
Saturday, December 6, 2008
BANANA CHOCOLATE CAKE

Friday, December 5, 2008
ORNAMENTS
I have painted 46 rusty tin star ornaments in various colors for the students on my bus. Last year I decided to start this as a new bus tradition. Most kids would prefer candy, but I think they probably get enough junk food & candy everywhere else. Each student does get a candy cane and a small chocolate bar too. I also decorate the inside of the school bus with red and green bows. Will try to take a pic after I've finished decorating it. The small kids get a kick out of the decorations. After all the inside of a bus is pretty boring.

There aren't a lot of decorations around the house other then the tree. I'm one of those people that would decorate everything that stand still long enough, but I live with 3 males who don't think it would be a good idea. I know - it's my house too, but they do have a point. After all Christmas isn't really about decorations and who gets the biggest gift. Not saying that presents are a bad thing- but how much stuff do we really need. I do have one wreath with a snowman that I made last year from a Renee Mullins design that I hang on a door.
Just love Snowmen & have quite the collection, but have stopped collecting due to lack of space & boxes to store them in for the summer. I used to keep them on the shelf and the piano all summer but it was to much dusting.
I've been checking blogs to see if anyone is "decorating" for Christmas and there are a few. There have been many "giveaways" drawn already with what looks like many more to be done in the next 19 days before Christmas. Aren't giveaways fun!?! After all "it is better to give then to receive"!!

Thursday, December 4, 2008
Christmas Music
The old Hymns I learned in Sunday School and Church are by far my favorite songs. Growing up in a Christian home, in a Christian community and taking piano lessons from a young age has made music a part of who I am. But the music we hear at Christmas is special. It brings back memories of practising for school programs and Sunday School programs, piano recitals, and something special to do at Grandma & Grandpa's. Even in the school programs they managed to squeeze in the true Christmas story.
As Christmas gets closer we hear music in the malls, stores, on the radio, at home and in our vehicles. The secular Christmas songs are nice. Jeff Foxworthy's version of the 12 days of Christmas is actually quite funny. But give me "Joy to the World", "O Holy Night", "Angels We Have Heard on High" or "Little Town of Bethlehem" any day. Some how these songs don't get played, as a rule, in malls, stores or secular radio. They probably wouldn't make people go out and shop. Instead they make us picture home, church, family, friends, joy, peace & love. Isn't that what Christmas is about? It's hard to hum "Peace on Earth Good Will Toward Men" as you are being pushed, shoved and almost run over in shopping malls and stores right before Christmas. Isn't this the time of year where we stop and reflect about all the blessings God has given us in our lives and how God sent His only Son down to earth for us?
While sitting in our Christmas Craft Store and watching people race around trying to get their shopping done, talking about all the school Christmas programs they have to attend, the kids piano recitals they have to listen to, sports games their children will be in, the baking they have to do - it makes me wonder when anyone will have time to slow down, relax and truely reflect on why we celebrate the holidays.
So - My wish is that everyone has a wonderfully relaxing Christmas Holiday, spending a joyous time with family & friends while listening to their favorite Christmas Carols!!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Another Award!

