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Chronicles of Advent*

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:27:34 GMT

In December, we use an advent calendar to help us look forward to and prepare for Christmas. I have previously tucked in sweets, or “King’s Treats” – but then the children had to take turns. Let’s admit that although taking turns may be a good character builder, it’s just not quite as fun. So this year, I tuck in a slip of paper cut around the edges, all cute like, and list a treat – which can be an activity or vittles. And I decide the night before or that morning, so that on a busy (or bad) day, I am not committed to doing something completely outside of my capabilities – meaning I have to have the time and be able to be cheerful – otherwise, what’s the point?!?

I must readily admit that this fourth child has thrown me for a loop. I do not know if it was because of how it started, because the two babies are closer in age than I have ever had them, because I am older, or just because there are four, but I find myself needing more help. Thankfully, I have (mostly) willing helpers, and it actually forces me to delegate some responsibilities to the children that I probably should have already done. But with more responsibilities, is it not proper to enjoy more blessings? I think so, too. So this year, although the Advent/Christmas decorating will go slower, it will be mostly done together, and hopefully make some cherished memories, and perhaps even traditions.

We also started last year or the year before the tradition of giving the children little Advent gifts each Sunday at our Sabbath Supper. This year, as we usually do, we celebrated the First Sunday in Advent in Texas with Andre’s parent. We gave the children ceramic Christmas decorations with Bluebonnets on them. We hope those ornaments will be a fun reminder to each child of Thanksgiving with Emmy and Granddad in Texas on the lake, the beginning of Advent and our excursions to see bluebonnets.

On Monday, well, I honestly just did not have it together enough from our trip, so we simply started Advent Family Worship (or devotions). It is a little bit of a change-up from our normal form, but really good. If you are interested in such things, this is the packet of Bible readings, prayers and devotions we use during Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. Andre also gives a blessing and catechizes the children with seasonal questions concerning the church calendar (and here is a good one for children, if you are interested). We love singing Advent hymns – although time is never sufficient for all we want to sing! I just love hearing Sophie sing -- you’d think she knew all the words by heart! Jacqueline is great at the singing, too. Poor Gabriel is stuck at that point where he is reading, but not to the point of reading the unusual/larger words in hymns, or at the speed or rhythm of the hymns. Good thing he memorizes pretty well. Baby Boy just loves it when we sing. So I love that.

On Tuesday, we checked the treat before school, so that the children could look forward to it all day (and I can get everything ready for after school!). The treat was, “Decorate Jars with Christmas Candy and have some King’s Treats.” I asked them who their King was and they beautifully replied, “Jesus!” I truly believe that if you can use decorations made from things you can use (and do not have to store), it is a better investment. We always have candy on Friday for our Family Date Night (pizza and a movie) and we can put the candy in a crystal bowl and use it as a centerpiece – and as dessert when we have guests. It’s festive, fun and yum. While we were filling the jars, Jacqueline said, “Mom! This is the best Christmas ever. This is so fun! It’s better than Halloween!” Love that!

On Wednesday, the treat was: “Watch ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas.’” It was received thankfully enough, but I thought that they would be ecstatic to watch a movie on a school night! Oh, well.

I am excited about the rest of the week and hope I can maintain consistency with all the things I really need to do (There is so much to do in so many different areas of my life that I feel as though I am making no progress anywhere. Unfortunately, I think I feel like that because it is accurate. Good thing I have such a good hubby. He is a constant, physical reminder of Christ’s mercy, sacrifice and faithfulness. And the children! How merry they make my heart!).

Enjoy all of God’s material gifts this season as we celebrate the incarnation!

*Virtually every family tradition we have and every "idea" I have was inspired by or gotten from friends and/or blogs I read -- Thanks!

GQ

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:22:31 GMT

I have noticed recently that Gabriel is tucking in all his shirts -- including and especially shirts that are not meant for tucking. And he is tucking shirts into pants that were made without the thought that a boy might want to tuck in, say, a sweatshirt. Consequently, I had to ask him this afternoon why, once again, he was awkwardly tucked:

Me (kindly, of course): Son, why have you been tucking in all your shirts?

Him: Because I want to be a gentleman. *pause* You do like gentlemen, right Mom?

Age is a State of Mind

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:13:14 GMT

I was talking to my sister (10 years my junior) last week via the telephone about the American Idol (hereinafter referred to as “AI”) contestants. She brought up Lil Rounds and I heard my self say: “She dresses old, doesn’t she? I mean she dresses like a 40-year old woman!!!”

Then it dawned on me that I am almost a 40-year old woman! HA!

CCCKK

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 23:09:49 GMT

Cute, Color-Coordinated, Kissing Kids

3 Months Old

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 02:20:47 GMT

Baby Boy is three months old as of Sunday. Hard to believe. He is doing well. Over the last couple of weeks he has been sick with a cough, but it was productive and he handled it very well. He had gotten up to 9lbs 3 oz, but then dropped back down to 8 lbs 13 oz (where he was the week before he got sick). He wasn't eating too well with all that mucous in his tummy, but he is much improved now and on the rise again at 10lbs 3 oz.

My baby boy still has blue eyes and I so much hope he keeps them!

He's rather strong, I think. He can lift his head and chest up off the floor while on his tummy. He has been rolling over for a month and a half now (latter part of January), which seems odd to me. But I have the worse memory of how things should be...

He smiled in response to me on February 15 – made my Sabbath even sweeter. He smiles at one of his puppy toys regularly. He is kind of stingy with smiles to me – I hope he's just trying to make me work for them!

He was baptised on February 22^nd.

He is just the cutest little baby ever. I mean he is so handsome! I really can't look at him too long for fear I will devour him!

My Funny Valentine

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:39:46 GMT

My husband, upon seeing me carrying Baby Boy in the sling frequently: “If you want a man between your breasts all day, I'm available.”

Gotta love a man who pursues Proverbs 5:19 zealously.

My covenant keeping children

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 03:05:52 GMT

The other day and several times since, Sissy's prayer over a meal has included, “Thank You for a daddy that works hard so we can have money and for a mommy who buys us food and makes it for us, and for a mommy and daddy who are kind to us and love us.” Her gratitude is overwhelming to me.

The Boy, when he prays, especially after a challenging day, bows his head and prays, “Please God forgive me for disobeying, and please help me to obey, and *banging his fist on his leg with each word* Not. To. Disobey!” His contrite heart is precious to me!

Baby girl often carries her Bible around, and, as strange as it may sound, often retrieves it after I have corrected her for something. The other day she was running around the living room with her Bible raised in the air, singing, “Holy, Holy, Holy!” This young and simple love of God and His Word makes my heart rejoice.

And Baby Boy cries. I am in awe of the strength of this young one! (Psalm 8:2).

Thanks, Aunt Bit

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 22:01:57 GMT

Sissy called my sister "Aunt Bit" when she was little, but now I think I am the only one that still calls her that. Anyway, my Lil Ditter sent my Baby Girl a gift she loves:

Nos. One and Two

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 23:28:41 GMT

The Boy told me that an older boy came up to him at school and told him, “I'm gonna pick you up and throw you on the ground!” His reply was, with his index finger indicating, “I have one rule: no picking me up and throwing me on the ground!”

He also asks to be chucked (rather than tucked) into bed. I think it is so cute that I tell him, “I'll be right in to chuck you in!”

And when something annoys him, he says that it gives him the grumps. It reminds me of when Sissy was about that age and she would say, when she was sad, that she was down in the dumpster.

And speaking of Sis, she has chapel at school every Tuesday morning. On Monday nights she goes on and on about how she loves chapel and cannot wait. After school on Tuesday last week, she went on about how she loves chapel. I asked her why, and she replied that it was because it was like church.

Well, Tuesday night she went on at the dinner table about loving chapel, and I, wanting her daddy to hear her response straight from her, again asked why she she liked chapel. Her response: “Because Mr. Voelkel teaches about God and I want to learn more about God.”

Hi.

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:33:05 GMT

Michael here.

I went to the doctor today. I don't like to be manhandled, but Mama seemed to enjoy it. She was very happy. Apparently, I am growing – from a measly 3lbs 9oz at birth to a whopping 7lbs 9oz at 7 weeks. I also grew 3 inches and am 19 inches long now! Mama did get some not-so-good news, too, but she did not seem too concerned. My belly button sticks out all the time – and Mama is always pushing it in (which kinda gets on my nerves) - but it is just an umbilical hernia and should get better over time. And my eyes always have gooey sleep in them – and Mama is always wiping them with a washcloth and rubbing my eyes (which kinda gets on my nerves) – but they are just blocked tear ducts which should also get better over time. However, in the meantime, it has become painfully obvious that Mama is going to keep up her prodding and rubbing...good thing she gives me yummy milk and loves on me so much! Speaking of, I'm hungry...