" 'Cause Christmas Is All In The Heart..."

"...That's where the feeling starts, 

And like a fire inside, it touches every part, 

Christmas is all in the heart."

Merry Christmas!!!

May the love of Jesus bless you today and always.

  

"Christmas Bells Ring Out Their Chimes..."

  "...I hear them echo, through the night.  

And moonlight shines upon the road, and trembles on the falling snow."

Merry Christmas Eve!

May your day be full of Joy, Love and Laughter.

"If you don't come what will I do,

Who shall I tell my secrets to."

 

 

Five Weeks Old...And Merry Christmas Adam!

  Merry Christmas Adam, Everyone!! 

We have snow!!!!  Lots of it!!  The puppies are spending more time outside now, and when we took them out this morning, we found that the shed door had been left open so one corner was full of snow.  They dove right into it and got their first experience of snow without floundering around in the 6 in. outside.  They've also discovered that sinking their teeth in and pulling on your clothing is fun.  Thankfully they haven't ripped my skirt yet.  And then, right after Sam and I finished taking their pictures, Bilbo crawled under Sam (who was sitting on a timber-tie) and bit his backside.  Now, Sam was wearing snowpants over his jeans, so Bilbo didn't hurt him, but he rocketed off that tie scolding the dog.  It was funny.

Their pile of snow.

Mommy stands on top of their hut to get some peace.

Little Rosie

Rosie is OBSESSED with the snow.

Bungo.  The red-brown on his legs is adorable.

Esmeralda.  She's so pristine.

Bilbo getting into mischief.

Bullroarer surveying his domain.

Diamond snuggling Sam.  Just before and just after, she was chewing on his mitten.

Elanor.  I love their little tails.

And there are their pictures for another week!  See ya!

Winter Wonderland Tag

Tag Rules:

• Link back to The Storybook Journal
• Answer the Questions, think Winter-y thoughts!  Include pictures, if you like.
• Tag at least 3 bloggers or more if you're feeling ambitious.

1. Name a few things you love about Winter, and a few things you don't love so much about it.

Well, I love the way the sun sparkles on powder snow, the gentle stillness of slowly falling flakes, cozy-ing up by the woodstove with a warm blanket and a good book.  Listening to Christmas music (my family won't allow me to until at least November.), the sharp frosty bite and clear pure smell of the winter air.  Driving through town and seeing everything lit up.

Don't like?  That I can't go barefoot (I hate wearing shoes), the mess that kids wet clothes creates, the way the sun can glare on the snow hurts my eyes, when someone leaves the door open and freezes up the house.  :)

2. When you were a child, did you "believe" in Santa Claus?

Nope!!  When I was just a wee girl I was told that he was fake.  However I do find the Catholic priest, St. Nicholas, from who Santa Claus is loosely derived, very interesting.  He not only was beloved by children and their patron saint, but he was also the patron saint of thieves...well, repentant thieves...the Leverage crew wasn't very repentant.  I guess it actually really depends on how you classify 'repentant'.

3. Is there a book or movie that you really love to read/watch in the Winter as opposed to other times of the year?

There are quite a few Christmas stories that I only read in the winter, and I usually only watch Christmas movies in the winter.

4. Is there a particular Christmas movie you watch EVERY year as tradition? 

Yes.  White Christmas and The Mistle-tones!

 5. Do you usually get a real tree or a fake tree for Christmas? Who's in charge of decorating it at your house? 

We usually don't get any tree (our house is way too small).  And Mom is usually in charge.

6. Does your family usually stay home or go visiting (relatives, friends, etc.) on Christmas Day?

Stay at home.  It's my brother's birthday, so we celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve and his birthday on Christmas Day.

7. What does your family usually do on New Years Eve? Any traditions? Do you ever stay up till midnight?

Well, we have lots of good food, certain dishes are a tradition, and then we stay up til midnight and then sleep in.

8. Do you get snow where you live? If so, have you ever built a snowman and named him Olaf?

Yes, we do get snow, and last night I would have been complaining about how we had barely any, but we got TONS last night!  Yippee!  And no, I've never built a snowman and named him Olaf.

9. If it's snowing outside, would you prefer to go outside and build snowmen and enjoy it, or would you rather stay inside with a blanket and something hot to drink and maybe a movie or a book?
It depends on the wind and the temperature.  If it's really windy, I would prefer to be inside, but when the wind is still (and my warm clothes are clean and dry) I would prefer to be outside.

10. When do you start looking forward to or getting excited about Spring? 

Usually about the middle of January.

While looking for 'wintery' pictures, I ran across this poem.

It cracks me up because, while I was born in Wisconsin and lived there for 6 years, I never knew weather like this.  However, if I just exchanged the names of the states, this poem accurately describes almost every winter where I now live.

So there are my answers.  Thank you, Cordy for tagging me, and I tag:

Lydia
MovieCritic
Rebekah

Why I Dislike Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (the song)

  ...well besides the fact that it's Santa and I don't agree with Santa (or 'The Fat Old Christmas Grandpa' as a brother styled him at the age of five).  Now yes, it's a cute little song, and a lot of fun to sing not to mention highly contagious (i.e. very catchy).  I mean, the only reason I've been thinking over it was because it's been stuck in my head since our caroling neighbors sung it a few nights ago, but I have a bit of a problem with it.  Just look at these lyrics.

  "All of the other reindeer, used to laugh and call him names, and they never let poor Rudolph, join in any reindeer games.  (de da de da de da)  Santa came to say, 'Rudolph with your nose so bright, won't you guide my sleigh tonight.'  Then all the reindeer loved him, as they shouted out with glee, Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer you'll go down in history."

  If you ask me, those lyrics can foster in children the attitude of bullying those you are different, and only accepting the you think they have done something you earn your acceptance.  Now, I'm pretty sure the song is trying to say the opposite, that everyone, no matter how different has a role to play, but it still bothers me.  And some people are probably going to say "It's just a fun kids song, it's no big deal", but you never know what kids are going to pick up on.  Like seriously, kids are really smart!!  Sometimes, they are so smart it's almost scary.  Even Jesus said "Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings".  And I know that in the grand scheme of things, it's probably not very important, but I just wanted to share this.

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas, Dear Readers!!!  My your day be filled with Love, Joy and Peace and may you all feel the love of God.

Merry Christmas Eve!!

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!!  And since I am feeling extremely Chrismas-y, I will share with you some of my favorite Christmas songs.  I hope you all have a wonderful day and enjoy these amazing songs.

And these are just a few!!!  Love you all and thank you for ready and following my blog!  Knowing that you all take time to read it means a lot to me.

Merry Christmas Adam & Christmas Cookies

Merry Christmas Adam to you all!  In case you don't know what that is, Christmas Adam is the 23rd of December, the day before Christmas Eve.  I first heard of it from a friend and thought that it sounded cool so I have called it that ever since.

And I have been making Christmas Cookies.  This was my first time really decorating them and here are the results.

I had fun making the horse rear.

I made one Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.

This was my attempt at a Jingle Bell.  It didn't really work.

And then the Gingerbread People.  Plain.

The boys with their boots and mittens.

The girls with theirs.

And then the eyes.

The mouths and decorations for the girls.

The boys mouths.

And the hair.  The kids wanted 'little Norwegian boys and girls', so blue eyes and blonde hair.

And the boy's hair and decoration.  Those are supposed to be stars on them, but to me they look more like peole doing jumping jacks!!

The Tinsel Tag

Laura, at An Odd Blog, started a tag.  It looked like a lot of fun, I thought that I would do it.

Rules - 
-Link back to the blogger who tagged you.
-Spread this tag like wildfire before December is over. 

1. What's your favorite thing about Christmas?
  Ummmmm!!  Well all of it is so cool!!  The decorations, the food, the cheer, the love, but if I had to choose one, I think it would have to be the songs.

2. Giving or getting presents?
  Giving.

3. Favorite Christmas movie?
   The Mistle-tones.

4. Favorite Christmas food?
  Do Christmas Cookies count?!! :)

5. Ice skating or sledding?
  I adore sledding and I have never been Ice skating, but I very much want to try it!!

6. Decorating a tree or decorating cookies? 
  Well I have never actually decorated a Christmas tree, but tree or cookies would be a very hard choice for me!!

8. What is your favorite Christmas memory? 
  Walking outside on a dark snowy morning to do animal chores and being greeted by my older sisters singing, 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas'.

9. Favorite Christmas song?
  'Not That Far Apart' by Ryan Kelly

10. Hot Cocoa or Apple Cider?
  Can I have both?  :)  If I had to choose one, I think that it would probably be Hot Cocoa.

I tag, Olivia, Hope, Melody, Emma and Jessica.

Holly and Mistletoe

This is a little story that I wrote inspired by some pictures that I found on Pinterest.

  "I've finished my sewing, Mamma.  May I go now?" Astrid asked, standing in the doorway of her mother's small sitting room.

  Lady Sigrid looked up with a smile.  "Yes, you may."

  "Thank you, Mamma!" Astrid cried, and turning, flew down the stairs and across the hall to where her maid, Brenda, waited with a cloak and basket.

  "Would you like me to accompany you, My Lady?" asked Brenda as she assisted Astrid with her cloak.

  "No thank you, Brenda.  Not today." 

 Astrid took the basket from Brenda and as she stepped out the door, gave a piercing whistle.  From a stable behind the cottage, flew a small white dragon.  

  "Are you ready, Ronald?" asked Astrid.  Ronald gave a snort and flew towards the surrounding woods with Astrid running lightly behind humming a happy tune.  This was her favorite day of the year.  The first snowfall had come in the night and today, after all her lessons were done, she was allowed to go into the forest and pick holly and mistletoe to decorate the cottage for Yuletide.  She always took Ronald with her not only for protection, but also to gather mistletoe from the trees.  He was very good at finding the best branches of it.  When they reached the forest, Astrid gave a happy little squeal and fell to picking holly.  Yuletide always made her feel like a little girl again.  Tomorrow, Brenda and some of the menservants would join her with a wagon to pick more, but today was her special day.  While she picked, with Ronald on the ground behind, her mind flew ahead to the decorating.  The small amount of greens that she picked today would be for her bedroom and sitting room.  Then they would decorate the rest of the cottage and when Pappa came from the city next week, bring with him the first of their guests, they would all go to bring in the tree.  While it was more fun to pick the holly and mistletoe by herself, bring in the tree was a lot more fun with a large party of people.  The first snowfall signaled the beginning of so many happy times.  Pappa would finish up his business in the city.  Cook started making delicious things.  The stable master and his grooms began preparing the extra stables.  The holiday from all lessons began and best of all, the decorating.

Her basket was soon full and she turned around with a little sigh that quickly changed to a smile at the eager, expectant look on Ronald's face.

  "Ready, Ronald?" she asked and with a happy snort he flew into the first tree (he had chosen it while waiting for her).  Knowing how much he enjoyed it, Astrid made a big ceremony of accepting the first piece of mistletoe.  Ronald seemed to sense how much she enjoyed this time in the forest and enjoy it just as much, he prolonged it, being very picky about how he pulled the mistletoe from the branches.  

Dusk was falling by the time they were finished and the trip back to the cottage was quickly made.  After giving Ronald a hug, Astrid hurried inside calling for her mother to look at her harvest.  Lady Sigrid was waiting in the small back parlour as usual and when her mother had 'Ooo-ed' and 'Ahhh-ed' over the greens to her satisfaction, Astrid hurried off the show the staff and then up to her room to decorate as much as possible before Dinner.

That night, before falling asleep, Astrid thought happily of the good times ahead.  This Yuletide would be a special one.  She was sixteen this year, and would be allowed to take her place among the grownups.  Not only would she be allowed to eat all the meals with them (instead of only Tea), but she was also old enough to attend the balls and stay up late dancing.  She gave a contented sigh and snuggling down into the cozy bed, drifted off into the wonderful world of dreams.

 

 

The links to the pictures that inspired this story.

Picture One 

Picture Two 

 

The Mistle-Tones ~ 2012 (aka My Favorite Christmas Movie)

I haven't watched this movie yet this year.  When we first watched it, Billie and I made up this rule that we can't watch it for the first time in the year, until December 15th.  So I am inviting all of you who have the movie, or can watch it online (I use Netflix) to join me and Frank on December 15th to watch....

When Marci, the snotty leader of Caroling group, Snowbelles, won't let Holly join, Holly decides to start a group of her own.

The Christmas Card ~ 2006

Another lovely Christmas movie!!  I watched it with Frank on Saturday night.  And I ate some yummy pizza and a few cookies.

Sergeant Cody Cullen receives a Christmas card from a young woman, Faith Spellman, while serving a tour of duty.  He is touched and gratified by it and it keeps him going through the horrors of war.  When his best friend, Jonesy, is killed while they unload supplies, Cody is sent back to the states.  One of his jobs back there is to deliver Jonesy effects to his fiancee.....who lives in the same town as Faith.  While there he attends church the next morning and winds up saving Faith's father's life.  Taken in by the Spellman family, he helps out at the family lumber mill and spends quite a bit of time with Faith.....and then her 'traveling boyfriend' shows up!

Sorry that this post isn't as detailed as my other ones.  My brain is kind of fried!

White Christmas ~ 1954

Another Christmas movie guys!!!  I first saw this movie 2 years ago and immediately fell in love with it.  Last Saturday, the whole family watched a Nature documentary, then the kids went to bed, Mel went off to Writer's Land, Mom went off to do something (I don't know what) and I cuddled up with Frank to watch this movie.  I had forgotten how funny it was!

 

Dynamite entertainers Bob Wallace and Phil Davis as a favor to an old army pal, go to watch a performance of  sister entertainers, the Haynes Sisters.  When Phil sees how smitten Bob is with the older Haynes sister, Betty, he decides to hook them up....and gets the younger sister, Judy to help him.  But sometimes, scheming like that can make more trouble then good.

For some reasons this movie effects me differently then most Christmas movies.  It has this whole different feel to it, at least for me.  This movie puts me into the Christmas spirit in a way that no other Christmas movie does.  When ever I watch it, I almost expect the house to be decked with greens and I can almost smell Christmas cookies in the air.  I have know idea why it is that way!!!  Another reason I love this movie a lot, is because most of it takes place in Vermont.  And I LOVE Vermont!!  I have this overwhelming desire to live in a rambling old (like built in the late 1800's or early 1900's) farmhouse in the Vermont hills.  So now I shall share with all of you, the movie!!

Main Characters

Bob Wallace ~ Hero

 

Phil Davis ~ Hero

 

Betty Haynes ~ Heroine

 

Judy Haynes ~ Heroine

Wallace and Davis

 

The Haynes Sisters

 

Bob & Betty

 

Phil & Judy

 

And then lets talk about the AMAZING costumes in this movie!!  Designed by Edith Head.

Love this dress!

This is my second favorite outfit of Judy's.

I like Betty's dress (right) better then Judy's.

This dress is cool too.  Especially how the skirts flares out.

 

 

I want a dress like this some day.

 

 

This is my favorite of Judy's outfits.

And some random pictures from it.

"Sisters, Sisters, there never were such devoted sisters!"

 

Judy ~ Don't you find me amusing, gay, charming?"   Phil ~ "Sure, but I feel the same way about my cocker spaniel!"

 

Phil and Judy look FAR too smug!!

Vera Ellen's (Judy) dancing is astounding!!!

Other then the fact that some of the costumes are a wee bit revealing, it is a very good movie.  Hoped you all enjoyed this!!