Advent for the Advent Calendar Impaired (in which I tell you it's OK to be counter culture)

In case you haven't noticed, it's Christmas time, and everyone and their brother is doing an advent calendar.

Or Elf on the Shelf.

Or both.

I've got to admit, it's all a little overwhelming to me.

Just do a search for advent calendars on Pinterest, and you'll see what I mean.

Don't get me wrong, many of those calendars are beautiful, fun, and super creative.

Strangely enough, that just makes them all the more overwhelming!

After a while, I start to feel this pressure to take part and do these things, even if they are contrary to my hopes for how my family will experience Christmas this year.

This Christmas, more than ever before, I have 2 goals: to keep things simple, and to keep things focused on Jesus.

This doesn't mean we won't do fun things like go to the Christmas parade or see the lights, do lots of baking and cooking for friends, or go see Santa.

It just means I am doing my best to not add more things to my to do list that don't really need to be there.

Things like this:

Many advent calendars involve buying little trinkets for your child to open on the 24 days leading up to Christmas.

Buying 24 little trinkets, times 3, sounds exhausting to me.

Thinking of 24 trinkets to buy sounds exhausting.

Also, buying 24 trinkets, times 3, could be really expensive since I despise the dollar store, and refuse to buy my kids cheap junk that will be broken or tossed the next day.

Also, trinkets mean clutter.

Clutter does not simplify my life.

Other advent calendars suggest you offer your children special treats that are activities, not things.

The thing is, December is already a really busy month.

Doing one special activity a day sounds extremely exhausting to me.

Heck, sometimes doing one special activity a week is extremely exhausting to me!

Again, not simplifying.

I know all this makes me sound like a real Scrooge.

But I promise, I'm not.

Instead, I'm realizing that many of us are trying so hard to make every moment of this month so super, duper special, and fun, and exciting, and full of memory making moments, that it all just becomes too much.

It doesn't have to be that way.

Because really, isn't this the most important part of Christmas?

And isn't this what you want your children to focus on?

You might not end up with a Pinterest worthy advent calendar, or your kids might miss out on getting that special Christmas pencil when they complete day 15's advent scavenger hunt, but it will be OK.

Really.

Because you can still celebrate advent with your family.
You can celebrate in a simple and meaningful way.

Let me tell you what we did tonight.

After dinner, we sat down together in the living room.

We lit 2 candles because today is December 2nd.

They were't special advent candles, or any special colors, or anything more than some IKEA votives in mason jars.

We read a part of the Christmas story out of The Jesus Storybook Bible, and then we sang some Christmas carols together.

We had a good talk after we read.

We talked of Old Testament prophesies, of God using a poor, young girl like Mary to carry out His magnificent plan, and what the world would be like if Jesus had never come.

It was simple and just what I want for this Christmas season.

At this point I know we can realistically make that happen for the rest of the Sundays of Advent.

There won't be any guilt over missed days, and we won't loose steam because we are trying to cram in too many things in a day.

Next week our tree will be up and the time together will be that much more special as we turn off the lights and sing carols around the tree.

We'll probably recite the verses from Luke that we are learning together for school.

And also our poem, Christmas Everywhere.  (I love this poem!)

We might even have hot cocoa.

With marshmallows!

See, I am not a Scrooge.

I am just a mama who knows her limitations and who is finally learning to accept them.

And I am excited by time spent together doing simple things.

Because simple really is beautiful.

It is a counter culture idea.

I know, because I went to Target last night after the kids went to bed.

All I needed was baby wipes, paper towels and a filter for our Britta water pitcher.

Yet there I was, wandering the aisles, thinking about getting Lilly a new Hello Kitty water bottle, even though the one she has is still perfectly good.

It is very tempting to make the Christmas season all about consuming, and being crazy busy, and getting stressed out because we've over committed, until it just isn't peaceful anymore.

I'm here to tell you that you can be a Christmas slacker.

Pick the things that mean the most to you and do them.

And that's it.

It might end up being the simplest Christmas you've ever had.

And that is not a bad thing.

...........................................................................................................................................

Now if you are still really wanting to jump aboard the advent calendar bandwagon, I have a few ideas for you.

None of them are too overwhelming, and if you can't manage them for this year, start working on them for next Christmas and you'll be ahead of the game.

This never actually works for me, but you might be a better planner than I am.

So, if I was going to do one advent calendar, it would be this one. (see more pics of it here)

I like the simple, beautiful, fonts for each number.
It reminds me of Alexander Girard and also the graphics created by House Industries, both of which my design loving soul appreciates greatly.

I like that the pockets are small enough to hold one chocolate coin for each kid and a piece of paper with a scripture on it.

Because if I were doing and advent calendar, that is what I'd give my kids each day.

Simple. Sweet. Focused on Jesus.

Who knows?

I might get all crazy and do this next Christmas.

If you are wanting an advent activity for each day that is Christ centered, and more than fun activities, junky trinkets, or candy, this is the thing for you.
This, free, printable devotion guide from Anne Voskamp is beautiful, and all about Jesus.
There is a little, paper ornament to hang from the tree, (or put into one of those bags from the advent calendar I mentioned above--see how I did that?)  and a corresponding reading from scripture.
I am thinking of printing this up and doing it with my kids this year, even though we are already a bit behind.
Because we do Bible together in school everyday, this could be our Bible time and it would not add anything extra to our plate.
I don't think we'd be able to do it every night as a family because some nights we are doing other things, Aaron or I are gone, or the kids are tired and cranky and all we really want to do with them is put them to bed!
Just being honest with you here.
But we could do it together some nights and other times in the morning for school.
This is something worth investing time in because it emphasizes the most important part of Christmas--the birth of Jesus.

And if both of those things still sound like too much, here is an idea that you can do with your small child today.
Make a paper chain, one strip of paper for each day leading up to Christmas (yes you can make one now and the advent calendar police will not come get you for starting on December 3rd) and on each strip write down one of the names Jesus is called in the Bible, and its corresponding scripture verse.
My friend Mary sent this to me and I thought it was a brilliant idea.
Here are the names and verses:

The Son of the living God  

Mat 16:16

 His only begotten Son  

Jhn 3:16

 The Son of the Father  

1Jo 1:3

 The first-born of every creature  

Col 1:15

 His dear Son (or the Son of his love)  

Col 1:13

 The Son of the Highest  

Luk 1:32

 Wonderful  

Isa 9:6

 "This is the Son of God."  

Jhn 1:34 by John Baptist

 "The Christ, the Son of God."  

Jhn 20:31 from John, Apostle,

 "The Christ, the Son of God."  

Jhn 11:27 from Martha,

 "Thou Son of the Most High God."  

Mar 5:7 from The Legion,

   God

    Jhn 1:1;

 The Mighty God  

Isa 9:6

 The Everlasting God  

Isa 40:28

 The True God  

1Jo 5:20

 My Lord and my God  

Jhn 20:28

 The God of the whole earth  

Isa 54:5

 God manifest in the flesh  

1Ti 3:16

 The great God and our Saviour, Jesus Christ    

                        Tts 2:13

 Emanuel, God with us  

Mat 1:23

 Jehovah, mighty in battle  

Psa 24:8

 I am  

Exd 3:14;

 The Highest  

Luk 1:76

 The Lord of Glory  

1Cr 2:8

 The King, Jehovah of Hosts  

Isa 6:5

If you can't find it in your heart to do an advent calendar at all, here is a helpful list of books you can read from for the advent season.
One of them would be a worthy purchase that would last you for the rest of your Christmases.
(This is one of my favorite blogs because it is about reading and good literature. Many of the books that are part of our school curriculum are discussed here, as well as books that are new to me.  It is a helpful blog all year long) 

In the end, I hope you experience true joy this Christmas season, not in getting or even giving lots of things, but in the knowledge that Christmas is about loving each other. 
And that is because Jesus showed us the ultimate love by coming to earth to walk among us.

HE IS WITH US!

Merry Christmas, friends!
Love from,
Greta

Family Photo Booth Shoot 2012

This may be one of my most cherished family traditions.

To me, these are priceless heirlooms.

Our collection of photo booth strips is growing.

If we keep going at this rate, it will take over a whole wall.

I'm game.

These strips, and the story each one tells, are fun.

I think that's what I like best about them.

They are silly, they are spontaneous, and they are just the real us, having fun.

I know that when my kids are grown, and I look back at the days of their childhood, these are the kinds of moments I will cherish.

Make the time to make memories, my friends.

It is worth every bit of extra effort.

This life is short--live it up!

Here are our shots from the OC fair this year.

The big boys went first.

Brothers.

They share so much.

I love them so.

Then it was me and my littles.
Davy is still not sure about the photo booth thing.
But Lilly is getting it.
Last year Davy was a tiny newborn.
Now he's a big boy.
And Lilly is my blond beauty.
I love them so.

Aaron met us at the fair after work and we headed back to the booths for the family shot.
No one thought we could do it.
But we did!
Look closely and you'll see parts of everyone's face in every picture.
The first one's the worst, but they just get better from there.
I like the third one--everyone's mouth is open except for Davy.
But his eyes are wide open.
These crack me up.
Every single time I walk past these strips hanging in the kitchen, I smile.

People tell me every day how hard it must be to have "all those kids".
They shake their heads.
They say "better you than me".
Or, "I couldn't do it".
Sometimes they say, "you are so blessed."
Yes, I am.
I am blessed beyond measure.
Yes, it's hard.
Yes, it's crazy.
Yes, it can be exhausting.
But there is also so much joy, laughter, and fun that we all share.
There is a fullness in our house and in our life that is very rich.
There is a lot of love.
Sometimes when I stop to think of it, I can't help but cry.
Blessed indeed.
These photos remind me of that.
Have a wonderful week, friends.
Love from,
Greta 

Another Trip to the Fair

Ahh, the fair.

Even though it was blazing hot, we couldn't miss our annual trip.

There are some traditions you just don't mess with.

I think we have more fun every year.

Even with 14 month old David, who's not at the easiest age to take places, we all had a blast.

We stayed until 10--and nary a tear in sight.

Sometimes I wonder why I love the fair so much.

After all, it's crowded, smoky, smelly, hot, loud, over stimulating, and full of all sorts of outfits you'd rather not see.

(why the need to dress so hoeish at the fair, ladies?  why oh why?)

But every year, we return, and as soon as I walk in, fill my lungs with the smell of grease and smoky bbq, I am so glad to be back at the fair.

Maybe it's the memories of my own childhood days at the Del Mar Fair.

There are many vivid memories of walking around the fair with my little brother, my mom and dad.

I even remember certain outfits I wore.

I always liked to get fudge, or the mini cinnamon sugar donuts after watching them run through the whole donut making machine.

I liked looking at the animals, the art, the pools and spas in the garden pavilion,  (didn't you always wish you could take a dip in one of those) and of course the rides.

I liked the Tilt o Whirl and the swings the best.

Now I have another list of favorites:

The photo booths, of course are #1.

This year we got all 6 of us in the picture!

It's pretty amazing, I must say.

I'm in awe of the things people will fry.

And of the things people will eat.

One of my favorite things about the fair is the spectacle of it all.
Giant rides, giant, bacon wrapped, turkey legs, giant steer.

Who doesn't love the baby animals?

Even the pigs are cute.

But so smelly on a hot day.

Ewww.

The calves are my favorite.

Does anyone else find it so awesome that people still make things for the fair?

This gentleman was making wooden tops.

He gave some to the kids.

Jams, jellies, and canned peaches.

Love, love, love.

As far as the kids were concerned, this cake took the cake.

The shows are pretty fun too.

Jumping dogs!

We can't miss the 

PIG RACES!

Those pig races can get pretty intense.

And then there's one of the most favorite parts of the fair, the rides!

William likes the fun houses the best.

Lilly loves the carousel.

Davy dreams of the day it will be his turn.

This year, William tried the climbing wall.

That boy loves to climb.

We always pack our own dinner, but then everyone gets a treat.

William got a churro, James an ice cream cone, and Lilly tried dippin dots.

Aaron always says he's going to get something deep fried, chocolate covered, and with bacon, 

but he never does.

The night ended with fireworks.

Who could ask for more?

I'll be putting out photo booth strip up next.
Come back for a laugh.
Love from,
Greta
PS. More fun fair photos over at Picnics.

Fallbrook, My Hometown

One of the nicest things about holidays like Easter and Christmas is that we get to spend time in Fallbrook.

Aaron and I both grew up there.

It's where our parents live still.

So do 2 of my siblings.

I love Fallbrook.

I love the hills, the avocados, the views of Palomar Mt., the Mission Theater sign, open space, the old buildings, the curvy roads, the old oak trees, and the way the stars are so bright at night.

I love Main St.

I love that Aaron and I share so many of the same childhood memories even though we didn't know each other.

(which is so weird, because Fallbrook is a very small town and everyone knows everyone)

Whenever we go back, there are special things to do and places to visit.

Places that have stood the test of time.

Places like the Yogurt Palace.

Not Pinkberry, or Fro Yo or Yogurt Land.

This place is old school and it's been around for 35 years or so.

It's the very best.

Ever.

Ask anyone.

Another favorite spot is Live Oak Park.
I've blogged about it before, but I can't help doing it again.
We love Live Oak Park.
It's beautiful this time of year.

The perfect place for senior pictures with trees and awkward head tilts.
Lilly's practicing.

It's also the perfect place for crawdad fishing.
You just tie a piece of hot dog to some fishing string, tie that to a stick and boom! you've got yourself a crawdad pole.
We're such hillbillies!

William had better luck than anyone else.
It's really no surprise since he's my catcher.
Lizards, grasshoppers, tadpoles, you name it, he's caught it and brought it home.
He really wanted to bring home a crawdad for a new pet.

I however, find crawdads to be disgusting--they remind me of underwater cockroaches--and was determined we would not bring any home with us.

In the past few months we've had snails, spiders, grasshoppers and an alligator lizard living in our house.
Right now we have 8 caterpillars.
I think I am pretty open minded about pets.
But I draw the line at crawdads.
William wants a bunny for his birthday, and I'd much rather have that than a crawdad.
So he fished and enjoyed the process, rather than the catch.

We had a great evening at Live Oak Park.

We bbqed hot dogs (the ones the crawdads didn't bite--kidding.) on the old, charcoal grills and watched the kids fish.
We were the last ones to leave.

I love my many, many memories of growing up in Fallbrook and I love that my kids are making memories there, too.
It's a part of their life, just like mine.

Love from,

Greta