Silent Night

After Christmas Day, it is a Silent Night at my house-not a creature is stirring only hub snoring.  The stockings are no longer hung by the chimney-all taken down-tomorrow is #2 daughter's 22nd birthday.

We had our traditional breakfast: scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, ham, oysters, gravy, and cooked apples. 

After breakfast, we headed to church with our stomachs full!  No tummies growling on this beautiful Christmas Morn.  Usually, I hear a symphony of sounds on Sunday mornings.

After the sermon, all flew to the door-visions of presents danced in our heads.  Only a few minutes for pictures-and hurry please-cause we really need to hurry and change our clothes.

Daughter #2 and me.



Then we began to open up presents....

Let the music begin----



Part of the wonder of Christmas comes with the sights, sounds, and smells of the season.  They carry a certain  nostalgia allowing us to relieve the magical moments of our favorite Christmas memories-whether it is waking up to a blanket of snow on the ground, laughter of children, or receiving an answer to a prayer spoken to God. I need to tell everyone  Charlie's CT scan

showed to tumors!!!  Praise God!  This was the best Christmas Present Ever!!



Celebrating the birthday of Jesus Christ is the true story of Christmas.  As I listen to the silence, I am so glad God chose to become human and save the world from sin and offer life everlasting to people everywhere.

I hope all had a wonderful Christmas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k15A74DSHIM&feature=related

 

Charlie and I will be taking a few days to ourselves---so looking forward to our 'little get-a-way.'  Daughter #2 leaves tomorrow to head back to college-basketball practice.  So we are going to steal a few days while we can.
Blessed Happy New Year to All!



Wednesday Hodgepodge

Hop on over and join the fun....  Surely, you aren't busy.

1. Are you cooking Christmas dinner? How many will be round your table this year? What are we having?
How about Christmas Breakfast as well?  My wonderful husband cooks Christmas Breakfast-his forte.  We will  be having gravy, biscuits, scrambled eggs, fried oysters, ham, sausage, fried apples, and trimmings for breakfast.  Hub loves cooking and it is delicious!  Christmas dinner will include: potato salad, green bean casserole, ham, rolls, and a dessert (no idea what kind at this point).  Christmas dinner seems very simple, doesn't it?  Small breakfast/dinner-around 8 people.





2. What is one must-have Christmas cookie in your house?

A must have Christmas cookie would be one you can decorate.  A simple sugar cookie with decorations.



3. Santa likes a glass of milk with his cookies. Do you? What kind of milk is on tap at your house-skim? almond? soy? full fat (Gasp!)

Yuck-no milk for Mrs. Santa!  Whole milk is in refrigerator.





4. Time magazine recently named their 'Person of the Year' for 2011. This is the person the editors believe had the greatest impact, for better or worse, in the past year. This year they chose 'The Protester'. Your thoughts? Who would you name Person of the Year for 2011?
The protester -Person of the Year has voiced dissent against leaders.
I would have chosen -if asked, the people of the Fukushima area-where nuclear power plant war devastated many. 

 Or the many heroes we have daily fighting for our freedom and safety.




5. December 21st is National Flashlight Day... when was the last time you needed a flashlight and did you know right where to find one?
A couple of weeks ago during a thunderstorm (yeah, a fall thunderstorm), our lights blinked on and off.  Did I know where a flashlight was?  Most certainly.  As a matter of fact, I knew where three were.




6. candy canes...yum or yuck?
Yum only to the peppermint ones.




7. What Christmas carol lyric means the most to you?
"Someday at Christmas,
Men won't be boys,
Playing with bombs,
Like kids play with toys
One warm December
Our hearts will see
A world where men are free."



8. Insert your own random thought here.
Merry Christmas to All

A week from -----

It's that time of the year when one goes to one gathering after another, and eat

and eat, and aww...the feeling.

Now, don't get me wrong, but sometimes-I just want to relax with

friends, put my feet up, laugh, eat, and drink.  Of course, one may

spend the night if she chooses.

Have you ever had a week from ----?  This week was my week.  First of

\all, we are in school until December 20.  I did say December 20th!  Whew! Let

me recap my week.......

Monday was Parent-Teacher Conference Night-Yep-Monday. With

all the Christmas Festivities-we had Parent-Teacher Conferences.

Tuesday-I was proud of my accomplishments.  I had ordered

both daughters' birthday presents and relieved a sigh of

relief when I found out all presents would

arrive December 24.  Hippie---birthdays are December 26

and December 30. 

Wednesday we had professional development after school.



  Another

long day at school with much to do.  Gosh!  I needed to begin

wrapping gifts, some baking, and errands  to run.

Thursday---the Worse Day EVER!  I found out

the website I had purchased gifts from was a hoax.  





 OOPS!   After

many hours of talking on the phone and crying, I was

able to cancel my credit card.





  Both daughters

had to be notified (they have credit card number) and then

my husband.  I dreaded telling him!  Shew--  Gifts that

were previously ordered will not be here-since card cancelled.
Friday--phone call from a dear friend, who retired two
years ago.  She was having a 
'girls night out'.  After telling
her about my week, she said this would
be what I needed.  Right she was!  We all laughed,
talked, and ate till the wee hours of the morning.

Saturday I went to the mall searching for gifts.  Walking in and out
of stores searching for the perfect gifts, I purchased a  few items and
standing in the ever so long lines, I headed home.
Sunday afternoon, I sat down with daughters and hub and had a long, long discussion.  
Why do we get so upset when something does not go 
our way.  Yeah, I made a huge mistake ordering
from a website without checking it out, and I have
learned a lesson. But is this anyway to enjoy
Christmas-going around with a sour look on
our face because we will not get what we want
on Christmas Day.  Christmas is about celebrating
Christ's Birthday-not our wants and wishes.  
I reminded my family--If our greatest needs was presents and
money-God would have sent us an economist.  But since our greatest
need was forgiveness, "God Sent Us a Savior" by Roy Lessin.
On Christmas Day, hub (with some assistance) from me, will
cook breakfast and then we will all attend church.  Praising God on
His Birthday!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Do you put Christmas decorations in every room of your house? If not every room, what rooms do you decorate?

The  living room, kitchen, and downstairs is decorated.  I love to decorate.

and downstairs

Years ago before we moved, there was a Christmas tree in just about every room at least seven trees I would have decorated.  Daughter #2 birthday is the day after Christmas; and I would work myself crazy trying to undecorate the house for her birthday parties.  

2. If you could visit one of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) which one would you choose and why?

Sweden-Stockholm.  From all I have read, Stockholm is beautiful,  has great shopping, quality eateries in abundance, and a vibrant cultural life. 

3. What does the word faith mean to you?

Faith is what I believe in without question or doubt.  In our daily lives, we all experience  times with 'Ole Man Trouble.'   The fact that we encounter adversity is not nearly so important as the way we chose to deal with it.  Faith--one word-God.  When I feel like asking 'why' or saying I can't go through this-not again, I remember the verse from Joshua 1 verse 9--paraphrased it says to be bold and strong for God is with me wherever I go.

4. You can go back to your childhood for one day...what day and age would you choose?

I would choose age 10 because I don't think I was into the growing up stage at this point of my life.  Heck, I don't know if I am gown up yet-my daughters still get the giggles at me sometimes.  I can't remember much about the days of my childhood as I do the nights.  At night, especially summertime, a bunch of us would play in the road for hours just kicking a can or playing hide -n- seek.  We all had so much fun without any fancy toys.  I guess this is why at the reunion this summer we were all known for as the "Muck Dam Kids."

5. When did you last have 'punch'? If it's not too much trouble share your favorite punch recipe.

Probably 3 years ago--ahem
An easy recipe--green sherbert and ginger ale-I like it.

6. Do you fill stockings at your house? Are stockings opened before or after the bigger gifts?

Most definitely!

Seven stockings will be filled with little treats.  They are opened after the bigger gifts.  I must say, my daughters get just as excited opening their stockings as they do their bigger gifts.

7. What takes your breath away?

After 30 years of marriage my hub still takes my breath away

my daughters

and my precious step-grandson

8. Insert your own random thought here.
School will be in session until December 20-:(  UHG!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151000567630587
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151029127975587&set=vb.519235586&type=2&theater
I have tried to post my daughter singing at church.  Hope this worked.

Town's Festivities

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWv72L4wgCc&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL1C53CF25F25CD706


Our little town had a celebration down main street on Monday night.  This was the 'first' of this type of celebration.  I first heard about this from a friend and she said she would wait for me and begged me to come.  There was going to be train rides, marshmallow roasting, hot dogs cooking, tree lightning, manager scenes, and of course the man in the red suit--- I made plans to take grandson and enjoy the festivities.

Oh No, on my way to school this morning I forgot I had parent-teacher conference tonight.  Quickly I phoned hub and changed a little plans.  No big deal-a teacher can always think outside

the box and be flexible. Right?

Before long I was home and heard "Ma mow you ready to see Santa Claus?"  He was excited to go and so was I.  So we headed to town.  Since Nate was scared of Santa Claus last year, I coaxed him on this subject and how proud I was of him for wanting to see Santa.  The same conversation I had with daughters many years ago.

He loves Christmas trees and this was our first stop.

He was so excited he wouldn't eat any cookies;just roamed looking at all the Christmas trees.

Next stop was the reindeer.

Then off to stand in the long line to see Santa Claus.

At this point, I was holding my breath-would he cry or sit on Santa's lap.  You remember that moment with your own children;one never knew what was going through a child's mind.

With a bounce in his step, he walked right up to Santa and says, "Hi my name is Nate." 

He sat on Santa's lap!!  Santa asked what he wanted and his reply: "a robot and 

Christmas tree."  Chuckles from the crowd on his answer.

It took more prodding to get him to leave Santa than I ever thought.  This was complete opposite from last year.

Now off to ride the train.  "No" he said.  "I don't want to ride Mamow."  

"Why not?"   No reply, but I do believe he was scared.  So we headed home, which was

okay with me.  After a long day at school, I was ready to go

home myself.

Nate stayed with us tonight.  After bath and story time, it was time for bed and I began singing "Away in a Manager" to him.  I thought he was about to go to sleep and I began singing softly; he looked up at me and said "Mamow turn it up." :) I chuckled.

Our first little town's celebration was fun.  I am looking forward to attend the festivities next year and hopefully ride the train!

I Baked......

I will be the first to admit that I don't really enjoy baking.  So for me to bake=is really a 'Christmas Miracle.'

Daughter had a basketball game Saturday evening and the mothers were talking about baking.  I just listened. But when I was asked what all I had baked, I just said 'cookies'---NOT!   I hadn't given much thought to baking.  I teach school all day, help take care of my grandson (at house practically every evening and on weekends), and try to go to as many basketball games as I can.  I do kinda work. Ahem....

During the ride home, I decided to bake cookies.  Quick stop at Food City, pick up some dough, and do some baking.

So far, so good.   Grandson wanted to help.

In addition to helping place cookie dough on the pan, he wanted his picture beside of the Christmas tree in just his diaper.  

Shout out a big Hooray!!  Cookies did not burn and they were edible.  A sigh of relief from me.

Daughter #2 is providing special music for the month of December at church.  She has a lovely voice -and I love to hear her sing.  I have been trying to upload video for each song.  Not very good at this and I don't have patience when it comes to this kind of stuff.  I was able to load her video on Facebook , but not here.  Message keeps saying-server rejected this. :(

Nate and I at church.

Emily Singing at Church

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Will you be hosting any house guests between now and the end of December? Does that thought make you happy or crazy? Do you do anything special for your guests to make them feel at home? How long should a house guest stay?

No house guests between now and the end of December.




2. Walter Elias Disney was born this week (December 5) back in 1905 ...what's your all time favorite Disney movie? Here's a list in case you're struggling...and yes, you have to pick one.

"Beauty and the Beast"
Reason  The prince is transformed into a beast to punish him for being spoiled, selfish, and unkind.-The theme of the movie is people who do not judge others based on appearances are often rewarded.




3. What was the last thing you purchased that you realized was a mistake after the fact?
This is easy----purses/pocketbook.  I purchased to many purses.  Afterwards, I wish I didn't.
A couple of weeks ago, I purchased a 31 pocketbook--didn't really like it now it is here.


4. What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done online?
For me--about 2%.  On the other hand, daughters purchased 100% on-line.  When daughters were in for Thanksgiving break, I asked each one what did they want for Christmas and for birthday.  They both replied "I don't know."  "I'll just look on-line and order something."   A quick reminder--daughters have credit card number--Big Mistake.



5. Amaryllis-snowdrop-poinsettia...your favorite winter blossom?

Has to be poinsettia.




6. What is one thing on your personal Christmas wish list? I think we all want peace on earth so let's make this answer an actual item.

My wish--for my husband to continue to get healthy check-ups and to hear the words--Cancer Free. But since you asked for an actual item, it would have to be a cruise ticket to....anywhere.  I have always wanted to take a cruise.



7. If you could only use one word today what would it be?
HOT---it is too hot for December.  I can't get into the Christmas Spirit with the hot temperatures we are experiencing.  It has been in the 60's and 70's.  Hub says it is because I am a teacher and wishing for a couple of snow days.

Sunday School

Here lately, I have had some rough spots in the road.  This is part of life and

this dark cloud will pass.

I help teach 3-5 year olds in Sunday School.  The morning started rough. It started when one little boy came in crying for his mother and before you knew it; a couple more started crying. An older child, who was next door, came over to tell us we were too loud.  So....we began singing.  Soon the crying stopped and all we heard were sniffles and a few sobs.

The teacher began the lesson with asking if any child wanted to pray.  Not many wanted to-which was strange-because many do pray.  So she said a prayer.  She began the lesson and showed the craft they would be making.  All eyes were on the teacher.  The room was quiet-not even a whisper.

As she told the lesson, I looked at each child.  Their eyes were wide, their noses still running, a few sniffles here and there, but.....each one had  had a little melt down (some a huge

meltdown)

and was angry, but.....had gotten over it

and had moved on.   

Instantly, I thought to myself-how I should be like this.  Get over it

and move on. Don't let anger keep you from enjoying life.  When I am

frustrated, I will learn to seek out the areas in my life I can control and

learn to accept that the ultimate controller of my circumstance

is always watching out for me.  

The children loved making the craft.  They kept saying "I'm going to hang this on my Christmas tree."  No more tears;only laughter.  

My grandson's is hanging on our tree.

We cannot direct the 

wind but we can adjust the sail.

Have a wonderful week!

Lesson Leaned

I get very angry when I feel like one of my daughters is not treated fairly.  I know she will be 22 soon, but I still get so defensive.

Let me explain what has happened.  Daughter plays college basketball, which is more work (than fun) than one can imagine.  Workouts begin very early in the morning (have to work out before classes).  Later there is practice-sometimes late at night-again have to work around classes.  Next comes game time. On days/nights of away games, one can get home early the next morning-like 4 a.m.  I am truly amazed how she can keep her grades up.  She was on the All American Academic Team.!

Last night I was ashamed of my thoughts and words.  Daughter was playing basketball -nine hrs. away.  I was unable to go, but my faithful husband/dad went. I was able to watch the game on the computer.  

Boiling, furious, infuriated, outraged are just a few of the

emotions I was feeling.  Daughter didn't get in the game to play at all. Whoa--

she is a great player and what is going on.  My fingers started texting

hub, who doesn't text or wouldn't answer.  Now more emotions

overtook me, so I called.  Questions started coming and of course

hub had no answers.  With no answers, the more madder I became.

Our phone conversation ended abruptly, with a sarcastic tone from me.

Then, I thought of daughter.  Wonder how she felt.  She is a senior and

a captain on the team and she only sat on the bench...no playing

time at all.  She must feel awful.  More torture I endured.

I began watching Christmas movies---tear jerks---I needed  a good cry. So I cried till two in

the morning.  At four, the phone rang and daughter had made it back to her apartment.  Her voice was sad and I knew not to say much.  Only tell her I love her and to get some rest before her class in 3 hrs.

I talked to her later today......

Daughter mentioned that the bus driver was sad after the game.  Sad I said--I was mad-!!!!

Daughter informed me she had prayed with the bus driver.  You see, he was sad because he had

just learned his sister had passed away.  When the bus stopped for a short rest, she held  his hand and said a prayer with him.

Ashamed.....that is putting it mildly.  How could I have gotten so caught up the a basketball game?- How did

I let basketball turn me into such a bitter and  cold person.? 

So....I prayed--asking God for forgiveness. 

My precious, basketball daughter taught me a lesson last night.