Advent and getting ready for Christmas!

#Advent is upon us!

These first few days have been busy ones 

and I am very happy 

that we started it right with Mass and lighting of the first Advent candle of #HOPE.

I also started my nobena for the 

Immaculate Conception November 30 and ends on December 8th, 

the Blessed Mother's Feast day

our island's patron saint feast day,

Santa Marian Kamalen.

Wishing everyone, near and far, manamko and children a blessed Advent season.

HOW TO SAVOR ADVENT

Seek reconciliation.  

Focus on good deeds.

Create and "Advent Chain".  

Participate in a Giving Tree.

Volunteer your time.  

Create your own Jesse tree.

Make homemade gifts for each person 

in your family.

Living Life to the Fullest!

#November blessings!
Favorite people include #MaryDavis, author of #EveryDaySpirit.  I love her thoughtful quotes that seem to touch me in a special way and guides me to reflect on my personal goings on each time I read one of her posts.  Some days, it's as if she is speaking to me directly and it's just what I needed in that moment!  I also tribute these to my sweetest Jesus, for every blessing, and who knows what I need each moment of my life.

I have many, many #favoritepeople who I am so grateful for and love to the moon and back.  My hubby, Henry Dean Tydingco Dela Cruz, my siblings, Christine Margaret Flores-Dela Cruz/TINA, Laverne Roslyn Flores/VERNE, +Vincent Mark Flores/BOBOY, Mary Elizabeth Flores/MARE, and Timothy Bryan Flores/TIM... their partners and children are also very special to me in one way or another, and of course, my extended family members!  So many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and our beautiful #Godchildren!

Victoria Santos McDonald, RIA/TORI, 

Lauren Flores Martinez/NANI, 

Garrett John Badajos, 

Paulina Catherine Richards, 

Dominique Pilar Flores/BABY/NIKKI

Jonathan Jude Flores/JON, 

Jesusenta Cruz Rojas/SENTA, 

Tiffany Ann Leilani Flores Mesa/TIPPERLY, and 

Chasitie Reyes/CHAS.

#IAMBLESSED!

November is a favorite month. Simply because it falls during the autumn season.  While I am an island girl, I do love this special season!  Cooler temps, beautiful flaming colors, and pumpkin patches!  Things slow down and it's a time for reflection and thoughtful consideration of the year coming to a close, a new one coming upon us, and #Thanksgiving & #Christmas arrives and we focus on family and friends and all of our blessings. #partytime! 

When you are not sure what to do:  

KEEP CALM AND BE CRAZY, 

#LAUGH, #LOVE AND #LIVE IT UP 

BECAUSE THIS IS THE OLDEST YOU'VE BEEN 

AND THE YOUNGEST YOU'LL EVERY BE AGAIN.

As we enjoy November and thanksgiving meals with loved ones, I wish you joy in your heart, good food in your tummy, and love that only your special ones can give you.

Abiding in love,

Photos belong to their original owners; found on Pinterest.com or shared with me by family & friends.  

Family & Links I Love!

November is all about giving thanks with grateful hearts & family Even if you can't all be together, technology allows us to share special moments.   We do this with one of my Goddaughters in California during the main celebration, like meal time!

Merriam Webster defines family as:

1a : the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children also : any of various social units differing from but regarded as equivalent to the traditional family a single-parent family

b : spouse and children want to spend more time with my family

2 : a group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head : household

3a : a group of persons of common ancestry : clan

b : a people or group of peoples regarded as deriving from a common stock : race

4a : a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation : fellowship

Today, family is anyone you have a relationship with.  Strangers become family over time.  Friends become family since grade school.

Links I found and love that talk about family and the many descriptions and definitions, plus some new ideas to create your own traditions for Thanksgiving.

1.  https://family.lovetoknow.com/about-family-values/meaning-family
2.  https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/thanksgiving-traditions/
3.  https://cyberparent.com/relationships/define-family-true-meaning-family/
4.  https://psychcentral.com/lib/10-tips-for-surviving-thanksgiving-with-the-dysfunctional-family/
5.  https://www.care.com/c/stories/3743/10-family-thanksgiving-traditions-you-should/