2 hours ago
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
For Skyepuppy
As promised....a very small portion of the cooking extravaganza. Not nearly as elegant as yours - but MAN they taste good. :)
Christmas - Day 18, Kitty Christmas, and Wal-Mart Rants
Well as you can see, today has been an EVENTFUL day in the life of Bekah. My celebration for today was the soup carry-in we had at work today. Three AMAZING soups (and I'm not really a soup person, so I was impressed to love all three) and all kinds of yummy side snacks and cookies. The "office celebrations" exist on a variety of levels, since we are part of so many different areas. Today's lunch was just for our immediate office. And it was YUMMY. Especially the sweet tea. LOVE some sweet tea.
In ranting news, I would like to say that what happened to me this evening is proof of why, even though Wal-Mart drives me NUTS, I have to shop there. I wanted to drop off some pictures this evening. That's it. Just pictures. One look at the Wal-Mart parking lot told me I wanted to avoid turning THERE if at all possible. I thought I would go to Wal-Greens. Should be safe, right?
WRONG.
When I arrived at the kiosk, an employee was working on other pictures and asked if I needed help. I told her no, but that I would like my photos printed on matte paper. (When you scrap as much as I do, you have to minimize fingerprints.) I've learned that at Wal-Greens, you have to hunt down an employee and state your paper preference, since you can't indicate it on the order. She wrote it down! At the end of my order, I stopped and asked her if there was anything else she needed from me regarding the matte paper. No. I left.
Went back an hour later, and picked up my pictures. Guess what? Glossy. RRRRR!
I would have complained, but I had already trekked across their icy parking lot (which I'd almost fallen on when dropping off the prints) to get back to my car. And not two weeks ago, I took 125 Christmas card pictures back in and made them reprint the whole lot because they were grainy. I don't want to be known as the lady who never likes her pictures, but good GRIEF!
And therein lies my complaint. I'm willing to pay 4 cents more a picture to go to WalGreens simply to avoid the chaos that is WalMart, but the truth is, the service is worse! THAT IS NOT GOOD, WALGREENS!!!!
And because there's no point in ending on a bad note - here's some pictures of my kiddos enjoying their Christmas:
One of Braeya's new favorite spots - under the bedroom tree. Her new favorite toy is that bit of gold beading dangling just above her. I've had to restring it already.
Kaegan is a bit more reserved. He prefers to enjoy the view from afar. I find him like this often - curled up on the bed, staring at the lights.
A rare moment: Kaegan and Braeya resting TOGETHER. This is under the dining room tree.
In ranting news, I would like to say that what happened to me this evening is proof of why, even though Wal-Mart drives me NUTS, I have to shop there. I wanted to drop off some pictures this evening. That's it. Just pictures. One look at the Wal-Mart parking lot told me I wanted to avoid turning THERE if at all possible. I thought I would go to Wal-Greens. Should be safe, right?
WRONG.
When I arrived at the kiosk, an employee was working on other pictures and asked if I needed help. I told her no, but that I would like my photos printed on matte paper. (When you scrap as much as I do, you have to minimize fingerprints.) I've learned that at Wal-Greens, you have to hunt down an employee and state your paper preference, since you can't indicate it on the order. She wrote it down! At the end of my order, I stopped and asked her if there was anything else she needed from me regarding the matte paper. No. I left.
Went back an hour later, and picked up my pictures. Guess what? Glossy. RRRRR!
I would have complained, but I had already trekked across their icy parking lot (which I'd almost fallen on when dropping off the prints) to get back to my car. And not two weeks ago, I took 125 Christmas card pictures back in and made them reprint the whole lot because they were grainy. I don't want to be known as the lady who never likes her pictures, but good GRIEF!
And therein lies my complaint. I'm willing to pay 4 cents more a picture to go to WalGreens simply to avoid the chaos that is WalMart, but the truth is, the service is worse! THAT IS NOT GOOD, WALGREENS!!!!
And because there's no point in ending on a bad note - here's some pictures of my kiddos enjoying their Christmas:
One of Braeya's new favorite spots - under the bedroom tree. Her new favorite toy is that bit of gold beading dangling just above her. I've had to restring it already.
Kaegan is a bit more reserved. He prefers to enjoy the view from afar. I find him like this often - curled up on the bed, staring at the lights.
A rare moment: Kaegan and Braeya resting TOGETHER. This is under the dining room tree. Monday, December 17, 2007
Christmas - Days 16 and 17
Well I certainly had plenty of time for Christmas yesterday, given that I was snowed in! I caught up on a number of TV specials - including the good old Little House on the Prairie Christmas special where Rose was kidnapped. Amazing how times have changed. Today her dad would have been tossed into jail for leaving her unattended (not to mention out of a seat belt) in the wagon while he went for food. Today adoption is so much more complicated then "Want this kid? Okay, here you go. I'll let the orphanage know he won't be coming back." Or so I hear, anyway. But even so, good episode. Add to it a couple of Hallmark mushy movies and it was a great Christmas celebration.
And today I had my gift exchange with my good buddy Jenny. She was my supervisor when I first hired on at my job oh so many years ago - and even though she works elsewhere now, we still go to lunch all the time and she puts up with all my craziness. For that, she deserves a gold medal. Not quite what I gave her, you understand, but it's what she deserves. My first gift exchange of the season - a great start to the week!
As a bonus to the day, I survived yet another pre-holiday trip to Wal-Mart, despite the lack of a SINGLE CART at either entrance to the store and the lack of a SINGLE EXPRESS LANE for me to use in purchasing my armload of stuff. Okay I'm willing to accept that it's a busier time of year, but they put a commercial on TV saying they'd open more lanes! Where are said lanes? In what city? I will go there!
Whew. I'm okay now.
And today I had my gift exchange with my good buddy Jenny. She was my supervisor when I first hired on at my job oh so many years ago - and even though she works elsewhere now, we still go to lunch all the time and she puts up with all my craziness. For that, she deserves a gold medal. Not quite what I gave her, you understand, but it's what she deserves. My first gift exchange of the season - a great start to the week!
As a bonus to the day, I survived yet another pre-holiday trip to Wal-Mart, despite the lack of a SINGLE CART at either entrance to the store and the lack of a SINGLE EXPRESS LANE for me to use in purchasing my armload of stuff. Okay I'm willing to accept that it's a busier time of year, but they put a commercial on TV saying they'd open more lanes! Where are said lanes? In what city? I will go there!
Whew. I'm okay now.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Bits for Sunday, December 16, 2007
I have to admit - I enjoy a good snowed-in-Sunday. I stayed "extra rested" in bed this morning - after the church cancellation notice came through, of course. I put up the blinds so I could look out at the snow and turned on the Christmas tree lights and snuggled down for a pretty perfect morning.
Since I had the time, I made baked potato soup for lunch - it is a comfort food sort of day. While beginning to cook, I noticed that someone (and I think I know who) made an appearance with a plow to open up my driveway. THANK YOU!!! In a little bit, I'm going to go shovel the sidewalks and that should certainly burn off the Christmas cookies I had for breakfast. :)
Then I plan to hit the scrapping for the rest of the day - and that completes a perfect day!
So if you're having a snowed-in-Sunday also, you stay warm and safe and enjoy the extra rest! (Once the shoveling is done, of course.) And if you need a break - here's some Advent reading for you:
Shepherds: The Light of Spreading the Good News!
Luke 2:8-18
God chooses the most unlikely candidates to do His work. It doesn’t matter what training we have – what our background holds – what our strengths and weaknesses are. The only two things that God really needs are our openness and our willingness.
Perhaps that is why He chose shepherds to be the first missionaries. The first ones selected to spread the Good News. I can imagine that few people paid attention to shepherds. They were probably just a group of men who smelled as bad as the sheep they herded all day long. Maybe they were viewed as less intelligent or less important because they didn’t have a more impressive or skill-demanding occupation. Perhaps they comprised the bottom rung of the occupational ladder – above only the unthinkable occupation of prostitution.
I can imagine there was quite a bit of dissatisfaction in this job. They had the worst parts of all jobs rolled into one. Like the mail carriers of today, they had to report for duty regardless of weather conditions. Like the medical field of today, they had to work holidays, weekends, and all other lesser desired hours, because there was always work to be done. Like farmers of today – one disastrous event could completely shut them down forever with no hope of recovery. Like the police force of today – there was always danger that had to be faced (though more in the form of animal predators rather than escaped convicts).
Maybe that is why God chose them. Maybe He wanted to give them one perk in a career otherwise filled with repetition and disdain from the community. Or perhaps He chose them because they were the only ones being quiet enough to listen that night – while the world around was busily bustling along.
For a group of men stuck on the night shift, the surprise of a world-time awaited them. The Lord lit up the night sky with a fantastic display of an angelic choir. A message came down from Heaven just for them. An invitation to be the first visitors to the King of Kings.
Forget the sheep! These men made the executive decision to take a break together, leave the sheep to do what they would, and go in search of the Baby. And the experience of that night moved them so greatly that when they were done visiting Jesus, they became the first missionaries – telling everyone who would give them the time of day just what they had seen and heard that night. You would think that the praise and glory and spreading of the news about the birth of Jesus would have been reserved for the educated and holy men of the temple. But instead it was granted to men who were “the least of these.” And though they’d not been trained for public speaking, they were the ones chosen for the task.
And most importantly…they took the opportunity.
Since I had the time, I made baked potato soup for lunch - it is a comfort food sort of day. While beginning to cook, I noticed that someone (and I think I know who) made an appearance with a plow to open up my driveway. THANK YOU!!! In a little bit, I'm going to go shovel the sidewalks and that should certainly burn off the Christmas cookies I had for breakfast. :)
Then I plan to hit the scrapping for the rest of the day - and that completes a perfect day!
So if you're having a snowed-in-Sunday also, you stay warm and safe and enjoy the extra rest! (Once the shoveling is done, of course.) And if you need a break - here's some Advent reading for you:
Shepherds: The Light of Spreading the Good News!
Luke 2:8-18
God chooses the most unlikely candidates to do His work. It doesn’t matter what training we have – what our background holds – what our strengths and weaknesses are. The only two things that God really needs are our openness and our willingness.
Perhaps that is why He chose shepherds to be the first missionaries. The first ones selected to spread the Good News. I can imagine that few people paid attention to shepherds. They were probably just a group of men who smelled as bad as the sheep they herded all day long. Maybe they were viewed as less intelligent or less important because they didn’t have a more impressive or skill-demanding occupation. Perhaps they comprised the bottom rung of the occupational ladder – above only the unthinkable occupation of prostitution.
I can imagine there was quite a bit of dissatisfaction in this job. They had the worst parts of all jobs rolled into one. Like the mail carriers of today, they had to report for duty regardless of weather conditions. Like the medical field of today, they had to work holidays, weekends, and all other lesser desired hours, because there was always work to be done. Like farmers of today – one disastrous event could completely shut them down forever with no hope of recovery. Like the police force of today – there was always danger that had to be faced (though more in the form of animal predators rather than escaped convicts).
Maybe that is why God chose them. Maybe He wanted to give them one perk in a career otherwise filled with repetition and disdain from the community. Or perhaps He chose them because they were the only ones being quiet enough to listen that night – while the world around was busily bustling along.
For a group of men stuck on the night shift, the surprise of a world-time awaited them. The Lord lit up the night sky with a fantastic display of an angelic choir. A message came down from Heaven just for them. An invitation to be the first visitors to the King of Kings.
Forget the sheep! These men made the executive decision to take a break together, leave the sheep to do what they would, and go in search of the Baby. And the experience of that night moved them so greatly that when they were done visiting Jesus, they became the first missionaries – telling everyone who would give them the time of day just what they had seen and heard that night. You would think that the praise and glory and spreading of the news about the birth of Jesus would have been reserved for the educated and holy men of the temple. But instead it was granted to men who were “the least of these.” And though they’d not been trained for public speaking, they were the ones chosen for the task.
And most importantly…they took the opportunity.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Christmas - Days 14 and 15
I'm settled in for a long winter's snow - since apparently that's what we're starting to get. I have a good supply of the world's staples (bread and milk - always amuses me how people flock for this before a storm - as if they regularly consume them as a combined dish) and Bekah's staples - chocolate, ice cream, chips, cheese, pork chops...you get the idea.
I've had a busy - but good - couple of days in the Christmas celebration department. Yesterday we were dismissed from work early (nothing weather related, but certainly very welcomed!) and I had a chance to visit the discount bookstore that's closing. I won't even tell you how many books I purchased, but when the most expensive book was only $3.00 - you can imagine that I went a bit crazy. Merry Christmas to me! I started reading one right away - and I'm very excited about it. It's written by Bruce Marchiano, who portrayed Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew production. We watched that at church a couple of years ago and I thought it was the best portrayal of Jesus I'd ever seen. He put so much joy into Jesus - and I loved that. Anyway, Bruce wrote a book about his experience, and I wanted to see what he learned. I'm about 30 pages in and have already done quite a bit of underlining. :)
Last night was the all-campus Christmas party and I actually enjoyed going. It used to really bug me because it was one more place I had to go by myself, and I hated that. But the last couple of years haven't been so bad. And that iced coffee - well - YUM. I had two cups and would have gone back for more but I was starting to guzzle...and that's just not attractive at a dressed up all-campus event. But it was a fun celebration, at any rate.
Today I went to help Joe and Sarah paint in their new home. Had my first experience with wallpaper removal. That was kind of interesting. And sticky. And I helped paint the kitchen a very cheery yellow! And the whole time, there was some very festive Christmas music going on in the other room. Though not an official "Christmas celebration" - it was a very fun time. Sarah, I love your house. :)
I've had a busy - but good - couple of days in the Christmas celebration department. Yesterday we were dismissed from work early (nothing weather related, but certainly very welcomed!) and I had a chance to visit the discount bookstore that's closing. I won't even tell you how many books I purchased, but when the most expensive book was only $3.00 - you can imagine that I went a bit crazy. Merry Christmas to me! I started reading one right away - and I'm very excited about it. It's written by Bruce Marchiano, who portrayed Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew production. We watched that at church a couple of years ago and I thought it was the best portrayal of Jesus I'd ever seen. He put so much joy into Jesus - and I loved that. Anyway, Bruce wrote a book about his experience, and I wanted to see what he learned. I'm about 30 pages in and have already done quite a bit of underlining. :)
Last night was the all-campus Christmas party and I actually enjoyed going. It used to really bug me because it was one more place I had to go by myself, and I hated that. But the last couple of years haven't been so bad. And that iced coffee - well - YUM. I had two cups and would have gone back for more but I was starting to guzzle...and that's just not attractive at a dressed up all-campus event. But it was a fun celebration, at any rate.
Today I went to help Joe and Sarah paint in their new home. Had my first experience with wallpaper removal. That was kind of interesting. And sticky. And I helped paint the kitchen a very cheery yellow! And the whole time, there was some very festive Christmas music going on in the other room. Though not an official "Christmas celebration" - it was a very fun time. Sarah, I love your house. :)
Friday, December 14, 2007
Christmas - Day 13
I had a HUGE icing party at my house last night. Party of one, that is. :) The cats didn't even sit in the kitchen hoping for a scrap to fall to the floor. (They must know that I'm even OCD about my cooking and don't allow for messiness.) Everything turned out just great and the couple of cookies that I sneaked for taste-testing were yummy. And I did take a picture - I'll get it posted here at some point. :) That ended all the Christmas prep - and now I can simply....enjoy.
In non Christmas-related news, I'm starting to get irritated with this writer's strike. Last night I tried watching Leno - which I've not watched since the strike began, because I get confused in the reruns. (Leno is my news source, so if he's joking about old stuff, then I get all messed up.) Anyway, last night's rerun featured jokes about the finale of Joe Millionaire and a guest was going to be the Bachelorette, Trista Rehn. Um....Trista as in Trista that has been married for about three years and has a baby? THAT Trista?
It was then that I decided that reruns aren't fun, and when every blessed show goes to reruns...well...I guess I'll watch more HGTV and TV Land!
In non Christmas-related news, I'm starting to get irritated with this writer's strike. Last night I tried watching Leno - which I've not watched since the strike began, because I get confused in the reruns. (Leno is my news source, so if he's joking about old stuff, then I get all messed up.) Anyway, last night's rerun featured jokes about the finale of Joe Millionaire and a guest was going to be the Bachelorette, Trista Rehn. Um....Trista as in Trista that has been married for about three years and has a baby? THAT Trista?
It was then that I decided that reruns aren't fun, and when every blessed show goes to reruns...well...I guess I'll watch more HGTV and TV Land!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Christmas - Days 11 and 12
The last two days I've been a baking crazy woman. Tuesday evening I started the annual Christmas baking and used up nearly all my measuring cups in the process. :) I didn't really sample much of what I made - aside from licking spoons and beaters. Isn't that the best part of the baking process anyway?
I kept the spirit going by watching Holiday in Handcuffs (do NOT laugh at me) - which was I think on ABC Family. It had Mario Lopez in it, so you know, how could it be bad? I love all the little made for TV holiday movies. Cheesy yet cute.
Last night I came home from one of the worst days I'd had in a while...to find that my oven (which I had set to clean when I left for work) was STILL cleaning. After pulling a reaction like my Dad ("I wonder how much this is going to cost on the electric bill?") I sat down and cried for a half hour. I had come home hoping for improvement, not an oven stuck on cleaning. I managed to get it to stop and unlock in time to bake the cutout cookies. Tonight is the icing night. I love to ice cookies.
So that's been my holiday celebration the last couple of days. Now if I can give everything away before I'm tempted to dip into it myself! :)
I kept the spirit going by watching Holiday in Handcuffs (do NOT laugh at me) - which was I think on ABC Family. It had Mario Lopez in it, so you know, how could it be bad? I love all the little made for TV holiday movies. Cheesy yet cute.
Last night I came home from one of the worst days I'd had in a while...to find that my oven (which I had set to clean when I left for work) was STILL cleaning. After pulling a reaction like my Dad ("I wonder how much this is going to cost on the electric bill?") I sat down and cried for a half hour. I had come home hoping for improvement, not an oven stuck on cleaning. I managed to get it to stop and unlock in time to bake the cutout cookies. Tonight is the icing night. I love to ice cookies.
So that's been my holiday celebration the last couple of days. Now if I can give everything away before I'm tempted to dip into it myself! :)
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Braeya's in Trouble and Christmas - Day 10
Braeya received a middle name after having lived with me less than 24 hours - because I already needed it to yell at her. I was painting my bedroom and she kept trying to get into the paint try (she was very tiny - about six weeks old) so I confined her to the bathroom to keep her out of the paint. Long story short, because she was so tiny, she found a very obscure hiding place and though my parents and I searched the entire house for about an hour after we were done painting and she was allowed to come out, we couldn't find her. I was crying, my Dad was crying, my Mom was sick to her stomach...it was a mess. We thought she'd somehow gotten outside without us knowing about it. And then...she showed up. Wherever she'd hidden must have gotten boring. And she received a middle name on the spot.
And this weekend I had to pull out the "BRAEYA JO!" because she learned to flush the toilet. And she practiced. OFTEN. So until I can figure out how to stop THAT from happening, she is banned from the bathroom. I don't feel really bad about it, but I do feel bad that her grounding is also keeping Kaegan out of the bathroom, and that is HIS spot. He loves to sleep for hours right beside the shower. Poor kiddo. It's rough having a little sister. (Not that I know. I was the little sister in my family.)
Anyway, aside from that, yesterday was a good Christmas day. Our church's Ladies Bible study had its Christmas party. Let me tell you - these ladies can COOK. I was so miserably full when I came home. And now that I am watching what I eat, I don't eat until I'm miserably full anymore. Not even at Thanksgiving. But last night I just had to have seconds. It was so worth it. SO worth it.
And this weekend I had to pull out the "BRAEYA JO!" because she learned to flush the toilet. And she practiced. OFTEN. So until I can figure out how to stop THAT from happening, she is banned from the bathroom. I don't feel really bad about it, but I do feel bad that her grounding is also keeping Kaegan out of the bathroom, and that is HIS spot. He loves to sleep for hours right beside the shower. Poor kiddo. It's rough having a little sister. (Not that I know. I was the little sister in my family.)
Anyway, aside from that, yesterday was a good Christmas day. Our church's Ladies Bible study had its Christmas party. Let me tell you - these ladies can COOK. I was so miserably full when I came home. And now that I am watching what I eat, I don't eat until I'm miserably full anymore. Not even at Thanksgiving. But last night I just had to have seconds. It was so worth it. SO worth it.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Christmas - Day 9
Today was an almost perfect day. The almost was courtesy of the icky weather - but the rest of the day was great. I woke up knowing that we were supposed to be under an "icky weather advisory" - so I figured my plan to attend my own church would be thwarted. I enjoyed a leisurely morning of staring at the Christmas lights and listening to my Dad's radio program. (I have to pay extra close attention in December so I can know when he's pulled out the ultra-humiliating recording of me reciting Luke 2 as a somewhat congested 3 or 4 year old. Fortunately today was not that day.)
At the last minute I remembered this town does possess churches closer to me than the one I normally attend and icky weather advisory or not, I could make it to church somewhere. So I pulled myself together and attended a very nice morning service - even if it wasn't home.
The rest of the day was sort of a hodge-podge Christmas. Snippets of Christmas movies on TV (though I do have to admit I was suckered in by Sleepless in Seattle) and the last of the wrapping that I can do without snagging some boxes from somewhere. I enjoyed a couple pieces of Mom's Christmas candy and ended with a church service at my very own church tonight. Despite my concern that instrumental music would put me to sleep, the violinists who provided our music this evening were not only talented, but they were not snooze-inducing. A great end to an almost perfect day.
At the last minute I remembered this town does possess churches closer to me than the one I normally attend and icky weather advisory or not, I could make it to church somewhere. So I pulled myself together and attended a very nice morning service - even if it wasn't home.
The rest of the day was sort of a hodge-podge Christmas. Snippets of Christmas movies on TV (though I do have to admit I was suckered in by Sleepless in Seattle) and the last of the wrapping that I can do without snagging some boxes from somewhere. I enjoyed a couple pieces of Mom's Christmas candy and ended with a church service at my very own church tonight. Despite my concern that instrumental music would put me to sleep, the violinists who provided our music this evening were not only talented, but they were not snooze-inducing. A great end to an almost perfect day.
Bits for Sunday, December 9, 2007
Herod and the Chief Priests: The Light of God’s Plan Prevailing.
Matthew 2:1-18
Another day. Another list of political duties to attend to. A banquet to prepare for – just to showcase his wealth and power…and to waste taxpayer dollars on a round of drinks. A line of people who wanted to see him – to plead their cases – and he enjoyed the sob stories almost as much as he enjoyed saying no at the end of them. All in a day’s work for Herod.
Another message for him – something urgent, no doubt. Wasn’t everything? Magi from the East have arrived and requested an audience with you, King Herod. Magi? Well they might be good for a gift or a compliment on the fine workings of the kingdom. Show them in.
The men stood before King Herod, richly dressed and obviously on a mission. “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2)
Herod’s blood boiled within his veins. How dare these men stand in his own palace and insinuate the presence of another king? And that they desire to worship Him! Before causing himself political embarrassment, he dismissed the men and called an emergency meeting of his staff. He demanded answers, and when Herod demanded, Herod got. Though they trembled at the thought of bearing bad news to the temperamental king, they spoke up in hopes that because they spoke the truth, he might spare their positions – and their lives. The Christ was to be born in Bethlehem to fulfill an old prophecy.
Donning his most serene countenance, Herod met alone with the Magi. Feigning great interest, he directed them toward Bethlehem only if they promised to return with a report of the baby’s exact location so that he too, could offer his worship and gifts.
While attending to his normal kingly duties throughout the following days, Herod often withdrew to himself, offering only the explanation that he had an important project. He devised scheme after scheme to rid himself and the world of any King of the Jews. He alone ruled, and he intended to keep it that way. He restlessly awaited the return of the Magi…day after day…after day.
Too much time had passed. They weren’t coming back. In a rage like his staff had never seen, Herod called together his army and sent them out on a killing spree. His targets? Not thieves. Not late taxpayers. Babies. Any boy two and under…kill them. Don’t ask questions. Don’t research. Just destroy. He sent the soldiers away and leaned back. That should do it. The world would be rid of this Baby.
Herod did not know that the most carefully devised schemes and the acts of irrational rage are no match for the Plan of all Plans. By the time the army left his presence, God’s Word had already saved the life of His Son: “Get up, take the child and his mother, and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child and kill him.” Herod may have outwitted his kingdom, but he could not outwit the King of Kings. His plan prevailed above all.
Matthew 2:1-18
Another day. Another list of political duties to attend to. A banquet to prepare for – just to showcase his wealth and power…and to waste taxpayer dollars on a round of drinks. A line of people who wanted to see him – to plead their cases – and he enjoyed the sob stories almost as much as he enjoyed saying no at the end of them. All in a day’s work for Herod.
Another message for him – something urgent, no doubt. Wasn’t everything? Magi from the East have arrived and requested an audience with you, King Herod. Magi? Well they might be good for a gift or a compliment on the fine workings of the kingdom. Show them in.
The men stood before King Herod, richly dressed and obviously on a mission. “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2)
Herod’s blood boiled within his veins. How dare these men stand in his own palace and insinuate the presence of another king? And that they desire to worship Him! Before causing himself political embarrassment, he dismissed the men and called an emergency meeting of his staff. He demanded answers, and when Herod demanded, Herod got. Though they trembled at the thought of bearing bad news to the temperamental king, they spoke up in hopes that because they spoke the truth, he might spare their positions – and their lives. The Christ was to be born in Bethlehem to fulfill an old prophecy.
Donning his most serene countenance, Herod met alone with the Magi. Feigning great interest, he directed them toward Bethlehem only if they promised to return with a report of the baby’s exact location so that he too, could offer his worship and gifts.
While attending to his normal kingly duties throughout the following days, Herod often withdrew to himself, offering only the explanation that he had an important project. He devised scheme after scheme to rid himself and the world of any King of the Jews. He alone ruled, and he intended to keep it that way. He restlessly awaited the return of the Magi…day after day…after day.
Too much time had passed. They weren’t coming back. In a rage like his staff had never seen, Herod called together his army and sent them out on a killing spree. His targets? Not thieves. Not late taxpayers. Babies. Any boy two and under…kill them. Don’t ask questions. Don’t research. Just destroy. He sent the soldiers away and leaned back. That should do it. The world would be rid of this Baby.
Herod did not know that the most carefully devised schemes and the acts of irrational rage are no match for the Plan of all Plans. By the time the army left his presence, God’s Word had already saved the life of His Son: “Get up, take the child and his mother, and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child and kill him.” Herod may have outwitted his kingdom, but he could not outwit the King of Kings. His plan prevailed above all.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Christmas - Day 8 and Braeya's Card Adventure
MY FEET HURT!
I had my last shopping hoopla today. Last one before I start boycotting stores altogether on account of the sheer madness. Because the weather cooperated, I was able to go out of the city limits to shop, so that was exciting. After narrowly escaping the accidental joining of a funeral procession (how embarrassing if I would have had to break away from the line of traffic to go to the first store!), I enjoyed a long and crazy - yet successful - day of shopping.
The sales were out in full force today and I came home with not only the last of the gifts and a new supply of work socks, but a number of couldn't-pass-em-up clothes.
For my festive daily celebration, I went to my friend Sarah's house. She cooked a very yummy dinner and we watched The Holiday. I'd not seen it before, but I loved it. It might have to go on the must-own list. I wanted to stay and chat, but we were supposed to start getting ice, and I was too far away from home (anywhere outside my garage is too far away from home in ice) for my comfort, so I left and tried to beat the weather!
So now I need to go sort the purchases and the receipts - but I leave you with this photo. Sorry that it's fuzzy, but do you have any idea how hard it is to hold down a cat and take a picture at the same time? During one of my Christmas card stamping fests, Braeya batted the red ink pad with her paw every time I dabbed the saran wrap wad in the ink. By the end of the stack of cards, she looked like she was bleeding. She took a bath, but for several days after, I saw traces of pink on her paw.
I had my last shopping hoopla today. Last one before I start boycotting stores altogether on account of the sheer madness. Because the weather cooperated, I was able to go out of the city limits to shop, so that was exciting. After narrowly escaping the accidental joining of a funeral procession (how embarrassing if I would have had to break away from the line of traffic to go to the first store!), I enjoyed a long and crazy - yet successful - day of shopping.
The sales were out in full force today and I came home with not only the last of the gifts and a new supply of work socks, but a number of couldn't-pass-em-up clothes.
For my festive daily celebration, I went to my friend Sarah's house. She cooked a very yummy dinner and we watched The Holiday. I'd not seen it before, but I loved it. It might have to go on the must-own list. I wanted to stay and chat, but we were supposed to start getting ice, and I was too far away from home (anywhere outside my garage is too far away from home in ice) for my comfort, so I left and tried to beat the weather!
So now I need to go sort the purchases and the receipts - but I leave you with this photo. Sorry that it's fuzzy, but do you have any idea how hard it is to hold down a cat and take a picture at the same time? During one of my Christmas card stamping fests, Braeya batted the red ink pad with her paw every time I dabbed the saran wrap wad in the ink. By the end of the stack of cards, she looked like she was bleeding. She took a bath, but for several days after, I saw traces of pink on her paw.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Christmas...Days 6 and 7
Friday at last.....yay! L-o-n-g week that ended with a l-o-n-g day!
But life is good and my Christmas celebration is good despite long days and a long week. Last night I finished the wrapping. Well, at least what I can do. I have a couple more things to purchase and some things that have to go in gift bags because they just can't be wrapped. But what can be done is done.
And this evening I celebrated by watching The Santa Clause...The Escape Clause. Cute movie! I didn't know I was going to be watching it, but my friend Angela stopped by and offered - so watch, we did!
In not so Christmas related, yet very exciting news, this evening also brought about the installation of my new carpet on the stairs. I'm very excited to have that project behind me! I can't believe how much better it looks in there. I'm not sure how I doubted...it had nowhere else to go but up in looks. :) So I definitely love that.
And since I was sort of confined to one room while they worked on the installation, I sorted pictures for my upcoming scrap-a-thons. I found a multitude of pictures taken around this time last year...at work. I could see a definite change in looks from last year to this year. It was funny to me because just this morning I looked in the mirror and thought, man...for all the better food and no pop and working out...I'm still really fat. And then I went to breakfast (hmmmm....) with Olivia and completely randomly, she told me that she could tell a big difference. So I told her what I'd just been thinking and she said, "Well go home and find a picture from last year." I forgot about the stack I hadn't scrapped yet, so they were in the pile to sort. And she's right. I could see it then. Just the boost I needed to keep from drowning that sorrow in a pile of cookies.
So all around - good days!
But life is good and my Christmas celebration is good despite long days and a long week. Last night I finished the wrapping. Well, at least what I can do. I have a couple more things to purchase and some things that have to go in gift bags because they just can't be wrapped. But what can be done is done.
And this evening I celebrated by watching The Santa Clause...The Escape Clause. Cute movie! I didn't know I was going to be watching it, but my friend Angela stopped by and offered - so watch, we did!
In not so Christmas related, yet very exciting news, this evening also brought about the installation of my new carpet on the stairs. I'm very excited to have that project behind me! I can't believe how much better it looks in there. I'm not sure how I doubted...it had nowhere else to go but up in looks. :) So I definitely love that.
And since I was sort of confined to one room while they worked on the installation, I sorted pictures for my upcoming scrap-a-thons. I found a multitude of pictures taken around this time last year...at work. I could see a definite change in looks from last year to this year. It was funny to me because just this morning I looked in the mirror and thought, man...for all the better food and no pop and working out...I'm still really fat. And then I went to breakfast (hmmmm....) with Olivia and completely randomly, she told me that she could tell a big difference. So I told her what I'd just been thinking and she said, "Well go home and find a picture from last year." I forgot about the stack I hadn't scrapped yet, so they were in the pile to sort. And she's right. I could see it then. Just the boost I needed to keep from drowning that sorrow in a pile of cookies.
So all around - good days!
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Christmas, Day 5 - and a pleasant surprise
Yesterday was a long day at work for me. I had to stay after for a bit, and when I was ready to leave, I realized I still needed to shovel and eat dinner and exercise...before hitting the actual PLAN for the evening.
MUCH to my surprise (and joy), when I drove up in front of my house, some mystery shoveler had visited me! I don't have any idea who it was - but if you know, tell him/her/them thank you for me! That was a great gift!
Because of that, I was able to celebrate the season by working on my wrapping project, and I am over half done now. I'm quite excited about that. My plan is that the gifts under the tree will serve as an anchor to the tree skirts which the cats tend to....rearrange.
MUCH to my surprise (and joy), when I drove up in front of my house, some mystery shoveler had visited me! I don't have any idea who it was - but if you know, tell him/her/them thank you for me! That was a great gift!
Because of that, I was able to celebrate the season by working on my wrapping project, and I am over half done now. I'm quite excited about that. My plan is that the gifts under the tree will serve as an anchor to the tree skirts which the cats tend to....rearrange.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Christmas...Days 3 and 4
SNOW! I spent my days 3 and 4 of this Christmas finally finishing the signing, addressing, sealing, and sorting of all my cards. What a project! Tonight I took a break from addressing to make some chai and when I looked outside, I discovered the snow had begun! Now as long as I don't have to shovel it....
I'm glad to have the card project behind me (except for straggler cards) so that I can look ahead to the next Christmas project, but I do have to say that I love addressing the cards. I love looking at the names of people on the "card exchange list" and remembering the fun times we had when we used to see each other more regularly. Former youth pastors...college roommates...friends who have moved away...I miss them! I'm already looking forward to hearing from them and seeing pictures of their growing families.
So days 3 and 4 were a success, and now I'm going to enjoy watching the snow fall!
I'm glad to have the card project behind me (except for straggler cards) so that I can look ahead to the next Christmas project, but I do have to say that I love addressing the cards. I love looking at the names of people on the "card exchange list" and remembering the fun times we had when we used to see each other more regularly. Former youth pastors...college roommates...friends who have moved away...I miss them! I'm already looking forward to hearing from them and seeing pictures of their growing families.
So days 3 and 4 were a success, and now I'm going to enjoy watching the snow fall!
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Christmas...Day Two
It sounds like a spring storm outside! I keep checking to see if my wreath has left the property, but so far, so good. But I don't think I care for this much wind.
Today proved to be a successful day two of the twenty-five days of Christmas at Bekah's. This evening I visited another church that was having a special Christmas program. It was pretty close to perfect for my tastes. Christmas carols, a little Gaither music, handbell choir...nice. A little strange to walk into the church with an umbrella in hand to hear Christmas music...but still very nice.
After that ended, I went over to Angela's to help her decorate her Christmas tree. Minus a little strand-of-lights-gone-bad issue and a couple of stops to chase her cat who was trying to snitch some tinsel to eat, it was a very quick decorating and I think the tree turned out really cute!
Today proved to be a successful day two of the twenty-five days of Christmas at Bekah's. This evening I visited another church that was having a special Christmas program. It was pretty close to perfect for my tastes. Christmas carols, a little Gaither music, handbell choir...nice. A little strange to walk into the church with an umbrella in hand to hear Christmas music...but still very nice.
After that ended, I went over to Angela's to help her decorate her Christmas tree. Minus a little strand-of-lights-gone-bad issue and a couple of stops to chase her cat who was trying to snitch some tinsel to eat, it was a very quick decorating and I think the tree turned out really cute!
Bits for Sunday, December 2, 2007
I'll admit it. I'm cheating at my own weekly bits. For weeks now, I've been trying to decide what to write about for Christmas this year, and I'm not closer to an idea now than I was in September.
But it just so happens that two years ago, I wrote five little articles for our church's "Twelve Days of Christmas" devotion book. So via the magic of copy and paste...I will spend December sharing those with you. That gives me a whole year to think of a theme for December 2008...
By the way...the theme for the book was "Behold the Light." Each day focused on a person and the light that shone from his or her life.
Elizabeth: The Light of Joy and Belief
Luke 1:39-55
How many years had Elizabeth waited to become a mother? How many times had she stood among the women of the city and watched as another one announced that she was expecting a little baby. How many times had she smiled and hugged and congratulated the glowing ladies who were her friends and neighbors…and then cried in the solitude of her own bedroom because she could not experience that joy for herself?
But her time had come. Though she was older and her friends were enjoying grandchildren, her time had come at last. She wanted to rush out and share her good news, but for five long months, she stayed home (Luke 1:24 ). She rested and prepared and rejoiced. And at the end of five months, she emerged from her home, ready at last to share her good news with everyone around her.
It was then that Mary arrived. When Elizabeth saw her coming down the road, she probably rushed to the door, eager to share with her own family the good news of her upcoming baby. But Mary spoke first and when she greeted Elizabeth , the baby inside Elizabeth moved. Was it the first time she had felt the life within her? The moment she had waited years and years to experience?
And in that moment, Elizabeth knew. Knew that Mary was carrying a little one, too. And not just any little one. The little one. The promised Messiah. So many thoughts could have rushed through her mind. No! It’s not fair! This is my moment. You are young. You aren’t even married yet. This is my time. I felt my baby move. There is life in me, and I don’t want you to take this away from me. You can have your turn later.
But no. Elizabeth was filled with joy. She blessed Mary. She said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” (Luke 1:42-45).
And together the two women shared – though of different generations – sharing together in the wonder of life growing within them. And of Life that would grow in the world because of the children they would bear. Unlike her husband, Elizabeth did not doubt for one minute that the baby within her was God’s plan and that the Baby within Mary was God’s son. She believed and shared a beautiful time with Mary – time filled with joy.
She could have been envious. But she chose joy. And because she did, she enjoyed the company of Mary for the rest of her pregnancy – and together they prepared for the lives that came into the world to change our lives.
But it just so happens that two years ago, I wrote five little articles for our church's "Twelve Days of Christmas" devotion book. So via the magic of copy and paste...I will spend December sharing those with you. That gives me a whole year to think of a theme for December 2008...
By the way...the theme for the book was "Behold the Light." Each day focused on a person and the light that shone from his or her life.
Elizabeth: The Light of Joy and Belief
Luke 1:39-55
How many years had Elizabeth waited to become a mother? How many times had she stood among the women of the city and watched as another one announced that she was expecting a little baby. How many times had she smiled and hugged and congratulated the glowing ladies who were her friends and neighbors…and then cried in the solitude of her own bedroom because she could not experience that joy for herself?
But her time had come. Though she was older and her friends were enjoying grandchildren, her time had come at last. She wanted to rush out and share her good news, but for five long months, she stayed home (Luke 1:24 ). She rested and prepared and rejoiced. And at the end of five months, she emerged from her home, ready at last to share her good news with everyone around her.
It was then that Mary arrived. When Elizabeth saw her coming down the road, she probably rushed to the door, eager to share with her own family the good news of her upcoming baby. But Mary spoke first and when she greeted Elizabeth , the baby inside Elizabeth moved. Was it the first time she had felt the life within her? The moment she had waited years and years to experience?
And in that moment, Elizabeth knew. Knew that Mary was carrying a little one, too. And not just any little one. The little one. The promised Messiah. So many thoughts could have rushed through her mind. No! It’s not fair! This is my moment. You are young. You aren’t even married yet. This is my time. I felt my baby move. There is life in me, and I don’t want you to take this away from me. You can have your turn later.
But no. Elizabeth was filled with joy. She blessed Mary. She said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” (Luke 1:42-45).
And together the two women shared – though of different generations – sharing together in the wonder of life growing within them. And of Life that would grow in the world because of the children they would bear. Unlike her husband, Elizabeth did not doubt for one minute that the baby within her was God’s plan and that the Baby within Mary was God’s son. She believed and shared a beautiful time with Mary – time filled with joy.
She could have been envious. But she chose joy. And because she did, she enjoyed the company of Mary for the rest of her pregnancy – and together they prepared for the lives that came into the world to change our lives.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Christmas...Day One
I decided that this year I would try to do something special every day in December to celebrate Christmas, because it's my favorite season.
Today ended up being rather frigid, but it didn't stop me from having some Christmas fun!
This evening my friend Robyn (from work), her daughter, and I went on a Christmas tour of homes. I haven't been on a home tour for probably ten years, so I was excited to go. I told Mom before I went that this was like HGTV in person.
We toured four homes and I came up with all sorts of great ideas to implement...after this year. The homeowners spent more hours than I could ever hope to know in preparing some beautiful Christmas displays! And Sarah, I found some that had (if you can believe it) even more trees than I do! But the decoration went beyond the trees. I made mental notes of coffee table displays, dining table centerpieces, mantle decor (if I ever have a fireplace) and even themes for bathrooms. (And I coveted a garden tub or two along the way, I have to admit.)
At the end of the tour, we went to the church's bake sale and I found a couple little treats to bring home. That almost led to catastrophe. They packed my purchases in a paper bag similar to what you would receive at Bath and Body Works. I put it on the couch, and while I ate my dinner, I noticed Braeya was nosing around in the bag to see what it might have for her. (As if I share cookies...HA!) She stuck her head through the handle to peer inside, and then the handle got stuck around her neck. It wasn't choking her, but it did FREAK her out. She went rip tearing through the house, screaming, and there was no way I could catch her. I knew even if I did catch her, she'd bite me because she was so scared. So while I half laughed at the sight and half pondered how to fix this mess, she headed straight for "the tree." The eight foot tree. I had visions of it toppling to the floor, glass ornaments shattering....but fortunately the bag caught on a branch and tore enough to free her.
This would be why I can't HOST a home on a tour. :)
Today ended up being rather frigid, but it didn't stop me from having some Christmas fun!
This evening my friend Robyn (from work), her daughter, and I went on a Christmas tour of homes. I haven't been on a home tour for probably ten years, so I was excited to go. I told Mom before I went that this was like HGTV in person.
We toured four homes and I came up with all sorts of great ideas to implement...after this year. The homeowners spent more hours than I could ever hope to know in preparing some beautiful Christmas displays! And Sarah, I found some that had (if you can believe it) even more trees than I do! But the decoration went beyond the trees. I made mental notes of coffee table displays, dining table centerpieces, mantle decor (if I ever have a fireplace) and even themes for bathrooms. (And I coveted a garden tub or two along the way, I have to admit.)
At the end of the tour, we went to the church's bake sale and I found a couple little treats to bring home. That almost led to catastrophe. They packed my purchases in a paper bag similar to what you would receive at Bath and Body Works. I put it on the couch, and while I ate my dinner, I noticed Braeya was nosing around in the bag to see what it might have for her. (As if I share cookies...HA!) She stuck her head through the handle to peer inside, and then the handle got stuck around her neck. It wasn't choking her, but it did FREAK her out. She went rip tearing through the house, screaming, and there was no way I could catch her. I knew even if I did catch her, she'd bite me because she was so scared. So while I half laughed at the sight and half pondered how to fix this mess, she headed straight for "the tree." The eight foot tree. I had visions of it toppling to the floor, glass ornaments shattering....but fortunately the bag caught on a branch and tore enough to free her.
This would be why I can't HOST a home on a tour. :)
Friday, November 30, 2007
Little Bit o Christmas
In honor of tomorrow being the first day of December....I thought I would share this that my friend Kari emailed to me.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I wrap everything that I can. If it absolutely cannot be wrapped and I can't find a box to put it in - I bag it. I wrap because I have a theme for every Christmas and the paper is part of the theme.
2. Real tree or artificial? Too scared of fire to deal with real. And too cheap.
3. When do you put up the tree? The Friday/Saturday after Thanksgiving...while all the crazies are out trampling each other for technology and toys.
4. When do you take the tree down? Usually a couple of days after Christmas - definitely before New Year's.
5. Do you like eggnog? Tried it. Hated it.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Daybed - when I was a third grader. We have some festive pictures of that Christmas. I opened my gifts wearing a green and gold school spirit sweatshirt, light pink sweat pants, and white ballerina style dress shoes. What a babe.
7. Do you have a Nativity scene? I have a one piece ceramic holy family that my Mom painted for my great grandma years ago (I inherited it after she died) - and baby Jesus has one arm intact and one arm amputated and snuggled up next to the good arm. I also have a small frosted glass nativity from when I was a kid. My dream is to own a Willow Tree complete Nativity.
8. Hardest person to buy for? My Dad. He only wants gift cards, so I always have to come up with a creative way to offer them. One year I bought a bunch of popcorn boxes, filled them with popcorn, and hid the gift cards throughout the boxes.
9. Easiest person to buy for? My Mom because she likes anything or my brother-in-law Jeff because I usually like everything he wants. (We have similar tastes in coffee, books, and music.)
10. Worst Christmas Gift you ever received? I love all gifts - so I can't think of a worst.
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. I make them all by hand and spend about 6 months on them from start to finish. I'm in an annual competition with my dad to see who receives the most cards. So far I have won every year, but a couple of years have been close.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I don't think I have a fave - but I love the marathons that Hallmark and ABC Family and Lifetime run. I like the mushy love stories. HATE the movie with Ralphie.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I usually do 90% of mine in one day - which is usually in early December. This year it was before Thanksgiving.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not that I can remember.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? My mom's homemade chocolates. They are the BEST.
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear - except on the hodge podge tree, and I use colored lights on that.
17. Favorite Christmas song? Oh boy - there are many. I think O Holy Night is my favorite "anthem" song and Welcome To Our World (sung by my friend Julie Crandall) or All is Well (sung by point of Grace) are my favorite "other" songs.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Usually just traveling to my parents. Not a long trip.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes but only if I sing the song. Kind of like the only way I know the books of the Bible.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Both. I have six trees.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Morning
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Idiots at Wal Mart blocking the scotch tape aisle with a class reunion.
23. What is the 'corniest' family tradition you do, or miss doing? It's not corny, but it's a tradition I miss. Every year when I wa s little, my Mom would read the children's book "A Certain Small Shepherd" for our family devotions. I have a copy of the book and still read it but it's not the same.
24. Ugliest Christmas Decoration ever invented? overuse of obnoxious lawn ornaments.
25. Which looks best theme trees or homey trees? Yes.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I wrap everything that I can. If it absolutely cannot be wrapped and I can't find a box to put it in - I bag it. I wrap because I have a theme for every Christmas and the paper is part of the theme.
2. Real tree or artificial? Too scared of fire to deal with real. And too cheap.
3. When do you put up the tree? The Friday/Saturday after Thanksgiving...while all the crazies are out trampling each other for technology and toys.
4. When do you take the tree down? Usually a couple of days after Christmas - definitely before New Year's.
5. Do you like eggnog? Tried it. Hated it.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Daybed - when I was a third grader. We have some festive pictures of that Christmas. I opened my gifts wearing a green and gold school spirit sweatshirt, light pink sweat pants, and white ballerina style dress shoes. What a babe.
7. Do you have a Nativity scene? I have a one piece ceramic holy family that my Mom painted for my great grandma years ago (I inherited it after she died) - and baby Jesus has one arm intact and one arm amputated and snuggled up next to the good arm. I also have a small frosted glass nativity from when I was a kid. My dream is to own a Willow Tree complete Nativity.
8. Hardest person to buy for? My Dad. He only wants gift cards, so I always have to come up with a creative way to offer them. One year I bought a bunch of popcorn boxes, filled them with popcorn, and hid the gift cards throughout the boxes.
9. Easiest person to buy for? My Mom because she likes anything or my brother-in-law Jeff because I usually like everything he wants. (We have similar tastes in coffee, books, and music.)
10. Worst Christmas Gift you ever received? I love all gifts - so I can't think of a worst.
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. I make them all by hand and spend about 6 months on them from start to finish. I'm in an annual competition with my dad to see who receives the most cards. So far I have won every year, but a couple of years have been close.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I don't think I have a fave - but I love the marathons that Hallmark and ABC Family and Lifetime run. I like the mushy love stories. HATE the movie with Ralphie.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I usually do 90% of mine in one day - which is usually in early December. This year it was before Thanksgiving.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not that I can remember.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? My mom's homemade chocolates. They are the BEST.
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear - except on the hodge podge tree, and I use colored lights on that.
17. Favorite Christmas song? Oh boy - there are many. I think O Holy Night is my favorite "anthem" song and Welcome To Our World (sung by my friend Julie Crandall) or All is Well (sung by point of Grace) are my favorite "other" songs.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Usually just traveling to my parents. Not a long trip.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes but only if I sing the song. Kind of like the only way I know the books of the Bible.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Both. I have six trees.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Morning
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Idiots at Wal Mart blocking the scotch tape aisle with a class reunion.
23. What is the 'corniest' family tradition you do, or miss doing? It's not corny, but it's a tradition I miss. Every year when I wa s little, my Mom would read the children's book "A Certain Small Shepherd" for our family devotions. I have a copy of the book and still read it but it's not the same.
24. Ugliest Christmas Decoration ever invented? overuse of obnoxious lawn ornaments.
25. Which looks best theme trees or homey trees? Yes.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Hamster Wheels
I've not written this week because my brain feels like its on a hamster wheel. If I can't make coherent thoughts of what is happening...why should I subject you to reading?
This time of year is tough at work. Every job has its hard parts. And I'm sure the same job can have a different effect on different people. In my job, I hate it when I desperately want to help someone and I can't...for whatever reason. This week I've been slowed down by computer problems beyond my control (to the point where it takes me literally twice as much time to do a task as it should). I've had to deliver news that people don't want to hear. And today I was the recipient of a verbal tirade...which isn't really new...but today it happened in front of someone else. (Just to clarify - this wasn't a co-worker or supervisor who let me have it. Just one of the people I was trying to help.) I don't like being made to look stupid in front of another person. I kept my composure during the event but the moment the door closed, I had to hide in the next door office and have a little meltdown while the workers over there brought me peace offerings of the chocolate variety. It helped.
So anyway, with work being as it is, and with evenings being filled with Christmas prep...my mind feels like it's on a hamster wheel.
Maybe it will make sense tomorrow?
This time of year is tough at work. Every job has its hard parts. And I'm sure the same job can have a different effect on different people. In my job, I hate it when I desperately want to help someone and I can't...for whatever reason. This week I've been slowed down by computer problems beyond my control (to the point where it takes me literally twice as much time to do a task as it should). I've had to deliver news that people don't want to hear. And today I was the recipient of a verbal tirade...which isn't really new...but today it happened in front of someone else. (Just to clarify - this wasn't a co-worker or supervisor who let me have it. Just one of the people I was trying to help.) I don't like being made to look stupid in front of another person. I kept my composure during the event but the moment the door closed, I had to hide in the next door office and have a little meltdown while the workers over there brought me peace offerings of the chocolate variety. It helped.
So anyway, with work being as it is, and with evenings being filled with Christmas prep...my mind feels like it's on a hamster wheel.
Maybe it will make sense tomorrow?
Saturday, November 24, 2007
The Halls are Decked...and I am Pooped
I have one minor task left to do on the Christmas decorating, but if I have to look at one more piece of evergreen right now, I will absolutely scream. So it's still curled up on my bed waiting for much later, and I'm sitting here catching a moment of rest before one of my "nieces" arrives for a few hours of QT with Aunt Bekah. I know once she gets here there will be no rest - since she's two and energetic. I'll have her and two angry cats who will be glaring at me for letting someone under four feet tall in the front door.
But for as exhausted as I am after all the decorating, I'm very pleased with the way it all turned out. I started yesterday and completed three trees before I gave up and called it a night. I had to call it a night on the couch because my bed was buried under plastic tubs that had once held the ornaments and lights and garland and...and...and. I enjoy the occasional slumber party on the couch, but last night I was craving a good stretch in a warm bed, not a curled up half-sleep where I had to wake up every time I wanted to turn over. Even so, it was very nice to fall asleep next to a big tree with Christmas specials playing on TV.
This morning when I woke up, I could feel the raw scratches on my arms where I fought with pine needles and pine needles won. I could still feel the very tender goose egg on my right arm where a ladder fell on me. I thought of the tree yet to assemble and said, "I don't think so." I got up, took a shower, threw on some makeup (a lesson well learned yesterday...more on that in a minute) and drove to Big Lots for a mostly assembled tree. I found a skinny little hinged tree that came in a box about a yard long, and $19.08 later, I walked out the door. I came home and had it assembled, fluffed, and lit in about 25 minutes flat. Sure beats the four or so hours it would have taken to mess with the big tree. And it fits the room much better too. I am pleased.
About the makeup...yesterday I didn't put much effort into getting ready because I planned to stay home all day and work on the house. But halfway through the day I ventured out for a coffee drink and the new Christmas CD that David Phelps released this year. When I purchased the CD, I paid by check, and the lady at the register looked at my name and asked who my parents were. I told her and said "Do you know them?" She said yes and then she said, "I think you were a year behind me in school." I need to say this carefully because I could get myself in a whole lotta trouble right before the holidays, but let me just say that I could tell that we were not in the same...class. I said, "Um, maybe you're thinking of my sister?" She said, "Oh yes, the one in Kansas...she was ahead of me. I said, "Well I have another sister too." After a few more explanations, we clarified that I was BORN the year before she graduated, not actually in the class behind her. Clearly some makeup was necessary and I won't be making that mistake again.
But for as exhausted as I am after all the decorating, I'm very pleased with the way it all turned out. I started yesterday and completed three trees before I gave up and called it a night. I had to call it a night on the couch because my bed was buried under plastic tubs that had once held the ornaments and lights and garland and...and...and. I enjoy the occasional slumber party on the couch, but last night I was craving a good stretch in a warm bed, not a curled up half-sleep where I had to wake up every time I wanted to turn over. Even so, it was very nice to fall asleep next to a big tree with Christmas specials playing on TV.
This morning when I woke up, I could feel the raw scratches on my arms where I fought with pine needles and pine needles won. I could still feel the very tender goose egg on my right arm where a ladder fell on me. I thought of the tree yet to assemble and said, "I don't think so." I got up, took a shower, threw on some makeup (a lesson well learned yesterday...more on that in a minute) and drove to Big Lots for a mostly assembled tree. I found a skinny little hinged tree that came in a box about a yard long, and $19.08 later, I walked out the door. I came home and had it assembled, fluffed, and lit in about 25 minutes flat. Sure beats the four or so hours it would have taken to mess with the big tree. And it fits the room much better too. I am pleased.
About the makeup...yesterday I didn't put much effort into getting ready because I planned to stay home all day and work on the house. But halfway through the day I ventured out for a coffee drink and the new Christmas CD that David Phelps released this year. When I purchased the CD, I paid by check, and the lady at the register looked at my name and asked who my parents were. I told her and said "Do you know them?" She said yes and then she said, "I think you were a year behind me in school." I need to say this carefully because I could get myself in a whole lotta trouble right before the holidays, but let me just say that I could tell that we were not in the same...class. I said, "Um, maybe you're thinking of my sister?" She said, "Oh yes, the one in Kansas...she was ahead of me. I said, "Well I have another sister too." After a few more explanations, we clarified that I was BORN the year before she graduated, not actually in the class behind her. Clearly some makeup was necessary and I won't be making that mistake again.
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