Fourth Sunday in Advent Daybook

Outside My Window
It is cold and dark. Our neighbors have put up their Christmas lights. On Christmas Eve, our entire neighborhood will have luminaries on the street. It looks so cool when we drive home from Mass.

I am Listening
to the giggles of my girls. We have a train set up under the Christmas tree. The girls have placed a camera on the train and are recording its ride.

I am so Grateful for
the time to spend with my family this weekend.

I'm Reflecting on
“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.”
- St. Francis de Sales

This just seems so appropriate with the busyness that surrounds these final days of Advent.

I am Reading
A Darcy Christmas.

My Advent Reading
is Advent and Christmas Wisdom from G.K. Chesterton.

I am Thinking
that I have 4 more days left to finish all that I want to accomplish before Friday. Not much time really.

I am Creating
joyful anticipation for Christmas. We've all felt like this has been different than our other Advents. The girls are growing and getting involved with various activities. We don't have all those days and evenings at home like we use to have. I have a few surprises for them up my sleeve. :-)

Education
We'll continue to focus on the joys of this season.

Rhythm and Beauty
A final cleaning and baking of cookies will happen this week. Fresh greens need to be cut and put in vases.

I am Wearing
tan jeans, cream turtleneck, and my dad's barn red, wool button down shirt. I "borrowed" it from him in high school and then it became mine when I moved out. I just love how warm it keeps me.

To Live the Liturgy
We've added the O Antiphons to our evening prayer this week. It is a sure sign that Christmas is approaching.

I'm Thinking
that I'll need to reassess our Advent plans next year. I want to sit down with the girls to see what worked/what didn't work this Advent.

I am Inspired
by those who take the high road.

I am Hoping and Praying
for continued good health.
those who are facing lay offs.
those who miss loved ones especially during the next two weeks.

In the Garden
Vince did a final sweep of the leaves and branches. The tractor and yard are officially winterized now.

Around the House
Everywhere I look I see signs of children playing and creating. There are trains, Little People Christmas Village and Nativity characters, a half painted nativity set, cookie tins, and Christmas books. Now just to get them where they belong...

From the Kitchen
Our Christmas Eve menu is set: Hot hors d'oeuvres, Chicken Marsala, salad, and a surprise dessert.

One of My Favorite Things
is making Springerle cookies. I love challenge of making the imprint from the wood block. The smell and taste of these cookies remind me of Christmas from my childhood. I'm so happy to know that my girls enjoy these cookies as much as I do. It's always nicer when I can share with others.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week
I'm pretty much planning on sticking close to home this week. Vince will take a day off of work. We'll work on finalizing Christmas preparations together. And maybe, just maybe, we'll have enough time to go to Waterloo.