All items in blue are from Carrie Pratt's Mentor Mom's materials and are used here with permission.

I posted on my personal Facebook last night and said, "Some days your brain and body tell you, in no uncertain terms, you're done for today. ‪#‎mommymeltdown‬ ‪#‎cantdoitall‬ ‪#‎exhausted‬"

I hit my wall of mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted by dinnertime.  I don't like that feeling, and it comes more often when I am in a hashimoto's flare (I have been battling one since late October).  My body is forcing me to do some self-care and I have to listen.  Here's how I combat the exhaustion....

Mentally -  make lists and don't overthink things.

Physically -  rest if/when I can, take plenty of breaks, SUPER HYDRATE, eat smart, C-O-F-F-E-E!!

Emotionally - music therapy and happy thoughts; this is when funny friends and quality Facebook feeds help a ton

Spiritually - scripture, scripture, scripture!  Dig into that favorite book of the bible.  Google passages to read when you are feeling [fill in the blank].  Do a devotional.  Then pray and mediate on what you've read.  Lay it all at the feet of Jesus and ask him to release you from managing this burden.

DECEMBER 18TH

Family Scripture Reading: 

Psalm 100:1-5

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs."


Family Discussion Suggestion: 

Prepare your hearts to worship the Lord with joy and song at your local church tomorrow.

Advent Activity: 

Arriving shortly..... stay tuned!


DECEMBER 19TH

Family Scripture Reading: 

Mary's Song - Luke 1:46-56

"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior"

Family Discussion Suggestion: 

Discuss the faithfulness Mary must have had to fully accept what God wanted to do in her life. Are we willing to do the same?

Advent Activity: 

Song Writing

Today we read about Mary and her "song" or poem to the Lord. Ask your children to write one or two lines of praise to God and to Jesus for who they are and what they do in our lives. If they would rather, they can draw a picture expressing their praise. They can display their work of art (song or picture) on the fridge or hang it on the tree as keepsake ornament.

All items in blue are from Carrie Pratt's Mentor Mom's materials and are used here with permission.

I love reading the Nativity story every year to my kids.  We have several story book versions as well as the verses from the scripture.  I haven't watched the theatrical version in quite some time.  If you haven't watched it, you can rent it via Google Play and Amazon or purchase it on iTunes.   Our local brick-and-mortar video store also has a couple of copies available!

Family Scripture Reading: 

Zephaniah 3:17

"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Family Discussion Suggestion: 

Discuss how amazing it is that the Lord "will rejoice over you with singing".

Advent Activity: 

The Nativity Story

Pop some popcorn, get a drink and snuggle in front of the home screen and watch The Nativity Story starring Keisha Castle-Hughes, Shohreh Aghdashloo,  and Oscar Isaac . If your children are young, select something age appropriate. Veggie Tales also has several cute Christmas stories.

All items in blue are from Carrie Pratt's Mentor Mom's materials and are used here with permission.

Today may be my most rushed day of the whole season.  I am pacing myself and not letting myself be consumed.  In the midst of that, I got to spend a few minutes chatting with a friend while I made fudge.  Now that I've had a chance to catch up on some things, I'm going to grab #3 son from his nap and load up for our next thing - WITNESSING OUR FRIEND'S ADOPTION!  We're so excited and thrilled for the Bright family finally being official.

Family Scripture Reading: 

Psalm 16:11

"You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with JOY in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand."

Family Discussion Suggestion: 

Discuss how encouraging it is to know that we can fully develop into the person God designed us to be if we simply follow His lead. We do this by "being in His presence" that is, spending time with God through reading Scripture and prayer. There is JOY and Eternal Life through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Advent Activity: 

Candy Cane Gifts

Encourage your child to spread Christmas Joy by giving their classmates or friends a Candy Cane Gift with a personal note from them. You can share the story of The Symbolism of the Candy Cane (posted below) with your children and enjoy a candy cane together.

All items in blue are from Carrie Pratt's Mentor Mom's materials and are used here with permission.

Today's Advent Activity is perfect because I just made peanut butter fudge for an event tonight as an auction gift.  We'll be cutting it into shapes (gingerbread man, Christmas tree, and star).  We used the same cookie cutters to make salt dough ornaments during the ice storm one year!

Family Scripture Reading: 
Luke 10:17-22


"At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children." Luke 10:21

Family Discussion Suggestion: 

What does this passage reveal about Jesus? It shows us that Jesus received joy through the Holy Spirit and we can do the same. When we become Christians we receive the Holy Spirit who empowers us to break free of sin and to enjoy the fruit of the Spirit - "Love, Joy, Peace . . . " Galatians 5:22. It also shows that Jesus praised God and we should do the same.

Advent Activity: 

Christmas Cookies

Children love to make cut out sugar cookies and moms, the easiest way is with a big roll of sugar cookie dough usually found on sale this time of year!

After dinner, put some flour on the counter, give each child some cookie dough and cookie cutters and let them make their own creations. It is fun to top them with sprinkles or use a can of icing for a topper!

Even tiny hands can make beautiful creations to celebrate the Savior's birth.  I always write the name, date, and event on the back so as we hang ornaments year after year we can walk down memory lane.

All items in blue are from Carrie Pratt's Mentor Mom's materials and are used here with permission.

We've had an exciting all be it gloomy, cloudy Saturday.  I can't say any of us behaved the way we should have.  I'm sure as God has looked down on us, He would see a lot of the work of the flesh.  However, I know some of us are clothed in the righteousness given to us through Christ.  Now when God looks down on our behavior, it's like we're standing under Jesus' umbrella and he only sees the righteousness of His Son and the fruits of the Holy Spirit become evident in our lives.

Family Scripture Reading: 

"Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him." Psalm 33:1

Family Discussion Suggestion: 

Discuss what it means to be righteous. How does a person sing joyfully? How can we praise our God? See also today's Advent Activity - Christmas Carol Guessing Game.

Advent Activity: 

Christmas Carols Guessing Game

Today's Scripture reading tells us to Sing Joyfully to our Lord.

During dinner tonight, light your candles (3) for the week of JOY and ask each family member to give 2-3 hints about their favorite Christmas Carol. Allow the other family members to guess. You can even hum the tune. Whoever guesses correctly gets to go next. Make sure everyone gets a turn!

All items in blue are from Carrie Pratt's Mentor Mom's materials and are used here with permission.

You know, in all my Christmas stuff, I have yet to find my advent candles.  (Insert disappointed grunt here).  Oh well, thankfully, candles are not the center of the advent season, they are simple a representation for all Jesus accomplished through his birth.

Advent Week Two - Celebration

Candles to light: 
Light 3 candles.  If you have a pink candle, this is the week to light it as one of the three.

Family Scripture Reading: 

Luke 2:8-15

Week three is also known as "The Shepherd's Candle" because the good news was proclaimed first to the shepherds, by Heavenly Angels.

Prayer: 

Father God,

May we experience the great joy proclaimed by the angel sent to Earth by You. Help us to overcome anything in our lives that might stand in the way of our joy.

Help us to focus on the greatest blessing we could receive, the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen


Advent Activity: 

Light Up Angel for Luke 2:8-14

Super simple - super cute!  Allow your child to draw an angel on a paper lunch sack, insert a flashlight, turn off the lights and declare the good news that Jesus was born! He or she can use the lights from your advent candles to read by.

All items in blue are from Carrie Pratt's Mentor Mom's materials and are used here with permission.

We've had an exciting all be it gloomy, cloudy Saturday.  I can't say any of us behaved the way we should have.  I'm sure as God has looked down on us, He would see a lot of the work of the flesh.  However, I know some of us are clothed in the righteousness given to us through Christ.  Now when God looks down on our behavior, it's like we're standing under Jesus' umbrella and he only sees the righteousness of His Son and the fruits of the Holy Spirit become evident in our lives.

Family Scripture Reading: 

Galatians 5:16-26

"For the fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace . . ."

Family Discussion Suggestion: 

First compare the two lists of behaviors. Ask your child which list he/she thinks God approves of. Discuss how the Holy Spirit will dwell in the body of a believer and enable him or her to cultivate the type of behavior that is good and holy. This is the type of life that God desires and He will receive the glory when His children are obedient and grow the fruit of the Spirit.

Advent Activity: 

Christmas List - Gifts Christ Gives Us

Christmas Card Rewards
This evening have your children either make Christmas cards or fill a few out as rewards for the houses with the best Christmas lights! They can say something like "Thank you for making our Christmas Bright! Love your lights!"

When your family goes looking at lights this year bring the cards along. Then have each child pick out their 1-3 favorite houses and write the address on the Christmas card envelope (you'll probably want to put postage on the envelope as well when you make them). Remember to stop at the post office on your way home and drop them in the mail!

A nice surprise "thank you" reward for those neighbors who spend so much time and effort on making our Christmas merry and bright!

All items in blue are from Carrie Pratt's Mentor Mom's materials and are used here with permission.

What a whirlwind this week has been!  I'm 99% sure yesterday was Tuesday and someone is playing a trick on me.  I choose to purposefully slow down and enjoy the season when I start feeling stressed.  That's not what Christmas is about and I refuse to fall victim to losing my focus!  Last night we went to Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie, TX where they had the beautiful nativity scene in the picture below.  For that moment, the reality of what Christmas is and who made it so special felt so profoundly real to me!  Thank you Jesus for that gift.

Family Scripture Reading: 

Psalm 29:11

"The Lord gives His people strength; the Lord blesses His people with peace."

Family Discussion Suggestion: 

The Lord gives us many gifts. This verse states that the Lord gives us strength and peace. What does that mean? Is it strength like Superman? or is it strength to live a life that pleases Him in any and all circumstances?

We can praise God and thank Him for His many gifts. What other gifts can you think of that God provides us? What gift do you want to give Him this Christmas?

Advent Activity: 

Christmas List - Gifts Christ Gives Us

This is an activity created by Laura at Family Home Evening Lessons. It has 25 verses printed on Christmas packages for your child to read and discover the many gifts Jesus Christ gives to His children. It also has a list your child can complete as well as one for gifts he or she can give to Jesus this Christmas.

All items in blue are from Carrie Pratt's Mentor Mom's materials and are used here with permission.

I love the story of a pregnant Mary visiting her pregnant cousin Elizabeth.  The bible talks about how the child (John the Baptist) lept in Elizabeth's womb when Jesus (in Mary's womb) entered the room.  It's an amazing thought that John the Baptist, even without seeing Jesus, could feel his presence and respond in praise!  Can we do the same?

Family Scripture Reading: 

Luke 1:67-79

Known as Zechariah’s Song, this passage is a celebration of the birth of John the Baptist who was empowered by God to prepare the way for Jesus.

"And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him," Luke 1:76

Family Discussion Suggestion: 

Talk about who Zechariah, Elizabeth and John were to Jesus. They were his Uncle, Aunt and Cousin. Discuss that God had a plan for John and has a plan and purpose for everyone including your family members.

Verse 79 states that Jesus will "shine on those living in darkness" and "guide our feet into the path of peace." First ask your children what they think this means. Discuss with your children that we all live in darkness until Jesus becomes our Savior and provides His light in our life so that we can see what is good, what is evil, and how God wants us to live in peace.

Advent Activity: 
Preparing our Children's Hearts for Christmas
Our Scripture reading today discusses John the Baptist being born to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. Today's activity will help your children prepare their hearts for Jesus.

The Christmas Countdown Chain pdf has Service Activities your child can tape or glue to the inside of the "links" in their chain. For example, "Prepare a treat for your family" or "Pray for your Neighbor". It also has numbers they can tape to the outside of the link. Have them make their chain, hang it up and begin with link #12 on December 13th.

All items in blue are from Carrie Pratt's Mentor Mom's materials and are used here with permission.

If you have spent much time at all on my blog, today's scripture reading will be familiar because it includes my favorite verse; Philippians 4:6.   I was just commenting to a friend this morning how easy it is (especially during the holidays) to become overwhelmed by our circumstances.  To-do lists, gifts, errands, events, traveling, and a 1,000 things more are prioritized over even our own well being.  Anxiety runs high and troubles bubble up from somewhere down deep.  Thankfully, the Bible tells us exactly how to handle these moments!  Now, go put on some praise music and dedicate the next 30 minutes to just having some time to be still.

Family Scripture Reading: 

Philippians 4:4-7

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:7

Family Discussion Suggestion: 
Discuss how difficult it is to make decisions sometimes. However, when we give our worries to Jesus, He will guide us to the right decision. We can rejoice in each day, no matter what it brings, knowing that Jesus is our Savior and He will bring us Peace.

Advent Activity: 
Stay tuned for the activity to be posted later today.

I found two of these in the ornaments my parents had given me.  It is so simple, but also so elegant.

All items in blue are from Carrie Pratt's Mentor Mom's materials and are used here with permission.

I took Sunday off (because even God took a day to rest) and yesterday was a frenzy of activity from waking up the sun until I finally collapsed into my bed.  Some days are just like that and you do the best you can.  I think it's funny that in all my hustling about, today's advent reading is about Peace.  Jesus didn't come to knock out our to-do lists, but to give peace to our spirits.  With so much happening in the world today, it can be easy to feel anxious and afraid.  I was deeply blessed by the sermon our Preacher did on Sunday on that topic, if you'd like to watch it you can here.

Family Scripture Reading: 

 Isaiah 9:6 & Ephesians 2:14-17

"He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near." Ephesians 2:17"

Family Discussion Suggestion: 
First discuss how the prophet Isaiah was given a message from God that the Prince of Peace would be born (Isaiah 9:6). Then talk about the fact that the Apostle Paul shared with the Ephesians that Jesus was the Prince of Peace and that He came to the Earth to teach people about how to live a peaceful life by "setting aside. . . the law" and reconciling humanity through the cross.

We can not be saved by doing enough good works, we must be saved through Jesus alone. This should be one of our goals as Christians, to love our neighbors, tell them about Jesus and live peacefully among them.

Advent Activity: 

Names of Christ Match Up: 
Allow your children to look up the names of Christ in the Bible from the verses provided. Then allow them to match-up the names to the pictures in this PDF file.

Make it Simple: 
You can simply read the verses from your phone or tablet and let your children view the pictures if you would rather not print it out.

All items in blue are from Carrie Pratt's Mentor Mom's materials and are used here with permission.

Family Scripture Reading: 

Matthew 1:1-17

"Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus."

Family Discussion Suggestion: 
Rather than reading every name on the list of the genealogy of Christ, help your children look through the list and see if they recognize some of the names such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Jesse, King David and Solomon. Make note of the only women in the list. Who are they?

Advent Activity: 
Super easy family tree to go along with today's reading. Simply get a piece of paper and trace your child's hand. Let them write their name in the middle and the names of their grandparents on the fingers. They can add more names above the fingers if they wish. Talk about interesting family memories or tell them an interesting fact about their grandparents. This is to help them understand their personal genealogy as well as Christ's.

All items in blue are from Carrie Pratt's Mentor Mom's materials and are used here with permission.

Advent Week Two - Celebration

Light the 1st & 2nd Candles

Family Scripture Reading: 

"For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."  Isaiah 9:6

Read: Matthew 1:18-24 & Luke 2:1-7

Family Discussion Suggestion:
Week Two is also known as "Bethlehem" because it is where Jesus, The Prince Of Peace, was born.

Heavenly Father God, 
Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to bring peace to our world. Please help us to receive the peace You have for us this Christmas.
In Jesus name,
Amen

All items in blue are from Carrie Pratt's Mentor Mom's materials and are used here with permission.

Today we are taking the boys to do our annual photo with Santa (assuming my spirited boy decides to behave himself).  The discussion of Christians incorporating Santa into the Christmas holiday comes up every so often.  I cannot tell you what's right for your family.  For ours, it's a beloved tradition generations of our family uses.

I do my best to relate Jesus' attributes to those we also give to Santa.  For example: giving impossible gifts (like salvation to everyone), being able to see everything everyone does, the love he has for everyone (naughty or nice), our desire to be on the "nice" list, and the list goes on....

What kind of attributes do your children recognize in people?  Which are good, which are bad?  In what other ways do you think we give Santa attributed of our Savior?  What attributes do we desire in our friends?


Family Scripture Reading: 

Romans 15:1-13

"Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus."

Family Discussion Suggestion: 
Discuss with your children how important it is to choose good friends so that they may encourage one another to follow the Lord Jesus.

Advent Activity:

Sharing with others in need. Christmas is a special time to be charitable and to show love to others. There are many ways your children can do this including the Salvation Army bell ringers, Toys for Tots, Angel Trees and so on. God loves a joyful giver!

All items in blue are from Carrie Pratt's Mentor Mom's materials and are used here with permission.

I haven't been able to take my picture for this post since my fellas aren't having a fantastic day, but that's not going to stop me from reading the scripture and talking about Jesus!


Family Scripture Reading: 

Isaiah 60:17-22 & Revelation 21:22-27

"The Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory . . . "

Family Discussion Suggestion: 
Compare what is said about Jesus by Isaiah before the birth of Christ and what is prophesied about Jesus by John in Revelation after the death of Christ. What is similar? Ask your family, Do you believe that Jesus is the Messiah? Do you think Jesus is coming again?

Advent Activity:

Set up your family's Nativity. Discuss each of the individual pieces. Let your children know that Jesus came to earth one time as a baby and He will come again someday as the King of Kings. While we are waiting for Him, He can come into our lives as our Personal Savior by accepting His Christmas Gift - Himself.

All items in blue are from Carrie Pratt's Mentor Mom's materials and are used here with permission.

This morning, my Facebook feed was filled with a variety of calls for a response to all the violence in the news; seemingly out of nowhere.  The truth is, man has always been violent.  Ever since sin entered this world, we have been a murderous bunch.  The fall of man (sin) happened in Genesis chapter three and by chapter four we were killing each other!  It makes me long for what I thought were simpler times [but in reality weren't much different from our current chaos and confusion].

As I read the verses below, I am reminded that God is not far off or forgetful.  God told us in Jeremiah He would fulfill His promise, and He did, through the life and resurrection of Jesus.  Now, we await excitedly for Jesus to fulfill His promise to come again, defeat our enemy once and for all, and restore things back to the way God created them to be!  Until that day comes, here's a little line that pops into my head when the world is going off the rails: "lost people are gonna act lost."


Family Scripture Reading: 

Jeremiah 33:14-15
"The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people..."

Advent Activity:

The Jesse Tree is a way to share over 4,000 years of history leading up to the birth of Christ with your children in fun coloring ornaments.  

It is traditionally done over each of the days of Advent, however for today's activity you can divide up the ornaments between your children and allow them to color as many as they would like. They can then be glued to construction paper and hung on the tree. You can also glue or tape the matching instruction card to the back.  

As you hang the ornaments ask your children if they know what the symbols stand for and discuss those they don't know.  

Let them know that God had always planned for Jesus to be born from the "line of Jesse" and that these ornaments represent the family tree of Jesus.

You will find a PDF with the ornaments and matching instruction cards HERE.

This Gingerbread couple makes me nostalgic for the days were I played carefree with them as my Daddy carefully hung ornaments all over our family Christmas tree.  All was right with the world and nothing bad ever happens.

Welcome to the Mentor Moms Advent Links page.  If you are just joining us, welcome!  I hope you find something special out of each day's posts. Missed a day?  Don't worry, I'm lucky I know what day it is (thank you Google calendar).

Below is a full list of what has been posted thus far so you can catch up.

Introduction - A good place to get started, BTW

Mentor Moms Advent Intro

Weekly Advent Posts
Advent Celebration & Week One

Daily Advent Posts
Advent 12/1
Advent 12/2
Advent 12/3

All items in blue are from Carrie Pratt's Mentor Mom's materials and are used here with permission.

Day Two of the Mentor Moms Advent Celebration!  The Christmas lights are twinkling on the tree next to my desk and I have Christmas music playing on TV.  All I need is some snow on the ground and this would be a nearly-perfect moment!

Family Scripture Reading: 

John 1:9-12

"The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world . . ."...

Advent Activity:

Jesus is the Everlasting Light that came into the world as a gift to mankind. A fun way to tell your children about this is while trimming the tree and lighting the lights of Christmas. Let your child know that we put up Christmas lights to celebrate the fact that Jesus is the light of the world!

I'm a simple girl so moments like these bring me exceptionally deep joy.

You can check out my running list of Mentor Moms Advent Links throughout the Christmas season if you missed one or are joining us late

All items in blue are from Carrie Pratt's Mentor Mom's materials and are used here with permission.

Kicking off the Mentor Moms Advent Celebration (yes, I'm posting a little late but I don't anyone to miss a moment).  It's easy to just slip these quick readings into a conversation or even a "Hey, did you know..." moment.

Family Scripture Reading: 

John 1:1-4

"In the beginning was the Word . . ."   Yeshua means 'Salvation' in Hebrew - Jesus Christ our Savior

Advent Activity:

A wonderful surprise to have for your children! Find 25 books lying about the house and wrap them in Christmas paper or put them in a large Christmas bag with lots of tissue paper. Allow the children to choose one book each day to unwrap and read with the family.

Suggestion: Use as many Bible stories as you can as well as a book about the Nativity. Sprinkle with fun Christmas stories like Rudolf and Frosty!

This little vintage nativity has been in my family as long as I can remember.

I'm so thrilled my folks let me add it to our Christmas decor.

You can check out my running list of Mentor Moms Advent Links throughout the Christmas season if you missed one or are joining us late

All items in blue are from Carrie Pratt's Mentor Mom's materials and are used here with permission.

Advent Celebration

Advent is celebrated or observed a little differently across denominations.  Some folks choose to light an advent candle each week.  Others simply use each day to focus on who Jesus is and why His birth is important.  No matter how you participate in Advent, please know I am elated that you are doing it!

I remember lighting advent candles with my family when I was a child and discussing the importance of each. That isn't a tradition I've done with my children (fire + my boys = disaster) but I do like to do special things leading up to Christmas to keep the focus on Jesus.  Especially when the allure of a gift dropping fat man in a red suit is strong!

Here is the breakdown on what to expect from our Advent journey...

Scripture Reading

You will have a choice between two reading plans - Weekly or Daily.  Weekly - There will be five posts (one for each candle). This will be one longer reading per week. Daily - These readings are generally shorter in length than the weekly readings.  I have been using both plans with success so far!  I try to sneak it in around a meal time or quiet time when we're hanging out.  They don't know its coming so they can't avoid it.  Flexibility is my friend.

Advent Candles
If you are participating, you will light a candle each Sunday with your family sharing in the great anticipation of Christmas Day, the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Each week you will light one additional candle leading up to four candles on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. A fifth candle is usually lit on Christmas Eve.

Fun Christmas Activities

There will also be activities you can share with your children to bring special meaning to the holiday. 

Excited yet?  I'm having a ball with this!!  Leave feedback and let myself and Carrie know what you think as we go along!

Advent Week One - Hope

Light the 1st Candle

Family Scripture Reading: 
Luke 1:26-38

Family Discussion Suggestion:
Explain what Advent is all about. Share that it is a traditional celebration leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. Let them know that many prophets in the Old Testament told the people that one day a Messiah would be born. In fact, there are hundreds of messages about Jesus even before He came to earth! We can feel confident that Jesus is the Messiah and that He is the Son of God. Most importantly, we can place our HOPE in HIM!

My #2 son said that the angel with his eyes open during the prayer was cheating.

You can check out my running list of Mentor Moms Advent Links throughout the Christmas season if you missed one or are joining us late.