Advent whilst in survival mode

Advent is upon us.

I am determined to make my heart ready.

(Was this really only a year ago?  What sweet faces!
And, my, how much these children have changed. How much our family has changed since then! A whole new unrepeatable soul has joined our quartet since last Advent. Amazing.)

So where was I?

Oh yes, Advent.

Well this year, Advent will be a lot more like this:

A bit of a hazy blur, for mom at least.

But still contentedly chugging along.

Because there's this:

Mild mayhem: broken sink and dishwasher.

Yet the sight of Patrick spending his Sunday trying to fix them made me feel loved.

 I am in love with such a boring man

(who had to call a plumber, but I digress again).

But there's also this:

Having fun making crowns for the feast of Christ the King.

And doing a little procession while singing "Crown Him with Many Crowns."

 I made this silly banner for the piano which sparked the kids to start shouting "Ave Christus Rex!" while thrusting their fists into the air at the drop of a hat.

Noah is super into stories of knights, so a battle-cry is right up his alley.

He looks just like me when he's tired!

Like I said, I am determined to prepare my heart for Advent this year.

 It's the best possible way to ensure a relaxed and holy atmosphere in our home for the season.

It will involve a lot, a LOT, of 'letting go' and simply seeking grace.

I am happy with that.

I hope you all saw the witty and helpful post by dear Christy on Advent expectations. 

Then let us never forget the oh-so-helpful Auntie Leila and her links for Advent as well. Read through each post that she links, even if you have already read them; it's so affirming in how to teach our children about the faith without feeling the need to Do All the Things.

I console myself with the memory that I really loved Advent as a child.

And the only way we observed it was by lighting our wreath on Sundays

and going to Mass where lovely hymns were sung.

Of course I was excited as can be about Christmas, but I really could tell something special was happening in the Church, without my mom breaking her back over 'observing' Advent 

(like most moms she was too busy breaking her back in preparation for Christmas!)

The simplest of things make an impression on children.

They won't remember me doing craft-upon-seasonal craft when they are adults.

They will remember my attitude to them and how composed I am.

Less is more. 

Christ's grace takes the loaves and fish of my exhaustion and busy-ness and will usher in a beautiful Christmas time, despite me.

She coos whenever her brothers sing to her.

Oh, my heart.

I love her little face.