O Happy Day!

Delight yourself in the Lord and
He will give you the desires of your heart.
~Psalm 37:4



Today is our day- 12-30-00 - the day Vinny and I wed.

But this is how it all began.

Our first meeting was brief- at a humble cottage in Oglebay during a YoungLife leaders weekend in the winter of '97 (I do believe that was the year), but it was monumental. It was there that this young man made me feel warm, welcome and completely at ease amidst a sea of people I didn't know.

From there we need to fast forward to 1998 because it took him that long to get in touch with me. We however had been in touch in a different way- I had been praying fervently for him and I know he was praying right along for me as well. All of this, at the urging of our good friend, Karen Reynolds, who simply said, "just pray about him/her and see what God does".

amazing how our prayers work out sometimes coupled with a bit of faith and perseverance

I think most people at this time thought I was off my rocker. I kept talking about this 'fictitious' boy named Vinny from Wheeling and how he may be my soul mate.

So it was on that infamous first date on August 6, 1998 at Station Square that a rush came through me as I looked at this man as he spoke. I knew at that very moment, sitting down by the train tracks, that he was going to be my husband.

I was never in my life so sure about anything than I was at that moment.
So sure, that I called my dad when I got home and left him a voicemail saying, "I just went out with the man I'm going to marry!" (in so many words), what trauma my father must have felt!

Again, I'm sure, most thought I had totally gone off the deep end.

"I gave my life to you as soon as I saw you"
~ Marianna Alcoforado, 1668

I started a journal not long after our first date that detailed my thoughts, feelings, and hardships we endured throughout our dating and engagement. I presented this beautiful tome to him on our wedding night! I love being able to go back and see who I was then and what we were thinking or struggling with at the times. It's a very cool remembrance.

And here we are six blissful years later. Still happily married, with two beautiful and energizing boys, expecting our third and fourth children(!!!), still struggling with communication and still learning new things about one another every day.

Going back again to that memorable day in December of 2000- I wanted to share a portion of the Gospel reading from our wedding Mass. It wasn't in the traditional readings for brides and grooms to pick- I've never been your run-of-the-mill type to do what everyone else is doing anyway.
Amazingly, we knew then what our marriage was really and truly supposed to be about.
What it continues to hinge on to this very day.
What we struggle with each and every moment of our married lives.... serving.

From the 13th chapter of the book of St. John verses 12-15:

"So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, "Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me 'teacher' and 'master,' and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another's feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do."

Happy Anniversary to my sweet prince!

Looking forward to spending many, many more years with you close by my side!

We turn to you for Protection
(a prayer dating back to before AD 300- older than the Hail Mary!)

We turn to you for protection,
O Holy Mother of God.
Listen to our prayers and help us in our needs.
Save us from every danger,
Glorious and ever-blessed Virgin.

May St. Joseph—“a just man,” a tireless worker, the upright guardian of those entrusted to his care—always guard, protect, and enlighten families.

May the Virgin Mary, who is the Mother of the Church, also be the Mother of “the Church of the home.” Thanks to her motherly aid, may each Christian family really become a “little church” in which the mystery of the Church of Christ is mirrored and given new life.

May Christ the Lord, the Universal King, the King of Families, be present in every Christian home as he was at Cana, bestowing light, joy, serenity, and strength.

We entrust (our) family to Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

-JPII, Familiaris Consortio

Christmas Joy

just a few shots today from our Christmas 2006. Of course, as I looked back over these, there were NONE with ME in them... again. Poor mom, always behind the camera.

Hope to get a few shots this weekend.

Next up:

• Vinny and Christina celebrate 6 years of marital bliss on Saturday
• Friend's wedding on Saturday
• Evening in downtown Pgh without our kiddos
• Godson Jack Martin's Baptism this Sunday

lots to do and lots of fun to be had!

I do hope to post tomorrow, so check back for an extra special post!

And the results are in....

Today was the THE day... we found out that who's inside my belly.

It was so great to be able to see them again and I can't tell you how much I look forward to these ultrasound appointments. It amazes me how clear all the parts are... so clear, that we're able to tell that there are in fact



TWO BOYS


inside!

It may not be so clear in the first baby's picture, but if you take a look at the second shot, there's no denying that, that is a boy! That's one modest little man, I guess he couldn't help it though.

We also discovered that they are in fact IDENTICAL twin boys (90% sure) and share one placenta, two different amniotic sacs. That's great news!

They're growth is great- both are neck in neck to be the biggest one out of the gates- they're quickly approaching 2 lbs. each already! And boy can I feel it! I already feel stretched to capacity at this point, there's no way to grow but out!

We are at the 6 month point now and the goal is to make it to 36 weeks. I go back to the doctor in the next week or so for another appointment and in a month I'll get another look-see inside at my next ultrasound.

Looks like mommy is going to be dressing herself in lotsa pink- thankfully Santa brought her a Pink razr phone to make up for all the blue around here!!!

Thanks so much for all your prayers- we've definitely felt lifted up lately.

I'm feeling very honored to have been chosen to be the mother of not just one, not two, but FOUR boys! How awesome is that! Vinny's thrilled that he won't have to pay for any weddings as of right now.

Next up this week... a Christmas update. Hope yours was merry and bright!

Merry Christmas!

Oh my stars, I know I posted that lovely "take time for a moment post" the other day, but I'm still finding it hard to believe that Christmas is nearly 3 days away!

JOY!

I still have a few last minute preparations to make and do not yet have my Christmas morning Panettone! (see picture)

There's nothing like a cup of tea or hot chocolate on Christmas morning, a big slice of panettone and presents all around- paper thrown hither and tither- Christmas music playing in the background. I love it. So looking forward to that. But first I need to ascertain that box of panettone!!

What do you like best about Christmas morning? Any traditions that you've begun? If I ever dig out those ornaments (no, they're still not on the tree- Saturday is their day, I can feel it)- I may put the Christmas pickle on the tree. Have you ever heard that tradition? The first one on Christmas morning to find the pickle ornament gets a special gift. Who doesn't like more presents???

I've been baking my little heart out over here. It just doesn't feel like Christmas without COOKIES! They are probably my favorite dessert item. I so wish that restaurants would offer a cookie plate for after your dinner. I think it's a revolutionary idea and know of only one place that does (Lidia's in the Strip).

Maybe I'll post a pic of some of the treats I've baked up over here... later.

Speaking of pictures, we're finally getting out tomorrow to get a family pic and individual ones of the kiddos. I had no rush to do this and we may try and sneak a peak at the guy in the red suit. Gabriel isn't very into him and Max is really curious. We'll see what happens.

I'm going to be signing off for the next couple of days-

I would like to wish you and yours the most joyous of Christmases! Enjoy the food, family and celebration of the true meaning of this sacred holiday. Be assured that if you visit here often, you are in our prayers.
When I return, I hope to have some exciting news of who these little people are growing (and moving 24/7) in my ever expanding belly! We see a perinatologist the day after Christmas! Really anticipating that event.

I'll leave you with a few of my favorite Christmas ornaments...






















Make your way to Bethlehem, go up to the Child, rock him in your arms, say warm and tender things to him, press him close to your heart... I am not talking childish nonsense, I am speaking of love! And love is shown with deeds. In the intimacy of your soul, you can indeed hug him tight. (St. Josemaria Escriva, The Forge, 345)

"When Christ entered our world, He didn't come to brighten our Decembers, but to transform our lives." - Rich Miller

The other day (guess that was Friday now), I was on the computer and the boys were watching a show.
I came up to see Gabriel with his arm around his brother, just sharing a moment of brotherly love.

it was so sweet.

moments like these are few and far between. I know you know if you have more than one.

some days it seems that there are more fires to put out than the local fire department and that there will never ever be peace on earth (or at least in my own house).

but then you have moments like these.... and you are very thankful for whatever it was that FINALLY moved in their hearts to share a peaceful moment of tenderness.

These final days before Christmas are just insane. There are more people out and about and it's harder to get from here to there. Then there's the stuff we have to do at home. For women, I think it's a bit more hectic. In many cases, we're the ones shopping for everyone, baking and baking and baking, putting up decorations, wrapping presents and then don't forget the usual things we do from day to day like cleaning the house, making dinner and bathing the kids and ourselves. It can be a bit too much all at once.

So let's all take a deep breath. right now.

Maybe you're a super organized person (I'm not there yet, promise) and don't feel the rush of the days getting shorter and shorter as December 25th approaches. Good for you!

But if you're more like the rest of us, we need to slow down a minute and make sure to make room for the moments like the one I spoke of above. Those days are few and far between when you have little ones and before you know it, they're all grown up and moved out. Maybe yours are gone. Regardless, we all need to take a moment and see where our heart is. Is it ready for Christmas? Because in the end, that's what really matters. It might mean we don't bake those extra cookies, mailing out Christmas cards to everyone and anyone or even finish decorating our tree (I think I now have FIVE ornaments on mine!). What is most important?

We need to make room in the 'inn' of our heart for the Holy Family- for the birth of Our Lord. Will he have a place to stay? This is the greatest thing we can do in these last days before Monday arrives- I have a lot of things to move out of the way in my life to make room, how about you?

Don't do yourself a disservice by allowing Christmas 2006 to pass by without a little interior reflection. It will be the greatest gift that you can give to yourself and in turn, you'll find you're able to give more to others.

"All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change." James 1:17

We're going on an Adventure!

What a day!

Got to TJ's around 10:45 or so and spent the next 2 hours browsing, buying, learning, laughing, running into FAMILY, sampling, and having too much fun in a grocery store. seriously. I spent 2 hours in a grocery store and probably read nearly 65% of the products lining those shelves. It was fascinating to say the least.

okay, now that you think I'm a super freak, I'm going to make it worse.


My partner in crime today was Marsha- my pseudo aunt, if you will. She had been wanting to go and so had I so we made the date to head to East Liberty.

After all my browsing and filling up just ONE cart (see, I'm not that CRAZY), we get back to the front of the store and run into no other than my Aunt Cathy!
How fun is that?

Of course I had my camera and HAD to take a shot to document the totally fun experience.

As Marsha and Cathy chatted next to the gorgeous orchids, I had my first odd experience of being preggo with twins and getting unsolicited advice from a complete stranger. Why is it that people need to tell you twin horror stories??? Don't they think you're already scared witless already? apparently not.

So then, I proceed to thank this lovely lady for her 'good wishes' and run over to get my hugs from Cathy as well!

See there in the upper right hand corner... evidence that we were indeed at Trader Joe's! Excellent background positioning, Marsha.

Getting to the part where you may think I'm a little off my rocker.

So then we proceed to the checkout, I'm in a bit of a time crunch at this point b/c my car is parked in the Strip and I have a 2 hour limit that is quickly ticking down to the seconds.

The lovely cashier is checking all my items and we're chit chatting as most females tend to do, when I cannot contain my excitement any longer and exclaim that this is my first TJ's experience! She's flabbergasted and starts asking me what I thought and all. I show her my list of "things to look for", ask if they have any more Peppermint Jo Jo's (they don't) and then proceed to show her the first item I put in my cart (which was TJ's Hummus, minus the tahini). In the process, she calls over to the manager and double checks on those Peppermint Jo Jo's (maybe realizing the importance they may have to a very pregnant looking gal) only to discover there are NONE left on the east coast.

Then the manager hears that it's our first time (marsha's, too) and asks us what we thought and I share my ultra giddiness over FINALLY getting here all the way from Bridgeville. Tell her I even brought a cooler - yes, I did!- and then she helps us fill up those carts and we're off to the car.

Not long after loading everything up do we see said Manager again running after us with 2 bunches of flowers! She said that I showed such enthusiasm for coming into the store today that she just had to reward me with some roses!!! Oh my! Now that is a grocery store to visit and I definitely will be back, TJ's. My bill was amazing for all the preservative free, organic and fun stuff I had in my cart, I will certainly be back.

So there you have it. My first Trader Joe's experience.
Such a fun time and it was definitely worth missing out on my afternoon nap. Maybe you've never been and want to experience it with a crazy foodie like me, we'll just have to plan a date!

Oh, one more funny story. So we're in the back of the store at the refrigerated section and I'm checking out the hummus. This nice little lady next to me she's me looking for a 'certain' kind (one that I'm not yet sure of) and she proceeds to tell me that she's bought the last three. I didn't mind, just grabbed another traditional hummus container and proceeded on my merry way.
About 15 minutes later.... I'm still in this same aisle when I see the nice little hummus lady trying to track me down. She calls out to me and says that she just checked out of the store, but had to come and tell me that the manager was going into the back to bring out more of the hummus she just bought. She wanted me to have the kind without tahini- it wasn't as fattening she said. She's trying to watch her cholesterol and all. too funny.
Now how's that for friendly grocery store people.

Seriously, I have never had experiences like this in my local Shop 'n Save or Giant Eagle.

There's just something about Trader Joe's.

And while I'm at this ode to Joe's, check out this website: Trader Joe's Fan

tune in tomorrow for precious moments between two brothers....

Guess where I'm going this Friday!!!!

TRADER JOE'S

seriously

I'm more excited than you can imagine.

I'm already compiling my list and asked for some help from some TJ's devotees on the Cooking Light Bulletin Board as well.

I've printed out my 8 page holiday flyer and I'm ready to get there and get shopping!

A little much you say. Well, maybe. But I love grocery stores and this is ONE I've never been too and have eagerly anticipated arriving in Pittsburgh.

Do any of you, loyal blog readers, have favorite TJ's products that you'd like to recommend to me? I've heard you may need TWO shopping carts. Vinny has no idea what I'm getting into. Well, I guess he kind of does now. No wonder it's taken me so long to get to this place.

I hope to report back to you Saturday with some of my finds.

In other news this pillow is my new best buddy.


It's HUGE, but it serves it's purposes very well.

I have the cutest little round bag that came with it to squish it all up when I'm not using it. I was a bit turned off by the price, but at this stage (and thinking ahead to the stages to come), this is an answer to better sleep for me!

Now for a holiday recipe I'd like to share. This one just evokes the holidays to me- I have no idea when Mom started making it, but it's been a tradition around the holidays for as long as I can remember. It sounds interesting, but trust me and just give it a try once. You won't be disappointed!


Mary's Baked Fruit

Increase/decrease fruit amts. per preference

1 lg can cling peach halves
1 lg can pineapple slices
1 lg can pear halves
1/3 cup butter
3/4 cup light brown sugar
2-4 tsp. curry powder (we use 2)

1. Drain fruit and dry on paper towels. Absorb as much moisture as possible.
2. Arrange fruit in casserole dish.
3. Melt butter, then add brown sugar and curry. spoon over the fruit.
4. Bake 1 hour in 325-350 degree oven.

Serves 4-6--- of course you can double/ triple the recipe!

And thanks to Beth, Megan and Francesca for participating in my holiday fun the other day... not many did, so consider yourself a scrooge for not playing along if you read it!

Can you see what I see?

yesteday max woke up 'early' from his nap. I say early b/c he wasn't ready to wake up but was awake.
it seems to be a trend for him lately, especially in the morning.
a trend we'd like to see go away.

but this moment is one i'm so thankful for

at two years old, I never have moments like this with his older brother. Gabriel just isn't much of a cuddler. he does love his mama though.

but max, he's a snuggler.
he loves to wedge and burrow his little behind into the nooks and crannies of the couch to get into a sweet spot.

his hand on mine.

these days and moments do not last long and I couldn't help but think as we curled up together how his world is going to be rocked in a few short months.
max will be going from the youngest to the middle child in no time.
I think he'll adjust just fine, he always does.

i love this picture and am so thankful that vinny had an early evening to come home and capture this moment for us.

all snuggled up

enjoying the last minutes of an afternoon nap.


arnold the pig between the two of us and on top of the other two!

so four of us all snuggled up on the couch, but me just enjoying a sweet snuggle with my little maximilian.

A little holiday fun

Hello! Thanks for stopping by today. I have a fun little activity for you to do here today, so play along and don't be a Scrooge!

Did you know that there are only 14 more days left in Advent?

How are you getting ready for Christmas? Have you taken some time to stop and reflect on what's most important in the coming weeks and who we are preparing to welcome into our heart and home? Take advantage of the coming days and use them well to get yourself and your family ready for Christmas.

The Costain tree is in the stand, but it is not quite decorated. This is always a process here. The lights and ribbon will go on next, hopefully this week. And then by next week, I should have all the ornaments on the tree! Most important though is the Nativity. The kids and I set up our Little People nativity last night. We placed the stable under the tree and added a cow and a sheep. The rest of the characters in this divine play are set around our living room, en route. Mary, Joseph and their donkey are far away by the French doors... they have a long journey to get to the stable in Bethlehem. The Three Kings are awaiting the star and their journey as well- over on the bookshelf! And last, the King of Kings, the infant Jesus awaits in his own special spot on the bookshelf, too. It will be fun (and a challenge for me to remember) to move the Holy Family a little closer to their destination each day until Christmas Eve.

And now for the fun... oh and if you're a blogger, consider yourself TAGGED and you obligated to copy this to your blog for your readers to play along!

Welcome to the 2006 Holiday Edition of Getting to Know Your Friends!


1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate all the way... and it has to be the good stuff

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa's presents are not wrapped, but Mommy and Daddy's presents are

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? most definitely ALWAYS white. Although I am intrigued by blue lights... maybe one day

4. Do you hang mistletoe? if I had some to hang, I would

5. When do you put your decorations up? the sooner the better, but it's usually a process that begins after Thanksgiving and leads up to Christmas Eve

6. Favorite dish? probably stuffing, I know it will be there every Christmas. Followed closely by Clam Chowder on Christmas Eve- another traditional food I can't go without

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child. Receiving a dog one Christmas and my Strawberry Shortcake Doll house- that was an amazing doll house- full of the awe and wonder

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? what truth?

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? only if it's handed to be and I'm told to OPEN IT

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? lights, ribbon, and lots of sentimental
ornaments- many of which we received as wedding gifts/shower gifts

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love to look at it, dread driving in it

12. Can you ice skate? yes, if only I had more time to do it and wasn't so round this year

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I loved receiving my guitar for Christmas, it was a very unexpected gift

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? family and food

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Aunt Cathy's nut rolls- oh I can't wait till Christmas Eve

16. What tops your tree? Angel

17. What is your favorite Christmas Song? O Come All Ye Faithful and In the Bleak Mid-Winter

18. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? YUM- but I'm a purist, only peppermint will do


Now it's your turn! Have fun!

this week

This week I've learned that:

• Red Robin has the most amazing Gingerbread milkshakes in the universe, go and get one
• Hollywood Fashion Tape is the answer to all my fashion problems- check out Ebay and QVC
  
• fraternal twins sharing one placenta is not a very common thing- why can't anything I do be just like everyone else? I guess I'm special.
  

• we can find, cut down and strap a tree to our car in about 30 minutes
• I can take the boys to a restaurant (by myself) and have a good time and eat a yummy meal! score!
• I am very blessed with many friends and family who care so deeply for us
• to be patient- that's an ongoing process, but i'm learning that this week for sure
  

This week I discovered these cool things:

• Stages of responsibility for children- I often think we don't require our kids to do enough and that we do too much for them without teaching them HOW to do things...
• Toffee Apple Dip is sooooo amazingly delicious (thanks Shannon), I just licked the container clean on one more apple.

3/4 c. brown sugar

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 (8 oz.) package reduced-fat cream creese, softened

4 oz. heath bar toffee pieces (find near choc. chips)

can of lemon-lime soda

5 red apples

5 granny smith apples

---Combine sugars, vanilla and cream cheese in a bowl; beat at medium speed with electric mixer

until smooth.

---Add toffee bits and mix well.

---Cover and chill

---Slice apples, toss in lemon lime soda...then drain (to keep from browning)

---Serve apples with dip

• how to make a Lookie Loo - such a cool blog, too. Lots of ideas!
• rediscovered how to play Speed Scrabble. I loved this game in college although I do remember playing it with just two playahs
• way too much awesome stuff from Southern Living at Home on sale- I scored some awesome deals for our house!! Stuff to put on the walls (Rachel, we seriously need to get you over here soon!)
  

And finally... This week we received a Christmas present from Vinny's mom and dad. It's beautiful. Exactly what I wanted. Well, I did give them the page out of the catalog and phone number, so that may have helped. It's a print called The Garden of Eden- we had no idea that it was called that before I asked for it, I wonder why it's titled that. Cool catalog that it came from too, The Country House. Love a bunch of stuff in there even though my style isn't exactly 'country' per se. Love those little snow people on the website, too.

Check it out: (from art.com)


okay, all for now. I've been typing this post since about 6:45 am this morning. so.... it was a work in progress so to speak.

The 5th Annual Tree Trek

off to find just the right tree!



















this is it! let's say "oh Christmas Tree"

Daddy getting ready to CHOP it down



dragging it back up to the car- daddy has 2 helpers this year!



The happy family on a successful Tree Trek!
Thank you Cypher's!
And here is one cute little boy decorating a tree of different proportions- definitely not the one daddy chopped down today!



so which do you prefer- artificial or real? just curious.... been a lack of commenting lately. hello anyone?

We're getting ready to celebrate the 'first' saint of Advent in our home this Wednesday.

Last night, while dining at Red Robin, we talked about who St. Nicholas was and why he's important to remember. No doubt the kids will remember these three things the most:
--- to put their shoes out at Mommy's prompting
--- that St. Nicholas will come by while they're sleeping and leave presents
--- they might see a candy cane and a bag of 'gold' coins (chocolates) in their shoes by morning

And that is just fine.
Of course, we'll also watch the video (if I find it!) of St. Nicholas's life and some stories related to him.

Tuesday, we'll be baking some St. Nicholas cookies to nibble on, on the way to get our tree on Wednesday!

Ahhhh, the Christmas tree trek. A beloved event that I look forward to every year. And it looks like we might see a bit of snow upon our arrival! It's a bit colder up north of Pittsburgh! Here we are in 2004, right after Max was born!


Growing up we had a lovely flocked Christmas tree. It still stands proud and bedeckled with ornaments in my parent's home. I do love that tree very much, but nothing compares to the beauty (and smell) of a freshly cut Fraser Fir. It is not uncommon for our tree to sit in the living room with just it's lights around it for a fews days... once I think it was 2 weeks! I love the simplicity of seeing the tree with only twinkle lights.




I often watch a Christmas movie while I'm decorating- favorites are It's a Wonderful Life and The Bells of St. Mary's. The kids haven't really participated in decorating the BIG tree, now that I think of it.

They'll be decorating their own little 24" artificial in the bedroom. For St. Nick's day, they'll even be getting some teenie tiny ornaments to hand upon its boughs.

On the way home from choosing, cutting and loading our tree, there is often a stop at a favorite little antique shop, The Glass Onion. We'll be pressed for time this year so it may not be an option with some weary tree finders in the car.

We'll be pushing off a bit late for the big tree trek due to my next baby appointment. This is the first appt. to see the doctor with the knowledge that there are TWO little babes inside.

I've been reading up a bit here on pregnancy with twins. Actually, more like DEVOURING the two books that I did get at the library. Very enlightening. Very, very, very. I'll save all that for another day.

Want to leave you with a delicious recipe we had yesterday morning at our Bible Study Christmas gathering. Kathy made these yummy cookies using those cute little raspberry swirl Nestles morsels. Definitely give these a try!


SWIRLED™ Raspberry Chocolate Streusel Bars




Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, slightly softened and cut into pieces
• 1 cup seedless raspberry jam
• 1 2/3 cups (10-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® SWIRLED™ Dark Chocolate & Raspberry Morsels, divided
• 1/3 cup slivered almonds

Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan.

COMBINE flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Add butter; cut in with pastry blender or press flour mixture and butter between fingers until crumbly and evenly mixed. Reserve 1 1/2 cups oat mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture onto bottom of prepared baking pan. Spread jam over crust. Sprinkle with 1 cup morsels.

COMBINE reserved oat mixture, remaining morsels and almonds; sprinkle over morsels in baking pan.

BAKE for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown around edges and center is set. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.

Cookies are love, the love of making them and the love of sharing them.

— Maida Heatter

Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.
— Marianne Williamson

My Holiday Planner aka. Have Yourself an Organized Christmas

I saw this idea in an issue of Family Fun magazine awhile back and knew I HAD to make one b/c it was a) super easy to do b) inexpensive c) would keep my Christmas lists all in one place and me uber organized!

HOW: Here's the link to their planner with all the downloads you'll need to make it.
It has a section for:

• December calendar
• Gifts to give (I added a received section in mine, too, for writing Thank you's)
  
• Cards sent/received
• Holiday party recipes/lists/menu ideas
  
• Crafts and decorations
• Favorite memories list of that year's Christmas
  

Now, when I saw the article, I somehow missed that there were already templates you could download for it and so... I created my own. I just doodled and then went to Kinko's for color copies. That's an option if you don't like their templates. But the fact that they have all those cool lines on the pages already is very handy!

WHY: why do you need this? seriously, once you make it, you'll wonder how you've ever lived without one. I keep all my gift lists in here PLUS all the gifts we receive (so I can write out thank you's after Christmas!- oh and that's a heads up to re-gifters, I do keep lists!!! he he). It helps to know what I bought mom and dad 4 Christmas's ago- I just check my planner (and by the way, I bought my mom a sweater from Cracker Barrell and some kitcheny things and my dad a book, DVD of Cpt Correlli's Mandolin and a CD).

The other day I was watching HGTV and they had a Christmas organization show (I told you I've been super inspired to organize lately). On it they handed the couple a similiar planner with a title I liked much better than "Holiday Planner". I'm changing the name of mine, this year, to Have Yourself an Organized Christmas. cute.

Just wanted to touch upon some of our Advent traditions... I totally forgot to mention what WE do for this liturgical season.

The most important is the Advent wreath which will not make it's debut until this Sunday, the first day of advent. A simple wreath with 4 candle holders around it is what we have, plus one large white candle for the center on Christmas day. If you don't have one of these you could simply make one (in a jiffy) using votive holders and some hollky sprigs all set in a circle. Then you simply follow these guidelines in lighting the wreath:

1st week of Advent - light one purple candle
2nd week of Advent - light two purple candles
3rd week of Advent - light two purple and one pink
4th week of Advent - light all four
Christmas Day - if you placed an extra candle in the middle of the wreath, light it and all the candles Christmas Eve/Day.

Each night at dinner, we light the appropriate candle and then say a simple prayer to prepare our hearts for Christ's coming on Christmas day. Then someone is chosen at the end of dinner to blow out the candle(s).

Last year, we had little slips of yellow 'hay' that we picked out and read and placed in the center of the wreath. Each gave a simple idea of something we could do for someone the next day to show them our love and make a gift of ourself.

Each of the kids have an Advent star with a paper chain attached in their rooms. (Actually, good reminder to self to finish Max's!!!) They made these at our Bible Study preschool this year. Each day, the children get to rip off a chain link leading up to the star. The links are color coded to represent each of the 3 weeks of advent, plus one day. Can you believe Advent is such a short time this year!

I often choose a spiritual book to read during Advent to prepare my own heart for the coming of Christ's birth. Still undecided at this time what it will be. I usually visit EWTN for their advent calendar- which has a Scripture reading for each day and a little 'Advent Action' for you do for that given day. These are just a few little ideas that I do to help me slow down and take stock of where my heart is at this moment in time and to prepare for the things to come. Maybe the husband can chime in with some things that we do together or he does to get ready. (hint hint)

A few of you mentioned that you might start things NEXT year, but if you look at our list, it is simple and very easy to put into practice starting THIS SUNDAY!!! Do yourself a favor and pick at least one little tradition to start out with so that you don't let this Advent get away from you. It's such an important season for us to slow down, take stock of where we are in life and to make some simple changes to GET READY for the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

Of course, I have a few more links for those of you who just can't get enough (like me!):

Loveliness of Advent Fair plus a few more ideas she posted the next day

A simple paper advent wreath kid's activity

Lindsey at Advent for Evangelicals had a great idea to incorporate into your Advent celebrating.

and lastly, a lovely thought from this blog on how to celebrate this season of preparation


I'm gearing up for the celebration of all the lovely saint's days ahead- next week is St. Nicholas and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Then there's St. Juan Diego on the 9th and then comes St Lucy on the 13th. And of course, we celebrate Christmas around here until January 6th, the Feast of the Three Kings (Ephiphany!).

Pick something to do and get your heart ready to welcome Christ the newborn King on the 25th!

O Come O Come Emmanuel!