{25 Days of Christmas} - Day 7 - Advent

  

I had every intention to blog over the weekend, but decided to go shopping instead. :) 

Every year, I like to pick an Advent Study as a way of preparing my heart for the season. Since Lia is only 1, we aren't doing this as a family yet, but I hope to when she is a little older. 

Waiting Here for You - By Louie Giglio is the study I am working through this year! It seems to be the perfect fit, in preparing and calming my heart!

Other good studies I would recommend. 

I did this one last year!

 

This is from NAPTIME DIARIES

You don't have to use the book for this one, you can just download the SHEREADSTRUTH App

If you have any questions about any of these, let me know!

{25 Days of Christmas} - Day 23 - Christmas Favorites

I saw this idea over on Oak & Oats and loved it. Here are my Christmas Favorites

Movie: This is a hard one for me. If you read my posts about Christmas Movies you know I love most of them...but if I have to pick, I pick the Family Stone...it has family, humor, it makes me cry and it has romance...while I love Hallmark movies, this doesn't offer the happily ever after. 

Drink: I love me some peppermint...so just a good old candy cane coffee with peppermint mocha creamer. 

Album: I'll have to go with Chris Tomlin's - Glory in the Highest.

Baking: My favorite is Gingersnap cookies.

Tradition: My dad hiding our stockings. 

Ornament: I bought several from the apparent project...they are my favorite. The Apparent Project uses recycled goods and is in Haiti and employees about 200 Haitians. 

Food: Our tradition is Chicken Dumpling soup with appetizers. I love it. 

Smell: My favorite candle is from Bath & Body - Winter

What are your favorites?

{25 Days of Christmas} - Day 2 - Advent Study

Advent - the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event. 

As Noel Piper puts it.

"For four weeks, it’s as if we’re re-enacting, remembering the thousands of years God’s people were anticipating and longing for the coming of God’s salvation, for Jesus. That’s what advent means—coming. Even God’s men who foretold the grace that was to come didn’t know “what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating." They were waiting, but they didn’t know what God’s salvation would look like."

I want this season to not be so consumed, with presents, music, decorations, parties, but a time to remember our Savior. 

Last year I attempted to complete a study and made it 10 days and fizzled out. I'm committed this year to two different studies: SheReadsTruth and Ann Voskamp's, The Greatest Gift. I'm excited to see what the Lord does as I prepare my heart this season. 

What are your traditions for Advent? Are you doing any studies? I would love to hear what you guys do!

{25 Days of Christmas} - Day 1 - December Goals

It's always amazing to me how fast each month passes, especially during this time of year. We had a great thanksgiving with my family and then rested the rest of the weekend as our little family of 3.

November Goals

1. Decorate for Christmas - I decorated about the 2nd week of November, I love enjoying our tree and the white twinkle lights. 

2. Date Night - This kind of happened. We went with Auddy and Islande to the school musical and mom and dad watched Lia. 

3. Go to the cities as a family. - We had a great time seeing friends and did a little shopping. 

4. Start Christmas Shopping - Done!! All done!!

5. Eat Clean - I've been having Shakeology about 5 times a week. I've seen great results so far. 

6. Have a play date -First playdate at our house a success.

7. Start P90 - 30 days and in and I love it! 30 minutes a day and its not ridiculously hard, but I'm seeing results. (I'll share those soon)

December Goals

1. Blog 25 Days of Christmas - I've tried for the last 2 years and failed. Hoping this year is the year. 

2. Complete Advent Studies - I've got 2 this year. I'll share more about those tomorrow. 

3. Maintain Weightloss During Holidays - This is a tough one. I love all of the snacky foods that is around during the holidays. 

4. Rise Early in the Morning - I just don't seem to get it all done in the evenings. I had this happen to me last year and I decided to get up early and workout, read, etc...since having Lia, I've been sleeping in. Now she is sleeping more on a consistent schedule, so Early mornings it is. They say it takes 30 days to make a habit :) 

5. Mail out Christmas cards - We scored 60% on snapfish the other day, so cards are here, just need to mail them out. 

6. No Spend December - Since the Christmas presents are bought, I'm committed to not spending any money on ourselves, only necessities.

What are your goals this month?

{25 Days of Christmas} - Days 1- 4: Advent

I have totally been neglecting my blog as of late. I guess, I needed a break. So as tradition (better late than ever), I'm doing my 25 days of Christmas Series. Since, I'm a little behind, I'll do Days 1-4 together.

 

Growing up Christmas, was always my favorite holiday. My parents always made it special and we had quite a few traditions. Now being married, it's fun to think about those traditions and what kind of traditions we want to start together. It's been fun to talk with Claudy about their traditions growing up. It's fun to learn more about his past.

 

This year, the season has been a little bit of struggle. It's hard to be back in the United States and to not get caught up in the consumerism of Christmas. So, I wanted to spend the next 25 days focusing on the meaning and purpose of Christmas. I purchased 2 different Advent Items...

 

1//The Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp

 

It's a short daily devotional and if you have read any of her other items, this one doesn't disappoint.

 

 

2//Naptime Diaries Advent Calendar

 

I'm in love with these prints and I love that they sit below my tv where I see them every day.

 

What are you guys doing for advent?