advent ~ a favorite Advent hymn by a favorite artist:

Wordless Wednesday: Photo Card

Three Wise Kings Religious

Unique party invitations and announcements by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Ten on Tuesday: December 13th

1. How do you eat your eggs?
         Lots of ways, love them hard boiled, poached, over-easy and my favorite ~ Benedict

2. Do you volunteer?
           Not much currently, I'm still a 'Big Sister', and help with some programs at my church

3. What’s your favorite brand of jeans?
         Levi's

4. What was your child’s first word? Or what was your first word?
           Not sure what mine was, but Lisbeth's was Dada and Liam's was Yeth (yes)

5. Can you french braid?
               Yes!

6. Do you prefer wide rule, college rule, or blank paper?
                College rule for journaling, blank paper for stationary.

7. Is there a specific treat do you always make during the holidays?
              Cookies!!  


8. Do you have a KitchenAid mixer? Do you want one?
              Recently got handed-down one from my mother-in-law; haven't really done much with it yet

9. What kind of computer do you use?
                  Mac

10. Favorite Christmas movie?
                  It's a Wonderful Life, and The Gathering


Thanks again to our host Chelsea of Roots and Rings!

Gaudete Sunday

A repost from Advent '10

   

  

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.

Thankful Thursday: 400th post edition

This post marks my 400th and I'm giving thanks!

1. My husband who encourages me
2. My children who manage to not do permanent damage to themselves or the house while Mommy gets out a quick post
3. My readers/commenters ~ who help me to believe I have something to say worth writing down and sending out into the blog-o-sphere.
4. Other bloggers ~ who teach, inspire and entertain me so well
5. Friendships begun on-line, deepening over time, blessed by the occasional meet-ups!

Please visit The Road Home and our host ~ Rebecca and share what you are thankful for!

Wondering Wednesday: First Dance

During Advent one of my favorite things to listen to in the car is We Come Dancing; which include such Advent favorites as Cherry Tree Carol and O Come, O Come Emmanuel

and Covenant Hymn which was the song we selected for our first dance at our wedding.

It speaks of the promises we were making to each other as inspired by those made by Christ to her church.

(We had the DJ stop after the third verse ~ we are both introverts so 3 minutes of dancing with everyone watching us was enough, plus we wondered if the death verse might freak out some people).

What was your First Dance song??

Wondering Wednesday inspired by Maggie of From the Heart

Quick Takes #97

1. Happy December! Happy Advent!  There is so much to do, gifts, cards, and cleaning but I can't help loving this time of year.  At 3 years old I'm hoping that Lisbeth can begin to take hold of the special meaning of this time of year.
2. Liam gives hugs ~ and big wide open kisses!
3. When someone asked Lisbeth this week what she had for Thanksgiving; she recounted "Chicken, oranges, apples, and marshmallows" ~ in other words her thanksgiving feast at nursery school.  Clearly the one she shared with us was not as memorable.
4. Liam is now starting to stand independently and betting has begun on if he will be walking by Christmas/New Year.  Given his interesting personality of being very laid-back and stubborn at the same time ~ I'm in the 'no' group!
5. Am enjoying rereading the Advent book I review at a more pensive pace.  Now just some time to check out the wonderful suggestions in these children-focused books I picked up for the kids.
6. Really did enjoy unseasonably warm Thanksgiving, made all the raking and kid chasing more pleasant.  That said, am also very pleased that there is a nip in the air and need to bundle up as we head out on our early evening walks to see whose has lights up. 
7. Key plan for the weekend ~ clearing off dining room table for Advent Wreath! Have a good one!

Please head to Conversion Diary hosted by Jen and enjoy the rest of this week's Quick Takes