That must be an oxymoron, no? I can't EVEN tell you the happy dance I did at noon last Friday when the kids got out of school. No homework! No lunches to make! No schedule! The fun will wear off in a couple of weeks, but right now it's pretty much awesome. I have a love-hate relationship with Advent. I know, standing juuuuust a touch to the left for when the lightning strikes. But let's be honest, y'all. The month of December is like drinking Dr Pepper with a side of Red Bull and a slice of jalapeno. You come in hot the entire month. Even though we are purposely intentional about the activities our kids do and what we say 'yes' and 'no' to, it is still so hard to slow that train down. … [Read more...]
The Cross of Perfection
Growing up, I heard this often: If it's worth doing, it's worth doing well. What, you, too? For as far back, and forward, as I can remember success equaled perfection. And vice versa. It's been this pursuit of perfection that has driven me to try new things, but more often than not, it's my downfall. Or, more appropriately, my cross. Maybe it's yours, too. We live in this world that tells us to be a perfect wife, you must have a perfect marriage and perfect children. Your house must be perfect. Your liturgical celebrations and how you make your house a home must be perfect. Dogs, shoes, makeup, body image, cooking skills and everything in between? Perfect. I think we tell … [Read more...]
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner: Some Fun Cyber Monday Deals
Remember when I shared my art dilemma about which photo art to choose for the perfect gift? Well, the winner has been decided and I *really* hope the recipient loves it. Do you love it? #pleasesayyes Quite honestly, I almost went with that Texas state photo art. It was so unique, but this one won out just because of the number of photos I could include. Trust me when I tell you that the state art will find a place in my home eventually. It was just so great. Minted has awesome Cyber Monday deals going on today. For the photo lover or party thrower in your life, you will not go wrong with their things. If you missed last Friday's post about my favorite religious gifts (and deals!) … [Read more...]
Are You Advent Ready? j/k :)
I must be joking, right? Seriously. I'm not even back-to-school ready and that happened like three months ago. The kid who had a birthday in September just got his birthday party LAST WEEK. In November. Clearly, I am killing it. Be jealous. But, you know, Advent starts in two weeks and people are going to start busting out the Elf on the Shelf (the bane of my existence), screaming movie lines from "Elf" like they wrote the movie and hitting up Pinterest pretending to be holiday crafty. In between the tinsel and the gift shopping, I'm urging you to: Breathe. Grab a Dos Equis, or a sweet tea martini. Your choice. Order the Advent bundle from Blessed is She and really kick … [Read more...]
Just Fa-la-la-la-laing Around Here
My friend, Jenny, was gracious enough to share "how we Advent" here at Team Whitaker over at Catholic News Agency. It's definitely been an evolution. This week, I'll be sharing some photos of what Advent and Christmas look like. That means I actually need to vacuum and pick up the 8,000 toys, 4,500 art projects and 35 kids' cups that are all over my house so you can actually see it all. In the meantime, let's catch up on a few things. Gianna's eyelashes, for one. Women pay good money for those things. Also, can we talk about that curl on the side?? She's been "helping" me wrap presents while the bigs are gone. And by helping, I mean destroying the wrapping station. I'm pretty … [Read more...]
