It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

I'm a tad freaked out that the first week of December is over. In fact, I'm freaked out that the year is almost over. Time is whizzing by. At warp speed. No longer can I think about putting things off or putting things on the back burner. If I do...I may never get to it again.

And, as if I needed a reminder that the days are passing us by in a flash...there's the Advent calendar tradition that is always a hit. This year, however, I thought I'd be clever and put scavenger hunt clues inside the individual days--rather than trying to find 3 tiny treats that would fit. Yes, it's one more thing I have to do...find 3 small gifts...hide them where the clue says it will be...and remember to do it the night before so that when our children awaken at o'dark-thirty I won't be scrambling to get it done.

But, the kids love it. And, watching them gives me pure joy.



Last Saturday we had friends over for an afternoon/evening of visiting. This is a new band in the making. They sing. They dance. And, they play their own instruments. When they're famous and doing charitable work all over the world as a result of their fame...well, you can praise Dawn and I for their fabulous upbringing.


Later, Dawn's hubby Shaun grabbed the kids' attention and told a scary story. We heard screaming from Trevor's room...and after careful investigation we determined that nope, no one was hurt. They were just shrieks of pure delight.

Sunday Animesh and I were blessed enough to go Christmas shopping for the kids...without the kids. Thanks to our dear friends for entertaining the 3 little Indians with so much love and care.



Three little Indians sporting their advent calendar goodies.


This week we've also built gingerbread houses...using kits I bought last year at Costco but had forgotten about. The icing was a bit tricky to work with...it is a year old, mind you...but overall the kids loved it. And, I adore these homemade Christmas decorations gracing my counter top.


OK...so if your home hasn't got one of these...well...you should find one (word has it that Hallmark is busting at the seams with them...). This is the cutest new family tradition. Our elf, affectionately named "Fred," is the first thing the kids hunt for in the morning. And, the book that comes with it has been enjoyed almost nightly since he joined our family for the month. Again...so much fun to see the delight in the eyes of our children.

Last but certainly not least...it's been a fulfilling week for Mommy, as well. Quality time with friends, rehearsing for the church Christmas Cantata (come hear us on Sunday, December 14th at 11:10am...), and doing lots and lots and LOTS of planning for this. I'm honored and humbled to be leading it in March.

I'm also trying to make time for personal reflection...goals I would like to accomplish in 2009...ways I hope to better myself...ways I would like to better our world.

And, things I need to embrace about myself that I'm not too crazy about.

Because at the rate that life is whooshing by us...I don't think I have any time to waste.