Tomorrow is December 1st

Do you do something special to count down the days? Advent? We haven't really done anything special before, outside of the cheap advent chocolate calendars you get at the store. I saw a nice home made advent banner with pockets I thought would be nice. It had a star dangle from the top and you just move the star from one day to the next to approach the 25th. But moved too late on that purchase. Maybe next year. Do you do Santa? I do. I sometimes wrestle with the fact that I'm lying to my children and totally making up falsehood to make them believe. To make matters worse, I went and got The Elf on the Shelf. It's a book and elf that is sent to you by Santa before Christmas, so the elf can observe the children and report back to Santa. The elf gets into some mischief over night, but he goes home with Santa on Christmas eve. At first I thought this was such a fun idea, the kids will love it, but then I feel guilty for yet again tricking my kids.

I never thought it would do any harm, I mean, I once believed in Santa and I don't remember the world fell apart when I found out he wasn't real. Caleb already questions Santa which boggles me, he asks if Santa lives with Jesus in heaven. He also wonders if he's apart of Jesus's family. These questions get me. I don't know what to say! I tell him he lives in the North Pole. Caleb then states that the north pole is in heaven....right? ahhhhh. I don't know what to do. While chatting with some other moms at church, I'm left feeling guilty yet again, because they don't do the whole Santa thing. They don't "lie" to their children and they make Christmas what it's supposed to really be about, Christ's birth.

Well I make it about Christ's birth. The kids know that it's Jesus's birthday. They know that Christmas happens because we celebrate that God sent His one and only son to earth. This is only our second Christmas where each child will only get 3 wrapped gifts under the tree, just like Jesus got 3 gifts, one gift is from Mom and Dad, one gift is from their siblings and the other gift is from well....Santa!

It's hard to stick to only 3 gifts. The tree does look a little bare Christmas morning, especially when you compare what you see on tv and the movies, presents everywhere! But our kids have TOO much STUFF. We love to give to them, it's our nature to love on them with delighting them with new things. But, it can be too much.

You've all probably seen those pictures, Define Necessity. Well, I need to look at that everyday to remind me, that my kids have so much, when one precious child(along with millions) can't even find a piece of food.

So tomorrow, a little elf is going to move into our house. I'm hoping not only will it bring fun, but perhaps good behaviour too! December is here. Parties, food, presents, happiness, stress, birthdays, company, travels, joy, laughter, vacation time, snow, cold, beauty, music. I love this time of year!

What is your favourite part of Christmas?

Finding Routine

I'm in my fourth week of being home, and I've made things too busy for myself. It could be the time of year, but I've squeezed in events that occur everyday. I don't mind this really, as it still is a slower pace to what I was used to. I've reserved Mondays to be a day of rest. Both Caleb and Amberly are in school that day, so it's just Joel and I, and I get a chance to recover the house from the weekend. But still manage to find something to throw on the calendar, like last night I had a few girlfriends over for dinner and a movie. Tuesdays I've joined a women's Bible study which runs the whole morning, Amberly and Joel have a program at the same time, it's more than provided childcare, but it's an actual program which I'm glad for. Tuesday evenings Caleb and Amberly are in the Canskate Learn to skate program. Wednesdays my church and the church in town have perfect alternating weeks of play groups, and that night Caleb and Amberly go off to their Awana clubs. Thursdays I take Joel and Amberly to the library for their children's story time. Friday thru to Sunday we don't have a routine but seem to always be busy.

This past weekend, we had the opportunity to decorate the house for Christmas. It was fun looking around our new house figuring out where we can put different things. I'm happy with the outcome, there are still a few final touches I would like to place, I don't know if some things will make their annual appearance. But that's o.k. The kids were eager to help decorate and as you can see, they were happy with the final product!

I didn't get involved in any Christmas happenings at church this year, hoping that I will be able to sit back and just be an audience member for once, and I'm really looking forward to attending different events here and there! Might have to even check out Jay's church :)

What Have You Been Listening To?

I love music, and right now, I can't get enough of Mumford & Sons.....




What's hot on your player???

Life at Home

I have had one full week at home. It wasn't any normal week, and I'm sure it will take several weeks before anything feels normal, but it was a good week. Every day I thought about work, and my co-workers and it felt as though I took the week off as vacation.

I thought about the word "Intentional". I want to be intentional in everything I do at home. I don't want to lay my head on my pillow at night and wonder what my purpose is. And even though the tasks as a stay-at-home mom can seem mundane, boring and even sometimes ridiculous, I want to know the purpose in each chore. I look at my kids and how I want to serve them and be the best mom I can be for them. I think of my husband and consider the tasks it takes to better serve him, and overall, I want our home to be a happy one, full of joy, full of love. If sweeping the floors, scrubbing the toilets or even washing down the mirrors aid in this desire, then so be it.

As I type this now, the weather is cold, wet and rainy, and I am eager to see the rain turn into snow. I have memories of being home with my mom, because it was a no-bus day and feeling cozy and warm, looking out at the snow flying down. This is one memory that I want to be able to re-live today with my family. I'm looking forward to having a white blanket of snow over everything, and sitting by the fire warm inside looking out. Either watching the kids play in it, or hear them happily playing warm inside.

I am looking forward to Christmas, and having a little bit of extra time to do things in preparation for it. I want to make a list of all the goodies I like to bake. I look around our new house and start to envision where all the Christmas decor will go. These things excite me.

The month of November I have decided to look for the things that bring joy and capture it on camera to share on facebook. So far I don't ever have to look too hard to find the joy. It's usually right in front of me. Doing this as also brought to light the many many things I have to be thankful for. God has truly blessed me and I hope to remember everyday to thank him for these moments, big and little, they are all a blessing.