Advent

It's hard to believe that 2012 is almost over, that Christmas is almost here, and that Advent has already started.

We're starting our devotional one day late--mostly because even though in my head I knew that Advent starts on a Sunday, I misread the back of the book we're using, and thought it started today. :)

This year, we're using Tabitha's Travels as our Advent study.

Having already done Jotham's Journey and Bartholomew's Passage, it's so much fun to see recurring characters!

I found a metal ring with 4 candleholders in it, and managed to get the evergreen wreath (fake) that we used last year onto the new candleholder.  It's about as crafty as I get. :)

(Yes, that's a snowman mat under the wreath.)

I love the fact that even though my kids are getting older, they love gathering around the table to listen to me read the story.  We lit the first candle (the kids take turns getting to light, and then blow out, the candle), and did two chapters this evening.  It's such a nice time to step back, take a deep breath, and focus on the true meaning of the Christmas season.