5 : 25 {decorating the tree}

I'm not sure about all these dots. Anyone?

4 : 25 {holiday cheer}

We enjoyed a full and wonderful weekend.
Hannah snapped a photo of us as we headed to a party on Saturday night.

And those are feathers in my hair, not some new spike-y haircut. My dear friend, Aimee, convinced me that every girl needs a feather headband.
Hannah was blown away! : )

Sunday afternoon we headed to Alexandria for a holiday open house with old friends.
This time of year is so fun and festive, I just sometimes wish we could spread it out a little. Perhaps we should start hosting an annual party in February... that month could use a party.

We sat on the GW Parkway for a *long* time on our way home. The view made up for the traffic.

Then back to church for the York Nativity Play. Which was followed by a reception full of holiday goodies.
My children all went to bed last night feeling a little sugar-sick.

So thankful for today... a quiet Monday at home.

3 : 25 {tree trek}

For a writing assignment this week, Hannah was asked to write about her favorite Christmas tradition.
This is it.
Cutting down the tree.

This year we made the trek with a big group of friends. Hot chocolate, picnic lunches, a sunny December Saturday, and all these fun people... well, that's just about perfect.

1 : 25 {advent reading}

How is it that the first week of Advent is almost behind us?

Again this year, desiring to slow and savor, I will attempt to daily post a simple moment from our day... these full and beautiful days of sweet anticipation.

This year we have added two new books to our family library. During my morning devotions I am enjoying Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: Experiencing the Peace and Promise of Christmas edited by Nancy Guthrie.


And for our evening family advent devotions I found a new book, Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room: Daily Family Devotions for Advent by Nancy Guthrie. There are daily readings beginning December 1st and ending December 31st. Each reading is followed by "Discussion Starters" and more scripture that reinforces the reading. Also, scatted throughout the book, there are Christmas hymns and a page or so written about each hymn.

Something else I am enjoying these days is Aunt Sadie's Famous Tree in a Can. I am easily overwhelmed by most scented candles. This one is just perfect. Next year, I may buy a case and spread the Aunt Sadie goodness...

In Everything : 1000 Gifts

In everything, give thanks.
I Thessalonians 5:18

It's all a gift. It's all grace.

It's been too long. The list continues...

1165
The delight it is to proofread your child's writing, check their homework.

1166
Parent-teacher conferences with wonderful teachers.

1167
"Hey, Mom, can I tell you a secret?"

1168
His teacher pulling me aside to tell me that in the class election between him and another, he didn't vote for himself.

1169
Arriving to volunteer at school and catching this scene. Love that group of kids.


1170
Will's Reading Rally speech. Big grins.

1171
"Mom, thanks for coming."

1172
Delicious meals delivered to my door. Thoughtful neighbors.

1173
How she lingers at the dinner table with the adults.

1174
Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center with our church's wonderful "Young at Heart" group.

1175
November's golden light.

1176
Sunset sky with silhouettes of just-bare trees.

1177
The joy to help friends carry boxes into their first - and fabulous - house.

1178
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

1179
And that we finally took the orthodontist up on her offer to 'buy' all the Halloween candy. It needed to leave.

1180
November drives on the GW Parkway.

1181
A three hour coffee date with an old friend.

1182
Season ending soccer parties.


1183
A friend's successful surgery.

1184
Reading Feminine Threads. The encouragement in walking through history's halls of faith. We are beautifully enclosed in such a great cloud of witnesses...

1185
My very own Jane Austen Film Festival. Best to do when husband travels for two weeks.

1186
My dear friend who is always delighted to come and re-watch all the 'highlights'... the long looks, pregnant pauses, spirited conversations...

1187
International texting.

1188
Our Saturday pick-up at Dulles. He is home! I'm so very thankful!
My husband has been in South Africa for the past two weeks.... will post photos soon...

Moments from Our Week : Early November

Neighborhood walks.

The leaves seemed slow to turn this year.

And now they seem in a hurry to fall.

Peter zooming down the hill.

Long afternoon shadows. Sitting here with a book.


Hannah's pick for her birthday dinner. Every year the same. Baked ziti.


Ten candles.


A perch during soccer practice.

Brothers and evening books.

November sun setting. The view over our house as I call them in from neighborhood play.

Enjoying these last long afternoons.

Ten

She made me a mom.
My first gift.
Ten years old today.

and a quick shot before she left for school today....
Happy Birthday, sweet girl.