Christmas program

Abigail got to tap the little ones when it was their turn to hold up their letters (boy, did they find the right job for her!) (Jack was behind the stable here) The kids had their religious education Christmas program this afternoon. Mike took some videos on his phone, which we'll work on making public soon (though we weren't in a good place to really see the big kids' songs).

JOYful

Added a new one... and we can spell "P-E-A-C-E!"

We have made a tradition of getting our tree and decorating on the weekend of Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, which represents joy. Mike trudged out into the mist and fog (at least it wasn't the extremely frigid air we sent him out in last year!) and THE MUD. He returned with an inch of mud caked on his boots and one side of the tree, from dragging. I cut off most of those branches, and we turned that side to face the back. He did remarkable job picking it. It has a perfect shape, and it smells amazing.

As soon as I began wrapping the tree in lights, Mike's phone rang, and it was an elderly man from our old church (who Mike used to do St. Vincent de Paul with), so of course, it's one you take. But Toby then started to wail, and all of the kids started to dig into the box of fragile ornaments, including the vintage glass ones I'd wrapped so carefully last year. So Abigail helped me pacify Toby long enough for me to finish the lights, but then the wailing commenced, and I had to take him up to our room to calm him enough to eat. I entrusted the tree to the kids and prayed that not too much damage would be done in mine and Mike's absence. I came back down to Opal playing completely immersed in Playmobil (thank you, God!), and the tree was stunningly decorated- at least the bottom and mid-section (and only two ornaments were broken). They did a commendable job.

We let them have "sleep somewhere else night" in the glow of the tree's light. We switched things up this year and put the tree in the living room- it's many windows reflect the tree's many lights so peacefully. If only we had a blanket of snow for a back-drop instead of fog, as it's been the past few days (though I am NOT complaining about this nearly 50-degree December weather!). I love these preparations that remind us of the celebration that is coming, that point our eyes to the coming Emmanuel. JOY to you, this Gaudete Sunday!

The All Saints Neighborhood

I am currently in the middle of an inspirational read: You Did it to Me; A Practical Guide to Mercy in Action by Michael Gaitley. It's about the works of mercy, but it truly excels in application, challenging readers to actually go forth with a concrete plan. And it's helped me to be more aware of the bi-lateral aspect of mercy. I bookmarked this quote he sites from Saint John Paul II-- "...An act of merciful love is only really such when we are deeply convinced at the moment that we perform it that we are at the same time receiving mercy from the people who are accepting it from us...." Well, on Friday, I got to experience this, and truly, what a blessing it was. We visited the residents of The All Saints Neighborhood to bring them some nativity crafts and sing Christmas carols. I am so thankful for the loving souls who arrange such activities so that all I have to do is show up with our crew, because that's about all I can muster right now. But we did. And we reaped the blessings.

I was surprised that my normally very shy kids were quick to volunteer to go up to give the residents the crafts and actually talked to them, more than just hi. And Opal even got left for a little while in some man's room, whom she stayed behind to flirt with and give her jingle bells to. He teared up and gave her a hug when we finally convinced her to say goodbye. I cried, too, of course. These men and women were so clearly touched by this act of mercy that we showed by visiting them, but I believe I got the better end of the deal- I mean the receiving end. All of them, upon getting back in the van afterward said what a fun time they had and actually thanked me for bringing them there. Talk about blessings! We really do need to do these types of things more often.

I was on such a cloud that I told them I'd take them to the brand new Chick Fila down the road for lunch. Which, when I assured him it did have a play area, prompted Jack to say that Friday was going to be "the best day of... of... this year so far!" What would have normally been a very stressful activity for me was very pleasant and peaceful. It may have also had something to do with the fact that this was the best fast food service I've ever experienced. They were on the ball, coming around to refill drinks, napkins, condiments... Perhaps the kids were experiencing this mercy-high as well, as they were very well behaved, and we got several compliments in the play area.

The rest of the day, we had an inordinate amount of spills- water and milk and tea- and even a shattered plate. And I felt such a peace about all of these things that was so indescribable, even wonderful. These circumstances only served as opportunities for more works of mercy, to show my children more love- a little glimpse of how God can make our burdens light for us if we only allow him.

We are blessed!

Jolly 'ol St. Nicholas

One more thing before I sign off for the week. I like to document all of the things I make here. This guy was gifted to a friend, but I listed St. Nicholas in the shop, nonetheless.

a wonderful Christmas tradition

A couple of years ago, we began a wonderful Christmas tradition with the Wards (at least all of the Christmases we've been able to be together physically). Instead of gifts, we order take-out, and the adults enjoy relaxing and conversation while the kids watch a Christmas movie together. Bliss. And since they're a little further away than just across town, we decided to make a weekend of it.

We got there in time on Friday for our kids to go pick up the girls from school and play in the snow piles with them. We ordered Chinese for dinner, and afterwards, the kids enjoyed Spike. On Saturday, we joined the Wards at their church and girls' school for a fun (and yummy!) Birthday Breakfast for Jesus, where we got to hear and partake in some Christmas carols. In the afternoon, the kids played at the park and put up/decorated the tree. The women and the men took turns running- it felt so refreshing to get out in the brisk fresh air and run and chat alongside a friend. We left after dinner on Friday.

The whole visit was rejuvenating- emotionally, spiritually, and physically. We've been so blessed by this family, these friends. I still can't believe we are now only an hour, 45 min. drive from them! And that in three short months, there will be two more added to this crew!!

St. Nicholas Day & the Children's Museum

St. Nicholas came on Friday because we were at the Wards' on Saturday, and I just figured it would be easier to tell them it was Friday. He brought some Christmas books and candy canes (must have forgot those chocolate gold coins!). The kids got free donuts the night before for donating some new toys at the Toys for Tots drop off at the grocery store, so we saved them for a St. Nicholas morning treat. I think this may need to become a tradition. Though I think Mike was little appalled that none of our kids could finish a whole one, and two of them were crying because the donuts were "too sweet!!!" Then they watched the St. Nicholas movie while Mike and I finished packing for our one-night trip to Milwaukee.

We dropped Mike off for a half-day of work and headed the half-mile over to the Children's Museum, since it's now free with our Science & Industry Museum membership, and it seemed an appropriate way to celebrate the patron saint of children. I don't know why I thought we could also accomplish some errands in the time before we were supposed to pick Mike up again at 12:30-- so many fun things to do! Though I think we need to bring another adult the next time we venture there :^D

preparing, signing off, and a sweet babe

St. Andrew Christmas preparatory prayer free download here Our bare Jesse tree and Advent books and child's wreath Awaiting the Savior Beginning a journey... After today, I'll be taking a break from the internet during Advent (with the exception of email and Sundays). It seems to be especially loud this time of year with specials and Christmas abundance and expectations. I think it will be a welcome relief to go without.

In the meantime, I am trying to be more quiet and spend more time with God and family. I've started doing special "Mom and Me" time with the kids, taking turns depending on whose day it is to be my Mother's Helper, and I'm thinking this is one of the best inspirations I've heard during my nightly wakings with Toby. Today, I spent an almost uninterrupted 40 minutes playing Legos with Jack and then reading to him in his room. Since Toby was born, I haven't had as much of this intentional time with the kids. I'm also joining the Children's Rosary in their 33 Day Consecration to Jesus through Mary- this always seems to be accompanied by many graces (I've only done it once before, but I've heard some inspiring accounts).

So, I'll probably see you on Sundays, but for now, I'm signing off. Though not before leaving you with a barrage of baby sweetness... May you have a peaceful and reflective Advent season! Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!