First Sunday in Advent Daybook

Outside My Window
It is cold and dark. I see the reflection of the mini white lights hanging from the mantle.

I am Listening
to the girls playing with the Fisher-Price Little People Christmas town and Nativity set.

I am so Grateful for
laughter.
a warm home.
mini white lights.

I'm Reflecting on
“Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow.”
- Helen Keller

I am Reading
Tea with Jane Austen . The Austen family had to keep their tea and sugar under lock and key due to the high cost of these items. I'm glad I don't have to do that.

My Advent reading is Advent and Christmas Wisdom from G.K. Chesterton. I'm looking forward to spending time with Chesterton.

I am Thinking
that I really need to exercise more often than I have been. I can not believe how sore I still am from the Black Friday shopping and wrapping.

I am Creating
a warm, inviting place to prepare our hearts and home for the Christ Child. The Advent candle has been lit. I have the Advent Calendar and the Jesse Tree ready. This year we will read Destination Bethlehem as our family devotion. This is my absolute favorite time of year.

Education
I think we will look at how Christmas is celebrated around the world. We'll use lots of Christmas picture books.


Rhythm and Beauty
We're decorating with candles, mini white lights and some greenery right now. It's very simple looking now. Little by little, we'll add to the decor.

I am Wearing
jeans and a brown argyle sweater with a pink turtleneck.

To Live the Liturgy
Today is the start of the new liturgical year. The gospel readings will be from St. Matthew this year.

I'm thinking
that kindness goes a lot further then rudeness. Why do people continue to be rude?

I am inspired
to slow down and keep Advent simple so that I can enjoy this time with the girls. I can not believe how much they continue to grow and change.


I am Hoping and Praying
for those prayer intentions that have been given to me.
for continued good health.

In the Garden
we have put mini colored lights over the bushes.

Around the House
I'm sorting through drawers and cabinets. We have so much but use so little. It is time to give these things a new home.

From the Kitchen
I can smell the sugar cookies the girls made today. I hope to make a few batches of cookie dough this week. I will be gathering the ingredients for the St. Nicholas cookies. I think we'll make them next weekend.

One of My Favorite Things
is Black Friday shopping. I generally despise shopping but there is something about getting up early one day a year and shopping for bargains that energizes me.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week
Basketball practice, the Jane Austen Book Club and our Christmas Fairy Tale tea will happen this week. Our Fairy Tale tea theme this year is Hansel and Gretel. I will finish decorating the living room and work on the tea menu.