Our Little Feast for Saint Nicholas

We started celebrating Feast days more intentionally last year. It has been such a gift to see the beauty our Faith has to offer throughout the year. I love how we pay mind to the sorrow as well as the joy, His death and His resurrection. Times for prayer, preparation, and waiting, as well as celebration and feasting.

It's been a year that has shown me that in diving into what our Faith has to offer, I've been able to grow more and more easily share our Faith with the boys. The Liturgical year keeps me/us mindful. If I didn't have this little guide, I'm pretty sure I'd be all over the place more than I already am!

Here's a quick synopsis of the wonderful saint we celebrated and a little of what he's known for.

As Bishop of Myra, Nicholas lived the qualities that caused his fame and popularity to spread throughout the Christian world. His vigorous actions on behalf of his people and in defense of the Christian faith reveal a man who lived his convictions. Nicholas was not timid—he did what was necessary and was not easily intimidated by others' power and position. His concern for the welfare of his flock and his stand for orthodox belief earned him respect as a model for bishops and a defender of the faith. 

source: St. Nicholas Center

St. Nicholas was not only an amazing defender of the faith but also a very generous man. He lost his parents at a young age and in turn obtained a great wealth. A wealth he insisted to give to all who needed. The story goes that St. Nicholas found out about a poor man who's daughters were condemned to prostitution if he was not able to pay their way out. In hopes to remain anonymous, St. Nicholas would drop bags of money through their open window. Some say the dowries landed in their shoes. The dowries allowed the women to marry rather than go into prostitution and stories of St. Nicholas' kindness continued and spread.

Now onto what our day of feasting and celebrating looked like.

St. Nicholas Eve: Husband and I wrapped a couple books for the boys and set them by some new house shoes we got for them.

I have been working on these sweet little gifts for our boys this last week. I got the idea from the lovely Lisa over at Catholic Missionary Family and decided I couldn't wait to get started on our own little collection of wooden saint dolls. Little wooden figures that have real-life adventure stories of heroism for our Faith. So exciting!

I stayed up way later than I should have but I just love how they turned out and honestly can't wait to make more!

St. Nicholmas Morning: Per Mary over at Domestic Apologist, I've been slipping some leftover candy corn into the pocket of the correct date each day. They boys now check this calendar all. day. long. for more candy corn!

 This is what they woke up to. Two books, house shoes, and wooden saint dolls.

I did Patron Saints (St. Joseph the worker and St. John the Evangalist), St. Nicholas, and Holy Mary Mother of God, because Christmas. ;)

 They were pretty excited and have been enjoying them since. So much so, they tend to fight over them. *womp womp*

Either way, I love how we can play with these little saints meanwhile continue learning about Jesus and how much these wonderful men and women who have gone before us loved and fought for Him!

Love this shot of the boys in their little house shoes! Linus absolutely loves his new shoes whereas Bigfoot just isn't interested. They slow him down from cheetah speed and anything that does that apparently does not make it onto his feet. My whole plan of slowing the little one who loves to run his little heart out inside our home that is not running-friendly so far isn't working. The little man hasn't been wearing the very shoes that would help him chill out in the indoor running department. Of course!

 They liked their books. Or at least they will. We got a classic and a St. Nicholas book.

I will say these boys were in a mood that morning. Or rather, my oldest was in a mood that he shared with his younger brother. At the end of it all, there's only so much we can do. Right?

I'm just glad that, after all the fussiness and moodiness, he told me he had fun and loved his new little wooden saint dolls (especially St. Nicholas, the one they've been fighting over). That made it all better as well as Dwija's post sharing about how all the fuss over instilling family traditions and feasts while the kids were little has grown into a beautiful family rhythm as the kids have gotten older.

Take away: Keep on keeping on in love.

St. Nicholmas Breakfast: 

Menu

Bishop canes and gold coins pancakes

Bacon canes

St. Nicholmas' beard eggs

Bigfoot kept asking me what the eggs were called since the other two pieces of our meal had a name. I just threw out St. Nicholas eggs. After thinking about it, I suppose it can be representative of his big white beard? Maybe?

While Linus was just happy to have pancakes and mooo up (signing Please)! Translation: More Syrup, please!!

St. Nicholmas Dinner and Evening:
We met up with some good friends that we haven't seen in what feels like forever. You know you really miss a family when you get back in your car after eating dinner with them and sighing to your husband while saying, Gosh, I really missed them!

We feasted together with them and their three daughters, who the boys adore, at a nearby burger joint that is awesome! Then went to Santa's Village. A ton of decorated houses, trees, and paths all for the kiddos to explore mixed with a lot of photo ops that I did not take advantage of because it was cold.

I tell you what though, it. was. packed! The boys weren't too crazy about the crowds (especially my oldest) much less the costumed characters. 

 So we left after visiting three little houses to go to a nearby ice cream place. Ice cream for all to finish our feast day was perfect.

 Despite the fussy, the moods, and the crowds, we had such a good day! I loved being able to make the little wooden saint dolls for my boys and love that they've been enjoying them since. In fact, you can expect a whole little post on those little dolls that have been a sort of prayer for me during my evenings.

So thankful for Feast days, for saints who help us to know and love God more, and for my little family that I get to celebrate it all with. Also, so thankful that we got to share a feast day with friends. Feasting with friends and family is just so much more fun! 

What fun did you have on St. Nicholas' Feast day? What fun stories and/or special traditions do you and your family have?

How Lovely are your Branches!

Growing up, I don't remember ever going to a Christmas Tree farm. Correct me if my memory fails me, mom, but I'm pretty sure we didn't go just because there weren't any where we lived.

Now that we are in North Texas there at least 10 different Christmas Tree farms in the area (when I say in the area, I mean about 45 minutes - 1 hour away). This is so exciting! I've really only seen Christmas Tree farms in movies. The whole chopping down your own tree. Finding the one. Searching and seeking your solid symbol of Hope that will be in your home lit against the darkness that a season of waiting entertains. I'm not romantic about it at all.

Not at all!

Ha, anyways. Like I said in our previous post, we were home for Thanksgiving so we were able to find a farm nearby to go have a little tree adventure. It was a beautiful day and we were so excited. The first Christmas songs of our season were being played in the car the whole way there for us to enjoy! Well, not all of us, since the boys ended up falling asleep about 15 minutes in to the drive, which was a great thing since we were going to be there during nap time!

When we arrived at Yesterland Tree Farm we were overwhelmed in a mostly good way. This place was huge, beautiful, and ultimately looked like a mini carnival for little kids a midst all. the. Christmas. Trees! The boys were thrilled!

Only, when we got down, for whatever reason, the weather decided to be uber windy! So windy that we drove home with dirt marks all over our cheeks. We really looked like we rolled around in dirt from all the dust-carrying wind. But, the boys could care less.

Off they went. They loved exploring through the beautiful tree selection, but not as much as they love Love LOVED the horse rides!

They were in Heaven. These two boys have been waiting to ride a horse since I can't remember when. I know they are only 3 and 1, but when a little one wants something, he wants something. And, these two have really wanted to ride horses.

I was so happy to see them riding. It made my heart smile and pause to think that these are the moments.

And, I promise Linus was so happy to ride too. This is just his go-to face for all things in his life that need a face that don't immediately spark a crazy happy smile or cry.

The horse ride could not have lasted long enough.

I made sure to capture as much of this bit of joy and fun.

The farm also had a little Western Village for kids to wander in.

Peek-a-boo in the house was a fun game for Linus and Daddy. It was pretty funny to watch and Linus thought he was being hilarious.

They had merry-go-rounds, huge slides of all kinds, roller coaster rides, and even a little Ferris Wheel the boys could get on.

I shared a little about these two and their Ferris Wheel experience in this post. I'm so glad they were both able to enjoy this fun ride that took them both high up into the sky to oversee the whole farm. I love Ferris Wheels for the amazing views they share.

Hope this experience planted a seed for them to love Ferris Wheels too.

They had a kiddie playground and petting zoo.

Finally, at the end of our fun stay at this amazing little farm, we ventured to find our Christmas tree. Because of all the crazy in the form of toddlers who have not napped and all. the. stuff. going on, I felt a little frantic while helping the boys find a tree.

I'm happy to report, despite my frantic self, we found a tree, but not the one below. See, originally we had chose this tree, but after coming back around saw that someone had damaged the bottom (not. cool.). We ended up passing on it, and quickly found a new tree we could call our own.

Y'all. I heart this tree. It's so beautiful! It's definitely the most beautiful tree we've ever had before. Smells amazing. And brings a beautiful light and warmth to our home.

Traditions have been on our minds lately. Geekman and I want to start having these moments that the boys can anticipate every year as to more fully experience the beautiful rhythm of the liturgical year. After this experience, I think it's safe to say, we are adding a visit to a tree farm to our family traditions.

Have you ever been to a Christmas Tree farm? Is that part of your family traditions upon entering the season of Advent? Or do you wait to put up your tree till Christmas Day?

Linking-up with the beautiful women of Like Mother, Like Daugher for Pretty, Happy Funny, Real: Seeking contentment in everyday life.

1st Day of Advent: Traditions

Because I want to remember out little family traditions I'll be sharing our little to-do's on the blog this Advent. 

I've been looking forward to Advent for many reasons this year, but mostly just looking forward to another season in the liturgical year that calls us to prepare, to wait on the Lord with joyful anticipation, and to prayer. These seasons are so good for my soul. The Church knows us and meets us where we need her most. She knows we all have seasons that we need to be called out of, seasons that make it hard to be present to the reality that Christ our Savior was born many a moon ago to Our beautiful Lady. That she journeyed on a donkey to birth her son and lay him in a humble manger.

There's just so much Truth and Goodness to soak up this season and I pray, with His Grace, that I am able to fully embrace all the joys of waiting and all the joys of the ultimate Gift so that I can share these fruits with my family.

On that note, I wanted to share five ways we celebrated the 1st day of Advent.

1. Celebrate Mass. I know this one is a no-brainer but there is something so very special when the Liturgy comes to life while praying the Mass. The vestments, the colors, the scripture readings all so amazing. Every single time. 

2. Light the candle of Hope and say the first Advent  prayer during dinner. The boys are at an age where they are pretty in awe of candles and they join us in  prayers. It's the sweetest and I love that we are able to start and share this with them now. 

3. Decorate our Christmas tree - Round 1. A year or so ago, my husband and I decided we wanted our tree to reflect our journey through Advent so we went on a hunt for purple and pink ornaments. Gee-whiz, was that tough! Apparently, purple is not all that common. Either way, we searched, purchased, and have our little collection that spreads through the weeks leading up to Christ's Birthday.

This is the first year these two "help" decorate the tree. To say tears were not involved would be false.

These boys were so overcome by joy and excitement, wonder and pride at being able to help decorate our beautiful big tree. So overcome there was no where else to go but a melt down or two..or three.

Meltdowns aside look at these faces. I'm glad I caught these shots at the start of our little decorating journey. There really is a light in their eyes. A light only He can share.

These little stinkers helped bring beauty to our home and, in turn, helped prepare our little home for the beautiful celebration that awaits us on Christmas Day.

Gosh, I kind of love our big tree a whole bunch! I have a ton of photos I took from our time at a fairly nearby Christmas Tree Farm that we went to this year on Saturday. I can't tell you how much I loved transitioning from Thanksgiving to Advent this year.

We were home so we were able to celebrate Thanksgiving with family, then go to a tree farm for an adventure to pick out our tree on Saturday and have our home ready to celebrate the beginning of Advent. It was kind of magical.

4. Advent Prayer Chain. I got this idea from Debbie over at Saints 365. The boys and I made this prayer chain the week before Thanksgiving. Bigfoot helped me assign different prayer intentions for each day of Advent leading up to Christ's birth. I wrote them out with a date and since the first day of Advent we have been pulling off one chain a night and specifically praying for whatever listed intention is on that link. It's been fun, great, and I love the way we can pray for others as a family.

5. St. Anthony Christmas Novena. My husband and I have been praying this novena at night after the kids are in bed. We did it separately last night, but after just a couple days of praying this novena I can already see fruits from it. I'm so glad we are praying this together.

If you aren't familiar with this novena, it is a prayer that you pray daily (at one time or throughout the day) everyday up to Christmas. It's a prayer of petition and preparation. A prayer of Truth and adoration. If you haven't started, I encourage you to join in. I'm sure Our Lord and St. Anthony would meet you whereever you start! :)

Sarah over at Amongst Lovely Things describes it perfectly:

For those unfamiliar with the tradition: the St. Andrew Christmas prayer is said fifteen times per day from November 30th, the Feast of St. Andrew, until Christmas Day. It isn’t really a novena in the traditional sense, and it’s not even aimed toward St. Andrew. It’s a meditation on the incarnation, and it is a powerful way to prepare one’s heart for the birth of Christ. It has also been called the Christmas Anticipation Prayer.

She's written a lot on this beautiful prayer, so do head over to her site to read more. She's shared so beautifully on this prayer over the years and because of her, my husband and I are now praying it together.

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What Advent traditions do you have in your home? Leave a comment! Would love to learn more about how to embrace this season as a little family!

Also, I'll be sharing more as time carries on. I'm so excited to share about what we'll be doing for the Feast of St. Nicholas this year!

Advent: Everyday Sacred

It's that time of year again. The time where I so much want to unplug and embrace my days in a way that draws me closer to the Child Jesus and His birth. The time that I want to be more present to the reality that our sweet Mother walked and rode a donkey while pregnant in her last months along side St. Joseph all the way to an Inn with the manger that held Our Lord as an infant.

This year I'll be joining Abbey again for #HolyLens: Seeing the Sacred in the Everyday. I joined this past Lent and absolutely loved it. The photo journey helped me to be more present to our daily blessings and graces found in our every day present moments. I am looking forward to this journey during Advent this time around, but so you can get an idea of my experience last time, here's a glimpse of a few posts from last year:

The Light of Lent

A cross, some dust, and some sweetness

Lent: Do you wish to rise?

Today's theme is watch.

To start, I shared this photo on Instagram. My parents were here for Thanksgiving and watched the boys for us from morning till late afternoon. This gave us time to go watch a movie at the nearby theater that just opened. The theater was amazing! The seats made me feel like I was watching a movie while in bed. They were so comfy! We watched the new Hunger Games movie and I really enjoyed it even though it was filled with tragedy and sadness. It was mostly true to the book which is always wonderful!  

On Saturday, we went to a Christmas tree farm about an hour away. This was a long day, but filled with lots of memories and goodness, despite a few tantrums and some mischief. At the very end of our time at the farm that was ultimately a mini carnival for kids, we had a few extra tickets for some rides. The boys were tall enough for the kiddie Ferris Wheel so we encouraged them to give it a go. 

As you can see below, Linus went first with no hesitation. He sat in the cage, got buckled in, and was off without a glance. He smiled on his way up and when he came down to see us. Such a brave little boy to jump onto his first ever Ferris Wheel without a hint of fear.

Meanwhile, big brother was a no-go. He did not want to try. He was slightly frightened of the unknown at first, but after seeing his little brother go, he was ready for his turn. He got strapped in, brother came out because he was done, and off my oldest went.

He conquered and yelled from his little cage, "Watch me, Mama!". Watch we did and could not have been more proud of him. He smiled a ton and was so proud of himself too. Rightfully!

I was so proud of them both. Their bravery was inspiring and I'm thankful I was there to watch them experience this little adventure. 

It really is all the little things that make up our big things. The little things that bring me to love them both more and more. The little things that bring me closer to my husband in love and goodness. I'm thankful for the grace upon grace that helps me be present and I'm thankful for these little prompts from the Holy Lens journey that encourages me to see past myself and all the clutter!

What have you been able to watch or embrace in your day-to-day? Have you been able to find the Sacred in your Everyday? Join us on Instagram or Facebook on Abbey's FB page.

Linking-up with Gina for Embrace the Ordinary with this post because it is in the ordinary that we find the Sacred!

Advent Unplugged: One day at a time

We're at the start of week two and I just posted about my week one yesterday. That should tell you a lot on how week one went. But, thankfully, here I am for week two! Blogging away (which is one of my unplugged resolutions only because it forces me to reflect and be present - or at least when I do the blogging while kiddos are lights out).

Unplugged Photo Story:

Slowly...

but surely...

filling...

our little home...

with Joy.

In this Christmas box we have all our Advent Christmas tree decor. We have three weeks of purple ornaments and one weeks worth of pink. Ideally, we would put up a weeks set along with the weeks of Advent, but this year we are obviously running a bit behind.

Nonetheless, onward we go! Little by little.

And, here's our little Advent wreath we got a few years ago through the boy scouts at our church. It's held up but needs some help. And somehow Mary and an Angel made their way to the center. Linking up here with the CatholicMom Advent wreath link-up.

Week two is off to a much better start. Just going to keep on keeping on and pray that His Grace meets me where I am, daily! 

Thanks again, Haley, at Carrots for Michaelmas for encouraging us all to keep accountable and to be more present during such a beautiful season!