Leading Up to Christmas

It was a busy week before Christmas...we had decorating and last minute cleaning, but most important were the family and friends visiting.  Here are some of the highlights:

O, Root of Jesse, come!

Our Advent Angel sent the following message:

"Remember why we have Jesse Tree?  We focus on the foretelling of the Messiah from the promise given to Jesse.   We also remember some other characters who stumbled into the tale thanks to a message from the angels!  Enjoy your time with family!"

A quick trip to pick up my mom and keep an appointment with our favorite hairdresser turned into an all day event!  However, the boys did not mind since they had Shane to play board games.  They loved their time with him and they were probably glad we stayed away so long!  The "girls" enjoyed our time together also.  Just wish we could have had Amanda with us.  Hoping to see her soon!

O, Key of David, come!

Today we learn about a special place in the story of Jesus.  God’s Chosen People once had to go to the only one in the world to worship God properly but now we can go to church all over the world!  God wanted all people to worship and adore him!   Spend the day with family and friends but remember to always worship our Savior and King!

We headed out to spend a day with family at Sea World.  At first, I did not think it was a good idea but as we walked around the park we were very impressed that the park actually showed signs of the real meaning of Christmas.  There was a LARGE nativity scene set up and a group of singers dressed as shepherds entered from a side path to share a musical medley to adore the king and savior!  It was a beautiful show. There was also the same appeal to remember the meaning of the season in the big Shamu show at the end of the night.  I am so glad we were able to be there during this time of year.

Also, we introduced the joy of geocaching to Christina and Shane this morning.  It was so much fun!  We all thought it was funny to find out Christina thought we were looking for a tree because I told her the cache would only have a log!  To make it even better the second cache of the day WAS in a log!  I love this hobby!  I think they will also.

O, Radiant Dawn, come!

We started out the fourth Sunday of Advent remembering the star that led the way to Bethlehem...not the one in the sky, but the true light that rises each day if we will only let him dispel the darkness in our lives.

The day has almost come for the celebration of the birth of our Lord!  After all the preparation of the home, it is time to decorate the tree and the rooms to welcome the king to your home.  Do not forget that as you decorate you must also be prepared to welcome Him into your heart.

We gave out new tree ornaments to everyone this morning.  We were so excited to give the ornaments to Christina and Shane...new dad and baby ornaments along with an owl ornament for fun!  We also gave my mom a coffee mug with all the pictures from the National Parks she visited with us.  We told her it was for all the hard work she gave to help the children earn their junior ranger badges!  We still have an ornament to give to Amanda ...an angel, of course!

We also did something crazy today...not related to Advent...we looked at homes in a neighborhood we have grown to love.  Are we crazy to want to move again so quickly?  Probably...but we are praying about it and we will see what the new year brings us!  The best part...we were able to enjoy the time with my mom as she stayed with us through the weekend!

O, King of the Gentiles, come!

Many think of the three kings as the first royalty to arrive on the scene.  However, we know that it was actually a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes!  And, the best part?   The three kings knew this as well!  Do not forget to adore the newborn king this Christmas.  Wise men still seek him!

Another busy day, but this time it was because of an appointment with Sean's doctor.  We have learned a lot about how he will transition into adulthood (only 6 months until he is 18!).  We have a lot of work to do in the next year.  More on this as we make our way through the steps to help him.  Maybe one of you will learn from our journey into adulthood for a son with Asperger Syndrome.

Mom graciously watched the children so we could give our full attention to the doctor's comments.  My brother Adrian also came to the house.  We enjoyed a nice Polish meal to honor St. John of Kanty.  Then Adrian was able to take mom home.  We sure enjoyed their visit!

O, Emmanuel, come!

The message from our Advent Angel read:

"God is with us as we enter into the special season of Christmas!  It is time to finish any last minute preparation.  He will be here soon!  Are you ready?  Take some time today to write down some of the ways you have shown love to others in the last four weeks.  Also, write down ways that you would like to improve for the next year.  This is the gift Jesus is looking for under the tree!  If you meet him there with your gift, then he will be there to share his with you!"

Christmas Eve!

It is easy to have our focus on the coming of a little baby, but we cannot forget the rest of the story.  Take some time today to remember that the baby in the manger grows up to be our savior!

We went to Mass this afternoon and there was standing room only overflowing into the hallways!  Oh how my heart desires the church to be full like this at every Mass.  What a special gift to see everyone gathered together for this celebration!

So much more I anted to share...I guess I will save that for next time!  We are looking forward to the twelve days of Christmas!  May God bless all our family and friends. And may all those who do not know the Savior come to learn about the joy he has to offer them!