This week marked the start of my favorite time of year, the time when people & things start to slow themselves down just a little bit. Where our focus is shifted more towards stuff that really matters and family time comes pretty close to all of the time.

Sure, we’re all still crazy busy, yet somehow we manage to juggle time a little better and squeeze in some neat memories in the process. That’s what this week’s Life in an Instant post has been about for me. Maybe yours was different and that’s alright, I still really want to see what you’ve been up to all week.

You can tell from the photos we like to express ourselves with hats a lot! From safari hats to santa hats, teddy bear toboggans to full transformers head pieces — Anything goes. Her eyes in that transformer shot just melt my heart, so much sweetness wrapped up in to one spunky little girl. It really is fun to watch her.

The photos you’re seeing here are all snippets of our Countdown to Christmas tradition. I’ll admit we have had to adapt our plans significantly now that we have one child in school. I think the face of this tradition has changed for us forever, but we’re still plugging away making it a season to remember even if our activity of the day was just an hour long trip to the post office and a stroll through the fancy food store (third row – middle pic).

The lesson I’m learning this year is it doesn’t really matter what the activity is as long as we’re together, our hearts are in it and our attitudes are in the right places. Mine, maybe even more than theirs.

I’m curious, what lessons are you learning this year? 

Now it’s your turn, show me your life this week captured in instants

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Last year, I started a family advent tradition at our house consisting of crafts, activities, outings and more to be done each day in December leading up to Christmas. I wanted to focus on family, fun, the spirit of giving and more importantly, the real reason for the season. Also, I hoped to take some of the focus off all merchandising schemes & marketing campaigns that have weaseled their way in to our holidays and keep my kids oblivious to all that hoopla for at least a few more years.

And you know what?

It was hands down my favorite part of the holidays, so of course, I revived it this year. Some of the activities from last year we have chosen to do again, some are new, many we borrowed from a sweet friend, Katherine Marie, who is acting out her very own list of activities you won’t want to miss. (<- The Random Acts of Kindness Advent)

I’m sharing our list with you in hopes that you may find something fun to do with your family this holiday season. I’ll try and post updates along the way, but in case we’re too busy having fun, here’s what we’re up to.

Dec 1: Sweet’s Mommy & Me Day - A Royal Tea Party
Dec 2: Happy’s Mommy & Me Day – Superhero Showdown
Dec 3: Christmas Gifts for the Birds
Dec 4: Christmas Celebration at Sea World San Antonio
Dec 5: Pick out & Decorate our Tree
Dec 6: Gifts to the Teachers at the YMCA
Dec 7: Fresh Mulled Cider & A Christmas Light Spectacular Car Ride
Dec 8: Cocoa for Troops & Army Mens (aka men in uniform)
Dec 9: Kids Christmas Craft Party at our house
Dec 10: Donate to local Children’s Shelter
Dec 11: San Antonio Tamale Festival
Dec 12: First NBA Game
Dec 13: Build Gingerbread house w/ Nana
Dec 14: Kids Shopping Day (mainly $1 store stuff)
Dec 15: Candy Cane Drop Off
Dec 16: Handprint Reindeer Ornaments & a surprise trip to Build A Bear
(I purchased each kid a 50% off coupon during a recent Group On event)
Dec 17: Take Cookies to Employees at the Library
Dec 18: Date with Santa
Dec 19: Happy’s 5th Birthday!!
Dec 20: Kids Wrapping Party
Dec 21: Make Snowman Ornaments (like these)
Dec 22: Donate to Food Pantry ($10 = 100 lbs of food) & Make Gifts for the Neighbors
Dec 23: River Boat Ride
Dec 24: Family in Jammies Party *
Dec 25: Christmas Day!!! Or Jesus’ Birthday, as we like to call it

For a complete list of last year’s activities, click here.
(psst, you’ll want to click. There’s a link to a pretty awesome printable advent calendar)

Um, apparently I need to start counting down sooner (or adding regular Random Act of Kindness events throughout the year) cause I just checked last years list and there were a lot of fun things on there I wanted to do again this year.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

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From Our Home to Yours: The mottos & mantras edition

We Hope Your Holiday’s are filled with Peace, Hope & Joy

But if things don’t go your way, don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty

Despite what folks may say, You’re NEVER to old to BELIEVE

In Santa or Reindeers or the power of puppies

When you wish upon a star, it makes no difference who you are

Merry Christmas Everyone

And to All, a Good Night!

PLEASE RECYCLE!!!

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