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!?!?!

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!?!?

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!

Younger skin

I am like most women my age and want to stay young looking as long as possible. So I invest too much of Dave's hard earned (and my coupon saved!) money on skin care products. Well all I can say is that they seem to be working! I may not have baby smooth skin, but it certainly looks younger with all the zits that are popping out!?!? Seriously! When will I get over having to deal with this "teenage" problem! I remember back when I was in somewhere between 2nd and 4th grade and how my mom and her friend used to complain about zits! Nathan is in 3rd grade now and I am still complaining! Will it ever end!

Girls, ugh!

Well, today Nathan educated me on the phases of a boy's life: first they don't like girls at all; then they like girls a little; then they like girls a lot; then they date girls; then they get married. He then told me that he has entered the 2nd phase and likes 2 different girls a little! Great!! So I now have a son who likes girls a little; has been asked by 3 different girls to be their boyfriend; and has younger girls giggling that he looks cute in his glasses! What kind of mess am I in?!?! Then he tells me that he is going to date in middle school! My reply to that was no you are not! I am not ready for this!

And then there is Camden! After chasing a cute little redhead girl around the church tonight, I am told that he kisses her! On the altar of all places! And in the car he not only points to his lips when he thinks I ask him where he kissed, but when I ask who he kissed, he says in his sweet voice, "Ella Kate".


What am I going to do?!?!

Happy Birthday Camden!

Well, it has been a week since Camden's birthday, but today was his party!!! My season of birthdays is over!! (Of course Dave reminded me that his is coming up soon, to which I replied that he is not getting a party!!)

So my baby turned 3! We had a Thomas party of course since he has declared he is Gordan! It was such a fun day with kids painting, playing, stickering, tattooing, and going on a "train" ride! Three is such a cute age and his friends just added to the cuteness, esp the little girls who came! I heard, however, that one of the little girls has a crush on Nathan! Got to watch that situation!

But what can I say about my Camden? He is a joy that I prayed for for a long time. My blue eyed son who is short on hugs to most, but mommy's little cuddly boy! He is definitely growing up and asserting his independence, but will ask me to hold him at a moment's notice. Glad he is still small enough to pick up. He has a fun personality and is developing his friendships with kids his own age now. I think he may be the life of the party when he grows up! He will be the one who likes to run, that is for sure! And I think he will also be one I need to watch where the girls are concerned!

So happy birthday to you, Camden! Our family would not be complete without you! You had a great party and a wonderful birthday. I can't wait to see what the next year has in store for you!