Our shared times this Advent Season

yes, I know it is later than anticipated.

With the horrid pneumonia (and hard coughing) being suffered in the house.... we focused on wellness this season~ but still made time for family togetherness and shared love. Advent for us was a good time among the "yuckies" that we were feeling. It particularly gave O something to get out of bed for, and an anticipation of some sort of surprise.

The activities were simple. The time was valuable. The moments were treasured.

Week 2 Advent Activities

day 6:: pipe cleaner ornaments

day 7:: Talent Show ( Odin told jokes, Bjorn played the drums)

day 8:: a game of SORRY

day 9:: cookie dough (nothing beats a warm cookie from the oven)

day 10:: Drive to Seattle. milkshakes and Beasley's

day 11:: Dance party with Christmas Music

day 12:: light the candle and ornament the tree

Week 3 Advent Activities

day 13:: night walk (in the rain, with umbrellas)

day 14:: Advent Puzzle that my dad made from years past.

day 15:: Clay day

day 16:: Ginger Bread Men

day 17:: Holiday Piano Recital

day 18:: Made Marshmallows and Hot Chocolate for neighbors.

day 19:: drive around town finding homes with millions of lights

Week 4 Advent Activities

day 20:: write Santa letters

day 21:: Candy Making

day 22:: A Charlie Brown Christmas Night

day 23:: a visit with Santa

day 24:: a trip to the movie theater ( TANGLED was the movie of choice)

(photos will be added as soon as I get time to download and set up.... you know how it is!)

does it still count

as a Christmas photo of it is taken the day after Christmas, but the tree is the photo?

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!

(belated.... of course.)

2010

the Christmas Story

so.... I am now sick.... so the blog must wait.....

but,

this video brought a smile to this coughing face.

I wish I had an accent like this.

I would love to have a sheep costume like this.

I would follow a star like that.....

I wish I could have a glow stick party!

Merry Christmas.

we will reconnect soon.

so much to update you on.

( I know it is only a partial view, so click the video... and connect to YOU TUBE to see the full version).

the first days of Advent

our advent cones came out (the ones I made last year) and they were filled with family activities for the 25 days of Christmas....

Day 1:: we hung the cones on a paper chain.

day2:: listened to my dad (who died 5 years ago) read the Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado.

The year my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer- I recorded his voice reading this family story so that the grandkids and great grandkids that followed would have a tradition that we have always valued this time of year. This is the first year, since he passed, that I was able to listen to it without walking out of the room in tears. Honestly, it was so wonderful to hear him again.... I may keep it out for a while to listen to it again when I miss him dearly (which is often). For those of you who have family, and have special traditions like story reading etc. this is a great gift idea that will continue to carry the tradition on.

Day 3:: Hanging the holiday lights.

Day 4:: find a tree and cut it down.

Day 5::string popcorn for that tree.

The boys are getting at that age where the advent activity is anticipated, celebrated and enjoyed. It is brings me joy right now to have this time with my family each night, set aside, and we just talk, create, laugh and be together. This is what this season means most to me...being together.