{traditions}

Ever since I was a little girl (and even before I was born), my family has had an advent calendar that was handmade by a sweet couple who were neighbors to my Dad and his family while they were all growing up. As kids, we all looked forward to (and possibly fought over) who was going to get to place that day's ornament on the tree.





Two years ago, I received my own advent calendar, made by the same family. It is a gift I will treasure for as long as I live, even more so with the creators (Shorty & Glo S*) having passed away. Although last year was technically the first Christmas season that I had put it up, I had just had a little baby and moved (in the same week) and so the calendar was leaned up against the wall. We only put on 10 decorations before leaving for the Christmas holidays (and more help).









I have been waiting all year to put it up. And tomorrow the countdown begins!

{let it snow}

I know what you are thinking. Snow? In Portland? Before Thanksgiving?

It happened.

And yes, they closed school.

Ridiculous?

Perhaps. But this city is not equipped to handle snow. Not even a tiny bit.

It was a fun 'snow' day for Keegan.

And a fun home day for the rest of us.

{yum yum}

From our turkey to yours...............

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!

{tis the season to give}

I don't know about where you live, but here in the greater Portland area, there are a lot of people suffering from the struggling economy. And although everyone struggles in different ways, there has definitely been an increase in the amount of begging at intersections, freeway on-ramps/off-ramps, stores, and almost any other place that gets a large amount of traffic. One of the many random blogs I follow had a guest post today that focused on how you can help these people and it really made an impact on me.

I'm not usually one to use this blog as a soapbox, but I was really touched by this because it's something I have encountered, and being a Christian, I want to help but am not sure how.

"I always have this train of thought: Do I hand him money? But then what will he spend it on? Do I drive through that McDonald's and buy him some lunch instead? Are they even homeless, because their clothes don't look shabby. Maybe it's just a scam. Maybe I better roll up my windows and hit the lock button on the doors."

Read more: http://www.joyshope.com/2010/11/i-heart-big-hearts.html#ixzz15PafR8E3

This is exactly how I think. And then I feel guilty as well.

I loved the idea of "Blessed to Bless" bags that you can stash in your car and hand out to these people that are in need. If it was me, I would love a toothbrush, some soap, a snack, anything to help make things a little more bearable. You can also find more ideas for giving humanitarian aid at this site.

So, I'm thinking that for our Family Home Evening next week, this is what we will be doing. Because we are blessed - and because we have been given much, we too must give.

{for your entertainment}

Check out this cute dude practicing his skills............

(sorry for the lack of quality, I took this on my iphone)