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