Advent Weekending

It's a special weekend when Thanksgiving is on Thursday and it is also the first Sunday of Advent.

After all of the dishes were put away, the dining room back in order, it was time to head out for our tree.

I wrote about the story of 'our Christamas tree' back here.



I remember how happy I was on Saturday afternoon. Our family was outside, just at dusk, walking through row after row of trees, and we were having fun. So much of life is so serious. To have fun together makes me happy.



Mommy, take a picture of our 'suffie ornaments'





Could this be our Christmas card? (thanks Anna)







After Mass on Sunday morning we made our Advent wreath. Usually we make it at church in the Urban Center but it was so so busy that day, so we decided to take our materials home and work on it at home. Always such a nice family project. Simple and easy.







Usually I plan from a few Advent books but this year I'm taking it easy and we are going to work through the sheet they gave us at church. Works for me!







Scott spent some time with his Mom on Sunday afternoon while the girls did craft kits they had. Peaceful and lovely.





That night we lit our first purple candle and prayed together.



Welcome Advent!

Scott also spent the nights on the weekend outside lighting up our house. He was super excited to show the girls. They were already in nightgowns but we all bundled and went outside anyway.





And although it was just white lights in the bushes out front we loved it and cheered for Daddy!

Cozy and warm inside we watched as he lit up my bird feeder for Christmas. Everything is more magical at Christmastime...





It's hard to believe that we are half way through this week. Tomorrow is December so officially I can say, Merry Christmas!

I Forgot the Best Part

This...

sweet little bracelet



was on my pillow on Thanksgiving night. He is so thoughtful. "to celebrate our first Thanksgiving"

(well, really it was our 21st married Thanksgiving, but the first that we hosted)

I'll wear it teaching all season!

~Thanksgiving~

"Everything was romantic in my imagination" ~Beatrix Potter







I'm kind of cheating here because these pumpkins and ribbon was already down on Thanksgiving. Christmas had already started.



We started a few weeks ahead of time (It was my first, ever) The tables were set two weekends before. Abigail and I made chocolate dipped macaroons early in the week before Thursday.







And Anna baked an Apple pie with a homemade pie crust.



The morning of Thanksgiving was so exciting. We turned on the lights of all the trees.



The girls ate breakfast in front of the parade while Scott and I wrestled with the big turkey.



Gravy was started at 8:30 am and cooked all day long.



from a Susan Branch recipe. (of course)



I made time for tea in my favorite Thanksgiving mug (Emma Bridgewater, Life in the Country series)



Last time for this tea before I change into Holiday favorites.



This girls set up their magical mouse Christmas (from a post back here)







They helped me set up the tea and coffee area.



and spent the entire day together while Scott and I were busy.



But then there were times we all snuggled on the couch and watched the girls open their ornament. (a tradition you can see back here)



I'd say they were happy!







Every Thanksgiving morning (to kick off the Christmas season) we give the girls a new ornament. A surprise. I try to find one that represents something about them at that age/stage. But I hold my breath when they open because I'm never sure they'll love it.



I write the date on the box and a little note to them of why I chose that ornament.



You'll just have to trust me that these ornaments both have a story and I was thrilled to find them.





But quickly the food was almost done. Time for dressing up!











And as the sun started to fade away and cozy dark settled family arrived.



I lit the candles.





and took one last look.













China and silver from my wedding.





I loved this dress on Anna.





And this look on Abigail's face as she looked at the turkey just out of the oven.



Grace was said and we all feasted.



When dinner was over, before the candles were blown out. Before anyone left... I ran outside to capture the warmth inside and said of prayer thanking God for this house and the people inside it. I know how blessed I am.



(that's my sister in law starting to clear dishes)



Anna and her pie!



..."and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true..."