Quick Takes

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First, an update on last week's quick take in which I mentioned how much I am loving Josh Groban's Christmas album. I have one small annoyance - with his incredible reverent voice he changes two little words of "What Child Is This?" What is with artists thinking different words to traditional, classic songs sound better? Was it all that hard to sing "the Virgin" instead of "His mother?" Now that I'm done griping about yet another unimportant minute detail, I will reaffirm that I still love the album.

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We had SNOW! A solid 4 inches which provided fun and entertainment and childhood bliss this past weekend! Bella absolutely loved it; she climbed mountains, slid down the sides, made a snow angel, and helped Daddy shovel. The only way Patrick got her back inside after an hour was old fashioned bribery. What child can resist hot chocolate???

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Anastasia is really walking! It's a early, unstable, little toddle and involves a lot of falling, but she has discovered a new mobility and is on the move. Sunday was her first long walk across the floor, and since then she's stood up by herself from the middle of the floor, changed direction, and stopped to pick something up and kept going. It certainly doesn't take kids long, *sigh*.

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How's your Advent preparation going? I have read all across the blogosphere people talking about feeling unprepared or slacking in their Advent goals. Well, this year I am.... right there with them, as usual. I did manage to get our purple tablecloth and Advent wreath. I set up our Nativity set with the pregnant traveling Mary and Joseph in the center, and have enjoyed listening to Bella tell them how they have to ride a long way to have the Baby sleeping on the hay. Since we are leaving in LESS THAN A WEEK (!) for California our decorations have been minimal, and instead we're just reading about the Christmas story and enjoying the little moments of joyful anticipation. Funny, not being able to do much Christmas preparation has allowed a lot more Advent focus around here. *ssshhhhh* Don't tell my husband I said that.

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3 days ago we got rain/sleet mixture that washed away most of our snow. Today it's 29 degrees and windy with no precipitation. Our weather here drives me crazy.

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I need ideas on quick, convenient protein-based breakfast foods. But no egg or yogurt. Lately I can't stomach the idea of carbs first thing in the morning, I NEED protein, otherwise I end up feeling blech all day. I ate those microwavable sausage sandwiches the other day at my brother's house and they were great for my tummy, but not so great for either the food or calorie budgets. Any suggestions???

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WE ARE FLYING TO CALIFORNIA IN 6 DAYS!!!!! We are more than a little excited about seeing family and spending Christmas with them for the first time in several years! I will most likely NOT be doing Quick Takes next week, unless they are "7 Ways I (presumably) Survived the Plane Ride." The following week is Christmas. Hopefully I will be posting other things before then!

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As always, JEN @ CONVERSION DIARY has wonderful thoughts to share at a whole list of people's Quick Takes, so go check them out!