Last week we had the biggest snow we’ve potentially had in many years here in North Carolina, and we personally had close to 16 inches. It stayed on the ground for most of last week and today is the first day we’ve really seen the sun and the ground since then. Everyone enjoyed it so much and somehow we managed to have electricity throughout the entire storm, while many of our neighbors went for days without power. It was neat seeing the neighborhood pull together to help one another, checking in on the elderly and those without power and offering to help where needed. We enjoyed a lot of time out in the snow and also keeping our hands busy inside with a few crafts like stringing up dried oranges for garlands both inside and out (for the birds), paper snowflakes, cookie making, painting, christmas movies, etc. It’s been good to take a break from our usual school work to make time for these activities and just being together, but of course it isn’t perfect. We still have a lot of bickering and momma getting frustrated with the soggy layers all over the floor and the messes everywhere I turn, but it has been good just the same. I’m such a work in progress when it comes to patience and grace with my children, and I’m making a concerted effort to do things together this holiday season that are fun for them even if they’re a bit stressful for me.
We went to the Christmas pageant at our church, and we went to our small local mall to send off a package and walk around (i.e.: let the children run and blow off some pent up energy) and happened to visit with Santa while we were there. I think it’s the first time any of my kids have sat on Santa’s lap and given their Christmas requests. It was pretty cute and we had some good conversation afterwards, and I remembered so many visits to the mall with my family during Christmas time when I was growing up.
Yesterday we went into downtown Asheville for a Christmas brunch with my family that’s local, since we all help with my dad’s remodeling business in one way or another. We usually eat out (when we do eat out together) at Posana’s restaurant because it has an entirely gluten-free kitchen and it’s one place we feel safe letting Phoebe eat. It is a huge treat, thank you mom and dad! It was windy and cold, but still fun to walk all around and see the Christmas decorations. Phoebe wanted to take a picture of me (I’m wearing my Timber cardigan and Campside shawl!) and I’m thankful she did, even if I don’t love being in front of the camera.
Over the weekend we went to the annual open house at our favorite pottery place in Brevard, NC and then visited with our old neighbors there for a few hours which was such a treat. (Elizabeth, if you’re reading, you know I’m talking about your grandparents!) 🙂
Evenings during Advent are spent gathered around our advent wreath, coloring ornaments for the Jesse tree as we read through Ann Voskamp’s Unwrapping the Greatest Gift. Last night we lit the “joy” candle and it’s hard to believe we are just a few days away from Christmas. Noah turns six on Thursday, Phoebe turns eight on Sunday and then Christmas is upon us. It’s going to be a very full week ahead!
I hope you’re staying cozy and warm, enjoying these last few days of anticipation.
everything He gives 