First Sunday of Advent: Hope and Toddler Time

Today, Holly and I will color pictures and read books, watch movies and listen to music, and watch chickadees at the bird feeder. In short, we will be toddler-busy. Hopefully, there will be a nap at some point, at least for the little one. 

Meg is still in Boston with Tim, and we are all still praying. We will keep things as routine-based here for Holly, keep the pets fed and so on, and pray some more. Tonight, Holly will have a sleep-over at Meg's best friend's house because G and I have to get up early for work. After I get home, I'll take over again. Our plan is, by necessity, patchworked together, but we are doing our best.

Most people yearn for more time with their grandbabies, and I have to say, I love it too-- but I am darned tired. I slept 8 hours last night, and it's nowhere near enough. But we will make it work; the papers I am supposed to grade will get done, but it may be first thing tomorrow morning. 

I have a turkey carcass stewing down for soup tonight, too. It's raw and damp out. I may wait to put up the creche and the village later on--I'm pretty sure I don't need toddler-help (!) with it. But we'll see. If we get bored (!), it may become a shared activity.

At church this morning, I started to cry during the intercessions, the communal prayers offered for the healing of those who are sick in our families. I want so much for God to hold my little family in the palm of his hand, close to his heart. We need healing. We've been so humbled and blessed by the outpouring of love, concern, and donations to help with Tim's care. It's a little overwhelming, but critically necessary. The first Sunday of Advent follows a theme of Hope. It's not lost on me how much we need it.

Hold your loved ones close. 

C