The Holy Season of Advent

Please read Colleen's thoughts. I pray Our Lord can empty and prepare me and leave me as open as this dear soul.

Read This

I love hitting the share button in my Google Reader. But sometimes it is just not enough attention. Please go read Elizabeth's words today. Trust and pray.

Handsome

Daybook: In November

Right now...Still trying to get one teen to wake up already. And I'm feeling bad that I brought Dave his coffee early, forgetting he's taking today off.

Later today...Spanish class for Maddy and Ballet for Kay. Both girls love these classes. We got to observe Kay a few weeks ago and little girls learning ballet is one the most darling things ever. Missing from this list now is soccer (which will be replaced by basketball in just a few weeks, don't worry, I won't be bored). Carmen tried out for but did not make it on to the All-Star team for her age division. No worries, she's so glad she tried, intends to play even better and try again next season. We think she's a star.

This week...TKD, some eye appointments, Co-Op and Anna will probably compete in her very first TKD tournament on Saturday.

Living the Liturgy...Sunday is one of my very favorite feasts, Christ the King. Several of my children have been baptized on the feast so I'll try my hand at a crown cake this year and celebrate the day they became new creations in Christ.

In the Kitchen...Blah, feeling so uninspired. Don't get me wrong, I'm cooking balanced tasty meals but I'm feeling soooo bored! Hmmm, just struck me that perhaps God is giving me an opportunity for grace...that the food I prepare is not about how I feel about out, but about nourishing those in my care. Nothing fancy requires, just the love I put into it...hmmmm.

Life of Learning...I desperately need to string together some really focused school days, that have structure and goals. Darn it. I can't blame the wedding anymore.

John...Still wee. Crawling. Waves bye. Does a high five. Has the most infectious laugh. Sleeping a bit better.

Wedding Thoughts...How wonderful that two families, so different and in a very real way, separated by an ocean (!) can come together and celebrate the love between two people. Even more amazing is the idea that these two people now become a real living sign to the world that these families are no longer separate. How exciting to be in a place and hear Spanish, English and Mandarin and think "Yes! This is family." How sweet to see parents entrust the heart of their children to their new spouse. And just as touching, siblings crying with joy and a wee bit of sadness (or a lot, poor Jackie!) knowing your brother/sister now really belongs to someone else. And what a joy that someone else is! Best of all, she LOVES my little brother and he is always a better man with her. How redeeming that a day that brought sadness a year ago as we said goodbye to a father and grandfather now brings us such great joy.

Picture Thought...

Before the Wedding Stuff...

Aggie is potty trained! Took just over 3 weeks and was a battle very single day. Every day I woke up and just repeated to myself over and over, "I will NOT put a diaper on her, no matter what."

When I started the process 3 weeks ago, I never imagined we would not be quite done during the rehearsal dinner where Aggie asked to "pee on the potty" oh, about 100 times. I'll just tell you I am quite familiar with the bathroom at a certain Chinese restaurant in downtown Chevy Chase, MD.

One more gem of wisdom...potty training and soda (lots of soda, because, hey, its a party and the nice waiter just keeps bringing glass after glass without even having to be asked)...BAD.

And I promise, Carlos and Jenn, my further thoughts on your wonderful wedding will have nothing to do with the potty.

Wedding Weekend

Life has been busy and this weekend is full. I can't complain. It is full of celebrations of family, friends and vows to share a life of love. It doesn't get any better than that. Maddy will be taking many pictures and I hope to share some here. Until next week...

Christmas in October

 I am very sad to say I only just discovered this wonderful Catholic business late this summer. I'm sure I had heard people refer to them, but had never visited their site. What a treasure! Great prices and amazing service. Linda personally called me to let me know a book I ordered had just gone out of print. And have I mentioned their selection is outstanding. Let's just say my wish list is getting rather long. Now go there and don't miss out on the Christmas in October sale for some even better deals.

Delight

 My little man.

Peeking

Isn't this cute? Maddy took it, of course. Actually, I'm just playing around with some new blogger features. Baby needs me so this is all I have time for.