Advent!

I planned WAY ahead this year (and spent WAY too much time) gathering advent activities, crafts, and service projects to get my girls really excited about celebrating the coming of Jesus this year.

An advent tree (pallet!). 

A basket of (mostly pre-owned) Christmas books, wrapped up so that the girls had one book to open each night. (Plus some special deliveries courtesy of doting aunties (Sarah & Katie).

A calendar chock-full of things to do.

Nightly readings and candles to light at dinner each night as we watch a Mary-laden donkey travel along its path to Bethlehem.

But, "How is it going?" you might ask? Oh, just as most of the plans this pregnant-mother-of-a-2-and-a-4-year-old go... hit or miss. I over-achieved, have come up a bit short, and am happy to complete 2-3 of our weekly tasks in the right order, on the right day, or even at all. :)

But what I am REALLY happy about this season, is that I have spent a LOT of time talking about Jesus and a LOT of time with cherished family and friends. And that's what matters, right? So next year we might try again, with more realistic expectations, but with the same goal of teaching my girls more about loving God and loving people.

Mantle display. The girls long to pull it down to play with it, but I say it is only for looking.

If I let them pull it down, it would break or end up looking like this set. With a donkey in the manger and a made-at-home baby Jesus because Sofia lost the other one somewhere. Sigh.

Anyway, here are some pictures of what advent has looked like so far, starting with our December 1 hunt for Grammy's Christmas tree at the Boy Scout lot. We considered a trek to Apple Hill like the old days, because Kevin and Gracie were around, but the weather kept us realistic and closer to home.

Sofia is not screaming because of the rain. She is screaming because she just found out the tree is not going to her house.

The very next day we endeavored or first "craft": to paint ornaments for our friends. This project has actually happened on several occasions because my girls have trouble staying focused for very long. Luckily, today they also got to help Grammy decorate her tree after church, which they loved, and read their Christmas book with Nicole.

On Monday the 3rd, I sent Nativity figure-shaped gingerbread to Grammy School and the girls came home with (surprisingly) beautifully frosted cookies. We polished off one of the sets pictured below in about six minutes.

On Tuesday, Shiloh had to work late because he was mid-very-crazy-trial, so Sam K. came over and we popped corn, donned Santa hats, and read "Angelina's Christmas."

For about 2 weeks, Baby Jesus was LOST. We were pretty distressed around here, so I made a few replacement options. Then, lo and behold, on December 7, there he was - under the princess tent, under the couch. Found! And there was great joy for all people. (Especially this girl.)

Later in the day we attempted a few family shots of the Hollemans, but it was futile in the fading light. Still, my girls are IN LOVE with new baby Summer and Mary is gracious to let my girls dote on her nearly-unfettered!

As it is Christmas card season, Saturdays have been busy with fun excuses to take pics of our dolled up friends. :) Here are a few:

The Elliotts

The Voskuhls

The Krause-Coxes

My side-kicks...

We also really enjoy living in Davis, because old friends from college inevitably come back to visit for some reason or another. On this night, Carie read/sang to the girls before we tucked them in bed.

Monday morning (Dec 10) we were back at it: a cookie exchange at the Gibsons' house. We all sampled our fair share of the goods, but boxed up the abundance of leftovers into sweet packages with ribbons to deliver to our neighbors/mailmen/husbands... Monday was also Anne's birthday, so we took advantage of the opportunity to sing to her.

Wednesday: Silveyville! This trip was impromptu because we missed the Bethany-scheduled date due to post-Hawaii fatigue. (Is that possible?) For some reason, we just didn't feel like getting out that day, but Silveyville pulled through (as did Mary and Jenn) to make it a wonderful visit. Pretend horses. Metal canisters to bang on. Rocking reindeer. Sleigh rides. Sticky lollipops. Salty popcorn. Sugary apply juice. They have it all!

Emily and Joel moved to Woodland! So we drove up there on Friday and took a picture of their cute new house.

I have a lapse in photo evidence from the 14th until today, but I assure you that many fun things transpired. Like making jingle bells at the park for our upcoming caroling debut. And a Bible study Christmas party with an exciting white elephant gift exchange. And a Woodland Christian staff Christmas party with another WE exchange. And trips to Starbucks. And playing with sparkly "snow dough" at Jenn's house. Oh, and I drive a minivan now! A SWEET 2012 Kia Sedona. My husband loves me.

And this all brings us to today, our day to ring the Salvation Army bell in front of the post office. We rang. We sang. We blocked the entrance. We spilled hot chocolate. And popcorn. All over. And people still smiled, donated, and said "Merry Christmas." :)

Merry Christmas, everyone! Next blog might not happen until 2013, but I will do my best. :)

September Part 2: Heysers and Caleb

September 15: Heysers in town

When we visit my parents, I don't mind waking up early with the girls, because I unashamedly sit them in front of Saturday morning cartoons and cozy up with my Bible and a fresh cup of Keurig coffee (complete with Torani syrup) in this little corner.

This is my happy 6a.m. tv-watcher.

Sofia LOVES "Jampa." Probably because they are twins. And I think he likes her, too.

After coffee we headed off to Laurel School playground. Never too old for a playground...

See?

Apple John teaches Shiloh some of his tricks. Can you believe he's 75?!?!

Almost, bean.

These girls have MANY more years of playground ahead of them...

Nope, not too old... I can actually remember Apple John playing with me like this almost 30 years ago...

The girls loved having Daddy play too!

New ACL? You'd never guess. ;)

Baby Ted was a HIT for my girls. They almost smothered loved him too much!

Another birthday party: Caleb Bandel turning 4! Pinata, juice boxes, cupcakes, pool...a four-year-old's dream.

Little Andrew Bandel made his debut on my camera...

Sofia slept through over half of the party on Caleb's bed. I was not too sad about it.

Side note: Today Siena asked me, "Mama, is Apple John coming to the Hawaii with us? Because I think he should. We haven't seen him in a REALLY long time."