Happy New Year's Eve!

Technically, it's really New Year's Day but I'm going to go with the pre-Vatican II folks on this. You know how I feel about the anticipated Mass for a major holiday.

Let's back up. At 3:45 AM, when DH returned to bed from cleaning up the first round of spit-up and the accompanying child, I read him what the Holy Spirit had, just 5 minutes prior, deposited into my inbox...

"Nothing seems tiresome or painful when you are working for a Master who pays well; who rewards even a cup of cold water given for love of Him."

— St. Dominic

I think he appreciated the sentiment. It gave him something positive to think about on his second and third trip to the boys' room. Yes, we have the stomach flu. Yes, that will lessen but not eliminate our celebration of Advent Eve.

The day began with yum French toast (made with blessed bread from Thanksgiving) for all those who were well enough.

 The others got Jello...poor bellies

Orange so it's not mistaken for blood if it happens to make the return trip ;0)

The day was full of resting and watching and talking and tending..."the sick ward" someone named it. Then, at three, I took the older 2 to serve a wedding while DH tended the patients. 

We ended up running to a neighboring parish for Vigil so that we didn't have to drag the sick people out tomorrow (DH will head to early Mass alone tomorrow). Yes, it's my least favorite thing to do and yet, like always, the Holy Spirit has it well in hand. Father reminded us that, although Advent is typically outshone by Lent, "because it has all the good stuff like fasting and Stations" we should strive to make it the best of all possible Advents because it forms the foundation for all that comes after like Christmas, Lent and Easter. Brilliant. It is the New Year, after all (for you non-Catholics, Advent begins the new Liturgical calendar in the Church). 

Returning home, our Advent Eve party was low-key but still fun. 

Sparkling pear juice for the little people

 

And grape juice for the big people ;0)

Since it's likely to be another restless night, I will wish you a Happy New Year and blessed beginning of Advent. DH and I have decided to make it more like Lent for the big people in hopes of truly gaining the quiet anticipation that we so long for at this time of year. We shall see if the sick ward cooperates. In the meantime, I have my decorating done: kid-friendly Advent wreath (until my forgotten candles arrive in the mail) and purple bow for front door. ;0)

We are blessed.