(Disclaimer: I realized after writing this that it maybe sounded like I was dissing (pretty sure that’s geriatric-speak by now) other advent calenders, or ones that are more “fun”-focused? Because I’m not at ALL. This is just what works for … Read More
I am extremely picky about pumpkin pie. It has to be not too thick, creamy but not goopy, pumpkin-y but not bland, creamy and not rubbery, THE CRUST CANNOT BE SOGGY, etc. etc. I have issues. I’ve been making hacking … Read More
Both slow cooker and Instant Pot friendly, this creamy tomato soup recipe will surely become your go-to comfort meal. It’s flavorful, uses simple ingredients, and takes only 5 minutes to make. Add in some frozen tortellini or serve with grilled … Read More
Our CSA lately has provided us with mass quantities of greens. As in, my entire bottom shelf of my refrigerator is filled with them. This recipe uses none of them, but it did make a dent in the head and … Read More
N’s been saying he wants to be an astronaut for Halloween for a couple of months now. I mostly ignored him for a while because I’m the sort of mother who values listening to her child. But really, there was … Read More
Usually I’m pretty domineering about what we eat for dinner. My way or the highway, fam. But I figured I could allow N to choose his own birthday meal. (I know you are v. curious for my tips on how … Read More
Yes, another panzanella. But this time it’s warm! And has squash! And maple syrup! And goat cheese! (I am a bastion of originality.) It’s similar, yes. But all of us kept saying, “OH MY GOSH THIS IS SO GOOD” so … Read More
Why, hello! Welcome back to me from not-on-earth’s-face. Well, another side of it, anyway. We had a lovely trip to Chicago for a dear friend’s wedding and to Utah to spend lots of time with Grandma & Grandpa (and eat … Read More
Here’s a little post I did over on Janssen‘s blog about some of my favorite things to do in Philadelphia! (Spoiler: it mostly revolves around food.)
Until her party this weekend, it didn’t quite seem true that my baby is ONE. But now she is! Because those 48 hours and cake made all the difference. The day of her birthday was so so gorgeous out. We … Read More
Even with meal planning, there are days when I just get behind or failed to plan ahead or am just plain feeling lazy. This is the meal that I make on those days. It’s quick (30 minutes to the table), … Read More
It will probably shock you to hear that I’m not the biggest muffin fan in the world. Usually they’re too sweet, too bready, too sticky, too…something. Evidently I am pickier than I thought. But these MUFFINS. Gracious. A few weeks … Read More
I will probably get all kinds of flak for this, but we don’t do Santa.
I know. I’m crazy.
I just never believed in Santa growing up, and I’d much rather focus on real things for my favorite season. I’m not opposed to having fun with it and recognizing it as a sweet tradition, knowing that while the magic is fun, it’s also pretend. I feel zero desire to actually try to make my children believe the jolly man is real.
Instead, I love taking the advent season to take time each day to reflect on my Savior. I have this terrible habit of trying to do too much and staying up too late and being grumpy with my children and then wanting to lay around and do nothing all day. I feel pressured to come up with ideas, but then am too tired to execute them. I forget what ACTUALLY most important about this season.
Last year was the first time we did an advent calender and it was, by far, my favorite Christmas tradition. There are lots of different calendars out there, but I wanted to incorporate several together. It was important to me to have some short scriptures, a song, a book, a simple (and toddler-friendly) act of service, and maybe an easy craft each day. And treats, of course (some special ones, hot chocolate, s’mores in our fireplace, etc.).
Last year, I had an idea of all these traditions. This year, I have my giant master list of daily activities, as well as special outings and activities (performances, parties, sing alongs, etc.). I am so excited for all those things, but mostly, I’m thrilled for the 10 or so minutes we’ll spend as a family each night reflecting on our Savior. It was so lovely having this leading up to Christmas Day last year.
Each day has just enough to help two toddlers learn a little about the meaning of Christmas, but is short enough to keep their attention. Each day has:
There are also activities, but to me, those are less important than the special “Jesus time” in the evening. There’s also a talk from a Church leader for Dan and I to read together after the kids are in bed. I print out the whole list, cut it into strips, and put the strip for each day in the appropriate bag.
I just really love it, and hope it helps someone else organize their Christmas reflection, too.
Here‘s the link to my master doc!
