1. After a terrible night sleep, we all slept soundly all the way to GA.
2. Flash loved the car ride, plane ride, train ride, bus ride, rented car ride all the way there. It was an all-transportation day!
3. Fabulous party! Flash played "Chase" with Hubby's old high school football pal's daughter
4. She was in the church nursery the next morning - they played tag.
5. At the 7 o'clock service there was NO NURSERY. Pastor said "Only the mother and grandmother notice if they're fussy". Uh huh. He pulled and broke my necklace (beads everywhere), kept asking when we could go to the party, and at one point escaped and ran up and down the aisles (its a two aisle church). On the bright side, he handed out candy canes to everyone before the service, in a very friendly way.
5. His new friend was at the party too! They we're not allowed to play "Chase" at this party...too many knick knacks. But they did play "Parade" throughout the house, especially past the bowl of nuts.
6. Christmas Day - Bob the Builder toolbelt (The only thing he asked for was "a new hammer"), trains and new food for the play kitchen ruled! I realized later that we didn't leave the house all day and that Flash and I had really only been in two rooms!
7. Big news from Aunt K!
8. Boxing Day was Boy Day and Girl Day for us. MIL, Aunt and I went after-Christmas shopping at the Mall of GA, while Dad, Granpa, Uncle and Flash went to Lowes to ride the tractors and then to Mexican food, followed by a nap.
9. A taxing ride home...transportation was not as fun the second time around, apparently. Drove to my mom's to have Christmas dinner and presents there. Surprise! Aunt P. and my cousin were there! Lots of presents for my nephew and Flash (they are the kids afterall) especially a shopping cart for my boy! BLiss! Equipped with a wonky, squeaky wheel, it travelled at high speeds throughout the house. It was the first thing he asked about this morning.
10. We arrived home, safe and sound before 8:30!
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
Friday Festive Food5!
We must acknowledge that quintessential holiday topic... fooooooooood. Thanks revgals!
1. Favorite cookie/candy/baked good without which, it's just not Christmas.
Candy Cane Coffee Cake...its a family tradition. Its just shaped like a candy cane. I go cheap and easy on it these days, using refridgerator dough, but that doesn't matter so much to my crowd.
Especially because it is served during present opening.
2. Do you do a fancy dinner on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, both, or neither? (Optional: with whom will you gather around the table this year?)
Big dinner, not formal on Christmas evening with Hubby's family. As a child, Christmas dinner was at my Dad's place and he usually grilled a turkey (like at Thanksgiving).
Yes, even in the snow.
Heck, especially in the snow!
3. Evaluate one or more of the holiday beverage trifecta: hot chocolate, wassail, egg nog.
I love cocoa any time of the year, hot spiced cider in Fall and Winter, tea also...but no wassail. I'm the only one who likes 'nog (un-doctored) and one cup is plenty for a whole year!
4. Candy canes: do you like all the new-fangled flavors or are you a peppermint purist?
Peppermint purist! Oh, and red and white please!
5. Have you ever actually had figgy pudding? And is it really so good that people will refuse to leave until they are served it?
I have had Fig and Plum pudding, the secret is hard sauce (butter and powder sugar and a dash of um, brandy I think...often I use vanilla). I have to eat this with my 'nog...alone.
BONUS: The crown prince of holiday foods--the fruitcake. Feel free to add your thoughts on this most polarizing holiday confection.
I am one of the growing population that believes there are only 2 fruitcakes in the world and that they are just passed around...just kidding! Actually, I've had good and bad. We used to live near Claxton, GA...the home of the fruitcake. And Nanny, who passed away this year made an excellent fruitcake.
But, some fruitcakes need to sit in alcohol a while
and then be set on fire
and used as a candle!
1. Favorite cookie/candy/baked good without which, it's just not Christmas.
Candy Cane Coffee Cake...its a family tradition. Its just shaped like a candy cane. I go cheap and easy on it these days, using refridgerator dough, but that doesn't matter so much to my crowd.
Especially because it is served during present opening.
2. Do you do a fancy dinner on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, both, or neither? (Optional: with whom will you gather around the table this year?)
Big dinner, not formal on Christmas evening with Hubby's family. As a child, Christmas dinner was at my Dad's place and he usually grilled a turkey (like at Thanksgiving).
Yes, even in the snow.
Heck, especially in the snow!
3. Evaluate one or more of the holiday beverage trifecta: hot chocolate, wassail, egg nog.
I love cocoa any time of the year, hot spiced cider in Fall and Winter, tea also...but no wassail. I'm the only one who likes 'nog (un-doctored) and one cup is plenty for a whole year!
4. Candy canes: do you like all the new-fangled flavors or are you a peppermint purist?
Peppermint purist! Oh, and red and white please!
5. Have you ever actually had figgy pudding? And is it really so good that people will refuse to leave until they are served it?
I have had Fig and Plum pudding, the secret is hard sauce (butter and powder sugar and a dash of um, brandy I think...often I use vanilla). I have to eat this with my 'nog...alone.
BONUS: The crown prince of holiday foods--the fruitcake. Feel free to add your thoughts on this most polarizing holiday confection.
I am one of the growing population that believes there are only 2 fruitcakes in the world and that they are just passed around...just kidding! Actually, I've had good and bad. We used to live near Claxton, GA...the home of the fruitcake. And Nanny, who passed away this year made an excellent fruitcake.
But, some fruitcakes need to sit in alcohol a while
and then be set on fire
and used as a candle!
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
My purse...YIKES!
I first saw this one at St. Casserole's blog
a pair of knee-hi's
Teal-colored Sharpie pen
mint
cell phone
2007 datebook (with torn-out December page taped-in)
small pouch with makeup (3 lipsticks?? A Different Grape, Spiced Cider and Rum Raisin)
medication
wallet
3 blue pens
baggie of crayons
toy cement mixer
calculator
envelope of gift cards to use
checkbook
pay stub
Lessons and Carols church bulletin
granola bar
Simba's dog tags???
clothespin (emergency bib-maker, just add napkin)
flashdrive
work keys
Mom's birthday present (Ummm, lipstick again. Are there really 4 lipsticks in my purse?)
one Clifford band-aid
I pod shuffle
Luckily, this purse has a little light inside :0)
a pair of knee-hi's
Teal-colored Sharpie pen
mint
cell phone
2007 datebook (with torn-out December page taped-in)
small pouch with makeup (3 lipsticks?? A Different Grape, Spiced Cider and Rum Raisin)
medication
wallet
3 blue pens
baggie of crayons
toy cement mixer
calculator
envelope of gift cards to use
checkbook
pay stub
Lessons and Carols church bulletin
granola bar
Simba's dog tags???
clothespin (emergency bib-maker, just add napkin)
flashdrive
work keys
Mom's birthday present (Ummm, lipstick again. Are there really 4 lipsticks in my purse?)
one Clifford band-aid
I pod shuffle
Luckily, this purse has a little light inside :0)
Sister Eulalia's advent calendars
My great aunt was a nun named was Sister Eulalia.
There are many stories about her...this is one.
As girls, my sister and I looked forward to the Christmas season. We always had a tree, nativity and stockings. My mother, in her seamstress phase, had sewn a beautiful advent calendar with pockets and little beads to hang the trinkets on. Mom was somewhat opposed to Christmas-ing too early (since her birthday is perilously close to Santa's arrival) so the advent calendar came out several days before December 1st. We split the hanging of the advent ornaments between us, odds and evens.
Sister Eulalia's paper advent calendar arrived right on time too. We divided that also, the opposite odds and evens. Her paper ones were almost always a beautiful illustrated nativity scene, usually with snow. She rarely sent a note, she just signed the back. At that time it sort of reminded us of her existence. She lived far away in Louisiana or Texas and visited us unexpectedly in the summer and stayed for 2 or 3 weeks. We didn't write or call. Just a visit each summer and an advent calendar each December.
I was in middle school when she died. It was spring. We didn't go to her funeral in Texas, but some of the other relatives did. Great-Uncle Eddie sent pictures. That summer our Aunt Kay (Sister Marie Patrick) stayed with us instead.
But, that December an advent calendar arrived...right on time.
We guessed she'd mailed it straight from heaven.
There are many stories about her...this is one.
As girls, my sister and I looked forward to the Christmas season. We always had a tree, nativity and stockings. My mother, in her seamstress phase, had sewn a beautiful advent calendar with pockets and little beads to hang the trinkets on. Mom was somewhat opposed to Christmas-ing too early (since her birthday is perilously close to Santa's arrival) so the advent calendar came out several days before December 1st. We split the hanging of the advent ornaments between us, odds and evens.
Sister Eulalia's paper advent calendar arrived right on time too. We divided that also, the opposite odds and evens. Her paper ones were almost always a beautiful illustrated nativity scene, usually with snow. She rarely sent a note, she just signed the back. At that time it sort of reminded us of her existence. She lived far away in Louisiana or Texas and visited us unexpectedly in the summer and stayed for 2 or 3 weeks. We didn't write or call. Just a visit each summer and an advent calendar each December.
I was in middle school when she died. It was spring. We didn't go to her funeral in Texas, but some of the other relatives did. Great-Uncle Eddie sent pictures. That summer our Aunt Kay (Sister Marie Patrick) stayed with us instead.
But, that December an advent calendar arrived...right on time.
We guessed she'd mailed it straight from heaven.
123:5 meme
Through Mary Beth from Songbird , as seen at The Vicar of Hogsmeade.
The rules are:
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next four sentences on your blog, along with these instructions.
5. Don’t you dare dig for that “cool” or “intellectual” book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest!
OK , but the closest book only has 115 pages... and page 12 is a picture so, I'll amend this somewhat..
Welcome to the Bed and Biscuit by Joan Carris
1 book, page 23, line 5
Milly sat up on Ernest's bed. "He left me behind!"
"Me too," Ernest replied. "He's tired, that's all. I'm going to the barn to help. Those milk pails are heavy. You coming?"
"Absolutely not," Milly said
"No pouting," Gabby said from under the kitchen table, where she was hunting for crumbs. "Only babies pout."
But I am a baby," Milly said.
I should perhaps note that Ernest is a pig, Milly is a cat and Gabby is a mynah bird. They are talking about Grampa who has brought home a new, sickly pet and is being secretive about it.
Excellent book, especially if you like Babe or Charlotte's Web.
The rules are:
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next four sentences on your blog, along with these instructions.
5. Don’t you dare dig for that “cool” or “intellectual” book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest!
OK , but the closest book only has 115 pages... and page 12 is a picture so, I'll amend this somewhat..
Welcome to the Bed and Biscuit by Joan Carris
1 book, page 23, line 5
Milly sat up on Ernest's bed. "He left me behind!"
"Me too," Ernest replied. "He's tired, that's all. I'm going to the barn to help. Those milk pails are heavy. You coming?"
"Absolutely not," Milly said
"No pouting," Gabby said from under the kitchen table, where she was hunting for crumbs. "Only babies pout."
But I am a baby," Milly said.
I should perhaps note that Ernest is a pig, Milly is a cat and Gabby is a mynah bird. They are talking about Grampa who has brought home a new, sickly pet and is being secretive about it.
Excellent book, especially if you like Babe or Charlotte's Web.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Holiday Movies: Revgal Friday5
Let's explore some Yuletide favorites.
1) It's a Wonderful Life--Is it? Do you remember seeing it for the first time?
OK I'm a little tired of it but yes, its a wonderful movie. I guess I saw it first as a kid...don't remember.
2) Miracle on 34th Street--old version or new?
Never actually seen either version all-the-way-through.
But I choose old I think...isn't the girl Natalie Wood or someone?
3) Do you have a favorite incarnation of Mr. Scrooge?
Same guy who was Patton...boy-oh-boy, today isn't a good memory day.
4) Why should it be a problem for an elf to be a dentist?
I've been watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
for years now, and I still don't get it.
Its hard for naturally happy elves to look "down in the mouth"
5) Who's the scariest character in Christmas specials/movies?
The Bumble
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, Muppet Version
That Mean Magician Who Tries to Melt Frosty
Your Nomination...
My nomination is Mr. Potter, and I think he wins hands down
because he's more "real-life scary" than the rest of them.
1) It's a Wonderful Life--Is it? Do you remember seeing it for the first time?
OK I'm a little tired of it but yes, its a wonderful movie. I guess I saw it first as a kid...don't remember.
2) Miracle on 34th Street--old version or new?
Never actually seen either version all-the-way-through.
But I choose old I think...isn't the girl Natalie Wood or someone?
3) Do you have a favorite incarnation of Mr. Scrooge?
Same guy who was Patton...boy-oh-boy, today isn't a good memory day.
4) Why should it be a problem for an elf to be a dentist?
I've been watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
for years now, and I still don't get it.
Its hard for naturally happy elves to look "down in the mouth"
5) Who's the scariest character in Christmas specials/movies?
The Bumble
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, Muppet Version
That Mean Magician Who Tries to Melt Frosty
Your Nomination...
My nomination is Mr. Potter, and I think he wins hands down
because he's more "real-life scary" than the rest of them.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Bah Humbug!
Storytime theme for tomorrow: Fire Engines
Next week? Who knows.
No Christmas, no Hanukkah and no both.
No Santa.
Snow is OK. But there's no snow here.
Toys would be fine...
I'm thinking cookies, maybe.
Do you think they'll pick up on it if I only read books with red or green covers? (as a child once told me "They're Jesus' favorite colors.")
I'm feeling mildly rebellious.
But thats work, not life.
In my life, we are preparing for the birth of God,
with cooking, cleaning, shopping...
and singing!
We are caroling tomorrow! We've invited the whole neighborhood and we will sing all those great Christmas and Advent songs that welcome God at this season. Halleluyah!
Next week? Who knows.
No Christmas, no Hanukkah and no both.
No Santa.
Snow is OK. But there's no snow here.
Toys would be fine...
I'm thinking cookies, maybe.
Do you think they'll pick up on it if I only read books with red or green covers? (as a child once told me "They're Jesus' favorite colors.")
I'm feeling mildly rebellious.
But thats work, not life.
In my life, we are preparing for the birth of God,
with cooking, cleaning, shopping...
and singing!
We are caroling tomorrow! We've invited the whole neighborhood and we will sing all those great Christmas and Advent songs that welcome God at this season. Halleluyah!
Monday, December 11, 2006
Sick Day
After a visit from Grandma and Grandpa, two Christmas plays (one as a townsperson and one as an angel), Flash has succumbed to the local cold/fever bug going around. Hubby and I were fighting over who got to stay home with him :0)
I got today and he gets tomorrow!
OK a sick kid isn't usually fun, but today it was an afternoon of blankets and kid's shows, tea and soup and a very funny bath. And a really long nap!
Friday, December 08, 2006
Christmas meme
1. Eggnog or Hot Chocolate?
Cocoa!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Santa has elves to do the wrapping so...
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
Both! White on the porch, colored on the outside tree.
4. Do you hang mistletoe?
Hmmm...I would. Maybe I should.
5. When do you put your decorations up?
After Thanksgiving, before Christmas, every year.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
I'm trying to think of one... .
OK, Sweet and Spicy Meatballs at the Christmas Party
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child?
We weren't allowed downstairs until Mom went downstairs and turned on the lights. We always make this Candy Cane Coffee Cake for Christmas morning too.
8. When or how did you learn the truth about Santa?
Girl Scouts...sigh.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Not when I was a kid. Hubby's family opens one and its always new Christmas pajamas.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
Lights, ornaments, star at the top.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
Love it. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! What I dislike is all that cold weather, with no snow-payoff.
12. Can you ice skate?
Haven't in years...Probably the ankles couldn't handle it today.
13.Have you ever fallen on the ice?
Yup, nice hip bruise.
14. Do you remember your favorite gift?
Um...not at the moment...but I remember watching my sister open a Pound Puppy. Joy!
15. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
People...
16. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
Does hard sauce for Plum Pudding count? No? OK then Christmas cookies.
17. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Caroling, my In-laws Christmas party, the pickle ornament, the coffee cake...I know something else should come to mind.
18. What tops your tree?
A Star
19. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
Neither really. Giving means crazy shopping and receiving is usually more things I don't really want. I know, I'm a scrooge.
20. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole?
21. CANDY CANES!! YUCK OR YUM??
Fun, decorative, good for stirring cocoa.
22.What is your favorite Christmas movie?
Ummm...Best Christmas Pageant Ever? Love, Actually was fun. I'm tired of Its a Wonderful Life and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Can't think of anything else.
23. Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman or Charlie Brown?
Charlie Brown...
Um..the birth of Jesus and church didn't really enter into this, did it? Hmmm.
Cocoa!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Santa has elves to do the wrapping so...
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
Both! White on the porch, colored on the outside tree.
4. Do you hang mistletoe?
Hmmm...I would. Maybe I should.
5. When do you put your decorations up?
After Thanksgiving, before Christmas, every year.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
I'm trying to think of one... .
OK, Sweet and Spicy Meatballs at the Christmas Party
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child?
We weren't allowed downstairs until Mom went downstairs and turned on the lights. We always make this Candy Cane Coffee Cake for Christmas morning too.
8. When or how did you learn the truth about Santa?
Girl Scouts...sigh.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Not when I was a kid. Hubby's family opens one and its always new Christmas pajamas.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
Lights, ornaments, star at the top.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
Love it. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! What I dislike is all that cold weather, with no snow-payoff.
12. Can you ice skate?
Haven't in years...Probably the ankles couldn't handle it today.
13.Have you ever fallen on the ice?
Yup, nice hip bruise.
14. Do you remember your favorite gift?
Um...not at the moment...but I remember watching my sister open a Pound Puppy. Joy!
15. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
People...
16. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
Does hard sauce for Plum Pudding count? No? OK then Christmas cookies.
17. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Caroling, my In-laws Christmas party, the pickle ornament, the coffee cake...I know something else should come to mind.
18. What tops your tree?
A Star
19. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
Neither really. Giving means crazy shopping and receiving is usually more things I don't really want. I know, I'm a scrooge.
20. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole?
21. CANDY CANES!! YUCK OR YUM??
Fun, decorative, good for stirring cocoa.
22.What is your favorite Christmas movie?
Ummm...Best Christmas Pageant Ever? Love, Actually was fun. I'm tired of Its a Wonderful Life and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Can't think of anything else.
23. Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman or Charlie Brown?
Charlie Brown...
Um..the birth of Jesus and church didn't really enter into this, did it? Hmmm.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Ummm...Hooray!
While I wasn't paying attention
my site-meter counted
more than ONE THOUSAND blog hits!
I am quite thrilled!
my site-meter counted
more than ONE THOUSAND blog hits!
I am quite thrilled!
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
My mom
When Hubby decided we were coming to seminary, I asked if there was one near my family. We'd lived in GA for almost 8 years, 5 of them within an hour of his family.
And we're here...within an hour of my mom, my sisters and in another direction an hour from my mother's family and my grandfather (who lives in the convent, long story)
The first year we visited her almost weekly, then tapered off some because of my crazy work schedule. This year she's realized that we're graduating, and that there's a VERY good chance we'll be moving on to another locale. Probably not one that is so convenient for her.
So she's been coming weekly, and helps out with Flash on our really-busy-impossible-day. Last week she helped me clean out the apartment some (ok, ok a lot!) And although she doesn't "get" the pastor thing, she's been a larger part of our lives for 3 years.
And its been really, really nice.
Thanks Mom!
And we're here...within an hour of my mom, my sisters and in another direction an hour from my mother's family and my grandfather (who lives in the convent, long story)
The first year we visited her almost weekly, then tapered off some because of my crazy work schedule. This year she's realized that we're graduating, and that there's a VERY good chance we'll be moving on to another locale. Probably not one that is so convenient for her.
So she's been coming weekly, and helps out with Flash on our really-busy-impossible-day. Last week she helped me clean out the apartment some (ok, ok a lot!) And although she doesn't "get" the pastor thing, she's been a larger part of our lives for 3 years.
And its been really, really nice.
Thanks Mom!
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Where am i?
So I haven't written in my blog. I guess its the parade of holidays ahead.
Been working, cleaning house, readying for Christmas (tree but nothin' else) , went to a seminar on running a book discussion, teaching sunday school on reducing Christmas stress (and guess what, mine is raised...huh?) Hubby's family visits end of the week because he's preaching in the campus chapel...and they've never heard him preach. He's also preaching tomorrow at the hospital and Tuesday in class. So tensions are running high. Lots of football. Flash has become completely hooked on a line of videos called "Kidsongs" they were on in the 80's and are now on DVD. We've seen the sports one at least 25 times.
Hangin' of the Greens tonight with Soup and Sandwich Supper afterwards tonight...Flash showed the baby-doll Jesus around and brought him to dinner also. Apparently Baby-doll Jesus especially loves the Choir area..."its his stable." Flash also performs in two Christmas shows this week, once as a Townsperson and once as an Angel.
I'm trying to arrange a caroling party around the neighborhood, but the timing is not working out. Really want a Night-out, but babysitters are scarce this time of year and too much needs doing. Oh and Christmas cards ..and I'm blogging.
This is what it comes down to...blogging or life right now. SIGH.
Grouse, Grouse Grouse.
Thank you God, that I don't have anything "real" to complain about right now! Amen!
Been working, cleaning house, readying for Christmas (tree but nothin' else) , went to a seminar on running a book discussion, teaching sunday school on reducing Christmas stress (and guess what, mine is raised...huh?) Hubby's family visits end of the week because he's preaching in the campus chapel...and they've never heard him preach. He's also preaching tomorrow at the hospital and Tuesday in class. So tensions are running high. Lots of football. Flash has become completely hooked on a line of videos called "Kidsongs" they were on in the 80's and are now on DVD. We've seen the sports one at least 25 times.
Hangin' of the Greens tonight with Soup and Sandwich Supper afterwards tonight...Flash showed the baby-doll Jesus around and brought him to dinner also. Apparently Baby-doll Jesus especially loves the Choir area..."its his stable." Flash also performs in two Christmas shows this week, once as a Townsperson and once as an Angel.
I'm trying to arrange a caroling party around the neighborhood, but the timing is not working out. Really want a Night-out, but babysitters are scarce this time of year and too much needs doing. Oh and Christmas cards ..and I'm blogging.
This is what it comes down to...blogging or life right now. SIGH.
Grouse, Grouse Grouse.
Thank you God, that I don't have anything "real" to complain about right now! Amen!
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