Thanksgiving, Advent and everything in between

What does Mr. Turkey say?

Gobble Gobble Gobble

When it is Thanksgiving Day

Gobble Gobble Gobble

  I have discovered the secret to doing it all - the good, traditional Thanksgiving fare and the adorably decorated table. A secret Martha herself learned long ago. You ready for it? Have somebody else do part of it. Profound, I know! In American Thanksgivings past, we've had neighbours join us, our Chinese Canadian friends or people we just wanted to reach out to. This year we did something different. I propositioned an American friend of mine - I'd do all the cooking if she'd like to do crafts with our kids, do a table scape and a fun kids table. She agreed and it was a hit! I wish I had better pictures because this seriously doesn't do it justice - it was adorable. I kid you not. It can sometimes be a challenge to pass on to my kids important holidays and traditions from my upbringing while living in another country. Canadian Thanksgiving is in October (which I really like having it then) but the history of it is different. For one night I was like every other "normal American", celebrating with friends and family the first meal of Thanksgiving between the Pilgrims and Native Americans so long ago. Thanks, Dina!

Other things we've been up to? We've been busy! Both kids have had their cooking classes at the local grocery store. I stay with Zanna but Will is a drop off.

Since I last posted, we've been to the National Arts Centre for a wonderful show, visited the recently reopened Museum of Nature, took a tour of Canadian art at the National Art Gallery (I love living in this city!), Will had a karate tournament, we toured the bird sanctuary (hospital) along with all our regular activities. I gotta slow down....

And now it is Advent. As I start busily decorating for Christmas, celebrating Advent slows me down and forces me to focus on who we are celebrating. 

Here's my mantle this year. I thought I would change it up and use the wall art I made at a local art store a few years ago. The store's since closed which is too bad because I'd love to do more!

Here's some of what we're doing to prepare for Jesus birth - a journey through history leading up to His birth. I downloaded a free Jesse tree devotional complete with ornaments. I then laminated the ornaments. That's right - just call me the LAMINATOR. In an Arnold voice. I laminate everything that's not nailed down. But I digress. 

Blessings on your Advent celebration!