(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Christmas Girls

Christmas Eve, 2009

Merry CHRISTmas!

To all of my dear online friends (and a few IRL ones who read this), I wish you a very Merry Christmas!  I am truly blessed to have each of you in my life. 

Sara, I really enjoy your "spazziness" and humorous outlook on life.  Besides, your boys and my Princess E were clearly cut from the same cloth.  LOL!  I hope to have the opportunity to meet you one day in real life.

Liz, you have an incredible amount of talent and creativity.  You are the first female robotics engineer I've ever met, and I hope my girls look to you as an example of the kind of career they can achieve if they put their minds to it.

Kameron, I call you my "mad-scientist bloggy friend"...but you sew the cutests dresses!

Jeff, your love for your children (including your students) is so very apparent in your writing.  Your posts sometimes make me sit back and ponder your words, and challenge my own thoughts. 

Kelly and MckMama, thank you for sharing your miracle babies.  Thank you for sharing hope.

Ree, I get to enjoy all the fun part of ranch life through your blog...and all the yummy food, too.  I "almost" got to meet you a couple of weeks ago when we were both on the same road at the same time.  Oh well, maybe next year. 

Stacy, Angie, Greg, Heather, Aimee, Adam and Michele...each of you has invited us in to your lives as you traveled the road of the devastating loss of a precious child.  Thank you for your openness, for allowing us to share your grief, for allowing us to celebrate the memories of your babies' lives, and for sharing hope for the future.  For each of you, I pray for comfort and peace this Christmas. 

There are so many more bloggy friends.  Homeschooling bloggers, photography bloggers, cooking mama's, all of you have made my year a little brighter.  I'd like to think I'll be able to visit each blog and leave individual Christmas wishes; but I realize it is unlikely time will allow for it.  So, I'll say it here:

Merry CHRISTmas!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."  Isaiah 9:6

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Snow!

It snowed here Friday night and into yesterday.  Not only did it snow, but we got 10" of snow in our yard, topped with a crust of ice. 

You'd never think it isn't even Winter quite yet.  Snow in December is rather rare for us.  A significant snow is even rarer. 

Princess E and her friend played in it until they had turned into human popsicles.  Then, it was time to come inside and sip hot cocoa while eating homemade cookies. 

But, not before Princess E crashed. 

She didn't stay down for long!  Here she is with a chunk of the icy snow, ready to throw at somebody.  Not me, of course, since I hid behind my camera...at least for a little while. 

Pawtucket Winter Wonderland

This past weekend, after a lovely visit with Liz, another mom-blogger, our family decided to go explore the Pawtucket Winter Wonderland.  Having never been before, we weren't sure what we would find.  They had closed off an area of the park and lined both sides with trees and little village buildings.
Each of the trees was sponsored by a group, family or individual and dedicated to the memory or honor of someone or a group.

They had a kiddie train for taking photos.

Sprinkled throughout the display were lighted structures. 

This snowman was probably 15 feet tall.  He had a big, booming voice that caught the kiddos by surprise.  One would walk by and he'd shout "HEY!  WHAT'S YOUR NAME?", then "PICK UP THE MICROPHONE AND TALK TO ME.  HOW OLD ARE YOU?  WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS?"  It was pretty funny because a lot of the children wouldn't talk to him. 

Here are some of the trees that caught my eye. 

This one had beach sand and shells at the bottom. 

A reminder of why we celebrate...

Honoring those who are not with their families this Christmas because they are serving our country...

This simply decorated tree said plenty.  I don't know who sponsored this tree, but Thank You.

More Humor

This is a hoot! 

Call the Nestle Crunch hotline.  The number is 800-295-0051.  When the auto attendant answers, listen to the spiel.  Then, they will give the option for English/Spanish.  Just wait.  Count to 10 in your mind.  You'll hear something amusing.

Then, select option 4.  There are several options from there.  Pick the one that appeals most to you.  You won't regret it. 

Thanks Kara for sharing this!

1 Corinthians 13 For Christmas

If I speak in the tongues of Christmas materialism and greed but have not love, I am only a tinny Christmas song or an out-of-tune choir.

If I have the gift of knowing what Aunt Agatha will give me this year and can even understand last year's present, and if I have the faith that I won't get yet more socks and ties this year but have not love, I am nothing.

If I clear out the house and give everything to charity and my credit cards are snapped in half but have not love, what can I possibly gain?

Love is patient when the fourth store you've tried doesn't have a bottle garden.

Love is kind and lets the couple with only a few items go in front of you and your bulging shopping cart.

Love does not envy your friend who gets mega-presents from everybody.

Love does not boast about the expensive bike, the PlayStation 3, the TV, VCR, and computer your dad gave you.

Love does not attempt to out-buy, out-wrap, and out-give the rest of the family just to impress.

Love doesn't cut Aunt Flo off your Christmas card list because she forgot you last year.

Love is not self-seeking and leaves a copy of your Christmas list in every room of the house.

Love is not easily angered when the young girl at the checkout takes forever because she is just temporary staff.

Love doesn't keep remembering how many times your mom forgets you don't like Brussels sprouts.

Love does not delight in the commercial bandwagon but rejoices with the truth of a baby born in the stable.

Love always protects the family from Christmas hype.

Love always trusts that the hiding places for presents will remain secret for another year.

Love always hopes that this year more neighbors will drop in to your open house coffee morning.

Love always perseveres until the cards are written, the presents all bought, the shopping done, and the Christmas cake iced.

Toys may break, socks wear thin, but love never fails.

Where there is the feeling of the presents to guess their contents, and Mom going on about being good so Father Christmas will come, and searching through the cupboards to find your hidden presents, they will all stop.

For we think we know what we are getting, and we hope we know what we are getting, but when Christmas Day arrives, all will be revealed.

When I was a child, I talked with big wide-open eyes about Christmas, I thought that Christmas was all about me, I reasoned that Jesus should have been born more often. When I became an adult, I forgot the joy, wonder, and excitement of this special time.

Now we just hear about the angels, shepherds, and wise men; then we shall see them all the time.

Now I know as much as the Bible says about the first
Christmas; then I shall know just how many wise men there were and where they came from.

Now three things remain to be done:
- To have faith that the baby born in a stable is the Son of God.
- To hope that the true message of Christmas will not get discarded with the wrapping paper and unwanted gifts.
- And the most important, to have a love for others like the one that God has for us.

I didn't write this, and I don't know who did. It was given to me several years ago, and I have kept it. I think it has a most beautiful and accurate message, and is very worth repeating this time of year.

If anyone knows of the author, please let me know so that I can give credit.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

We've had enough of you this week.

We don't want snow in your place, either.

Enough with the wet stuff.

Please?!?

Colonel Van T. Barfoot and his U.S. Flag

This is the flag that stands in our yard.  The pole is about 20-feet tall and we fly a 4X6 all-weather flag from it.  It is properly illuminated at all times.  By flying our flag on a freestanding pole, we are able to observe protocol by lowering our flag.  Now, I'm going to hop onto my soap box for just a moment.

Colonel Van T. Barfoot (Ret.) has a flag pole and flag very similar in size and style to ours.  He raises and lowers his flag daily.  His homeowners association has determined that his flag is "aesthetically unappealing" and he is facing a lawsuit for refusing to take down his flag.  His homeowners association allows only for flags that are mounted on the home, not on freestanding flagpoles.  Also, for clarification, the media reports that the homeowners association did not include this ruling in the neighborhood covenants and restrictions at the time he purchased his home.

My disgust with this entire situation is that I cannot understand why any homeowners association would find that flying a modest sized flag from a reasonable-height freestanding flagpole is "aesthetically unappealing" and could somehow drive down the property values for the entire neighborhood.  Excuse me?  I am proud to fly the US flag at my own home.  I do not consider it "aesthetically unappealing" to see a US flag respectfully flown from anyone's home. 

To me, this issue isn't about the fact that he is a Medal of Honor recipient, although I would consider it a great honor and privilege to shake his hand.  I appreciate the service he willingly provided for our country.  What individual would find it offensive to see a homeowner flying the US flag in his own yard?  I could understand an objection to an oversized flag.  I think it is ridiculous when certain car dealerships fly 100' flags above their car lots.  I see that not as patriotism, but advertising.  That certainly isn't the case with Col. Barfoot and his flag.

I can only hope the homeowners association for his neighborhood rethinks their new policy and allows any homeowner to fly a modest-sized US flag respectfully, whether mounted on the home or freestanding.  In my opinion, the negative publicity generated because of this issue has done far more to tarnish the image of the neighborhood than the freestanding flagpole.  Then again, they have tarnished the image of the neighborhood far more than if old tires and discarded bathtubs were used as yard ornaments.

For more information...

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/article/FLAG041_20091203-234802/309499/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Let-Col-Barfoot-Fly-the-American-Flag/192592076617

http://www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html

Funny Signs

These made me laugh.

Answers to the Pun-y Yule Game

1. On December 24, Adam's wife was known as Christmas Eve.
2. In Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, Scrooge was visited by the ghost of Christmas Present.
3. An opinion survey in Alaska is called a North Poll.
4. What does Santa Claus do with his three gardens? Hoe, hoe, hoe
5. What Christmas message is conveyed by these letters?:
ABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQRSTUVWXYZABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ. No “L”, No “L”
6. When the salt and the pepper say "Hi!" to each other, they are passing on Seasons Greetings.
7. A holy man bereft of change could be called St. Nickel-less.
8. When you cross a sheep with a cicada, you get a Baa-Humbug.
9. A quiet medieval armor-wearer is a silent knight.
10. A cat walking on the desert is bound to get sandy claws.
11. People who tell jokes on December 25 might be called Christmas cards.
12. Actor O'Connor and actress Channing are known on December 25 as Christmas Carols.
13. What do Spanish sheep says when they wish each other a Merry Christmas? Fleece Navidad!

Horsin' Around

Princess E wants a horse for Christmas.  I'm sure a horse would be very happy living in our backyard.  I'm even more sure our neighbors would be pleased.  I'm completely certain the county would encourage us to help her reach her dream.  Then again, maybe she just needs to play with her toy horses, read books about horses, and visit them in more suitable surroundings every once in a while. 

The brown one saw her coming.  He says "HEY!" (or maybe it was "Hay!").

I felt really bad for this fellow.  Look at all those burrs in his coat.  I don't know if he got into something or if his owners weren't taking care of him.  His mane and his tail were badly matted, too.

But, he had beautiful eyes.  Look how blue it is!  I never knew horses could have blue eyes.

She decided this one was her favorite.  A princess needs a white horse.  Uh, well, okay, if you say so.  I'm not sure if this fellow was dirty or had spots. 

Yule Love this Pun-y Game

Can you figure out the expression commonly used at Christmas for each of these. Leave me a comment with your best guess. Answers will be posted tomorrow.
1. On December 24, Adam's wife was known as _____ _____.
2. In Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, Scrooge was visited by the ghost of _____ _____.
3. An opinion survey in Alaska is called a _____ _____.
4. What does Santa Claus do with his three gardens?_____, _____, _____
5. What Christmas message is conveyed by these letters?:
ABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQRSTUVWXYZABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ. _____, _____
6. When the salt and the pepper say "Hi!" to each other, they are passing on _____ _____.
7. A holy man bereft of change could be called _____ _____.
8. When you cross a sheep with a cicada, you get a _____ _____.
9. A quiet medieval armor-wearer is a _____ _____.
10. A cat walking on the desert is bound to get _____ _____.
11. People who tell jokes on December 25 might be called _____ _____.
12. Actor O'Connor and actress Channing are known on December 25 as _____ _____.
13. What do Spanish sheep says when they wish each other a Merry Christmas? _____ _____.