How Did it Get So Late So Soon?

 

I'm fond of Advent calendars and have collected a few over the years. I also collect toy soldiers, so you can imagine how excited I was to find this dashing version with tiny doors that open! He stands guard on the mantle alongside toy soldiers of all types, as well as a small artificial tree bedecked with mini soldiers.

A quick search online explains a bit about Advent:

The word "advent" comes from the Latin "adventus" meaning "arrival" or "coming," particularly of something having great importance. For denominations that celebrate Advent, it marks the beginning of the church year. In Western Christianity, Advent begins on the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas Day and lasts through December 24. When Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday, it is the last, or fourth Sunday of Advent.

For Eastern Orthodox churches which use the Julian calendar, Advent begins on November 15, and lasts 40 days rather than four weeks.

Lots of fun things happening at our home this week. We celebrated Thanksgiving, started decorating for Christmas, and visited Disneyland. Here is a photo of the castle aglow with twinkling lights.

We even completed our Christmas cards today, so we'll have plenty of time to work on our annual gingerbread house once school finals are over.

 

How did it get so late so soon?

It's night before it's afternoon.

December is here before it's June. 

My goodness how the time has flewn.

How did it get so late so soon?

Dr. Seuss

Happy December!

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Mosaic Monday 

 

Winter- It's Official!

Happy Winter-time! Late dawn, early sunset. Short day and a long night. For us in the Northern Hemisphere, the December solstice marks the longest night and shortest day of the year, after which the days get longer. I've been enjoying picturesque snow scene photos on so many of your blogs and it makes me wish for a white Christmas! Alas, here in southern California we have blooming flowers and swaying palm trees, so I have to enjoy your 'winter white' vicariously. Instead of snow dusted trees, we have bright yellow ginkos. 

I came across half a dozen Gingko trees in a large patch of deep green grass - each bright yellow tree had a 'skirt' of fallen leaves at the base of it's trunk. The day was slightly overcast, and the yellow was so bright and cheery that I just had to take a photo.

These sunny colored leaves danced and curtsied in the breeze. When I returned home I felt like doing a little dance myself; I had special mail waiting to be opened! 

 Thank you, Marjolein and Carol, for taking the time to craft a handmade card and send it to me! What a sweet surprise. I ooohed and ahhhed over them - love the tiny bell around the reindeer's neck and the nifty way the Santa card stands up.

 
  Here is a glimpse of the mantel. There are nutcrackers and soldiers made of wood, metal, cloth, glass and wax! There are nesting toy soldiers, a wee soldier inside a bell, and even a wooden bowling pin set. It is nice to have all the decorating done, and now we can do a few fun things before the big day. Today we went to see The Hobbit. Loved it!

 Hope you are caught up with your to do list and get the chance to enjoy this first day of Winter~

Mail~ Coming and Going

At this time of year we never know if we are going to have sunshine, rowdy Santa Ana winds or rain...or maybe all three in one week! It rained today, but winds are in the forecast for tomorrow.

A package arrived today from Cathi in Ireland~ she sent me some delicious tea and a wonderful cup. Thank you, Cathi! I love what you sent, and will think of you every time I use them. I immediately steeped up a pot of tea and put the cup to good use!

Today is also the give away day for the recipe cards~ Lisa won them. Lisa wrote,

I love turkey dinners but treasure the tradition of making peanut butter balls. This has been something I have done for several years with my mom and cousin but over the last few years, it has mostly been with my little girls. My mom is included when she can, we live about 1 1/2hrs away from each other. My "family tradition" book shows the recipe and pictures withing the first few pages. Fun to have connected with you,
Blessings,
 Lisa
Lisa, send me your addy so I can pop those cards in the mail to you. Thanks, ladies, for sharing what culinary treats you enjoy during the holidays. 

And today I took some photos...told you I would!...of the mantle where we display some of our toy soldiers and nutcrackers.

Our walls are a soft millet gold, which does not show up in the flash.

 I sewed the handsome guy sitting atop the box, then detailed him with fabric paint.

Nesting soldiers~

The soldier on the left holds a small soldier bowling pin set; small soldier 'pins' and a wooden ball. The center soldier is a metal candlestick, and the nutcracker on the right is a clock maker.

Last, but not least, this petite soldier hangs inside a glass and makes a lovely sound when you gently ring the bell.