Advent Chain--Day 1

Since the calendar has flipped over to December, that means it is time to start our Advent count-down.  Yeah!  Most of the events are the same as in previous years, but hey, that's what family traditions are all about, right?! 

In the bible study I'm doing right now, we've been talking about the importance of "living in the moment", especially in regards to our kiddos.  To really take time and just BE with them.  Listen to them.  Experience them.  Cherish them. 

That's one of the things I enjoy about our count-down.  While there are certainly a few "events" that we've planned, most of the things are just fun ways to hang out as a family and enjoy soaking in every bit of this glorious holiday--the Advent of the birth of our Lord.

So....Day 1's event consisted of making our paper chain; and of course the teacher in me couldn't help but focus on the patterning and number identification aspect of the activity either, ha!

Mother-daughter combos?!

I never thought I'd fall prey to a mother-daughter outfit combo, but these "rock star" shoes, as the Noodle calls them, were too cute not to get in a smaller size.

And yes, we have worn them at the same time.  Never say never, right?!?!

Thanksgiving re-cap

We had such a nice, relaxing Thanksgiving.  Of course we ate waaaay too much, but isn't that always the way it is? Sigh.  It is just that everything tastes sooo delicious :)

After we ate, we decided that perhaps we better attempt to burn off a few of those 1,000+ calories, so we went for a walk stroll along the beach.  It was brisk, but great for skipping stones and writing in the sand.  Hope your's was lovely!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter and hugs that never end.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with sweet smells and tasty treats.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with extra naps.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with lots of relaxation and spending time with those close to you.

As I reflect this Thanksgiving, I am once again humbled by how much the Father has blessed me.  Just because He can...not because I deserve it or am worthy of it.  True grace.  Awe-inspiring and so worthy of praise to Him.

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow.  Praise Him all creatures here below.  Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts.  Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost."

Hello, Goodbye

Hello sleepy morning snuggles, warm bowls of oatmeal and the freedom of "girls day".  Hello "rock star" pink shoes and the giddiness that new shoes can bring.

Hello to bright, new beginnings and farewell to a well-loved childhood home.  Hello to sore, tired muscles and the satisfaction that they bring.  Hello to cozy, filling dinners with moms and dads--we always enjoy spending time with you!

Hello to driftwood searches, projects on the horizon, games of soccer and peals of laughter.  Hello to yet another plumbing project...gotta love 90 year old houses!  Hello to a shortened week and the anticipation of extended family time.  Goodbye to a busy, fun weekend!

Thankful Thursday

We're thankful for smiles, giggles and laughter as we get ready in the morning.  I'm sure you're house is like ours...some days it is easier (and people are more cooperative) than others.

This-N-That

Not much to report 'round here these parts.  Conferences have had me at school the past few nights until 8:30 p.m.  Generally I like to be home in my jammies by 8:30...face washed...contacts out (I know--wild party animal).  I especially don't like it because I have only gotten to see my little one for the hour and a half prior to school for the past two days--she's sound asleep by the time I roll in!

I'll keep this post short and sweet with just a few thoughts.............

1.  Now that the Noodle has learned to tie her shoelaces, she's tying everything she can get her hands on.  I've found quite a few ribbons from my stash that have been cut and tied to various objects around the house (think the drawer pull on the recycling bin, the door knob in the bathroom and various stuffed animals that are now sporting bows).  Ha!  Nothing like transferring a skill to a variety of situations :)  That's a little special ed lingo for ya!

2.  We had the Noodle's conference yesterday morning.  I guess J and I forgot to prep her like we should have...I just assumed that she knew what "conferences" were.  Err, not so much.  How dense of me not to realize how it must have looked from her eyes--4 adults sitting around a small table, talking in hushed tones, obviously about her, while she was suppose to play in the background.  She totally shut down and got all silent and even had tears in her eyes and, I guess, watched the whole time (I couldn't see her because of the way I was positioned).  Towards the end of the 15 minute conference, I turned around and looked at her and saw how frozen she was and asked if she was o.k. and she whispered out "I have to go potty".  With that, the two of us whisked out of there and went to take care of business...I apologized profusely to her and asked if she had felt nervous having all of us there.  She finally admitted that she had.  Poor baby!  J and I certainly felt like we deserved the loser parent awards.  Good thing she hugged us both big time and then skipped into class and got right busy playing.  I'm sure we're beating ourselves up more than she is.

Ahhhh, the joys of parenting ;)