Beginning New Traditions

It's been a busy week. I have been working on finishing up several projects and haven't had much extra time left at the end of the day, but it's been worth it. Some of these I completed just in time for Advent. I know I had said that I wasn't going to add much to our Advent and Christmas traditions this year, but I changed my mind. If I waited until I was able to do everything just the way I want it then it would be years before my ideas came to life.
I was fortunate to happen upon a site that has printable Jesse Tree ornaments with corresponding reflections and bible passages to read each night. I printed all 28 ornaments and had my mom laminate them for me. I punched a hole in the top of each ornament, threaded some thin purple ribbon through and secured with hot glue. Done! Now all I needed was a special way to keep these items together.
As I was browsing the shelves at Michaels I saw some small wooden, hinged boxes for $3. I picked one out along with two shades of purple acrylic paint, some foam paint brushes and a spray-on sealer. I took the hinges and closures off, applied two coats of paint in each color, allowed them to dry, then used the sealer. The whole process only took one evening.

Now I have a beautiful box which holds the ornament and reading for the day along with two Hershey Kisses for the kids to enjoy. It's worked out quite well.

I don't have the extra room for a separate tree so we put up our beautiful 7.5 foot pre-lit tree and strung it with purple lights. (We'll keep the white lights off until Christmas day and put up our family ornaments on Christmas Eve.)

Each night we all come and sit by the tree with the box and our Bible. One of the kids "hangs" the ornament and then Steve reads the reflection while I help the kids with their chocolate. Then we open the Bible and read the passages while the kids wander the room. (I'm not going to push them to sit still, as long as they're quiet and in the room, I'm happy.)

I keep the box and the Bible on our mantle as the centerpiece of the decoration. I reused my glass vases from fall by surrounding glittery, snow-covered twigs with small purple and silver ball ornaments then wrapping a wide purple ribbon around the top.

Between these vases and the box stand two 8x10 frames with an image of St. Nicholas and a beautiful representation of the Jesse Tree.

My sister referred me to a wonderful blog where I saw this great idea for O Antiphon ornaments. There are several ways to incorporate the O Antiphons into your family traditions with ornaments, houses or wreaths. Perhaps if I find some more time I may try my hand at putting something together. If not, there's always next year. I am pleased with what we have put together for this year though, and am excited to be celebrating this season with my family.

Fruit and Nut Bars

I've been looking for a better snack lately, one that's healthy, filling and full of flavor. I settled on granola bars but wanted to try my hand at making them because store bought are so expensive, not to mention full of preservatives. I decided to use peanut butter to make them more appealing to Steve, who's never been a fan of granola. They turned out great; chewy, nutty, sweet... super tasty. Steve and the kids love them, too which is a huge bonus. Actually, he's told me that I'm not allowed to make any other kind. Not that I'll listen, though. Heh.


2 cups old fashion oats
3 Tbsp chopped or sliced almonds
1/2 cup chopped, dried cranberries, cherries and blueberries
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1 Tbsp brown sugar

Heat the oven to 400F. Spread the oats and almonds in a thin layer on a baking sheet and toast until golden brown, about 7 minutes.
Meanwhile, Combine peanut butter, honey, and brown sugar in a saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring until fully melted.
Put dried fruit, coconut and toasted oats and almonds in a medium bowl. Pour the peanut butter mixture on top and stir until fully coated.
Press into a 9x9 pan lined with parchment paper or foil. Remove paper from pan and allow to cool on a cooling rack.
Once cooled, cut and wrap each bar in plastic wrap.
Makes 18 bars.

Preparing For Advent

Did you know that Advent begins next Sunday? This is my favorite season in the Church's calendar; the time to reflect on the history of God's people, prepare with joy for His coming at Bethlehem, and look forward to when He will come again. There are many books, activities and prayers available not only for children but for adults looking to celebrate, learn, pray and enjoy this wonderful time.

I recently found a post by Karen Edminsten, The No-Panic Advent Series. In it she has combined all her posts about advent, making it a one-stop-shop, so to speak, of all her ideas for making this season special. She covers so many great topics; The Jesus Stocking, December Feast Days, The Jesse Tree, balancing secularity with Christian heritage, simple traditions (advent wreaths and calendars, prayers and books), Santa, last minute checklists, and the Twelve Days. It's a very long post but is simply a gold mine of tips, links and ideas.

I have posted before about wanting to start some traditions for this time with my family. The Jesse Tree is top on my list but I have come across so many more wonderful ideas, it's almost a little overwhelming. Taking the advice of more seasoned mothers though, I have started a folder compiling ideas, activities, and websites full of prayers and meditations. There is no way I can do everything in one year, nor should I try, and this will allow me to hold on to these ideas for future years. We'll try more ideas as the years go on and hold on to those that are most meaningful for our family.

As time is in short supply this year I think the only new addition to our calendar will be the celebration of St Nicholas Day. We will make and hang stockings on the 5th (St Nicholas Day Eve) and read his story. The next day they will find a few fun trinkets, fruit or candy in them. We'll read some more, bake some Speculaas cookies, say some prayers and enjoy a special dinner.

What special traditions do you have for this season?

Addie The Enforcer... Part 2

Sitting on the couch next to her daddy after dinner last night Addie was chatting away and holding a cup of juice. Suddenly, her jabber takes on a concerned tone and she begins saying, "Oh no. no juice. Tahm Out. Tahm out, juice."
We watch, jaws dropped open and barely containing our laughs, as she takes her sippy and puts it in the time out corner. "Tahm Out, Juice" she says again as she walks away. A few moments later she says, "OK, ah dun. Sorry? Sorry, juice." and kisses the cup as she returns to her place on the couch.