I can read!

I cannot even begin to tell you how long it has been since I sat down and read a book. A book that wasn't about ME, or emotions or de-stressing. Sure, I've read lots of devotional books, but really, they were about me. Not learning more about God, but more about myself. And honestly, that feels a bit selfish. I, of course, don't feel like every book should be strictly about apologetics or about bettering myself. It's just that this last year was a bit heavy for me and now it's time for fun. Our family theme last year was Peace and Patience and this year it's Joy and Love. Time for some joy filled reading.




I ended and began last year and this with the same book, Notes From a Small Island by Bill Bryson. Initially, I thought I'd never get through it. The first few chapters were anecdotal and interesting and then it just became droll. Which is funny, because you can tell that's how he felt about his project at this point, too. The premise is Bill (an American ex-pat) is moving back to the States for a period of time. Before the move, he wanted to travel around the whole of the United Kingdom by public transport.

Without a map, this book sunk lower and lower into the minutia of details and I was about ready to give up. I was clueless to where he was (knowing nothing about British geography) and I didn't even care. The turning point was when he took a break from his own travels and went home for a bit. Honestly, it was the break we ALL needed. I decided to press on, because at this point, it was more about me finishing the book than being super interested in Bill and his funny musings. It was more about MY journey and less about his. I was rewarded at the end, because the book finally picked up and ended well. It would be a difficult read without a laptop or iphone. He mentions a place, makes it sound very similar to the place before (even HE says all British towns are the same) and you totally lose where you are. Maybe this was the point, but it just gave me a headache.

All in all, I really did enjoy this read. Like I said before, it became more of an effort for me to actually FINISH a book rather than give up. And really, I felt that's how he felt at times about his rainy and often exhausting trip around England. So, that's how I'll rate the book, Rainy and Often Exhausting.

I see you....

Do you see it? That blurry pair of eyes looking at you? Staring you down. Calling your name with the ahhhhhhhhhhhhh sound it makes?

I'm convinced my Keurig is watching me. And occasionally it sighs. All by itself (well, of course, plugged in....).



And honestly I realize the above picture is super blurry, but it actually is fairly accurate considering sometimes I can't find my glasses before I come downstairs. I knew that blurry kitchen looked familiar....

Advent

Despite our Southern Baptist background, we are big fans of Advent. I'm not sure why Baptists aren't more into celebrating the entire Christmas season. We spend half an hour every night with Bible readings, changing the day on the pocket calendar and opening the little doors on our other two advent calendars. We started this tradition 3 years ago when my husband's sister sent us a wreath and candle holders.




Our favorite Christmas book is Tasha Tudor's, A Book of Christmas. My aunt gave it to me one year and every year I loved peeking in the doors of the little Christmas village. Unfortunately the book is now out of print, but I'm sure it's on half.com or somewhere similar. It's worth it if you can ever get your hands on a copy.



This time we spend together every night has become the most important part of the day for our family. We are hoping it grows into a quiet time once Christmas has passed. Our children have really enjoyed anticipating the coming of Christ with all of our little reminders. I know it's important to discuss the entire life of Jesus (birth to the cross) but at Christmas I like to marvel in the wonder of His being a baby. And how He came so humbly. There's such a sweetness about this time of year. Maybe it has something to do with having my own sweet little lovelies. Or maybe it's just the incredible story of how God sent His only Son down to earth to ultimately pay for our sins. And He came humbly as a little baby.

When I don't have anything to wear.....

I make it! There's a red sweater I've been eyeing at a local store, but have waited to buy. Our Sunday School Christmas party was last night and I thought it would be the perfect thing to wear. Unfortunately my girls were still asleep and I knew we weren't going to make it to the store before the party. (Plus we've shopped A LOT lately and the thought of dragging them out at 430 didn't sound like a good idea either).

So I looked around at my basket of fabric (ok-it's not a basket-it's a tote and and basket) and racked my brain for what I could make.

Several months ago I bought a cute necklace from Joy's Hope. I love it but it's very summery. So I looked it over and figured out how to make it. And I had all of the supplies I needed. AND it was naptime. Perfect.



I talked to a good friend last night about crafting. She said it must be nice because at the end of the day you actually have something you produced. Other than just cleaning the kitchen. I totally agree with her on this. It does feel good to make something.

But I was also reminded this morning when I crawled into bed with my youngest. And she wrapped her arm around my neck and said, "I love you." So it wasn't just a craft I made yesterday, but a sweet heart, too.

MOPS Christmas Party

I have a fantastic group of MOPS friends. MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. Our group has been through some tremendous trials this year, but we've held together in love and encouragement. I'm so proud to call these ladies my friends.

We played Dirty Santa....




Ate lots of ridiculously good food....




And I was finally able to get a few of us together for a group photo. Of course, after 75% of our ladies had scooted out the door.




Merry Christmas to my dear sweet friends!

Saint Nicholas Day

In the spirit of Saint Nicholas, yesterday I concocted a secret plan. To create a gift for an European friend who now lives stateside. She has also not been feeling well and I wanted a way to cheer her up. While our kiddos took their naps, I made Nigella Lawson's Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies.




They were super easy to make using my mixer (for nearly the first 4 years of our married life, this most beloved appliance sat unused; for the last 3 years, it has been my best friend).




The cookies were pretty even uncooked (I will not divulge IF they tasted good uncooked, but I think you know).



I then covered an old formula can with Christmas paper and voila, I had a festive cookie tin to hold both the cookies and this scarf that I made for her.

(don't you wish YOU had 1970's (irreplaceable) parquet???

Once the children were up, I had them each color a Saint Nicholas boot for the sides of the tin.

Now full disclosure, I did take credit for the gift, unlike the real Saint Nicholas. Because I think it's creepy to deliver food without telling who you are. I know I wouldn't eat it unclaimed.

Santa has really taken a hold of our little one's minds this year. And while a little Santa is ok, we're attempting to incorporate a little Saint Nicholas into our Christmas as well. And I think this project is a good start!

Sick sick sick

I'm off my game today. Sunday night after making dinner for my inlaws, I noticed I was really thirsty. And then it hit me. I have a cold. Boo......

And today is the ONE day that I actually hold responsibility for our Bible study group. It's craft day. I am THE craft PERSON. But not today. Today I am the craft supplies person. A dear friend picked up the bag from my front porch swing, thus ending my portion of the tutorial.

We (they) are making these today. As long as someone else brings their glue gun. Mine is hiding somewhere around my house....

As for my cold, it really hit yesterday and my eldest child made me a bed (complete with a soft friend) on the couch so I could sleep while they watched cartoons. Sweet little dear....