The big man himself arrived on Friday eve...evidence by the 5:15 in the AM wake-up call we got. Scott went in to survey the damage and the kids had already dressed themselves in their new pajamas and were clamoring to see where "Sparkly" was (that would be our "Elf on the Shelf"). Holy smokes whose idea was it to do all that on a Friday evening??? Don't reasonable people know you SLEEP IN on a Saturday morning? Not our children.They ...

I looked at the family calendar last night and almost fainted. The amount of activities is almost dizzying (is that a word?).Between church musical practice, office parties, class parties, pageants, plays, more parties, basketball practices, open houses, breakfast with Santa and concerts, the cookies to bake, the house to clean...I'm feeling like now more than ever we have to take time to savor Advent.Every evening we've been dutifully lighting our Advent candle and praying as a family. That's precious time. ...

A little history...200620072008The tree farm experience was a flat-out fun morning. It was a little rainy, but the kids didn't seem to notice. Scott found the perfect tree, he came to get me and when we went to pick it up, another guy had already claimed it...rats! But, we found an equally pretty one just a few trees over. And, after putting it up in the house, it's the perfect fit. The kids were really more interested in the popcorn, ...

Technically, the Christmas season doesn't kick off until Christmas Eve...Advent is such a glorious time of year, isn't it? Everybody is excited, they're waiting for family, for good food, for a few presents and for the birth of Christ. I love the anticipation. It reminds me of being pregnant that last month...without the frequent bathroom trips.In honor of the most wonderful time of the year, I thought I'd share a few traditions - some new, some old - we celebrate ...

First, I must give credit where credit is due. Hat tip to Ms. Shannon for letting us know about this delish little hole-in-the-Austin-wall.Last week, after an early release day from school, we loaded up the whole fam (Scott included!) and headed over to Polkadot. The kids were practically beside themselves. "Mom, we REALLY get to eat a cupcake before nap?" Yes, once every decade. I did take two tylenol before we went. I usually save sugar for right after nap ...

We had an outstanding Thanksgiving. The whole gang, and a few family friend strays joined us for the fun-filled day. Loved it. We ate, we had a bubbly, we ate, we played whiffle ball, we laughed, we watched football, we ate, we made crafts, we played dominoes, we slept, and we ate again. I pray yours was spent with friends and family and you had an opportunity to be THANKFUL for your many blessings.One ADD to that Top Ten Thankful ...