Daybook - Eight Days Before Christmas

The world outside - warm for this time of the year but bleak like usual for this time of the year.  The kids are hoping for a white Christmas.  Not gonna happen. 

I am watching -  a child playing the piano, same two songs (over and over and over again) - Ode to Joy, Carol of the Bells.  Trying not to hate ;-) 

I am thinking - about my oldest.  He is wrestling with keeping the Sabbath holy and sports.  We have tried our best to keep them out of Sunday sports but we are now at that crossroad.  We discussed every angle of this issue last night. As he is my naturally pious one, I have to be careful that he does not become scrupulous (or intellectually/spiritually prideful).  I have to talk to a priest about this.  I even suggested that he ask our Bishop this question on his radio program.  When my husband was in (Catholic) school they never played on Sundays.  We don't want our kids to miss out (as some of them have real talent) on the opportunity to play but we are also not willing to sacrifice keeping the Sabbath holy and restful for our family.  Thoughts?

I am praying - for all involved in the Newtown, Connecticut tragedy.  For a dear friend and her family over there at http://catholicfamilyvignettes.com/

I am thankful - for Advent, because it is my excuse and permission to slow down and ponder the important things

I am excited about - Christmas! 'nuff said 

I am reading - a couple of things.  With my oldest,  re-reading our Marian consecration books.  We will renew our consecration on January 1st.  I'm re-reading Hail, Holy Queen by Scott Hahn.  For fiction, I am trying NOT to read any Willa Cather on my list.  I love her books but I want to be joyful for Christmas.  We are reading aloud one Christmas/Advent story a day, today it's the Snow Queen

I am listening - to chant. I need it.  There's only so much praise and tra-la-la music I can handle

I am teaching - not much this week.  We've been really good with staying on track with school work and devotionals.  We have been reading all the Jesse Tree Scripture readings and doing our best to follow the recommended actions on our advent calendar 

I am cooking - a kiddy-fied (not a real word, I know) beef stroganoff for dinner.  Which means the look and taste of mushrooms have to be concealed with lots of heavy cream  hahaha

I am planning - nothing! That's how my Advent has been.  My planner is as clean as a whistle and that's how I like it

I am capturing moments -

my happy, goofy boys

little old lady crocheting somebody's Christmas present

obligatory Christmas photo

inspired by Pinterest, the girl tried to decorate this to say HO HO HO, do you see it?

he is making his own egg-less cookies

with crushed candy cane topping, this was delish, another Pinterest idea