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Monday, November 19, 2012

Advent Calendars

Yes, I know that Thanksgiving is not even here yet, but I am busy girl and want everything ready for Christmas. Besides, December 1 St is 11 days away. So, with Lucie off at Thanksgiving camp and Lucas busy doing his own thing, I am tackling the Advent calendars.

I started this Christmas tradition years ago. I borrowed the idea from cousin Danelle. It has stuck with our family ever since. We look forward to opening a new book each evening.

Books I have collected along the way....

This 12 Days of Christmas pop up book was 25 cents at a garage sale. Lucas and Lucie take turns getting to turn the pages.

Finding books at garage sales is wonderful...books I would have never considered, sometimes become my favorites. This one makes me weepy every time!



Some great old classics


I suppose Carl makes me cry as well...

In fact, we haven't even started and I cried today. This is one of my favorites. As you can see it's one of those recorder books. They tend to be expensive, but so worth it. I couldn't believe Lucas and Lucie's tiny voices...Lucas having trouble with certain sounds, remembering how hard it was for Lucie to read her lines and that thick thick accent of My husbands....just precious. Yes, this one made me cry. Can't wait for the kids to hear it this year....

Believe me, I'll be glad I started early......25 books to wrap. Here we go!

Powered by Starbucks, as usual.

The last five were the toughest to do. I did it though. We are set for the 1 St....oh wait...

There's Lucas' advent calendar......

got it filled!!!

The hardest part.....making sure each box was equal to Lucie's!!



Lucie's.....

And, new this year! Elf on a Shelf. The kids have no idea!!! I think Stan will have fun doing this with me every evening once the kids are sleeping!! Sneaky sneaky!

Of course I got him on sale weeks after Christmas last year. Turned him down at 30%, seriously considered at 50% and grabbed him at 75%. I was surprised there still some left! I have a Pinterest board just for him!! Check it out Here  


He needs a name!!! I am thinking of Tink. Not sure.......what do you think??

17 comments:

  1. Love your advents and Christmas books! The Elf on the shelf is too cute! xo Heather

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  2. You have such a wonderful collection and what a great find...Elf on a shelf! I collect the old ones but would buy a new one, if I could find one! I love Christmas books and can't wait to get mine out and make a big stack to read during the holidsy! Enjoy your week!

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  3. Those books are precious! I love that you wrap them and open one to read every day before Christmas. What a wonderful tradition!

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  4. I see some of my favorite Christmas books in that collection! What wonderful Christmas traditions!

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  5. I loved Elf on the Shelf last year..our first. Liam loved looking for him each morning. He has already mentioned him for this year. I think I'll try to be a bit more. creative this year. Have fun!

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  6. I loved Elf on the Shelf last year..our first. Liam loved looking for him each morning. He has already mentioned him for this year. I think I'll try to be a bit more. creative this year. Have fun!

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    1. I hear that it's a blast for the kids! Going into it I THINK I am going creative, but we'll see what happens come 9:30-10 p.m. each evening!!I hope you post some of your elf mornings on Facebook!!

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  7. Hi Mary Karen....Love your header! Ohhhh, you are getting me excited about Christmas. I love to collect Christmas books, too....for kids and adults. Have a ton of them but added more this year! HA HA

    You are amazing and I love your enthusiasm. Bring on CHRISTMAS! Susan

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    1. Oh, thanks Susan!! So sweet! Yes, I am not sure who enjoys the stories more!! The kids are used to me getting choked up at this point...but it's a special moment every night! Thanks for stopping by!!

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  8. What a special and great tradition! Wish I had thought of that when my boys were young! The elf is adorable! Have a wonderful Holiday! Traci

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  9. That's the greatest idea that I have ever heard. Kids don't read anymore or do their parents read to them. I always made sure that I sat on the bed and read them a story at bedtime. Even when the grands came over. They would pick a book from the bin and bring it to me. What a special time to have with your family!!!

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  10. I just love the book a night idea! That is great. I wish I had a book with my children reading! My son's voice is cracking and changing right now! You have some great traditions. Thanks for sharing them.
    Blessings,
    Susie

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  11. What a great assortment of books and what a great tradition! I still buy my grandkids a Advent calendar every year, even now that some are in their teens! I have a little elf in my Christmas decorations I put on the tree every Christmas. Will be getting it out soon! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
    Nancy

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  12. Love all your books Karen! You have such a beautiful collection! I would say that you are all ready for Christmas! Happy Thanksgiving! Angie xo

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    1. Thanks, Angie! I have to admit when we got back today, after being gone for two nights, I took one look at the books an felt relieved I'd wrapped them all!! Thanks for stopping by!

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  13. Gorgeous advents, I have a few of those books. I so badly want an elf on the shelf, so much fun!

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    1. Thanks, Mel!! If you don't get an elf for this Christmas...keep your eye out for them at 50% off after Christmas!! Thanks for stopping by!

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