Images from Christmas

Cozy things of the season

I joined a cozy holiday link up and here are the coziest things of the Christmas season..

This baby

 and this one

 This big baby....

 This crazy hubby

 my art

 coffee....yum

 the Jesus Calling app which I received from mom in law as early gift..

And of course all the classic movies and songs that complete the Christmas season. Last night we National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Classic Comedy.

My latest winnings...

From Jan's Crafty Blog 

and

 www.littlepinkplum.etsy.com

From a giveaway by Shannon Hearts, jewelery made by Love of Pretty

A giveaway at Two Classy Chics blog, I won this Toilet Tree Products skin care system

I have used it everyday since I received it and my skin is super soft already.

I also won this shirt from Shabby Apple, but I can't remember which blog it was on. I'm so sorry giveaway sponsor.

The ugliest thing I've ever seen...and it's in my kitchen

My husband enjoys salt water tanks. Anyone who has had one and kept it up knows that it can be time consuming and is rewarding. It takes talent; it's an art. Chris likes to explore new sea life and decor for his tanks and I typically go with the flow. Our kitchen tank has been in need of updating and I suppose he thought last night would be perfect. I was in and out of the kitchen, checking on dinner and then would head back to my room to wrap more gifts. I saw the eel in the Petco bag and really didn't think much of it. I mean, we have had an octopus. What's the big deal about an eel? So I knew we wouldn't eat until the hubby was finished with his project, so when he yelled for us to come eat I headed for the kitchen as usual.....and stopped in my tracks.....the ugliest thing I've ever seen

 This hermit crab is the most appealing thing and it's still not really appealing.

 Look at this...Not only is it a dino head or something weird, but the eel itself is a mini loch ness monster.

I literally went to bed mad at Chris. Really upset. He's not the kind you can really throw your weight around with. I'm having trouble convincing he has to take this down...

Also, I'm trying to upload a video of this stupid thing. Can't seem to get it done. Any tips?

Advent Update #2

Let me tell you this: I have just barely made it through Lent each time I have sacrificed during that season.

But I totally bombed this giving up thing for advent.

But only the giving up part.

I have absolutely added more prayer time.

My mother-in-law surprised me with an early present, the Jesus Calling app for iPhone.

I have used it daily and it is a great devotional and I feel like I have a whole year to catch up to,

therefore I have read two or three or four a day.

I do love it so far.

I also went to mass an extra day this week and plan on it again this week.

These are the things I must do in order to not only move closer to God, but to move past the guilt of failure.

Ok, so it's not as if I committed any crimes or mortal sins

but I really lack self control.

I feel the need to start it over but now advent is closing in on us.

 

Sunday's Songs

Feel the Tide * Mumford and Sons

I Hear Them All * Old Crow Medicine Show

Seven Spanish Angels * Willie Nelson and Ray Charles
Luckenbach, Texas * Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson
Jar of Hearts * Christina Perri

Windfall * Town Mountain

Kathleen * David Gray

The Starlit Sky * The Workday Release

Waiting for My Ruca * Sublime

Winter Wonderland * Bing Crosby

Baby, It's Cold Outside

I simply love Christmas songs.

Advent update

Surprisingly, I haven't gone into convulsions for lack of chocolate. I suspect that making room for Jesus has something to do with Him helping me through these first few days. I am always amazed that no matter how far away I feel I am from Him, I can always see the ways He is working in my life. Sometimes it's in order to help me, but sometimes He is teaching me and pointing out my errs. The latter, clearly, is harder for me to absorb but frankly more necessary. I have always marched to my own beat. I am impulsive, impatient, and plenty of other "im-s" and for these I tend to feel guilt and completely removed from all forms of life. I shrink into my mind and find contentment in solitude. This is comfort. This is not what I was made for. I am a wife, a mother, a healer, and a child of God. Solitude should some after responsibilities have been fulfilled. God is my reminder. And sometimes it is hard to hear. Advent is a season to bring that voice closer while removing obstacles, obsessions, and impulsivities(which may or may not be a word). Good night all and may this season bring you to the place you most belong, not the place you are most content.

This Week's Top Tunes

This Year's Love by David Gray

That Particular Time by Alanis Morissette

February Seven by The Avett Brothers little side note: Feb 7 is my anniversary.
Out Loud by Dispatch
I'm On Fire by Town Mountain
Let It Be Me by Ray LaMontagne
The Guy That Says Goodbye by Griffin House
New York City Christmas by Rob Thomas
Beast of Burden by The Rolling Stones
Carol of the Bells by ANYONE

  

Today is the first day of Advent

Advent is the season in which Christians, especially of the western denominations, prepare for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus as well as the second coming of Christ. Although Catholics are no longer held to the fasting tradition during this season, some do so on their own volition. I have been a Catholic for only three years and have only fasted during Lent. This season I would like to prepare in a similar way but have not exactly decided what I will do. I know that I will refrain from red meat on Fridays, but I will add to that.

I want to share with everyone that although fasting and prayer do not sound like they'd be all the rage, the combination is cleansing and peaceful. Removing things that you don't have the most control over and focusing on allowing God to speak and move through you are great ways to prepare our minds and souls for a wonderful season. It is also a great way to remind ourselves what the season is truly about and not be taken by the commercial aspects the world has made out of Christmas. This does not mean I don't enjoy shopping, eating, and playing "reindeer games"; It simply means I know and I'm teaching my children what Christmas really is. I plan to share as the season moves on.