The Lights are Lit!

We braved the cold yet again for the annual lighting of our city's Santa display, on the side of 

a downtown bank building. We try to go every year, although we wimped out last year due to rain and kids with colds, and every year, as we stand there w-a-i-t-i-n-g  for the lights to be lit, I wonder why we do it. There's just something fun about the expectant crowds and excitement, despite the discomfort and complaints from our children. We did not, however, join the herds

of people walking around the corner to see the lighting of the Christmas tree. 

It probably goes without saying that the Corvette in the picture is not ours.

It's Grampy Day!

I realize this is an unfamiliar occasion to most; in fact it's our own made up day of remembrance. Today would have been my Dad's 76th birthday. He died of lung cancer six years ago. Dad was a warm, funny, flawed but very loveable man. The kind of man who was liked by everyone he knew. He adored my kids, had a special bond with my oldest, was so excited when we found out we were having twins. I wish they could have known him as more than "that funny man in the family videos", that they could remember how he sang songs, and played patty cake with them. Shortly before he died, I told him we would celebrate his birthday each year with memories and laughter. Later today, we'll watch those family movies, look at photos, tell funny stories about him, eat his favorite pineapple upside-down cake, and those of us over seven will remember.
We love and miss you, Dad.

The List of Broken Stuff is Growing

Who knew when the garbage disposal konked out a couple of years ago that it would start a trend? We didn't know how good we
had it. Since then, the dryer has stopped drying, the microwave gave out, the oven just stopped heating the other day, and our shower broke yesterday. Fortunately, we have a large basement in which to hang up clothes, Dh was able to fix the shower, and my mom had a spare microwave we could borrow. We'll have to fix the oven before holiday baking starts.
Everything else will have to wait, since Dh had to have new tires on his car. Oh, and last night, the heater in our van didn't work. I haven't worked up the nerve to tell my poor beleagured husband. I'm hoping it was a fluke. One good thing, I'm starting to thank
God every time something DOES work. So maybe that's the point.

Advent Preparations

For the first time ever, I feel like I'm at least a little prepared for Advent before it starts. This week between Christ the King and
Advent gives me a chance to catch my breath, especially since I'm not cooking Thanksgiving dinner (one of the things I'm thank-
ful for this year!). This year, our plans include two Jesse trees, one using ornaments from our homeschool group Jesse Tree swap, and the other, a handmade tree we won from our local Catholic radio station.

Another new start

Oh, how I love opportunities for a new start! As a Catholic, I'm given many of these opportunities: the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Advent, and Lent, to name some of the most important. Not to mention the usual "fresh start" of New Year's
Day. I figured since we're at the beginning of a new Liturgical year, and I've been inspired by talking to some homeschool friends, now is the time to restart this pathetic blog. Well, we'll see. And if I screw it up, there's another new start coming in January!