Happy Advent!

We've started our Advent in a wonderful way. Friday, I got most of the decorations out and up, and our Advent plan in place.

This morning, after mass, we visited the "Santa House," where we listened to a story, watched a puppet show, got a warm, chocolate chip cookie from Mrs. Claus, and spent a few minutes visiting (and posing for pictures) with Santa.

Then, we came home, ate lunch, and lit the first purple candle on our Advent wreath. BigBro read to us from Genesis. The kids tore the first link off their paper chains and shared their prayer intention for the day. We prayed together. Then Princess put the first ornament on the Jesse Tree and LilBro snuffed out the candle.

Tonight, I am hosting a table for our parish's Advent by Candlelight celebration. The speaker is Sr. Carla Mae Streeter, rumored to be a dynamic speaker. I am looking forward to delicious food, an inspiring talk, and warm conversation with good friends.

I hope your first day of Advent is as filled with big and little blessings.

Blessings of the Week - vol 32.

The Thanksgiving Edition:

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Our Parish Community. We attended mass on Thanksgiving morning. It's the first year we could attend, as we usually have a houseful of guests expecting entertainment (and a much larger turkey needing longer cooking time). We were up, and decided to begin our day thanking God. What an absolutely beautiful experience. The church was packed. The offertory included a procession of donated food and other items that covered nearly all of the sanctuary in front of the altar. Several times, DH and I were brought to tears by the abundance of faith, hope and charity in this community. Pastor ended mass with a blessing of our donations and of rolls he bought from a local Italian bakery. Then, instead of a processional, both priests and both deacons stood in front of the church, passing out blessed rolls to everyone. Finally, we all helped carry the donated food out to the "Little Yellow Bus" owned by our St. Vincent de Paul Society, so that it could be delivered to food pantries. The biggest blessing: DH, BigBro and Princess all said they want to make Thanksgiving mass a permanent part of our holiday routine. We shall... no matter who is visiting or how large the turkey is.

-2-

Our Priests. We are so very lucky to have the two priests we do at our parish. Father is my spiritual director and our good friend. This week included an hour or so of direction, followed by him joining us for dinner and sticking around late into the night, talking, laughing and debating. Our Pastor is an incredibly generous and kind-hearted man... who helped us out of a real bind this week, and then laughed off our thanks, sharing similar episodes from his life.

-3-

A Full Table. This year, our Thanksgiving table was a little smaller than in years past. We lost my mother-in-law's dear friend in April. Family from my side weren't able to join us this year. But we had a wonderful time all the same. We sat around the table for hours, talking and laughing, recalling old memories and making new ones. It was a truly blessed Thanksgiving, in every way.

Blessings of the Week - vol. 31

The late November edition:

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A Good Week. This week was a very busy one, but productive and fun all the same. The older kids and I painted some pottery one day. I got paid to eat ice cream one night! We had dinner with friends on two different days. It was a full and blessed week in ever so many ways!

-2-

Thanksgiving Break. We are officially on break... all 5 of us. DH takes off Thanksgiving week every year (not a bad trade: a whole week of vacation for 3 days). After the fall-full-of-travel, it is just glorious to have him all to ourselves for 9 uninterrupted days! And it's just as wonderful to have a break from the book-work and daily grind for me and the kids. There are movies to be seen, family pictures to take, a turkey-and-fixins to cook, and some quiet family time to be enjoyed.

-3-

Organized and De-cluttered bedrooms. My kids' bedrooms tend to become the black holes of our house. Stuff disappears in there forever, and the mess never seems to be more than contained. But this week, we spent a few hours decluttering, getting rid of the never-played-with, filling a kitchen-sized trash bag, and organizing all that remained. The end result: each room now has a little reading nook, the tops of dressers are cleaned off and neat, and the kids have been enjoying their rooms and toys a lot more. Inspired by the visual peace of their rooms, I tackled my nightstand/bookshelf and the creeping mess of books and magazines that spread out from there. In less than an hour, I transformed my bedroom from ok to sanctuary. (Now, if only I could convince DH to do the same with his side of the room... hmmm.... a Thanksgiving break project?)

*****

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, won't you join me in thanking Him for all the blessings He's bestowed on you?

Have a blessed and fun Thanksgiving!

Taking My Own Advice... Or Not, As The Case May Be

Ok, so a few weeks ago, I admonished the rest of you not to try to do it all in preparing for Advent this year... and then I completely ignored my own words, and tried to do it all.

In addition to DH's travel (he's gone again this week), buying a new car, and negotiating with the network over the reality tv thing, I'm still homeschooling, laundry-washing, grocery-buying, and so on. Oh, and yeah... I realized just the other day that Thanksgiving is next week... and we are hosting DH's family.

So, I freaked. It's bound to happen, right?

I've spent the past few days getting organized. The kids' rooms have been cleaned and de-cluttered. The house has been picked up again (at least the main level is still in pretty good shape, just needs the daily maintenance). I've bought everything we need for Thanksgiving, and nearly everything I need for Advent by Candlelight (the Sunday after Thanksgiving). I've been shopping online and made a significant dent in my holiday list. And I've started the master list designed to get me through these next 6 weeks without freaking out (again).

I am scheduled to go to Vision of Peace on Sunday afternoon, and stay until late morning on Tuesday. Originally, I planned to bring all sorts of projects to work on. Then, I planned to spend part of Monday Christmas shopping, using Vision of Peace for my home base. But now, I think I'll do neither. What I most need right now is quiet, solitude and prayer. Especially prayer.

I have several books waiting for me to read them. I know I need a nap or three. And my poor, neglected body is craving the feel of pavement and the rush of cool air... so I'm certain there is a run or two in there. And that's about it, I think. My calm before the rush of the holidays.

And hopefully, the rush of this week, the master list, and all that I am accomplishing now will allow me to enter prayerfully into Advent and to take that season more gently, more rightly-focused, and more patiently than I've tackled November.

One can always hope, right?

Blessings of the Week - Vol. 30

The Dear Husband edition:

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DH's Fishing Trip. He had 6 days of gorgeous weather, biting fish, and lots of laughter. His annual trip with the guys was blessed by good weather and good times. It's a blessing that he was able to go, and that he had such a wonderful time.

-2-

DH's Return. He returned on Wednesday afternoon, to a very worn-out and happy to see him wife, thrilled to see him kids, and a new car. What a blessing he is to me... and how wonderful to recognize just how much I need my best friend/husband/partner.

-3-

DH's New Car. When DH's car died last week, I optimistically thought we might be able to survive as a one-car family for a month or two. But when faced with needing to be in two different places at the same time this weekend, in the midst of other stresses and single parenting, I couldn't handle it. A quick Craigslist search brought up the car of our dreams (and my prayers)... literally, the elderly lady who drove it to church, the doctor, and the grocery store. The car is 4 years old, but has only 9,000 miles and is in pristine condition... and cost exactly what we had saved to buy a replacement car. Truly, this car came to us as a real blessing this week.

*****

Care to join me in praising God this week?

Progress

Before I started running, I would see people running as I drove down the street and think,

"Well, you're just nuts."

After I started running, I would see people running as I drove down the street and think,

"Good for you!"

Yesterday, I saw a person running as I drove down the street and I thought,

"Oh, man... I would give anything to be out there with you right now."

The mental transformation is complete. I am a runner. Even if I am not getting the time or the mileage I did all summer, I am still a runner.

Who would have ever thought it possible???

Thursday Morning's Smile

Princess to me this morning:

"Mommy, when I'm a grown-up, are you going to look old?"

God willing, sweetie. God willing.

Stick a Fork in Me

I am done.

DH has been gone for 5 entire days, and I am completely and totally worn out. There's nothing left in me... and yet those three children under 8 keep on pushing.

He comes home tomorrow night.

24 more hours to go.

(I keep trying to offer this up for my friend who was widowed last March... his wife is never coming home... it helps some, and then they start fighting and whining and I forget all about my good intentions!)

Advent Prep: Fun for the Kids

We try to make Advent it's own special season in our family, and not just a month of Christmas-based excitement. For us, the key to this is to combine Christmas-anticipation with some simple traditions that keep our minds and hearts rightly focused.

Here are some simple things we do. (Remember, you do not need to do everything every year... some things make good annual traditions, and some things work for a season or two and then need a break).

• Prayer Chain Countdown: We've done this one every single year since BigBro was a toddler. We make a simple paper chain (or three, as the case is now), with one link for every day in Advent. Last year, we used purple and pink construction paper to match the chains with the candle colors in our Advent wreath. Each child writes names of people they love on the paper slips before they are curled into the chain. Every night of Advent, we remove one link from each of the chains, and include those people in our family prayers.

  
  

• Advent Calendars: Whether homemade, scripture-based, or chocolate-filled, what child doesn't love the thrill of opening a new box every day? We always end up with multiple variations of Advent calendars every year, and they are always a lot of fun.

  
  

• Advent Wreath: We have a very simple Advent wreath that sits on our dining room table. Every night of Advent, we light the candles before dinner. After dinner, we share a short prayer time (including the intentions from our prayer chains), and then the best part: the kids get to blow out the candles. (Though, this year, I found a cute little candle sniffer on clearance, and am looking forward to the fun of watching them snuff out the candles as opposed to blowing hot wax on their sibs!)

  
  

• Activity Books: We supplement our religion program every December with these fun and inexpensive activity books from Pflaum. They have a simple scripture verse and a fun activity for every day of Advent. You don't have to homeschool to enjoy these books with your kids.

  
  

Next week, I'll mention a few more things we've tried (or at least considered trying) with our kids.

Blessings of the Week - vol. 29

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BigBro's First Reconciliation. It was a wonderful blessing this week to watch BigBro celebrate Reconciliation. Our pastor made the night so very special for him, and made this first experience one he will never forget. Once again, I'm reminded just how blessed we are to be in this parish.

-2-

DH's Car Dying This Week. Seems like an odd blessing, no? But, we've known for a long time that DH's 14 year old car was not going to last forever. This week, we learned that it needs significantly more work than it's worth. The blessing is that we can make do with one car for the next two to three months with only a minimal amount of adjustment. We have the time we need to find a reasonably priced, well-maintained replacement.

-3-

DH's Annual Fishing Trip. My sweet husband is spending the next five days fishing with his buddies. He tried to go with the guys last April, but had to miss the trip when his mom's longtime companion died. He almost missed this trip. He was questioned for a two-week jury duty assignment for a day and a half this week. He was released from jury duty, and the next day, his car died. Thankfully, he was able to grab a ride with his brother. I am so very happy for him. I hope he has good weather, the fish are biting, and the stories and beer flow freely. He so needs and deserves this break.

*****

Where has He blessed you this week?

This morning...

... after Morning Prayer and mass, driving DH to work (we are down to one car for now), cutting and slicing and chopping veggies for the crock-pot chicken stew we will eat for dinner, quizzing spelling words and checking math facts... I replaced the dimmer switch in our dining room.

Just needed to pat myself on the back.

Every now and again, I surprise myself with what I really can do when I put my mind to it.

Second Grade Theology

This morning, BigBro asked me if killing a fly was a mortal sin.

"No. Flies are pests that spread disease. It's not even a venial sin to kill a fly."

"But is it a venial sin to kill other bugs?"

"No, honey. Bugs don't have souls. It's not a sin to kill them."

"But what about a praying mantis? Doesn't it have a soul?"

"No. A praying mantis is a bug. Bugs don't have souls."

"But, Mom, they pray. They must have souls if they pray to God."

Mom, I Can't Stop Smiling!

Last night, BigBro celebrated his first Reconciliation with our Pastor. We planned this private celebration last month, after learning that DH was scheduled to be out of town the same week that our parish celebrates First Reconciliation with the second graders in early January. We both felt that it was more important for DH to be present for the Sacrament than to wait and celebrate with his peers.

Our Pastor is a wonderful man, who was more than willing to accommodate us. DH and I wanted to make this night really memorable for BigBro. We hired a sitter for our other children, so that this could be his "special" night.

We met Pastor in the parish center at 6pm, and the four of us gathered in Pastor's office to begin with prayer. Then DH and I left BigBro and Pastor alone to celebrate the Sacrament. When they were done, Pastor invited us back into his office. After Pastor's sweet words about what a fine, young man our son is growing into, DH and I presented BigBro with a little gift. He was thrilled to find a statue of his patron saint, St. Patrick. Pastor blessed the statue for him, and then took a picture of the three of us.

Pastor then celebrated Reconciliation with both DH and me. While DH was in Pastor's office, several parishioners entered the parish center for Tuesday evening mass. They know us and our family. I mentioned to all that BigBro had just celebrated his first Reconciliation, and they showered him with congratulations and blessings.

Finally, we took BigBro out for dinner at The Olive Garden (his pick). He thoroughly enjoyed his meal, his "shirley temple" and a yummy, chocolatey dessert. DH and I thoroughly enjoyed the time with our oldest son... who is growing and changing so quickly.

I asked BigBro how he felt about the Sacrament. He said that it was easier than he'd expected. Pastor was gentle and kind, and very encouraging. "I can't stop smiling, Mom. It just feels so good."

I know, BigBro. That's exactly why I love this Sacrament so very much. It just feels so good.

May God bless you, dear son. May He keep you safe, and close to His heart always.

Some Halloween Fun

I've been promising some pictures of the Halloween fun from last week. Here you go.

Skip Schumaker, Albert Pujols, and Yadier Molina (in their own stadium!):

Painting pumpkins... we ended up with a DJ (BigBro), Frankenstein (Princess) and a completely, colorfully painted one (LilBro).

DH and I had some fun with our costumes:

Meet Super Softener... and my arch-enemy, Captain Static!

Hope you had as much fun celebrating this year as we did!

Advent Prep - Four Weeks Out

Four weeks from now, we will be in the season of Advent. A little preparation now will ensure that your Advent really is about preparing to greet our Savior... and not preparing to lose your mind once again amidst the wrapping, the shopping, the baking, and the mailing.

1. 1. Begin with a plan. December is a crazy month, filled to the brim. If you begin now, you can plan to include some special events, and to celebrate the special feasts. This is the time to mark off space in your calendar for the important family events: cutting down the Christmas tree, taking a Christmas portrait, caroling, attending a Tree Lighting Ceremony, visiting a light display, seeing a performance of "The Nutcracker," etc.
   
   Take the time to think about what really matters to you and your spouse. Prioritize the events, activities and memories you want to make with your children. Then spend an evening online, locating dates and times, ordering tickets (if necessary), and plugging these activities into your family calendar.
   


2. Don't Forget Your Faith. December is chock full of special days to celebrate: St. Nicholas, St. Lucia, the Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Juan Diego. Some parishes pray a Christmas Novena or sing the O Antiphons. Opportunities to explore the richness of our faith abound during Advent. Again, making a plan is key. Discuss which feasts will work for your family this year, put them on the calendar, and make note of any preparations you need to make in advance (ie, shoring up treats from St Nick or supplies for St Lucy's bread).
   
   
3. Keep your eyes on the prize. Remember what this season is really about, and start planning your own Advent practice. Perhaps you will decide to spend 10 minutes every morning reading scripture. Or you'll add a Rosary to your morning commute. Maybe you want to try getting to daily mass one morning a week during Advent, or you need to (finally) get to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The time to consider your spiritual commitment to Advent is now. Give it some thought, some prayer. Don't try to make major changes during this already busy time, but do consider making some small change or addition to help keep your heart and mind focused on Christ this year.
   
   
4. Do NOT even try to do it all. You are hereby forbidden from attempting to do it all. You may not do every activity, craft, spiritual suggestion, and prayer practice that you see here (or anywhere else). This is not the year to make yourself crazy. That's the whole point of the plan: choose what sounds best for your family this year.
   
   There's always next year to make the homemade gingerbread model of Notre Dame while singing "O Christmas Tree" in German with your five year old. Trust me. Next year, Advent will pop up right after Thanksgiving, and you are welcome to try it all then. This year, we are going to take it easy, make a plan, and keep our hearts rightly focused. Nothing else matters.

Next week, I'll have some suggestions for simple ways to make every day in Advent special for your kids.

*****

Feel free to fill the comment box with your suggestions. How is your Advent planning going?