Moody Gardens at Christmas

2 Weeks Till Take Off!

2 weeks till Christmas and Guatemala. I just can't seem to find time to blog these days!!! I don't know why. It's not like I have anything going on! Hee hee. Anyway, things are going great. It's just REALLY busy between getting ready for Christmas and the trip to Guatemala. I've been feeling kind of overwhelmed with it all and my thyroid did a dive on me today. For those of you who don't know my thyroid went kooky on me during my pregnancy with Kaitlyn so now I have to take medicine. My thyroid runs too slowly and it makes me extremely tired and grouchy and on the chubby side if I'm not medicated. I sometimes have a bad spell if I push myself too hard but that hasn't happened for months. Well it happened yesterday. OOOPS... I slept for 11 hours last night then 2 1/2 this afternoon and still couldn't function because I felt so exhausted. It's a horrible feeling. So I'm trying to take it easy so I don't have an all out crash! Hopefully I'll be back up and running in a couple of days. It's just so hard to pace yourself when you have a million things to do and two weeks to do it!

This Christmas has felt more magical for than it has in a long time. We decided to simplify a lot. So we are making presents for people or giving very small sentimental gifts. We are starting so many wonderful traditions. Spending lots of time reading Christmas books and watching Christmas movies. I feel like the last few days I slipped into the rush rush thing and quit enjoying it. I don't want to do that.

I'm deciding to get back on track and enjoy it. I've just got to decide that if it doesn't all get done that it's okay. What's important is that I have little eyes watching me and learning what the Christmas season is all about. What am I telling her with my actions? Yikes... I want so much for her to remember love and family and giving and not chaos at Christmas. THAT'S IT! I'm reforming back to calm Christmas girl. I'll let you know how that goes. :0)

My best to you all. Here's wishing you love and a calm Christmas season...

Angel

Celebrating Advent!

SHARE YOUR TRADITIONS!!!

IF YOU HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY TRADITION JUST CLICK ON MY GUEST BOOK TO THE RIGHT OF THIS PAGE AND SHARE IT WITH ALL OF US! YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE AN MSN MEMBER TO SIGN IT. I CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR YOUR IDEAS!!

My friend Erin talked about this idea on her blog http://gerlthouse.blogspot.com/ I just had to share!!! She and her family have started following advent during Christmas. It's really a great way to get your kids involved with the true meaning of Christmas rather than just the hype. As you read the scriptures night by night it takes you through the Bible and the need for a savior. This builds up the understanding of why Jesus came and gets our children excited about his arrival!! I know I'm a little behind but I'm going to double up and start tommorrow. Just wanted to share it with you because I think it is so great. Here it is....

http://www.family.org/fofmag/pf/a0026154.cfm

Additional Advent Activities • As Christmas cards arrive, save them with the Advent wreath and use your Advent prayer time to pray for the senders. • Do an Advent service project for the needy. Collect money or goods and use a portion of the Advent time to decide whom to help and how to do it. Some possibilities are to join a church's gift-giving project, call the Salvation Army for names of families who are needy, send a special food or gift package to a missionary or give anonymously to those you know in need. • Use your nativity set with as many animals as possible to enact the story. (Great for younger kids!) Some families set up the manger scene and each day move the people and animals in a little closer. • Add occasional craft times to the end of an Advent ceremony. Make ornaments using salt dough or glue pictures of family members on flat foam shapes and decorate. • Make cookies or candies to share at the conclusion of your Advent time, or make special Advent cookies different from Christmas ones. • Have children bring homemade instruments to enhance the singing. • If you have competitive children, alternate who will light the candle, pick the carol, lead the prayers and read the Bible. • Invite your friends to share an Advent evening with you.

Celebrate Advent!
by Letitia Suk

Three weeks and two days before Christmas and the heated discussion among my four children is not about which video games they want for Christmas but who's turn it is to light the candle at family Advent. It's the first week of Advent season, the observance of the four weeks preceding Christmas, a tradition started in the Middle Ages. My kids want to make sure they each have a part in the celebration.

Advent Readings

The length of the Advent season depends on which day of the week Christmas falls on. This schedule includes all possible 28 days of Advent. For shorter seasons adjust this schedule by doubling up on some readings or eliminating the final two readings, which record events after Christ's birth.

First Week
Sun. Is. 40:1-5
Mon. Is. 52:7-10
Tue. Is. 40:9-11
Wed. Gen. 3:8-15
Thu. Gen. 15:1-6
Fri. Deut. 18:15-19
Sat. Ps. 89:1-4

Second Week
Sun. Is. 11:1-10
Mon. Zech. 6:12-13
Tue. Mic. 5:2-4
Wed. Mal. 3:1-6
Thu. John 1:1-8
Fri. John 1:9-18
Sat. Mark 1:1-3

Third Week
Sun. Luke 1:5-13
Mon. Luke 1:14-17
Tue. Luke 1:18-25
Wed. Luke 1:39-45
Thu. Luke 1:46-56
Fri. Luke 1:57-66
Sat. Luke 1:67-80

Fourth Week
Sun. Is. 7:10-14
Mon. Luke 1:26-35
Tue. Is. 9:2-7
Wed. Mt. 1:18-25
Thu. Luke 2:1-20
Fri. Mt. 2:1-2
Sat. Luke 2:21-35

More than any other activity, Advent can restore Jesus to the center of the Christmas celebration, because on each Advent day the birth of Jesus is read, sung and talked about. The whole family can participate and find the observance meaningful. The props are simple and inexpensive. The memories and training will last a lifetime. Although the common tenets of observing Advent are shared by many churches, each family can add its own flavor. Following is a basic primer on how to start celebrating Advent this year.

When:
Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, Dec. 3 this year. Because Christmas falls on different days each year, Advent can last 22 to 28 days.

Prepare your family:
Let your family or household know that this year you are going to start a new tradition to celebrate Jesus' birthday. Whenever you can with children, refer to Christmas as Jesus' birthday. Decide which time of the day will work best for your Advent time.

What you need:
• An Advent wreath, which can be purchased at most Christian bookstores, or made of fire-safe materials or a log with holes for candles. Perhaps it could be a family event to choose or make the Advent wreath.
• Four candles, three purple and one rose, and an additional white candle for Christmas Eve. A box of four Advent candles can be purchased at many card stores or Christian bookstores.
• A Bible for readings and, for younger children, a selection of children's Christmas stories that focus on the birth of Jesus.
• Advent readings.

Optional items:
• An Advent calendar, available where cards are sold, with 24 windows to open each day in December or a paper chain of 24 red and green links to mark the number of days until Jesus' birthday.
• Christmas carol books.

Beginning the celebration:
On the first day begin with either a prayer or a Christmas carol. Light the first purple candle, known as the prophecy candle. The liturgical color purple is a sign of penance and longing as we wait for the birth of Jesus. With the lighting, talk about Jesus being the light of the world. Read the Advent Scripture of the day. Conclude by singing or praying. Have one child blow out the candle.

Light the same candle each day of the first week. Follow with the reading, Christmas carols or other meaningful activities. On the second Sunday light two purple candles, both of which are relit each night. The second candle is known as the Bethlehem candle.

The third week light the two purple candles and then a rose candle, or shepherd candle. Rose is a sign of joy and hope that He is coming.

Light the last candle, known as the angel candle, on the fourth Sunday. All four candles are lit each night that week to symbolize the growing brightness of Jesus' coming.

Advent activities for Christmas Eve:
Conclude the Advent season by lighting all four candles and placing an additional white candle in the center in its own holder. Have a birthday party for Jesus complete with cake, the Happy Birthday song, candles and presents of nonmaterial gifts such as singing, readings, a play and prayers that each family member brings to share with others. Consider doing a nativity play with simple costumes. As you prepare to open gifts explain how we give gifts as a reminder of how much God gave us in Jesus.

Long after the new toys are banished to the back of the closet and the decorations stored away for another year, the memories of the four weeks of Advent will remain. Don't be surprised if it turns out to be your favorite tradition!

Hope you love this idea as much as I do. I have drawn up a list of my holiday traditions for us to go through as a family. Several people have requested a copy. I'm more than happy to share. So please steal a few then share some with me!

Christmas Traditions

The Weekend After Thanksgiving

1. Decorate the house with fun Christmas decorations
2. Pick out a Christmas tree
3. String popcorn and cranberries for the tree
4. Make homemade decorations for the tree
5. Talk about the meaning of the Christmas season- Jesus was born as a gift to us and gave his life for us, in the same way we should serve each other and be a gift to one another
6. Read a children’s version of the Christmas story

The Month Of December

1. Spend some time doing a special service for Christmas- food bank, adopt a family for Christmas, or other opportunity- when kids are old enough let them help to decide what the family service project should be
2. Have a baking day for friends and neighbors- spend a family day making lots of yummy goodies for those in your everyday life while you play lots of great Christmas music!!!
3. Follow an advent calendar- let kids take turns removing an object each night before bed (maybe make your own calendar)
4. Make a gingerbread house

The Week before Christmas

1. Watch a Christmas movie each night while working on homemade gifts for family and friends- each family member gets to choose a couple of the movies
2. Each night write something that you are thankful for on a piece of paper and put it on the Christmas tree
3. Each night read a fun children’s book about Christmas and a meaningful children’s book about Christmas

The Night Before Christmas

1. Make Jesus birthday cards to put on top of the mantle
2. Make a special plate of treats for Santa
3. Make magic reindeer food ( quaker oats, sprinkles, and other fun stuff) –thanks Henry’s for letting us steal this one :0)
4. Sprinkle reindeer food on sidewalk
5. Read “The Night Before Christmas” and children’s version of the Christmas story
6. Go on a hay ride to see the lights in our neighborhood

Christmas Day

1. Open presents
2. Make Happy Birthday pancakes for Jesus Birthday in fun Christmas shapes
3. Go to grandma and grandpa’s house!!

New Year’s Eve

1. Start a family journal. Each year each family member will write the best things that happened, the worst things that happened and the things they have learned. Parents can write for children too young to write on their own.

HUGS TO YOU!! Angel

Kaitlyn Cute Stuff...

Yesterday I told Kaitlyn that she makes me smile everyday. Then I asked if I ever make her smile. She nodded her head and answered very sincerely, "Yes, mommy.. Every day."

Kaitlyn LOVES going to church and I love that she LOVES going to church. Our Early Childhood Minister does such a beautiful job of organizing a ministry that reaches the kids on their level. Kaitlyn and all the kids just gobble it up!! You're the best Anne. I so appreciate what you do for our little ones!

So anyway, this past Sunday morning I asked Kaitlyn what she learned at church. She enthusiatically responded, "Jesus sleeps in a manger!! and God said "Don't you be afraid of me!!" So CUTE!

She then proceeded to lead us in a rousing round of songs and carols. Jingle bells, joy heart (She likes to give them her own names) and other favorites. It was a precious moment for this mommy

1 month since our paperwork went to Guatemala!

One month down... How many to go???

It's gone VERY quickly so far. I pray the rest go by as easily. I think this next month will fly by. Between Christmas and our trip to Guatemala then New Year's... Jan 7th will be here before we know it. That's the part where I'm afraid it might get harder. I'll have held my little girl and left her behind in Guatemala. How will my mommy's heart handle that? I've only been away from Kaitlyn a hand full of times since she was born. I am praying for grace and strength for Zoe and for us.

All our preparations are going very well! A new wardrobe, educational DVDs, toys, workbooks, bilingual books, craft projects to do in the hotel.... The list is endless! I don't know what we would do without our EXTREMELY supportive parents. They have gone right out and started shopping for our sweet girl. Many of our friends have done the same. What a blessing. Thank you all! I can't believe we get to see her in two and a half weeks! I wonder if she's excited or nervous. Probably both. I know I'm both.

21 Days Till Take Off!!!

Just thought I should begin the countdown to Guatemala departure for our 1st visit!!!

Can't write much tonight... Not enough hours in the day ya know?? Thank you everyone who checks my blog and prays so faithfully for our little one in Guatemala. I know without a shadow of a doubt that God hears our prayers and is faithful to answer us. Not always exactly the answer we want but always the answer we need. In the same way we do what is best for our children even when it is painful... That is how God loves us!! Sleep peacefully blogger buddies.

:0) Angel

A Praise, a Prayer Request and New Info on Zoe/Mirna

PRAISE!!!!

We have our fingerprints done and in 10-14 days we will have 171 H the final approval from our government to get DNA testing. This is a major step and went very quickly. also....

I have a prayer request. During the next week or two we will be getting a court assignment for family court in Guatemala. That is the good news. PRAISE!!! Here is the tricky part.....

Dear Families,

We wanted to update you on the holidays and how that effects the courts and the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala.

The Family Courts take rotating vacations. The even number Courts will be on vacation November 15^th – December 15^th. The odd number courts will not be working December 15^th – January 15^th. All the Family courts will close Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years day. We are working on finding out which cases are in which courts so we can prepare you.

As you can see if we get assigned to the even court SWEET. If we get assigned to the odd court it will most likely mean waiting an extra month.... YUCK. I am trying to pray for God's timing in this adoption. I know that there are many reasons for things that happen. Yet I pray that God will bring my baby home as soon as possible and be glorified in this process. I believe in miracles! Right now everyone is telling us to expect delays and delays because of the holidays. I know that is true. Yet I know my God is bigger than that. If she is supposed to come home quickly she will. If not then God will provide us with the grace to wait, comfort for her and the funds to visit AGAIN!! Oh Lord please let it be option A!!

and finally ....

I wrote the agency in Guatemala to ask them some questions about our girl. Some of you have wanted to know some of these things so here goes.... I blanked out their names for their privacy.

1. We would like to purchase a small TV/DVD combo unit for the foster mother. We would bring it on our trip in December. We feel that this would be important for Mirna while she lives there because we would make dvds of our family and home as well as English cartoons etc. We would also like to buy a couple of DVDs for the family as well. Do you think this is a possibility? yes it is ok for you to buy them. We don't want to make the foster mother uncomfortable or give her something that won't work for her home. I already talked to the foster mother about it and it is ok.

2. Can we find out more info on the foster family Mirna's staying with? They are 5 at the foster mother's home, ----- the foster mother, ------, foster dad, Foster father's brother, and --------is the daugther of ----- the foster mother, she is 7 months old.

How old is the sister and how long have you worked with them? there is another girl at home, her name is -----, she is not a biological sister for mirna, she is eight years old, and has been at the house for two m onths they get along well and play well, the foster mother bought barbies for the girls because they wanted barbies.

How is she doing with them? She behaves good, she is learning things that the foster mother is teaching her, is an excelent girl and is a healthy girl

3. What size clothes should we buy for Mirna to bring when we visit?She is using size 12 or 14, shoe size is 32. (this translates into American size 7 girl clothes or medium girls and size 2 shoe)

4. Has Mirna had schooling at all?no she has never gone to school till now, Foster Mother is teaching her for now.

5. Can we hire a tutor to go to Mirna's foster home and work with her on learning English? yes she can, we can hire a tutor for her during the week in the morning,

If so, how much would that cost?I will find a tutor and let you know about the cost!

My Final Thoughts...

Such wonderful information. I love to dissect every little thing.... She likes Barbie's so she probably a girly girl like Kaitlyn! :0) She's wearing pink in both pictures... Is that her favorite color? She is well behaved. Thank you Lord! She likes to learn and sounds smart. She never got to go to school... That's okay! Her Foster mother buys them Barbies and teaches her things!! Thank you Lord!

Thank you for your prayers!

:0) Angel