Advent::Week 2

I have been catching up on blog reading- I find it interesting that the holiday blogging theme varies right now between "slow down" and "I'm overwhelmed". (I think I am in the slow down, yet slightly overwhelmed mode!;))

To the moms who are overwhelmed, I want to put my arms around them and tell them it is okay. You don't have to do it all. Your kids will be happy with what you do and what they get. In the years with less, I often find my children appreciate what we do even more. To the moms who are telling us that it is okay to slow down, I say "amen!". But I also know  I say the same thing sometimes yet don't always listen to my own advice. LISTEN!!! :)

I think the key is to choose things that are important to you. One of the things that we do as a family is to make a list. I was so surprised a few years ago when one son said that his most favorite advent tradition ever was going to his sister's house to decorated a gingerbread house. He had only gone once! I never would have known the significance that held had I not asked. Once I gather all the data (input from each family member), I fill out a calendar with the events/tasks we are going to attempt along with our holiday obligations and feast days.

We were off to a slow start, but here is advent in our home so far (and a few other things too...)- 

We have candles! We finally tracked some down at a Catholic gift shop that is a not too far away and Erin happened to be going there anyway. Our little wreath doesn't look so bare anymore. 

December feast day table in progress. St. Nicholas day was a little haphazard. We just happened to have a few monster truck toys (top on Mark and James' wish lists) on hand. I ran out on the 5th picked up some chocolate gold coins and printed some St. Nicholas coin covers from the "Shower of Roses" blog. Whew! 

One of our favorite outings at this time of year is the annual Creche exhibit a few towns away. There are just no words to describe it (no pictures allowed). It was stunning as always. This time we were serenaded with harp music as we wandered the halls looking at nativities from all of the world made from every conceivable material (banana fiber for one). I am always amazed how even my crazy boys just calm down for this event. I wish they had one corner that pictures could be taken, but overall I enjoy the peacefulness of not having everyone vying for camera position. 

In the children's room after, there were crafts and dress up. That's my granddaughter in the middle picture as Mary, and James' big sister (mom of granddaughter) showing him how to make an angel ornament to the right. 

We ended our outing here!! With our new "eat this, not that" mentality, we were able to keep it under control yet still enjoy ourselves.

And finally this last week- our travelers arrived home after almost two weeks (!), Marky had a chance to show me the "kitty condos" where he takes his class at the humane society, and James has taken to drawing elves of all kinds. Many people in our family have received personalized pictures including one of Elf Sandoval for his Giants loving brother-in-law.