The Season of Expectation

These pictures are my favorites from the week. We had a lovely time hearing Tim’s concerts and doing Christmas things.

At the beginning of the week, instead of filling my to do lists, I purposely left big gaps for rest. I was a little bit successful, considering it is the season of expectation. I find that Richard and the boys are clinging to traditions a little more this year. “When are we going to bake…,” and, “What Christmas movie will we watch tonight?” Maybe it helps fill in the holes in our family.

Less

This week is music week for our family. We didn’t plan it that way, but there are concerts, lessons, and practice every evening. Christmas carols adorn the air, employ our hands, and fill our souls. With this accompaniment, I find I need less to be whole. This particular season has reminded me that my quest for knowledge and excellence is a little misguided. Alone, these things do not fill me. In fact, I require very little to be truly happy. Family, talking with friends, music, private service and devotion, warm meals, and light are simple needs. I make things too complicated sometimes.

Lessons learned this week

Cinnamon oil does burn your nose and throat if you breathe in the steam while making candy.

True friends find a way to bless our lives, whether we are together or not.

I enjoy having Timothy as an accompanist as I play the violin. He is expressive!

Every Hallmark Christmas movie fits into one of three storylines. And I enjoy them better with the volume down so I can focus on the decorations. Sorry.

Brahms makes a great Santa.

I was a witness to a few miracles this week. God is good.


Favorite Things I Use All the Time

Favorite Things 2018: daily use edition

  • Four Heart Rechargeable Hand Warmer: the reason I can attend church in some comfort. Helps me feel my fingers so I can play the violin, too. (Thanks for the recommendation, Susan.)
  • Native deodorant coconut vanilla scent: It’s expensive but it doesn’t have weird ingredients. (Online, Target)
  • Day Designer planner (Target): I love it for the weekly gratitude section, the big three goals of the week, and a notes section where I keep a weekly prayer list.
  • Voluminous Mascara by L’Oreal: better than Great Lash
  • CeraVe lotion: for face, neck, and hands
  • Cover Girl lipstick #425
  • Pilot Precise Uniball pens (extra fine point): they remind me of my dad and I like a good fine line.
  • Crocs: still the best house shoe. Unfortunately.
  • Post it note assorted flags: I use these as bookmarks, especially in the scriptures. You can still see the text through the clear plastic.
  • Metallic sheen cardstock: for  invitations, gift tags, and handmade cards to make people feel special.