It’s been a week of feasts here at the Mantoan crib. From stuffed shoes, to waking up extra early to make baked goods, to the yearly conversation I have with my husband on how we’re not using real candles in the St. Lucy crown. And crafts, oh so many crafts. So many wonderful traditions I’ve locked myself into. But it’s okay, that nasty cold bug is still running through the house so it’s not like we’re going anywhere or interacting with anyone, ever… And it’s great, great, GREAT spending all this QUALITY TIME with my kids and enabling them to create meaningful childhood memories they’ll take with them to counseling. (Remember how I said I was going to offer up stuff this Advent for the conversion of a certain person? You don’t? WELL GOD DOES. Thank you Lord for continuing to teach me the meaning of humility and dying to oneself, Amen.)

{pretty} Addie’s middle name is Lucille so todays her special day. That means Mass with Papa in the morning and St. Lucy cake for breakfast. My husband wrote a nice blog post on St. Lucy and our family’s traditions, but don’t go expecting a recipe. It’s a family secret that I’ve been sworn to protect. However, if I can ever recreate its awesomeness in gluten-free form, I’ll let you know.

{happy} Sunday the 9th was the 33rd anniversary of the death of Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. Thus far, the only way we mark this day is by attempting to play a recording of one of Sheen’s talks until Teddy’s screaming compels us to stop. Fulton’s middle name is Ambrose, so Dec. 7th we typically get baklava in honor of the honey-tongued saint. This year, I couldn’t find the baklava, so the kids begrudgingly settled for extra-large servings of ice cream, with sprinkles. I just closed my eyes and let them go to town with the sprinkles.

{funny} Every year St. Nick leaves nuts in the kids shoes, even though I don’t think any of the kids are fond of nuts. However, they do love shelling all the walnuts and making boats. Walnut shell boats for the tub, the bathroom sink (upstairs and down) and any stray glassware.

{real} With all this liturgical crafting and feasting going on, something has to give around here.

Whether you’re quietly preparing for the arrival of Christmas, or up to your elbows in glitter, be sure to swing by Like Mother, Like Daughter for the rest of this weeks {pretty, happy, funny, real} posts. Then you can return refreshed to the task of writing out your Christmas cards, or avoiding your Christmas cards. Whichever.