Advent Activities

I hope you are enjoying this special season as much as we do. While these past two weeks have been very stressful, we also made time to enjoy some Advent activities. It is easy to forget what this season is truly about; thus, I want to make sure our children learn about the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate Advent. Advent means "coming" in Latin and is the period of the 4 Sundays and weeks before Christmas. These 4 weeks are a time of expectant waiting and used for the preparation of Jesus' birth. It is filled with the countdown to Christmas and learning about not only why we celebrate Christmas but also about other Saints (i.e. St. Nicholas), slowing down and about giving. One great way to teach our children about Jesus's birth is by visiting a live nativity. We have visited two this week and both times, the kids and I were enarmored with the simplicity of the time when Jesus was born and the fact that happiness does not come from a store. Seeing real people dressed up as Mary, Joseph, shepherds and wise men, brings Christmas to life and let's you realize that they were just like us...normal people. HE was just like everyone else but also the Newborn King. It also draws you in and gives you a chance to refocus and for the kids to learn more about our Savior. Jen Hatmaker posted this picture today and it resonated to much with me that I wanted to share it with you all. 

Here are some pictures from our visit on Monday to a "Night in Bethlehem". 

The animals are always a highlight. Like last year, I got kissed by a camel. 

Amelia and Elliot also made toys like children used to do 2000 years ago: a rag doll made out of a ball of cotton and some fabric and a clay bowl. 

On Wednesday, December 6th, was St. Nicholas Day, where the children put out their shoes the night before so St. Nick can fill them overnight with little treats. St. Nicholas was a bishop who gave to the poor, especially children and elderly and on December 6th, we celebrate his legacy by continuing his good deeds for our children.  

On Friday, my son's preschool hosted their annual Live Nativity and it was perfect. A great photo-op in the stable, cuddly animals to feed, beautiful Christmas songs performed by a children's choir, hot cocoa and a fire pit. The only thing missing was our Daddy and the snow that drifted South of us. But at 32F/ 0C it was still coooold. We stood in front of the nativity for at least 10 minutes because Elliot was so fascinated and took in the whole scene.

They had scenes from a market in Bethlehem:

And a pen full of animals to pet and feed:

Surely, the alpaca was our favorite:

Warming up with hot coca by the fire before we called it a night. 

While it is freezing cold outside, we are warm and cozy inside. Our Christmas tree is up since last Sunday and I love the sight and smell of it. And obviously, so does our cat.

Also, last Sunday, I had the chance to meet up with this handsome, tall man. When I came to the U.S. 16 years ago, he was 7 years old and one of the three children from my host family I took care of. Makes me feel old...but I never can thank them enough for giving me this incredible opportunity to come to the States. 

Now, it is time to write some Christmas cards in front of the fire place while eating homemade cookies and listening to some Christmas hymns. I call that relaxing. Soaking in the Advent season and preparing ourselves for Christmas.

Saying Goodbye

On Friday, Derrick and his family said their goodbyes to his brother David, who unexpectedly passed away the week before. Because of the timing and other commitments, the children and I were not able to go. But surely, my heart and prayers were with them. 

The service was held at the funeral home and David was surrounded one last time by his loved ones. 

It is never easy to say goodbye, especially when it is a close family member. Derrick delivered a  heartfelt eulogy for his brother.  

Despite his shortcomings, David with was a genuine and loving son, a great brother and good uncle to his nieces and nephews. He always had a smile on his face when we visited him in South Carolina. 

The four brothers: Lee, David, Derrick and Tony. Best friends for life!

David, we all miss you but one day, we will see you again. 

Supermoon Weekend

Over the weekend, we enjoyed watching the only Supermoon of 2017. A Supermoon occurs when the moon is full and it's orbit brings it closest to the sun. During this time, the moon will appear 14% larger and 30% brighter. While on the first night, it was a bit cloudy, we still enjoyed the view:

Since it was a bit cooler, we camped out in the backyard in front of the fire pit for dinner. I served hot dogs and all the trimmings and then we made S'mores for dessert. 

Silly faces: Boys vs. Girls.

While we were out for the parade and Yulefest on Saturday, we continued our stargazing adventure on Sunday, when the moon was as its biggest. Over daytime, Derrick had set up the tent, and the kids used it as their club house.

Lunch in the club house:

The sky was clear that night and we enjoyed the best view of the Supermoon:

 

We laid on the air mattresses in the tent and watched the moon until it got too chilly and then we went inside. It was a perfect family outing and while we never left our property, we still had a great and memorable time together. Can't wait to go camping in the woods with my crew once they get a bit older. 

Christmas Parade and Yulefest

Advent is here and the children were delighted to be finally opening their first box on their Advent calendar. 

Our elf on the shelf, Eli, also came back, with a North Pole Breakfast nonetheless, to spend the month of December with us and report back to Santa each night. He also brought a new, purple friend, lovingly named Sparkle, with him. 

On Saturday afternoon, our town hosted their annual Christmas Parade on Main Street. We brought our chairs and silly Christmas hats and were ready for the parade to begin. 

There were antique cars, clown cars, floats, cheerleaders and dancers, bands and lots of candy was handed out too.

And lastly, Santa arrived, riding in the bucket of a firetruck:

After the parade, we went to our local park for their Yulefest. By then it was 5pm and already dark. This event allows one to step back into more simple times for an evening full of musical entertainment and storytelling. We also enjoyed a horse carriage ride and some delicious cookies and punch. 

There were storytellers, musicians and demonstrators in the historic Mansker Mansion and in the cabins of the Fort in the park where we were able to listen to yesteryear music and see simple, natural Christmas decorations. 

The children and I really enjoyed the music and spent at least 20 minutes with each group. Here is a little clip I put together to give you an impression. The lightening is not as good, as most cabins were only lit by candle light and the fire in the fire place. But it felt nice and warm and made the atmosphere so much more realistic and enjoyable. 

This month is full of Christmas cheer and lots of seasonal activities. Often it is easy to forget the real meaning of this season; thus, we are making a point of spending more quality time together with each other and enjoying all that this season has to offer instead of running off to the stores for the best deals or to buy more stuff non one needs. These children are definitely excited about that: