Christmas {part 1}

Awesome cloaks from the Pleasant-Ryans (made by Ashley!) Christmas morn Tobias slept through most of Christmas morning, but here he is enjoying a sweet gift from his God parents.

We had a nice and relatively relaxing Christmas at our house before leaving for my parents' house in Maryland. On Christmas Eve, we Skyped with Mike's parents and brother's family and opened gifts from each other. The kids played with their new toys, we went to Mass, we read a bunch of Christmas books and just had some wonderful family time.

After the flurry of excitement and a "big breakfast" on Christmas morning, we finished packing and set off on our multi-day trip. We got as far as almost to Pittsburgh on Thursday night and crammed three to a bed and the floor in our little hotel room. Not much sleep occurred that night. And since four of us were already awake at 5:30 am, we decided to plow ahead with our travels to make it to Mimi and PopPops' before lunch. That way, we got to maximize our time with my sister and her family, who were leaving later that day, and spend some quality time with my dad on his 61st birthday.

To be continued...

four months!

I don't have too much new to report this month-- Tobias is still an ever-so-sweet, mellow little fellow. He's still waking two to four times in the night to eat, though perhaps sleeping with a little more regularity during the days, still spitting up to beat the band (though managing to put on the weight quite well- he has a check-up next week, where we'll find out his stats), still loves baths...

He's "talking" (screeching, cooing, etc.) and laughing more. He's playing with toys and his hands more and focusing more on books and faces and everything. He made his first really long, multi-day car-ride a few days ago, has been meeting all sorts of new people, and so far, he's been a stellar traveler. We've been so blessed again by this cuddle bear. We love you, Toby!

Open Studio 16

"The Lake House"
14" x 11"
colored pencil

Joy to the World!

The Lord is come! A blessed Christmas to you and yours!

Seven on Sunday {Advent edition}

1. As is tradition, we got a gingerbread house kit for the kids to assemble (actually, Mike and I assembled- yes, it required both of us), and the kids ate decorated. It's one of of those activities that they just kind of get to go wild with sweets. Still, plenty of sweets ended up on their house, which turned out pretty dear.

2. We also made some fudge and sugar cookies yesterday and today to begin our making and baking frenzy as we approach our Savior's birth!

3. I got an early Christmas present this past week. We once again own a treadmill! So, I can actually get some exercise this winter (if this winter is anything like last, I won't be venturing out for many runs). My first time on it, I was wondering why it felt like I was trudging uphill for two miles. I could not make myself go any faster without feeling like I was going to be sick. It turns out, I was trudging uphill. But Mike kindly fiddled with the screws and lowered the incline for me. Where would I be without him? Trudging uphill, most likely.

4. For months, I have been praying about starting a Children's Rosary group here in Madison (there are currently none in Wisconsin). We recently obtained some of the Children's Rosary CDs to listen to. They are beautifully done, and what a blessing it is to listen to Children offering their prayers to our Lady and Our Lord Jesus! We have been praying for the spread of these, and the kids recently had the opportunity to write to Relevant Radio, which happens to have its headquarters in Wisconsin, to ask for the Children's Rosary to be aired as a blessing for all who tune in to the station.

5. We have had a blessed Advent season. Our years keep getting busier, and this has perhaps been the craziest yet with our still newish addition and evening activities and such, but we have still managed to, for the most part, stay up to date with our daily Jesse tree devotions and other Advent readings (even if they take place during lunchtime instead of in the evening- Mike gets home so late most evenings). This past week, though we've had behavioral issues with certain children, and I've been dog-tired with a wakeful babe, I have also been experiencing so many graces. I think many of those have come through the 33 Days to Morning Glory (consecration to Jesus through Mary) I have been working my way through with the Children's Rosary group... the sacrament of reconciliation- it is always such a blessing to confess our sins verbally and be washed clean... and supportive friends and family, who are always a blessing.

6. I had a somewhat humorous reminder this morning to come out of myself and back to God this Advent season. Last night, I had a particularly poor night of sleep and was feeling overcome with anxiety and guilt about who knows what? Unloading it all on my ever-patient husband on the way to church this morning, the the floodgates just opened up. After consoling me some in the parking lot, Mike asked if I wanted him to go ahead and take the kids in and I could come in once I'd composed myself. My eyes were still very red and puffy, but once I'd pulled myself together, I walked in, and immediately, Mike told me our family was going to light the Advent candles (Father had just asked him). So we made the long walk from the back of the church to the front after the opening song, and I'm sure we were a sight-- spit-up cloths blankets dragging on the floor, my puffy eyes and runs in the back of my tights (Oops.), Iris burying her face in and clinging like a starfish to mine and Mike's legs (now that was kind of sweet)... But none of that mattered...

We are preparing for someone who washes away all of our ugliness, all of our anxieties, our imperfections. Clean away, forgotten. I love the little wake-up calls that Holy Spirit sends to call us back to God, to remind us of what's really important. Father reminded us in the homily this morning, there is still time, still time to slow down and refocus ourselves so that we might be ready to welcome Christ when he comes. May we all be ready for Him.

7. And now-- so many baby pictures! Peace and joy to you as we await the coming Savior!