As we look at the New Year ahead of us, it’s impossible to know what opportunities and challenges we will encounter during the next 365 days. We have no choice but to say yes to all of it, even the unknowns.

Before I was a mother, I thought Christmas countdowns were cute and decorative and fun. Now I think they exist so parents can direct their children to the nearest countdown feature.

This week we are lighting the pink candle on our Advent wreath as we say, “Gaudete!”

I’m big on celebrating birthdays, but Daniel challenges even me to appreciate the awesomeness of birthdays.

He couldn’t wait to bring that snowman to life.

In the case of First Reconciliation, we just need to do the very best we can to prepare our children and trust that God will take care of the rest.

A few years ago Daniel and I started making paper towel snowmen to give to people at Christmas.

Jesus does not just come to us when we are perfect. He comes to us as we are, even if we are shepherds watching our sheep in the fields.

Let’s look at Advent as a chance to welcome Jesus into our lives in a new way.

Advent usually creeps up on me without warning, but having the extra week between Thanksgiving and Advent has left me impatient for it to begin.