Our Maryland church had a Christmas party on Saturday. I thought it would be a great way to make some friends, needless to say Brandon was *thrilled* (cue sarcasm). They had a photo area set up for family photos, an idea I totally want to bring to Lakeland next year.

We didn't exactly dress for the photos, but it was nice to get Brandon in front of the lense since he's usually behind it.

This party and a night of watching Polar Express and sipping hot cocoa by our poorly lit Christmas tree (along with some awesome friends and their adorable baby) finally jump-started my Christmas spirit!

Last night was the start of Advent.

We are using the Lakeland guide from far away KC, you can too, HERE.

This year's guide includes coloring sheets, Julia gave Mary some rockin' eye shadow

so it was extra special indeed.

Since candles are not allowed in the suite,

we used construction paper flames on our construction paper wreath

beside our teensy-tiny tree surrounded by a village of felt houses...

nearby hangs our countdown-to-home paper chains.

Another year of Family Camp, another year of fun. This years hot spots included the pool and shade of any sort. Oh, and we mustn't forget the snacks, oh the glorious snacks. I also took my first canoe ride which I loved A LOT and want to do again soon, minus the four little girls plus one handsome photographer.

Brandon is on the border this week. He is visiting our friends in Anapra, people who are feeling the financial crisis pinch in a way we can't even comprehend. We used to cross into Mexico to visit, but lately its been too dangerous. So at least for now they are meeting through the fence, as four different Border Patrol trucks look on. Hugs aren't possible, but man I sure want to reach out to each of these people and let them know that they are not forgotten. [Read more on the trip from my friend Jenn who is traveling with Brandon and others]

Baptism night has got to be one of the highlights of our year. Our whole church gathers at the "beach" (and for us land-locked Midwesterners this totally counts as "beach"), and we witness the baptism of friends and family. It is sacred and sand-covered at the same time, joyful and totally marvelous. Next year Julia wants to be baptized, she pretty much has told everyone she comes in contact with including every woman in the dance studio lobby tonight. She is very much my deep thinker, and when asked why she thinks she should be baptized she is quick with a very matter-of-fact response, "To be part of God's Kingdom! And cause I love Jesus!"... Alrighty then.

It should be noted that when she told her sister, "Carolyn! Next year I'M going to get baptized", Carolyn simply replied "Where are the cookies? Don't they have cookies at this thing?"... Alright then again.

Today is the beginning of Lent. For us that looked like an Ash Wednesday services in the evening and aquisition of our Lenten poster on which there are 40 activities for "Prayer, Fasting and Giving" that we will undertake as we anticipate Easter. If you'd like a copy of the poster, shoot me an email and I'd gladly share the PDF.
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And here's something I'd love to have for our family next Lent - A LENT wreath.

The girls explore their own "Path of Life" after reading Tommy dePaola's "Clown of God" this weekend (one of the top ten favorite books at our house). Check all of that fun out HERE as we continue our weekly posting on the As One devotional blog.

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I also read grown up books from time to time and "The Problem with Money" has me so confused and inspired that I have arranged a call with the author tomorrow. I can't wait to pick her brain and find out if she can figure out what's going on with mine!

Christmas Eve comes in three parts (ok, actually four).
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First up, Christmas Eve service at Lakeland, which was amazing this year. Besides the incredible music and powerful message, they also showed THIS video which made me smile. I love creativity, so so much.
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Next up we head to my mom's side of the family where we feast on cheese balls and olives (for Julia). Family photos were taken infront of my Aunt's gorgeous Christmas tree, and the girls got new jammies which thrills them beyond comprehension, mostly because they would love to live in jammies (" 'cept Daddy won't let us").

We round off the family gatherings at Brandon's folks house, where Grandma read stories to all five grandkids at once and more delicious holiday food was enjoyed. The girls got adorable purses and a dollar bill from Brandon's Aunt. ("I'm going right to QT for some sweet tea!" was Carolyn's joyful response).

And then we head home. The girls open one gift, and give us our presents. We put out Santa's cookies (this year cookie dough, because they really think that's the best part anyway), and throw carrots on the lawn for the reindeer, too. Finally they wrote notes of much thanks to Santa, hung the stocking and hurried off to bed.

Santa was at Lakeland tonight, in all his red velvet glory. I was busy with year-end activities, which only partially explains the interesting apparel my children were wearing. They learned all about St. Nicholas's history, and were sure not to tell him what they want, "because that happens next week with cousins at the mall"!

Starting in January we plan...and plan...and plan. This year we brought in speakers, and they were awesome. And another memorable Women's Retreat was written in the history books. This was my fifth year on the planning team. See those women in that picture? Yeah, they're all awesome. I hope you have awesome women in your life. I hope you get away with them sometimes, too.