Advent 2014

Advent this year has looked a little different for us. The day we got back from Thanksgiving at Grandma's was the day Uncle Ed got in his car accident. The next three weeks were spent back and forth at the hospital. While we would not change that time with him at all, it led to doing several things alone and missing some things. 

1. Pack an Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box

Stephen and I each did this with our students at church. He helped the middle schoolers while I spent an evening shopping and packing with my high school girls. Sadly, no pictures...

2. Decorate

Stephen informed me we did not have enough decorations this year. Increasing the size of your living space will give that appearance.

 We had to move this table to make room for the tree. It made the perfect spot for our nativity scene.

3. School Christmas Party

I had to attend this one without Stephen, but we did not lack entertainment and fun!

4. Summit Christmas Party

Stephen had to fly solo to this because I was at the rehearsal for Rachael's wedding. However, this is the selfie he sent me before he left. #smh 

5. Wedding Date

I had to fly solo on this one

6. Chick-Fil-A Date

This year we got to celebrate Charlie's 2nd birthday for our Chick-Fil-A Date. If you remember from last year's Advent calendar, his parents were in the DRC fighting to bring him home. This year we got to celebrate him being home!

7. Make a Gingerbread House

8. Make Cookies

This was an easy one to skip with everything going on this month. However, I did take a few minutes the other night to make cookies for my co-workers. Allyson and I also spent some time one Sunday afternoon baking up some goodies!

9. Small Group Christmas Party

We love our small group. Any time spent with them is always a blast! Desserts + Games=Awesome

10. Mail Out Christmas Cards

11. Get Starbucks Together

Check!

12. Summit Leaders Christmas Party

We missed the Summit Leaders Christmas party, but had a good time at the middle and high school student Christmas parties earlier in the month!

13. Go to the Bahama Christmas Parade

We had to miss this one.

14. Wrap Presents

It seems every year this one doesn't get accomplished without Allyson's help. All I had to do was offer to feed her dinner! Thanks, Ally Poo!

15. Go to Dinner at our Favorite Mexican Restaurant

This didn't happen this year...but I'm sure it will happen soon in the new year!

16. Make our Favorite Christmas Snack

I did this one the same night I made cookies for my co-workers. Same snack as always: Three Town House crackers with peanut butter dipped in white chocoloate topped with red and green sprinkles!

17. Try a New Recipe

We tried Pineapple Teriyaki Pork Chops!  

18. Drive Around and Look at Christmas Lights

This one accidentally happened one night we were on our way over to family dinner after Uncle Ed died. Stephen and I forgot to order the pizza we were supposed to be bringing for the kids. Since we had to wait a few minutes, we took a quick drive through Croasdaile!

19. EKA Christmas

20. Make Ornaments

21. Have a Date Night

Didn't happen during advent this year...

22. Camp Out under the Christmas Tree
We invested in a nice air mattress earlier this year and it made our camp out SO much better!!

23. Christmas at DPAC
On the 23rd, we got to serve in Summit Kids for the DPAC. They are SO cute!! 

Then, we attended the service on Christmas Eve. It was amazing as usual!
If you're interested in watching it, you can access the show here.




24. Christmas Eve
We always spend Christmas Eve with Mom's side of the family at Mama Barb's...

25. Merry Christmas!

...Then, after time with family in Durham. we head to Dad's side of the family Christmas Day to see Grandma and Pa.