"There will come a time you'll see with no more tears. And love will not break your heart but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there - with grace in your heart and flowers in your hair."
There's a reason I've only posted three times this month so far. Honestly, I've just been enjoying the season so much. I haven't given hardly any thought to blogging - or even checking blogger since so many have been out - or most other types of social media. I've been pretty consumed with the entirety of Christmas and that's been awesome since it's the first time in over a decade I've been so wonderfully wrapped up in all the cheer.
I've wanted to see Christmas lights, watch Christmas specials, hang decorations everywhere, send Christmas cards, wrap gifts... And while there have been times in the past I've wanted to do those things as well this is the first season there has been no doubt, no dark cloud of grief, nothing that usually at least tempers my holiday spirit. It is purely incredible to me and incredibly lovely as well. I'm fully aware this could only be a gift from God's own hand and I'm left speechless by it. And this is a very precious gift as I've been praying and praying for complete healing and restoration and love and not just the feeling of getting by. I've been praying for wholeness and while I'm certain this isn't the end of it it's a beautiful breath of fresh air in between.
However! I do certainly plan on wrapping the year up in review within the next few days. My family has headed back home, and things are settling down post-holiday, so it looks like a return to normal. Nevertheless, this is a Christmas season I pray I never forget.
I hope yours was as beautiful as mine and that your Christmas spirit continues well into the new year. Love to all.
I am incredibly excited for Christmas this year. Incredibly.
The shop is doing well, we're just about perfect on our poinsettia count which is phenomenal considering we always have to throw out quite a few. We've also sold out of grave blankets, which is also unusual. While its true we have cut back on both, we've also just been selling well too so we're pretty happy.
I'm finally on the final season of LOST and.... oy. First episode, you were rough. I'm just really confused and I'm not sure how you're gonna drag it out a whole season, because right now you really only have one thing going for you anymore. Though Sawyer's line "Did we get captured by the Others again?" made me laugh a lot.
So.... the Rock of Ages trailer came out tonight. What? There's a movie?
Yeah. Don't worry, I forgot too. Someone else needs to watch that though and tell me what they think. The musical has always sounded completely preposterous to me and I think its ridiculous to be chosen for a movie. And after reading the full synopsis of the musical, it sounds even more...ridiculous. (I do realize most of the silliness is intentional and all in fun and that's a good thing. I'm not knocking that.)
I actually can't decide if it looks awful or like a lot of fun. I don't really like aspects of it. And I suspect this may be one where the trailer is better than the movie, due to some of the scenes they flip through. (Catherine Zeta Jones leading a dance charge down the church aisle to We're Not Gonna Take It made me laugh, and I can't decide if I was supposed to.) I do like the smash up of We're Not Gonna Take It with We Built this City, but honestly I don't really care for the arrangement snippets we hear of the other classic songs.
Anyway, it comes out summer 2012 if anyone's interested. The trailer bizarrely fails to mention that (or I just kept missing it?)
I haven't really had a lot to blog about recently, truthfully. Did I ever tell you I saw the Muppets? I saw the Muppets and it was really well done. You should go see it. But if you're planning to you might want to avoid spoilers! Just go and have a good time. It's very fun. :)
Eh, I need to talk about something besides movie junk....
I plan on doing a countdown to New Years with my end of the year list. I love end of the year lists! I wanted to wrap up 2011 with a one. So we'll see if that happens.
And I am covered in glitter from the shop. I feel like the Christmas fairy!
Hey, my tree is decorated! (Mmf, these pictures are pretty rough. My camera and I.... not friends.)
Oooo....aaaaahh....
Ta-da! Please note the awesome penguin statue in the background as well.
Hm. I promise it doesn't look quite that naked without a tree topper in real life. I haven't had any inspiration for what to use up there.
Also, it leans. But that's okay. I think all leaning Christmas trees always look like a swamp monster, so somehow it fits.
I've found I really, really like hiding in my room with all the lights off except the tree lights. Tree, you're very soothing. Good work.
Quite by accident, I ended up with more of a rich fuschia/burgandy shade of bulbs rather than the hot pink I originally intended. In the store they looked so different. However, I think I'm much more pleased with this - it still provides a lot of color (and breaks up the blue & silver), but doesn't scream HI.I'MCOLORANDILOVEYOU.
This is my favorite ornament on the tree. It's also one of the oldest. It was originally on our tree when I was kid - in fact, I can't remember not having it and it has always been my favorite. The one I always wanted to be sure and place. At least that's how I remember it.
I love the sand dollar and I love the way the Nativity scene is drawn. Also, it used to play Silent Night whenever you pressed the button on the back. Now, so many years later, it doesn't play but its still in great shape and makes me smile. It stands front & center on the tree.
I actually watched this movie for the first time in years the other day. It's still pretty cute. I still have to catch Charlie Brown Christmas sometime soon.
Why yes, that is my Christmas tree. Already up. In my room. Bwahahahaha, SO HAPPY.
That is also where my desk used to be. So that's obviously gone now too. Which was a process in itself, ha. Anytime grandma and I say something like "Yeah, I'll go get the hammer!," you can already know hijinks are going to ensue.
But my tree is up and I'm super pleased with it. I recently remembered that we have a massive amount of bright blue ornaments that we no longer use, so I think I'll pair those with some other bright colors and just go for whimsy fun. I'm excited.
Also, a word to the wise: toothpaste in the eye HURTS. Don't do it.
Why you no blog as much?
Work has been very...challenging lately. That's a good word for it. Stressful isn't the right word and neither is bad (although there have been days). Challenging is about right. And so I've pretty much been coming home humdrum and going to bed early in order to survive the next day intact. In fact, I should be in bed right now. We have, however, hired a new girl! And I'm very excited about this. I think this will work out well. And if it does, it will help a lot. She began training with us today.
So what's been going on?
EARTHQUAKES. Crazy EARTHQUAKES. We had one Friday night at 2:00 AM that legitimately scared me - it was the largest one I had ever felt, and it was late at night and suddenly the whole house was shaking. However, the next night was when we had the record setting one for the state (5.6) and since we were in the city I guess we didn't feel it at all. Bizarre. Another 4.7 one happened tonight and wasn't that bad, but the phenomena still feels strange.
Oh, and there were tornadoes everywhere in the southwest part of the state, and we're in a tornado watch until 4:00 am. Welcome to Oklahoma!
Also, I would like to know the power of that wind gust that just passed by my window, because it sounded like a train was trying to come through.
How was Halloween?
When I celebrated the actual holiday itself, it was good. I saw most of my kiddos the Saturday night before and enjoyed dinner with them as well, so that was wonderful. Actual Halloween night however was...bad. We were slammed at work, I actually had to go back in and finish something up and I loathe driving on Halloween night due to all the kids running around. And I was exhausted. So... I was glad when that was over.
Wait! Speaking of holidays! I bought my first Christmas tree! I had mentioned to grandma that I would like a tree in my room this year, but they're always so expensive it just didn't seem like a good idea. But she kept an eye out and this past weekend Big Lots had a 7 foot tree, pre-lit on sale for $50, which was too good a deal to pass up, so I splurged and I'm very excited about this. Now the decision of how to decorate it arises. Since we do the front tree in traditional greens, reds & golds I'm looking for something different. Usually my room is decorated in brighter colors with lots of penguins at Christmas, so that may be a guiding factor. My grandma is awesome.
Now it is certainly bedtime. You should pray no trains come through my window.
Posted by
Sherri on September 25, 2011
at
11:39 PM
Do you know what three months from today is?
Think about it.... thiiiink about iiiiit....
Christmas!
Actually, I hadn't put that together at all. Grandma was the one who pointed it out to me earlier.
That's going to go by so quick.
So I've decided to officially begin Christmas shopping October 1st. After last year's debacle of starting too late (halfway through November) I'm not repeating that again. And sure, I should have gone ahead and started in September, but for some reason that just seems so early... That's barely even fall. And then half the time I worry I'll forget where I've put them that early on anyway. October, however, that's kind of the kickoff to the holiday season: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas... I can do that.
Has anyone else started yet? Or do you work better at the last minute?
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining. It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining, 'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O hear the angels' voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born; O night divine, O night, O night Divine.
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming, With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand. So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming, Here come the wise men from Orient land. The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger; In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger, Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend! Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother; And in His name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever, His power and glory evermore proclaim. His power and glory evermore proclaim.
Mostly because my favorite day of the year is Christmas Eve. By Christmas Day it already feels like its over to me - Christmas Eve sums up all the anticipation and joy of the season. It remains the most magical evening of the year. There's always some sort of family get together on Christmas Eve. The kids are bubbling with excitement. Santa will be here soon. All the decorations are finished, all the wrapping, all the buying. You can just sit down - for often the first time that December - and soak it all in.
Plus, Christmas Eve has more of a ring to it. :)
Though I usually quote Snoopy's Christmas during this time of year (#2 on Top 5 Favorite Secular Christmas Carols, only beat out by Carol of the Bells) I've recently gained a new appreciation for an old standard.
Thus, I give you It Came Upon a Midnight Clear performed by Sixpence None the Richer. I should return before Christmas, but in case I don't, know that this is my hope for you: that all of you have a very merry holiday, that your celebrations be filled with loved ones and that the birth and beauty of Christ be fresh your hearts. Love you all.
For lo! the days are hastening on, By prophets seen of old. When with the ever-circling years Shall come the time foretold. When the new heaven and earth shall own The Prince of Peace, their King, And the whole world send back the song Which now the angels sing.
I had (originally) planned on blogging for each day of Christmas Week. It's full of activity this year and I was hoping to respond to each night. But since it is so full, I usually come home and crash afterward instead. With no days off this week at work, and with all the activity, I'm purposely trying to get extra rest (despite the fact that work has been, bizarrely, slow.) So. Recap.
Sunday: The Christmas Service Sunday was nice. We've canceled drama rehearsals for the month (for which I'm grateful despite how much I enjoy them) and I spent the afternoon at home. Woot. That evening was our Christmas service at church. All in all there were 22 of us - a small gathering, but there. When Gary asked for twelve volunteers we suddenly realized to our amusement we would have more onstage than in the audience. I love my little church. The past few years we've always had a very serious candlelit service, which is beautiful and I always enjoy it, but this year was much more lighthearted and a nice change. There was one candle at the front, one that is there for every Christmas service and made me smile - one candle to remind us of Christ. We opened with requested favorites such as Jingle Bells, Have a Merry Little Christmas, Silver Bells, Rudolph... And then Pam spoke up that we had not sang Rudolph with the opening lines of the reindeer names, so we started the whole song over from the very beginning. :) And Gary asked us for our favorite Christmas memories and after prayer he read the Christmas story, pulling from all the gospels to complete it. We sang a few more requested Christmas carols - this time ones from the hymnal - and Gary finished up by reading another story of the birth, this time by Max Lucado. The final piece of the evening was darkening the church and lighting our candles in the quiet. In the midst of the the flickering glow I marveled at the churches that met like this in the past and meet like this today - hidden away for their safety, with only candles. For a moment a palpable connection with believers already gone and others now tucked in pockets of the world. A reminder to remember my brothers and sisters in chains.
Monday: A Double Celebration with Friends The annual Christmas party! Christmas Party Part 1 was held at the Nickersons house where feasting was commenced. Turkey, the garlic mashed potatoes, stuffing, cheddar biscuits...it was all deliiicious. Philip, Kelly, Eric, Cambria, Holly, Sam, Brad, Regina and myself all gathered around their table. And after cleaning up.... Christmas Party Part Deux! The Hinsons household. Old photos from college graced the television, we reminisced, unwrapped gifts and spent the rest of the evening relishing each others company. And there was an aaamazing double-layer dark chocolate cream-cheese icing cake with dark chocolate chips by Holly herself. Yum. Yum.
Tuesday: Bricktown Bonanaza This evening after work I made a trip up to Bricktown - I had to leave a little late due to a very unexpected family piece right at ten till five. But Imy graciously finished it and I was able to leave and arrive just in time to see the kiddos getting their pics with Santa. Then it was off to Chelinos for the 12 of us to devour (in my case) delicious quesadillas. During dinner a man making balloon art came up to the table and delighted all the girls with varying shapes. Anna & Amy received a ladybug and teddy bear respectively that could be worn on their wrist (this was very cool! I had never seen that before) while Ashia requested a motorcycle and a very eager Ashlyn loved her puppy dog. They were really well made and I thought it was wonderful how four balloons totally made their night. Balloon man was awesome.
Good times, good times. Finally soaking in the season, I'm ready for the rest of Christmas week.
Bonus feature! Christmas videos! Every Christmas as a kid I watched the Sesame Street Christmas episode several times. And while I do remember them singing Feliz Navidad while ice skating, mostly I watched it for the Cookie Monster segment. That was my FAVORITE. And for a few years I could never find it on youtube, but you can noooow.... :)
Also awesome this week: the lunar eclipse happening on the winter solstice that hasn't happened in some odd 400 years. It was totally worth getting up for - but if you're like me and didn't - here's a time lapse video of it out of Florida. It's worth the watch clocking in at just over two minutes.
Confession. I started Christmas shopping last Thursday. Started. ... This is actually very unlike me. Thankfully, the lovely Holly was willing to go along for the ride and we dashed from store to store. I can now safely say a mere few days later that half of my shopping is done. Yes.
But for most of the people I hadn't bought for I had hit a brick wall on ideas. This was...unfortunate. So tonight began Operation: Beg. Text messages went out. Pleading for ideas. And I'm grateful that all of you responded. :) You should have seen the happy dancing occurring with each message. It was gleeful. I'm sorry I had few ideas for you in the first place. I wish I had a good explanation. Next year I'll try to be more on game.
A summation of everything else: * More poinsettias arrived in the shop today. * We only have four grave blankets left and I am super pumped about that. * A guy came in today just to let us know how thankful he was. Last Friday he bought a bouquet to take to his friend and he had never seen her light up like that. Aw.... that makes me smile. * I'm about 100 or so pages into Game of Thrones. * I've recently started listening to the Killers. Any suggestions? "Dustland Fairytale" is my favorite. (But "All The Things That I've Done" is on about its 20th play now.) * I've attended both beautiful Amy's and snazzy Tate's birthday parties. Tate's party was Dr. Seuss. Look at this cutie. (I'm stealing the pic.)
* I listened to Amy's lovely piano recital in a room at the local library I never even knew existed. She did wonderful. * I heard all about Carson's Santa visit. * Phyllis, Amy & I went to see Little Women on at the local community theatre Saturday night. I approve of all of their renovations! * But before that, Amy & I had a deliiicious dinner at Chilis. * And at some point I went Christmas shopping.
