We moved on Friday. It was an incredible whirlwind weekend, and I will catch up on the blog very very soon. We put a huge dent in the unpacking process.

I have a lot to share, but today I’m over here sharing this.

I’d love for you to share your ideas, too.

1. The hills are alive…

Did y’all see Carrie Underwood and The Sound of Music on NBC last night? I stayed up way too late watching it after an event for Todd’s firm, but I was blown away. Blown away. KK and I played nuns in The Sound of Music back in 1995, and it was such a great experience. I love this show and love the stage production. What did y’all think?

2. If you live in the Columbia area, I highly encourage you to go shopping this weekend at the Junior League of Columbia’s Holiday Market at the state fairgrounds. Tickets are only $8 and they get you in every day of the market. And if you have kiddos, bring them tonight at 5:00 to meet Santa!

It might look a little like this!

Or this?

3. Instagram

If you want to follow along with some of the day-to-day things going on in the Carroll household, find me on Instagram! I love love love Instagram.

4. Moving Day

We’re moving into our house today. If you’ve been reading along for the past year, you know there’s not much else I need to say. Can I get an amen?

5. Movies!

Hudson and I have been watching a lot of kid-friendly Christmas movies in the afternoons. We’ve been using this list as a guide. When we get moved and settled, I plan to drag out all the Christmas books and read those to them. I so love this time of year!

So December is here.

How in the world did that happen?

I am overwhelmed by the feeling of longing and a feeling of contentment. My heart is battling my head’s desire to do it all. To make all the memories. To bake all the treats and to complete all the things on the bucket list.

I haven’t displayed my beautiful advent calendar yet. I haven’t wrapped any gifts.

We are closing on our house this afternoon. A major thing that we’ve been waiting for since November of last year. And despite all the excitement surrounding that, I am overwhelmed with expectancy for Christmas.

The need for the Savior. The grace of that perfect Gift.

So come, thou long-expected Jesus. Come.

I’ve prayed daily for the reminder of how much we need Him. The realization that without Him, we have nothing.

This season of waiting that we’ve been in for the past year was about more than waiting on a house. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I have been humbled to the bones by His grace in the midst of my selfishness.

And as we wait and prepare for Christmas Day in this season of Advent, we’re praising Him. For the gifts. For the opportunity. For the grace. And for this season of giving.