Life with the Shirley Family

Life with the Shirley Family

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Advent traditions

We have several Advent traditions at our house. One is a tree calendar that I recreated from one my mom had when we were growing up. You get to put an ornament on the tree every day and read the verse that is on the back of the ornament. It is a lot of fun and Camden has a cute way of saying Advent that I can't really reproduce!




But we have also added two other Advent type items to our December. First is the story of Jotham, Jotham's Journey. It is an Advent storybook by Arnold Ytreeide, and you read a chapter every day until Christmas Eve. It is designed to go with an Advent ring, but I don't know much about Advent candles, so we just read the story. Nathan absolutely loves the story. This is our 2nd year reading it, but it is still captivating. Each day is a cliff hanger and he begs for more! It is not for little kids, however, because it focuses strongly on the consequences of sin, but for some 2nd graders and older kids, it is great! There are 3 stories that this author has written and my hope is that the 3rd will be re-published next year. Last year I could only find Jotham, but this year they had Bartholemew also. I bought his story in mid-December, so he will be read in January! Last year I looked on line for the 2nd and 3rd books, but the only copies I could find were around $90! They are a lot less when re-published and at the bookstore!





Our 3rd Advent item is really only a seven day story and it is great for younger kids. It is published by Family Life and is called What God wants for Christmas. Each day you read about a character that you then put on the nativity scene. And each day it teases you about not peeking at day 7 box to see what God wants for Christmas. Won't spoil it for you, but you may can guess what is in Day 7! Nathan still enjoys this activity and Camden likes it as well. He enjoys holding the box until I tell him to open it and then putting the item on the nativity-then Nathan fixes it after he looks away!

I can say that we need no more Advent activities at this point in our life! Most days involves catching up ! But they are fun and help us stay a little more focused on the true meaning of Christmas!

forgetfulness!

I have been very busy this month (as everyone else I know), and have been negligent in writing! But what is really frustrating to me is that I had something to write about today, but then I sit down tonight and have forgotten! And I thought it was pretty interesting too! Oh well! Tomorrow consists of being home all day! If I think of something, then I can get right to my computer!?!?!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Matching sweaters!


So I have to ask, since Nathan is 9 and Camden is 3, how much longer will I be able to dress them in matching sweaters? I also have matching PJ's! Do you thing Nathan will let me do it at least until he grows out of Children's Place clothes!?!?

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

So much to be thankful for!

I got to spend my Thankgiving in Memphis this year, and although I am not thankful that it is a 12+ hour drive, I was grateful to have the ability to get there!

We started out Thanksgiving morning by participating in a relay race-pass the turkey leg baton-and I mean a literal turkey leg! We had to run for 2 miles with that leg! It got very heavy!

But then on to my sister's home where we got to eat turkey! Thanksgiving day is always fun with lots of running around getting things ready; finally sitting down and eating (well at least the people without kids got to sit down for the whole meal!); and then relaxing while we ignore the dishes!



And the rest of the weekend? Shopping!! And some fun excursions like The Big Backyard exhibit (I have big plans for my own now!), Gibson's donuts, and lots of picture taking opporunities!
Reading on the porch!
I want a swing like this!
Playing on wormhill!

Flower beds!




And what I am thankful for this year? Top of the list is my family. I am truly blessed!