Advent

The ornament I ordered for Hannah's tree arrived yesterday.  I saw this lovely lady as I perused Pottery Barn's site the other day and determined she was perfect and needed to come live on my sparkly Monkey's tree.  I think she is a lovely addition.  Just looking at Hannah's tree makes me smile.  How could I not when there is so much love and sparkle there?

On a sort of related/unrelated note, I was talking with Jess today, and I was once again reminded that never have two sisters been more different.  I embrace Christmas and the decorating and baking and chaos open-armed.  Jessie?  Well, I think saying she's a little "bah humbug" wouldn't be putting it too mildly. 

And, lest you think I'm insulting my sister, I assure you she agrees with this wholeheartedly.  In fact, she even posted about it on her blog the other day.  I love everything about the holiday season and Jess would prefer it come and go in the least messy/stressful way possible. 

So, this year, she wants to try to hold off on putting up the tree until Christmas Eve.  She says it's to better appreciate and focus on the season of Advent, but I secretly (or maybe not so secretly since I actually said this to her)  think it's so she doesn't have to worry about decorating until the 24th.  :oP 

You see, for my family, Advent is a time of anticipation and excitement as we await Jesus' birth.  For us (okay, okay, for me), I think having the house decorated heightens that anticipation.  We do a number of activities daily to remind us we are drawing nearer to His arrival. 

First, we have this little Advent Calendar.  I've had this since 2003 and just love it.  I picked it up for a song at a 75% off after-Christmas sale at a little boutique in Hilton Village.  Each day Lil and Ellie (will) take turns putting an item in the pockets below.  Right now, Ellie mostly enjoys pulling all the items off and throwing them on the ground...oy.

In addition to our Advent wreath and candles we light at dinner each night, we have the purple and rose of Advent in this little chain.  Each day Lil removes a link on the left and finds a fun/thoughtful activity to do for that day to help her be mindful of God and his presence in all our lives.  Yesterday's was to ask a grown-up to make popcorn for the family.  We not only made popcorn, but turned it into a family evening snuggled under fuzzy blankets on the couch with the fire going while we watched the "Grinch".  Tonight she is to look at the wonder of the night sky and thank God for the wonderful world in which we live.  I simply love this little chain.

We also have daily devotionals we read.  I have a children's devotional I read with Lil in the morning and then a family one we do at dinner.  I start my day with a devotional reading as well. 

I have a girlfriend who has this book and I would love to add it to our collection.  There are 24 books inside telling the Christmas story and you read one each day.  I think that would be a wonderful way to end the day. 


So, yes, while I may be fixated on finding the perfect gift and decorating my home for the holidays, I'm firmly focused on the reason for the season.

(And, speaking of obsessing, could you all give me a hand?  I have found this fabulous wreath on Pinterest, and now need to know where to find the mesh.  While I may make cards, I've only recently begun delving into the world that is all things crafty and I have no clue.  Help!!  I have all the fun little touches, but I haven't the first clue about the mesh.  Eek!)

And now, it's time for:

Fisbee Watch

 We were a little nonplussed to find Mr. Man in our bowl of number fives this morning. Not only was he camping out in them, he had obviously had quite the snack as evidenced by the wrappers scattered around him.

He and the reindeer apparently bonded over the midnight treat.

He couldn't even be bothered to wipe his face clean.  Lil chastised him for that, for eating the number fives, and for not cleaning up after himself.

See?  He just left wrappers lying around everywhere and was even caught holding one!

Christina, I've pinned loads of ideas here if it helps. And, you can check out what Buddy is up to over here.

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Today's Sparklies:

1.  Finding all sorts of fun, funky and whimsical pieces for the wreath I want to make.  I found a number of fun things at the 'Jay, and then, Pier1 has such fun red and green stuff this year I couldn't resist picking up a couple of things there.  Now, if I can find the mesh, I'm golden!  :o)

2.  Walking out and about with the Bean.  She is a hoot as she goes toddling along the sidewalks.  I love watching folks' faces as they watch her--it brings the biggest grin to my face. 

3.  Lil's hair is finally long enough to do two braids on the sides.  I'll have to get photos. 

4.  My SU! order arrived so I can begin working on Christmas cards.  Woo hoo!

5.  The sun pouring in through the front storm door.  It's cool outside so I don't find the sun objectionable in least.  In fact, it's warming up my house which was a brisk 64 degrees at lunch time.  Oh my.  

No milestones.