Seven Quick Takes vol 69.

Joining Jen and the other better takers this week. Go visit Conversion Diary for your weekly fix!

{one}

Greetings from the coldest place on earth right now. No, I'm not even being dramatic. (Although I do want to make a dramatically big deal about it.) But Alberta really is the coldest place on earth right now, so Santa has nothing on us. Apparently it feels like -41 C out right now, but I'm not going to test that theory. I'm boycotting the outdoors until I have to leave for Mass tomorrow. I can do it! I have satellite tv and the internet!

{two}

So a happy feast of St. Nicholas to you and all your filled-shoe loving children! My kids have grabbed the St. Nicholas tradition and run with it after only two short years of practicing it and awoke this morning with squeals of glee upon finding gold chocolate coins in their snow boots, and suddenly Christmas oranges became about 100% cooler than they were yesterday for breakfast! We've read our new St. Nicolas books, topical St. Nicholas books, and now I'm exhausted and the kids are grumpy so they're watching cartoons and I'm here.

Yay, St. Nicholas!

{three}

In the Advent vein, have you noticed how quickly children grab onto tradition? "As in last year we did this for Christmas why can't we do that this year?" It always astounds me that these kids can't remember that I asked them to wash their hands after going to the bathroom 2.6 million times, but they have picture perfect recollection of each treat St. Nicholas brought them two years ago. I mean, Really?!? 

{four}

But really, I think if this basic desire for tradition comes out in toddlers pretty much without prompting that it speaks to the truth that there is something inherent in human nature that desires tradition. Of course, modern thinking thinks tradition is some crutch of the masses, but when you see it in your individual sweet babies and homes then I think that changes things. Another wonderful thing you learn in the family, that goes out to mean so much more in the world around you. Even if society tells you otherwise!

{five}

I think Advent so far has been going well. Sure, Luke asks me everyday if tomorrow is Christmas, and I say "Nope, not till all the candles are lit!" Then by dinnertime they'll want to lit all the candles so tomorrow can be Christmas. Everyday. But we've got three more weeks so surely it'll sink in right?? Right??

I've been fitting in a little more reading/quiet prayer time, by some miracle! An Advent miracle! There have also been funny little things I've been noticing. Things overheard in stores, or in line to see Santa, stuff jumping out from Gospel readings. I'm pretty sure it all links together somehow, but it's taking a while to sink into me. But I hope it is and I'm making heads or tails out of it. I like how Advent makes me watchful and a little more attentive to these little things. The Holy Spirit works in little ways more often than not I think.

{six}

Also-I'm thinking about all my pregnant friends right now! Since I've been pregnant during Advent, I know how difficult it can be to have so much to do while being in the throes of pregnancy. Its tough. With each pregnancy I've also noticed how similar that waiting of pregnancy, especially the last month or so, really relates to the waiting of Advent. Its intense, its focused, you can't avoid the fact that you're waiting for something miraculous and important. A mother nearing the end of pregnancy is someone who is intensely focused. And focused completely. I think its the best example of the type of waiting we're supposed to be experiencing during Advent. Although, harder to practice when you're not in the constant physical discomfort/anxiety/anticipating mentality that you can't avoid in pregnancy. Its hard to imitate!

Prayers for all my mother friends!

{seven}

I can say I haven't made much progress towards Christmas itself this week. And I'm kinda ok with that. I've been snowed/frozen in all week, getting a bit of cabin fever, but I haven't baked anything or prepared anything really either. I haven't shopped other than a couple online things ticked off the list. I'm trying to keep that weird Christmas-anxiety of "MUST BE WRAPPING/BAKING/BUYING SOMETHING ALL THE TIME!!" at bay because its really a drag. I think today we will bake something, because its much to cold to think about going outside and those are the perfect days to bake something yummy. 

Hope you have a lovely weekend everyone - eat some gingerbread ok?

---

follow along:

facebook ~ instagram ~ pinterest