December Fave Five #2

FRIDAY!!  Only 2 more weeks until Christmas Eve :)

Today is the day we set aside, thanks to Susanne from Living to Tell the Story, and post the 5 things that we call favorites of the week.  I enjoy doing this each week....sometimes it's the simple things like a good cup of coffee or a good book, and other times it is more significant like time spent with family or friends. This week I was fortunate to enjoy both of these blessings from God.

Courtney and Claire
Tree decorating Nite
3 December 2010

• FAMILY DECORATING NIGHT:  my 17 and 11 year olds had a blast being in charge of the Christmas tree set-up last Friday evening.  While I finished up the decorations around the house, the girls did the tree and had fun posing for pictures when it was complete.  Love these special family times and it was bittersweet for my husband and I as it is Courtney's last year at home....this time next year she will be in college when we decorate.......

Dutch shoes for St Nicholas Day
6 December 2010

• ST NICHOLAS DAY:  go here to find out why we celebrate this day and what our traditions as a family include.  

• PEPPERMINT CREME COFFEE:  I tried a sample of various coffees this week when shopping at Fresh Market.  I tried their decaf (a bit bitter), Christmas Blend (was smooth), Orange (very potent...it almost tasted like there was orange liqueur in the coffee), and the peppermint creme.  This peppermint creme was my fave so I brought a lb of it home. It's a smooth, mild coffee and makes a great treat for late afternoon or early evening after dinner.

Courtney about to drive Mom's car

• TEEN DRIVERS!  Courtney, at age 17, only really takes my car once a week and then it's just to the Youth Center at our church for Youth Group on Wednesday nights. So when I was grumbling about having to go out in the bitter cold, dark evening after dinner on Monday to pick up a punch bowl from a friend, she actually volunteered to drive! (gotta love teen drivers...they are always willing to use the car!) The other neat thing about this was that the friend I was borrowing it from is known for her amazing homemade cakes for special occasions.  Courtney had been wanting me to hire her to do the cake for the graduation party next summer....so...she was able to speak with S. about this and S agreed to do the cake!  Definitely makes my fave list this week.....and a huge thank you to Courtney for driving out in the cold, and tor S for the use of the punch bowl, and her amazing cake-baking abilities.

Claire dressed in her concert outfit
8 December 2010

• ATTENDING OUR YOUNGEST DAUGHTER's HOLIDAY CONCERT:  Claire, our almost 12 year old, had her elementary school's Orchestra, Band, and Chorus concert on Wednesday evening.  Claire plays violin in the Orchestra and was chosen, along with a few other 6th grade strings players, to perform in a special ensemble.  They played one of my favorite Christmas hymns (YES...in public school!) "What Child is This?".  She also sang in the Chorus as it is required for all 5th/6th graders in our school district.  This was her last Holiday Concert as an elementary student.....a bittersweet evening.  She still has the All-District Concert in late winter, and the Spring Concert in June.  But..there is something  special about the Holiday concerts.....always a fave to watch one's own children perform timeless music.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend....it's a busy time of year.....remember to take some time to reflect on the Scriptures that God has given to us, to make some music, dance, and enjoy the simple things of the season.....

And....what is YOUR favorite thing from the last week??  Can't wait to read your answers!