Advent has been great so far. If only a tad too busy due to the book launch. But things are settling back into a groove and it feels lovely.
Although our typical “homeschool” mainly consists of trips to the library, hours reading together, history audiobooks in the car, and the occasional math lesson for Benjamin when the girls are napping, we’re taking it even easier this month. Advent picture book read alouds are about it. Lots of playing outside (no more mosquitos! yay!), tea parties, hot cocoa, and snuggles by the Christmas tree.
And dressing up like somewhat unorthodox ninjas.
The Quotable Benjamin (5 years):
Questions that are apparently important enough to whisper in my ear during Mass: “Did Abraham Lincoln ever ride a bear?”
“When God made platypus and navel oranges and sloths I bet he just giggled.”
Bookshelf Love:
Les Miserables has been staring me down from my 2014 Reading List since February. I am now almost 450 pages in…….out of 1254 pages. So about a third of the way through. Will I finish by Jan 1? Definitely not. But I am determined to finish it early in the new year. It’s absolutely wonderful. But it’s HUGE and it’s not a page-turner for me because I’ve had the musical memorized since elementary school. And I read the abridged version years ago. But just you wait, Victor Hugo, just you wait. I will finish this book. Got any books you’re struggling to finish?
Coming up in the Liturgical Year:
Tomorrow is St. Lucy’s Day! I’ve loved this feast since I read the American Girl book about Kirsten’s Surprise. And I love it even more now that I have my own Lucy. I’m a little bit in obsessed with Audrey Eclectic’s St. Lucia print. (Well, let’s be real. I’m a little obsessed with ALL of the Audrey Eclectic prints.)
Links:
First of all, blogger Kathleen of Becoming Peculiar has a newborn with an unexpected and life-threatening medical condition. Please read about Baby Felix, pray for him, and consider supporting this family in their time of need.
Catholic Exchange published a snippet of our first book, Feast! this week: First Advent
How Saying Grace Before Meals Makes Every Meal a Feast: Clan Donaldson
Feast on this Feast Day: House Unseen, Life Unscripted
Choosing Peace this Advent When You’re the Mom of Littles: Fountains of Home
Feasting on New Traditions: Surviving Our Blessings
A Little Feast of the Immaculate Conception: Catholic All Year
Doing and Undoing Advent with More Feasts: A Knotted Life
Oh! And my friend Kelly created an awesome planner if you’re searching for one for the new year. Check it out!
Podcast:
Advent Music Is a Thing: our latest Fountains of Carrots episode featuring Catholic recording artist Colleen Nixon of Marian Grace
Oh, and to my surprise, I was nominated for the Best Current Events, Opinion, and/or Political Blog by the 2014 Homeschool Blog Awards. Surprisingly because I don’t talk about homeschooling very much, talk about politics approximately never, and current events rarely. I do have opinions, though. So, there’s that. Anyhow, if you have 10 seconds to spare, you can hop over and vote for Carrots.
Wishing you all a lovely weekend! I’ll just over here trying to keep the baby from eating more of her beloved blue chalk.
Sponsors and Friends:
Be sure to give some love to this month’s sponsors! They keep the lights on around here.
- Lilla Rose (consultant Mandi Richards)
- Holy Heroes
- Toadily Handmade Beeswax Candles
- Diary of a Country Mother
- Shining Light Dolls
- Catholic Match
Lots of love,
Haley
P.S. You can follow me…
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And remember that our original liturgical year book, Feast! is on sale for $4.99 during Advent. And through December 15th you can order our ebooks for 25% off using the code HAPPYFEAST
Mandi says
I should have ordered that St. Lucia print for Lucia’s name day but I’m a little too late this year! Maybe I’ll remember early enough next year. I love it though I believe she had cards of the print too – what lovely Christmas cards those would make!
I’m glad your Advent is settling down and hope you have a season of rest before what seems to be a busy 2015 for you.
Haley says
Well I just MIGHT have a few extra postcards of the St. Lucia print and one just MIGHT appear in your mailbox in a few days 😉
Ashley says
I’ve been trying to read Don Quixote for about five years. I finally got it on audio and that has helped a lot! I probably should re-read Les Mis at some point since it’s been overy 12 years since I read it. Can you believe I’ve never seen a production or movie?
Ashley says
PS I love Benjamin’s sayings!
Haley says
Oh that’s a good idea! I love audiobooks. And you’ve GOTTA at least watch the movie/musical. It’s so good!
Lisa says
Because of you I know about ( and have signed up for) StitchFix and ePantry! Thanks for keeping me in the know. I might need one of those Audrey Eclectic prints too..
Haley says
They are so pretty, aren’t they? And the artist, Heather, manages to paint all my favorite literary characters, too!
Marie-Claire says
I have also never finished Les Mis, but it’s because my brother stole the third volume of my 3 book edition before I was done reading it… Thanks for reminding me that I should really get on that. 😉
Sidenote: I think there must be something in that blue chalk. It’s a beloved baby snack here too… /facepalm.
Michelle G says
Praying for baby Felix and made a meager donation. Such a good cause!!