First Sunday of Advent 2011

"The event of Christ is the only event in human history that promises relocation and centering, meaning and purpose. This promise and its fulfillment evoke passionate and heartfelt praise and thanks, especially for those aware of their own brokenness and the healing which Christ brings into their lives." -Robert Webber

A new tradition that David and I wanted to incorporate into our holiday season this year is the Advent Wreath (another tradition we can continue from now on, especially when we have kids). Wikipedia defines Advent as "a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas." We feel that this is something important to celebrate and really take to heart. So, I bought the materials (candles of the appropriate colors (3 purple, 1 rose, and 1 white), some ribbon, and a wreath, and my mother helped put together an Advent wreath for us! She finished this Sunday when we got back from Highlands, and she also cooked dinner that night for our family. So we decided we decided we'd celebrate the first Sunday of Advent with my parents and grandparents. One candle is lit each Sunday until Christmas (4 Sundays total) and then the final candle is lit on Christmas Day.



David lit the candle for the first Sunday...





There is also a blessing and a scripture reading as part of the ceremony, which I did...



And we ended by singing "O Come, O Come Emmanuel."



We love incorporating these meaningful traditions into our lives!

Thanksgiving in Highlands

Our rural ancestors, with little blest,
Patient of labour when the end was rest,
Indulged the day that housed their annual grain,
With feasts, and off'rings, and a thankful strain.
~Alexander Pope

We spent Thanksgiving with David's family at their mountain house in Highlands, NC and had a great time! David's parents were there, along with his sister Lindsay, her husband Ben, and our two nephews Ryder and Ace. And of course, Rocky, the "family dog" joined the fun!









On Thanksgiving morning, we bundled up (it was COLD in the mornings in Highlands)...





And we all went for a walk down David's parent's street. Great way to get some pre-turkey exercise! And my hubby did such a good job of touring Ace around in the stroller!











After our walk, it was time for the feast! Yum!





We had lots of time to do things like shopping downtown. Here, David, his Dad, Ace, and myself are waiting for the rest of the gang to finish up in a store...



We also went to the playground at Highlands School so that the boys could have some fun. Highlands School is the only school in Highlands. It is K-12 and is where our nephews will go in a few years when Ben/Lindsay and David's parents move to Highlands full time.







Back at the cabin, the boys stayed busy. Ryder enjoyed riding "the wild horse" (aka Aunt Lisa's knee)...





He also enjoyed playing in the toy chest (and I mean, literally IN the toy chest), both right-side up and head first...





Ace enjoyed playing on the floor...



Until he got curious as to what his big brother was up to...



Our last night in the mountains (Saturday) was the annual tree lighting ceremony in downtown Highlands. I thought it was one of the coolest things of the weekend! The whole town gets together in the square. People sing carols, the big tree in the center of town is lit, and there are cookies and hot chocolate galore for FREE! :)









Hope everyone had a very wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

Who Says City Living Isn't Pretty???

"Everyone's looking to the urban scene for inspiration now." -Robin Gibb

Most of you who know me (Lisa) know that I am a 100% city girl. I grew up in the city, and I love it there. While I appreciate the country as well, I also get tired of those who imply that urban living just isn't "pretty." Well, take a look at these pictures I took while we were hanging Christmas Balls at my parents house (both our house and theirs are just a few miles from downtown Greensboro). I also took a few at my grandparents house next door to my parents. Sure, the houses may be a little closer together. The lots may not be as big. But in the end, who can deny that urban life can be pretty sweet???







































Thank you, Lord, that Your glory shines through all places! :)