Preparing Our Hearts

Advent. Paper door calenders filled with chocolate morsels? A religious holiday? A calendar? A countdown? No, yes and kind of......

From Wikipedia: In Latin adventus is the translation of the Greek word parousia, commonly used in reference to the Second Coming. Christians believe that the season of Advent serves a dual reminder of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting that Christians today endure for the second coming of Christ.

I was brought up in a tradition of Protestant Christianity that yes, focused on preparing our hearts for Christ's birth. Now we belong to a tradition with the same focus, but in addition, advent is presented as a conscientious celebration, a four-week season, focused upon each week in corporate worship and as a means for individual meditation, as well. This season is full of traditions, with the aim of affirming Christians in faith by remembering God's promises in the Old Testament, relating to the prophecy of Christ's birth...and in the New Testament by prophecy of Christ's second coming.

Each year I grow to enjoy and anticipate the season of Advent more and more. Dan received an advent devotional book as a gift from Gordon-Conwell this year. It contains a daily devotional and scripture passage. There are many other Advent-related devotional books and even daily e-mails available online. Tools like these are excellent at helping to keep our family focused on Christ during this season of Advent. There are many resources available like this one and this one that our family has enjoyed working through together.

This year, I decided to bring the tradition of the Advent wreath "home". I picked up some little votive candles and placed them in some sand on a plate.

*The wreath (or circle in this case) represents ongoing, everlasting life

*Five colored candles:

1. The 1st purple candle, or the "Prophecy Candle" represents the HOPE or expectation of the coming Messiah
2. The 2nd purple candle, or the "Bethlehem Candle" represents the LOVE of God in sending a Savior...and in his provision of an empty manger awaiting the Christ-child
3. The pink (or rose in this case) the "Shephard's Candle" represents the JOY the shephards had upon receiving the news of Christ's birth
4. The 3rd purple candle, or the "Angel's Candle" represents PEACE and is lit on the 4th Sunday of Advent
5. On Christmas Eve, the white center candle is traditionally lit. This candle is called the "Christ Candle" and represents the life of Christ that has come into the world. The color of white represents PURITY. Christ is the sinless, spotless, pure Savior. Also, those who receive Christ as Savior are washed of their sins and made whiter than snow.

*The candle flame represents comfort of light in darkness, or in a time of waiting

Once a week, we will light the appropriate advent candle and read and discuss a passage of scripture (I'll list them below) together. I really like the website I mentioned above, because it contains activities and coloring pages that help extend the scripture lesson.

Here are the scripture passages we'll be reading each week of Advent:

1st week: Luke 1:26-38

2nd week: Luke 2:8-20

3rd week: Luke 2

4th week: Matthew 2:1-12

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On a different note, I'm going to try to post every day in the month of December....as a way of documenting this season of our lives during the celebration of Advent. I did this last year and spent a LOT of time making a special book to hold these memories. This year I plan to simplify the process somewhat and document our days with a digital scrapbook album, in hopes that it'll be less time consuming.

I can't believe it, but as of today, we are FINISHED Christmas shopping and (very simply) decorating. I still have a few little crafty projects to finish like Graham's teacher gifts and gifts for the women at my table for MOPS. I tire easily these days...it seems like it should be the third trimester already...I'm feeling so worn out! I'm actually only 23 weeks along today. Maybe that's just how it goes with the third pregnancy...not enough energy to go around. ;) Lord, give me strength and the ablility to prioritize what's important and needed.

My hope and prayer is that this season will be enjoyable and reflective of the HOPE, LOVE, JOY and PEACE that Christ intends to manifest in our hearts!

Thanksgiving Week in a Nutshell (and lots and lots of pictures!)

Here's a glimpse of the last few weeks in pictures...we've got wildlife up in these parts! Check it out...the little bunny on our back porch

Lots of squirrels hang out in the yard, and several mornings now Dan's spotted deer crossing the road just a block away from our house.

And here's our very own little piece of wildlife...how nice that she doubles for a leaf collector! Time for a bath stinky girl...

Dan and Graham flew to Florida last weekend. While Dan worked and preached, Graham got LOTS of quality time with his cousins, Aunt and Uncle and Grandparents. He definitely needed and enjoyed the time with family and friends. Sometimes I'm surprised at how MUCH he misses folks back in Florida He had a ball. Dan flew back on Tuesday morning, and Graham drove up to N. Carloina with my folks after a quick pit-stop for all of us on Thanksgiving at my Aunt Sue and Uncle Larry's place in South Carolina. The kiddos had a ball playing in the giant piles of colorful leaves...and I had a ball snappin' some pics of our little people!



Can you tell they're just a little happy to be reunited after 4 days apart??

What FUN! We kissed, hugged, ate, visited, ate some more, played outside, ate, visited, kissed, hugged and drove home. My pants felt so TIGHT for that 2 hour drive home!

Jumping back a bit to the weekend while Dan and Graham were away...Hannah Reece and I had some girly-type fun. You know...dollar section junkin' at T*rget, dancin' to Taylor Swift while we make silly faces and take pictures of each other...yeah, that type of fun! And if you hear my girl say..."Momma, let's watch Gilmore Girls and snuggle up on the couch and eat some chocowate!" I'll act like I have no earthly idea what she's talking about. Try not to feel scared by my naked face and bed hair!

Then for the next part of the weekend, my brother and his family stopped by for a few days to visit before heading on to Thanksgiving at Liz's parents house in South Carolina. The kids had a ball, Hannah Reece and Kailey played dress up to their heart's content and Ethan had a monopoly on Graham's cars and trucks-much to his delight. ;)

To top of a wonderful week, my parents followed us home from Thanksgiving at Aunt Sue and Uncle Larry's. We went to IKEA for their $1 meatball meal special :) and walked around on Friday. That pretty much wore us out for the weekend so we just hung out at home together eating Thanksgiving leftovers and playing together. It was a sweet time. I was so sad to see them go...Christmas roadtrip to Florida will be here before we know it!

In the good times and the hard ones...my heart is grateful. God is faithful and I trust that He is working all things together for His glory and for our best.

Overnight Pecan Rolls

Just added this recipe over here...courtesy of my mother-in-law, Nancy. Easy, gooey, goodness on a cool morning. Perfect for a holiday breakfast or when you've gotta have something delicious and simple for a morning meeting....enjoy!

Overnight Pecan Rolls

from the Kitchen of my mother-in-law, Nancy

Ingredients:

1 package frozen Bridgeford Parkerhouse rolls (24)

3.5 oz (small) box butterscotch pudding (cook 'n serve, not instant)

3/4 c. brown sugar

1/4 c. butter or margarine, melted (I used butter)

1 1/2-2 c. chopped pecans (you want a solid coating on the bottom of the pan)

Directions:

1. Generously butter 9x13 inch pan.


2. Spread pecans on the bottom of pan.


3. Space frozen rolls on top of pecans.


4. Spread remaining ingredients evenly on top.


5. Place in cold oven overnight to rise. (plan to bake 8-9 hours from now)


6. In the morning, bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 20-24 minutes.


7. Cool slightly and flip pan over on serving tray (or hillbilly-style like me, on a foil covered cookie sheet)


8. Serve and try not to devour the entire pan yourself. ;)

This one is a family favorite, and my husband LOVES them! They are gooey goodness. The hardest part of this recipe is locating the ingredients. Hubby found the rolls at Bi-Lo and the pudding at Target. The rolls could be under various brand names, look for the individual, frozen, pre-formed balls that are floating around in the bag.

A Wonderful Weekend

Not a whole lot of pictures to post today...except these cute ones of Graham. Friday was "Western Day" at school. Graham's Grandma (Dan's mom) saved this western shirt and vest from Dan's boyhood...a perfect time to try them out on the little man! He first came out of his room like this ;) Then, Daddy helped him get it all straightened out :)
For the first time in a LONG while, Dan did not have class or travel plans for work this weekend ...and the sun was shining! Not a cloud in sight! We did some Christmas and grocery shopping, played outdoors, napped, and visited with our friends Chris and Carrie. I also did some cooking...recipes coming soon! I am thankful and refreshed by weekends like these.

Dancin' Machine

Graham's school hosted a disco themed family dance called "We are Family" last Friday night. It was a party y'all! Dan had class that night, so the kiddos and I put on our dancin' shoes and had a blast.

When we first walked in, Graham said..."mom, let's go home"...and then he saw the glow necklaces. I didn't bring any cash with me, so I told him we wouldn't be able to get one that night. And then, he proceeded to reach into his pocket and pull out $2!!! Yup, this was the same two dollars I'd given him that morning to pay for his lunch in the cafeteria!!! Fridays are a special day because it's the one day we let him buy lunch. He said, "Mom, I forgot to pay the lunch lady, so now I can buy a necklace for me and Hannah Reece!" I didn't know whether to laugh or scold him. So, I did neither and let him make his big purchase. ;) And I'd do it again...they had a ball swingin' those glow sticks and shakin' what their momma gave 'em.


So happy with our glow sticks...

Give the boy a glow stick and some cool shades...my goodness!

the Conga line...

Whoa! Where in the world did my boy learn how to breakdance?

And our official dance photo :) check out those disco balls!

Banana Nut Winter Smoothie

(taken from the foil yogurt lid...with a few tweaks)

Ingredients:

1 banana, frozen
1 cup lowfat vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. honey (only use this if you like your smoothie extra sweet!)
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. ground flaxseed (I added this healthy extra, it goes well with the "nutty" flavor of this smoothie)

Directions:
Cut the frozen banana into 3 or 4 chunks. Place in blender with vanilla yogurt, walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, flaxseed and optional honey. Blend on high for 2 minutes or until smooth. Pour into glass and top with a dusting of cinnamon.

*Note: When my bananas get to that extra-ripe, not-yet-rotten stage (you know when they're just a little to squishy to eat all by themselves) I peel them and wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil in the freezer. Then they'll be all ready to toss into muffins or smoothies when it's time.

Banana Nut Winter Smoothie

Smoothies, soups and muffins are becoming regulars in this kitchen...simple, satisfying and nutritious. Head over here for the recipe...very tasty and a nice change from the all-fruit smoothie.

While we're on the topic of recipes, this soup was DELICIOUS! Made lots and we had leftovers for lunch for the next 4 days...when it was gone, Dan asked me when I was planning to make it again. :)

19 weeks

Here we are at 19 weeks...almost halfway there! This pregnancy is FLYING by...and I'm thankful to say that I'm feeling really good...this is the stage where it's fun being pregnant. Baby's moving around a lot, but still small enough that I can be active and comfortable, most of the time. :)
Hannah Reece is happy about her baby sister and wanted to pose with her. ;) She give her lots of kisses and talks baby talk through my belly. It's so special to share this pregnancy with my daughter, I'm often surprised at how in tune she is with this process.And a few more pics with my sweet girl...not very often that I'm the one in front of the camera! Even though it was a bad hair day, I'm glad that Dan captured one of our favorite activities...rocking out together to some good music. This little chickadee is so much fun. :)

She recently chose a book about ballet at the library and I taught her the ballet "positions"...can't believe I still remember those! :) I'm thinking that dance lessons might not be too far away!

Here are a few of Hannah Reece's favorites on our playlist:

• Black Eyed Peas (I Got a Feeling)
• Chris Tomlin (Holy is the Lord)
• Jack Johnson (Upside Down)
• Lady Antebellum (I Run to You)
• Natasha Bedingfield (Pocketful of Sunshine)
• ANYTHING by Taylor Swift
• High School Musical Soundtrack

My Field Trip to the Greenway

I went to the pumpkin patch. I went to make my own bag. I drew a square. I drew me giving my friend a candy apple. I went on a tractor ride. I played ABC Bingo and when I was done I got to eat all of the fruit skittles, after the bingo game. When the tractor started going, it was like a bullet shooting the tractor. I saw horses. People were riding the horses! I got to look at the animals that were real, but the animals that were real were not alive. I got to see a snakeskin.

I got to see a hay maze...and I got to stand on TOP of the hay. And it was so fun.

I got to color a leaf and make my own necklace. To make the necklace, I got a cookie branch, I put beads on the string...there was a tree on my necklace. I saw the HUGE beehive...I saw the huge drawers in the forest. I got to the field trip by riding the bus, it was fun. My favorite animal was the owl. And that was dead. I'm all done now.

A tricky day...that started with a treat!

After a day like yesterday, I've just gotta VENT! Shoot- that blasted dog (cute as she may be) is about to be homeless if she poops on my floor AGAIN! AAAAggghhh!

I miss my hubby....did I say that already? He's working at church in Florida this weekend. Yesterday was a day that I would like to qualify as "a character building experience". Mom, aren't you proud of me for sayin' that and not something else? Graham talked about wanting to go to trunk or treat (which is a tradition at our church in FL) ALL DAY LONG.

If you've ever watched Seinfeld, you'll appreciate what I'm about to say. Living in Bonita Springs is a little like living in Del Boca Vista (the retirement community where Jerry's parents live) Gated community after gated community. So...my kids have never really had a "typical" trick or treat experience going from house to house begging for goodies. Instead, our wonderful church there hosts this carnival/trunk or treat where the kiddos walk up and down the ailes of parked cars, lavishly decorated trunks open wide with wonderful people that we know (I love that part) passing out candy to the kids. It is so much fun.

Now, back to my sob story. :) Coupled with the fact that we're all missing Daddy, it was POURING rain (so we had to go to the mall), Hannah Reece has diarrhea, and that when I picked up Reecie earlier in the day-I pulled a muscle in my belly....well, you get the picture! The day was shaping up to be a rough one. Oh! Not to mention the fact that we got to the mall, I whipped out my camera to get pics of my darling High Sch**l Music*l Cheerleader and Clone Tro*per and the screen said...[no memory card] my response..."perfect!" You know, it was just the poop-flavored cherry on top! Anyway, I hope you're laughing right now because I am!

Just so you don't feel TOO sorry for me-there was ONE redeeming part of our day...my treat. ;) Earlier that morning I hit The Nester's rockin' yard sale! Yup, I was one of the lucky ones, I told her I was even gonna brag about it right here on my blog ;) she was so gracious and kind-she even let me take my picture with her...I'm telling y'all-this lady is a blogging celebrity!

And my bargain-huntin' sidekicks (can you tell it was early?)

As someone with VERY little (or no) decorating budget, her clever, thrifty ideas on how to dress-up our little nest have been an encouragement to me. My all time favorite thing she does is show many ways to "mistreat" your windows.

Here are some of our fun finds for the day: (thanks for the awesome deals Nester!)

Hannah Reece picked out this flower arrangement for the girls' room-usually I don't go for "silks" but this one was very cute; A giant mirror (so many places I could put this!); and some cute throw pillows...Reecie is displaying a bristly, fish ball thingy that she found at the sale.
Some lovely Matelasse euro-shams for the living room; mirrored candlesticks for our bedroom; and a giant MESS of pinkie ribbons that I'm sure will come in handy!

Graham helped me with this pile ;) : A red fleece for me; two DVD's for the kiddos and my first baby girl item...a burp cloth hand made by the Nester with this cute black and white toile scene stitched in pink! (Not pictured a Nascar book and hat just for Graham :)

I'm hoping my kiddos will agree to dress up again today, maybe I'll have pics of them all decked out after all, or not. :)

One last thing, can you believe how GORGEOUS this tree is? I had to bust a u-turn to get a shot of this autumn glory. No matter how pretty I try to dress my nest, reminds me that God is concerned about me seeking him (and focusing on eternal things), and he will meet my needs abundantly. Thank you, Lord. Perfect timing.

Luke 12:
27"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.