Fall seemed to never arrive this year. I watched and watched as my other friends and children posted beautiful pictures from the Northeast. I wanted to badly to see the leaves turn the golden and rust colors that make me point out the window as if it was the first fall I’ve ever seen.

I had just lamented to Nate that I had given up on this happening this year and woke up the next day to the colors that make my heart skip a beat.

Nature never fails to teach me the lessons of our Creator.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, without the possibility that mankind will find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.

We are using this Advent calendar this year, and I’m really hoping to stay on track! My plan is to read the scripture each night at dinner so that we are already together and sitting down and our mouths are full of delicious food so that we can listen more intently. (The plans of mice and men….)

I learned that Meg’s book hit #1 on Amazon in Roman Catholicism! I’m so excited for her! She was an absolute delight to have on the podcast, and I can’t wait to watch what God has in store for her next book!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Every year, we read the story of Jesus’ birth while putting up the nativity.

This year, I missed Julia and Nate so much. Sometimes, I have to remind myself to keep the traditions going for the little ones, too – that they haven’t had all the years of doing something that makes it beautiful. And then, when I hear them tell me what comes next, it makes that awkward moment in my heart worth it. When Julia made us a family of three, it seemed very normal to add kids in to a tradition. But now, it feels strange to me to keep something going after Nate and she are gone. And then, I see those sweet smiles and I know we are still in the business of making memories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet Mary Alice was sick earlier this week, and Emily’s watercolor workbooks saved my sanity! Mary Alice loved practicing the butterfly in Twirl over and over. (Working from home is a huge blessing and I hope to never take it for granted!)

I hope you have an incredible Advent! I’m praying for you sweet friends!