Holiday Happenins'

Just thought I'd check in with a little update on the goings on around here. Energy level is still a little low for any grandiose blogging these days. Here are a few of the highlights:

*We were proud of Lauren and Cameron performing in their Christmas Piano Recital a couple of weeks ago. They both did really well. Lauren played two songs, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and "Angels We Have Heard on High". Cameron played "We Three Kings". We are blessed to have a wonderful piano teacher for them, and they both enjoy learning to play the piano.

*Our family gave our first "concert" on Sunday night. Of course we sing a song here and there from week to week. But it is quite a different thing to do a non-stop hour of music and sharing. Can't say we were the most polished crew to ever roll down the road, but God definitely helped us. Couldn't have done it without Him, and most of all, I think we were able to be a blessing to a little church that hasn't had anything special in a long time.

*We have had flus of both the respiratory and digestive tract nature. That has been highly unpleasant. And that is all I will say about that. I think we are slowly on the mend.

*If the big winter storm doesn't strike, the kids are prepared for their Christmas play on Sunday night at church. There's rumors of snow and ice, though, so we'll see..............

*I'm rediscovering some of the things that are not my personal faves of the season. I don't care for colored lights; I strongly resist the appearance of any Christmas decor until Thanksgiving has been given due honor; I feel like a hypocrite when singing "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas"(cuz I'm so NOT!); I really dislike Christmas cards with only a canned verse and someone's signature at the bottom, assembly-line style; I truly prefer my wonderful-smelling, freshly cut, not completely perfect Frasier Fir tree to an artificial one....but the immense PRESSURE to cave and go fake is starting to get to me!!! Even my husband is threatening mutiny due to the higher costs of the real trees each year. Some of my Christmas soul may die when I have to give in to the pressure. *sigh*

*Ah, but lest you think I am Scrooge-ish, let me assure you there are plenty of things about the season that warms me 'art. For one thing, I am SO appreciating the opportunity of recognizing the ADVENT SEASON this year as a family. We've never done it during family devotions, only during Advent Sundays at church. I think focusing on Advent is drawing our minds back to the real reason for the season (at the risk of sounding cliche') every evening. I also love the traditional Carols of Christmas. The last several years we have been reading about the stories behind the songs of Christmas, and sharing them with our congregation. Really makes the songs come alive. As aforementioned, I LOVE the smell of the fir tree in the living room. Love the mistletoe ball that hangs in the kitchen doorway, giving an excuse to Mommy and Daddy for a little extra smoochin'. I love it when someone says Merry Christmas. Get a little tingly feeling almost every time. Good stuff.

So that's about it for now. I don't have pics from the concert yet, and don't have my Christmas decor pics uploaded yet, don't have the videos ready to upload. But I do have a few recital pics, so I'm gonna post those in closing! Trust your season is Merry and Bright!