Fa-la-la-ha-ha (Updated with Answers in the Post Below)
Are you looking for something fun before the Christmas season ends? Well, look no further. Thanks to Katie, here is a clever little riddle testing your knowledge of traditional Christmas carols.
How many can you identify? I'll post the answers tomorrow! Good Luck! And, of course, cyber-bragging rights to the person who can identify the most!
Name the carols described in each riddle
1. Oh, member of the round table with missing areas
2. Boulder of the tinkling metal spheres
3. Vehicular homicide was committed on Dad's mom by a precipitous darling
4. Wanted in December: top forward incisors
5. The apartment of two psychiatrists
6. The lad is a diminutive percussionist
7. Sir Lancelot with laryngitis
8. Decorate the entryways
9. Cup-shaped instruments fashioned of a whitish metallic element
10. Oh small Israel urban center
11. Far off in a haybin
12. We are Kong, Lear, and Nat Cole
13. Duodecimal enumeration of the passage of the yuletide season
14. Leave and broadcast from an elevation
15. Our fervent hope is that you thoroughly enjoy your yuletide season
16. Listen, the winged heavenly messengers are proclaiming tunefully
17. As the guardians of the woolly animals protected their charges in
the dark hours
18. I beheld a trio of nautical vessels moving in this direction
19. Jubilation to the entire terrestrial globe
20. Do you perceive the same vibrations which stimulate my auditory sense
organ?
21. A joyful song of reverence relative to hollow metallic vessels which
vibrate and bring forth a ringing sound when struck
22. Parent was observed osculating a red-coated unshaven teamster
23. May the Deity bestow an absence of fatigue to mild male humans
24. Rose-colored uncouth dolf is aware of the nature of precipitation,
darling
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
And the answers are...
1. Oh, member of the round table with missing areas = Oh Holy Night
2. Boulder of the tinkling metal spheres = Jingle Bell Rock
3. Vehicular homicide was committed on Dad's mom by a precipitous darling =
Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer
4. Wanted in December: top forward incisors = All I Want For Christmas Is My
Two Front Teeth
5. The apartment of two psychiatrists = The Nutcracker Suite
6. The lad is a diminutive percussionist = Little Drummer Boy
7. Sir Lancelot with laryngitis = Silent Night
8. Decorate the entryways = Deck the Halls
9. Cup-shaped instruments fashioned of a whitish metallic element = Silver
Bells
10. Oh small Israel urban center = Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
11. Far off in a haybin = Away in a Manger
12. We are Kong, Lear, and Nat Cole = We Three Kings
13. Duodecimal enumeration of the passage of the yuletide season = The Twelve
Days of Christmas
14. Leave and broadcast from an elevation = Go Tell It on the Mountain
15. Our fervent hope is that you thoroughly enjoy your yuletide season =
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
16. Listen, the winged heavenly messengers are proclaiming tunefully = Hark
the Herald Angels Sing
17. As the guardians of the woolly animals protected their charges in the
dark hours = Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night
18. I beheld a trio of nautical vessels moving in this direction = I Saw
Three Ships
19. Jubilation to the entire terrestrial globe = Joy to the World
20. Do you perceive the same vibrations which stimulate my auditory sense
organ? = Do You Hear What I Hear?
21. A joyful song of reverence relative to hollow metallic vessels which
vibrate and bring forth a ringing sound when struck = Carol of the Bells
22. Parent was observed osculating a red-coated unshaven teamster = I Saw
Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
23. May the Deity bestow an absence of fatigue to mild male humans = God Rest
Ye Merry Gentlemen
24. Rose-colored uncouth dolf is aware of the nature of precipitation, darling =
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
So, how'd you do? (I mean BEFORE you googled the quiz) I was only able to identify about half of them. Anybody else?
1. Oh, member of the round table with missing areas = Oh Holy Night
2. Boulder of the tinkling metal spheres = Jingle Bell Rock
3. Vehicular homicide was committed on Dad's mom by a precipitous darling =
Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer
4. Wanted in December: top forward incisors = All I Want For Christmas Is My
Two Front Teeth
5. The apartment of two psychiatrists = The Nutcracker Suite
6. The lad is a diminutive percussionist = Little Drummer Boy
7. Sir Lancelot with laryngitis = Silent Night
8. Decorate the entryways = Deck the Halls
9. Cup-shaped instruments fashioned of a whitish metallic element = Silver
Bells
10. Oh small Israel urban center = Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
11. Far off in a haybin = Away in a Manger
12. We are Kong, Lear, and Nat Cole = We Three Kings
13. Duodecimal enumeration of the passage of the yuletide season = The Twelve
Days of Christmas
14. Leave and broadcast from an elevation = Go Tell It on the Mountain
15. Our fervent hope is that you thoroughly enjoy your yuletide season =
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
16. Listen, the winged heavenly messengers are proclaiming tunefully = Hark
the Herald Angels Sing
17. As the guardians of the woolly animals protected their charges in the
dark hours = Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night
18. I beheld a trio of nautical vessels moving in this direction = I Saw
Three Ships
19. Jubilation to the entire terrestrial globe = Joy to the World
20. Do you perceive the same vibrations which stimulate my auditory sense
organ? = Do You Hear What I Hear?
21. A joyful song of reverence relative to hollow metallic vessels which
vibrate and bring forth a ringing sound when struck = Carol of the Bells
22. Parent was observed osculating a red-coated unshaven teamster = I Saw
Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
23. May the Deity bestow an absence of fatigue to mild male humans = God Rest
Ye Merry Gentlemen
24. Rose-colored uncouth dolf is aware of the nature of precipitation, darling =
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
So, how'd you do? (I mean BEFORE you googled the quiz) I was only able to identify about half of them. Anybody else?
Friday, December 28, 2007
Introducing...
Ducky and his proud new owner, little N, age 3
Asleep at the wheel
Swallowing one's pride is the first step in becoming a 3-year-old girl's kitten. 
A wiser, more experienced cat, like Big Dan (seen above) knows when to head for the safety of the sweater closet.
And he also knows when it's time to find a new hiding spot.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
You know me too well
So, here's the scoop. Our TWO newest family members arrived home on December 13th and December 27th. The oldest is named Dan. He is about 4 years old. The baby is named Ducky. He is about 4 months old. They are not siblings by birth. And, yes, as CC guessed---they are BOTH of the feline variety.
Sorry about the teaser. I didn't think about the propensity for adoption confusion until I started reading the comments! I promise when we get news of a referral (of the genus and species homo sapiens) there will be no mistaking it.
I do have pictures and funny stories about how these two marmalade cats captured our hearts, but I also have a new digital camera (from the Captain for Christmas); from which I don't yet know how to upload photos onto the computer. In the meanwhile, you can come up with the witty retorts I am used to from you all regarding the need for the Ark to add not one but TWO cats at a time...
And for CC, who clearly knows me better than I know myself, for your insightfulness pertaining to my cryptic announcement, I'm sending you a bag of those Holiday Swirled morsels so you can bake up some St. Jude's cookies at your house!
So, here's the scoop. Our TWO newest family members arrived home on December 13th and December 27th. The oldest is named Dan. He is about 4 years old. The baby is named Ducky. He is about 4 months old. They are not siblings by birth. And, yes, as CC guessed---they are BOTH of the feline variety.
Sorry about the teaser. I didn't think about the propensity for adoption confusion until I started reading the comments! I promise when we get news of a referral (of the genus and species homo sapiens) there will be no mistaking it.
I do have pictures and funny stories about how these two marmalade cats captured our hearts, but I also have a new digital camera (from the Captain for Christmas); from which I don't yet know how to upload photos onto the computer. In the meanwhile, you can come up with the witty retorts I am used to from you all regarding the need for the Ark to add not one but TWO cats at a time...
And for CC, who clearly knows me better than I know myself, for your insightfulness pertaining to my cryptic announcement, I'm sending you a bag of those Holiday Swirled morsels so you can bake up some St. Jude's cookies at your house!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
An Ethiopian Christmas Celebration
The EACSA is again sponsoring an Ethiopian Christmas meal. The details are below. Please feel free to share with anyone who might be interested!
The EACSA is again sponsoring an Ethiopian Christmas meal. The details are below. Please feel free to share with anyone who might be interested!
Early Ethiopian Christmas greetings and Happy New Year!
We wanted to invite anyone who will be in the Chicago area to meet for an Ethiopian meal at the Ras Dashen restaurant on Sunday afternoon, January 6th, at 2:00 pm. We will have the "party room" in the back again. The costs below include a variety of Ethiopian dishes, a can of soda, tax, and tip. Everyone will simply pay the restaurant that day. Here is the age and estimated pricing per person.
Ages 13+/Adult: Approx $17-18
Age 8-12: Approx $9-10
Age 4-7: Approx $7
Age 0-3: Free
Please let Tim Lenning know ASAP via email( tlenning at csgdelivers dot com) if you can join us. Also, please provide the number of adults and kids for each of the age ranges above.
The restaurant is located at (and there is parking available on the street):
5846 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 506-9601
Similar to last year, we thought it would be fun to celebrate Ethiopian culture by having story time - older kids could share a favorite memory or experience from Ethiopian Christmas, adults could read a story related to Ethiopian culture (for example, Jane Kurtz has some great children's books) or share an experience from when they traveled to Ethiopia, etc. Please give this some thought and encourage your kids to consider sharing a story.
Again, please let me know how many by age range so we can let the restaurant know how much food to plan for.
Amesege’nallo (Thanks)!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
"Before" Christmas
is over...but my darling husband took tomorrow off. Look for me to return sometime tomorrow night or Thursday morning (for all two of you who care to know that detail) with pictures and details about our newest family member!
Wishing you and yours a very joyful, most blessed Christmas Day!
Your friends on the Ark!
is over...but my darling husband took tomorrow off. Look for me to return sometime tomorrow night or Thursday morning (for all two of you who care to know that detail) with pictures and details about our newest family member!
Wishing you and yours a very joyful, most blessed Christmas Day!
Your friends on the Ark!
Friday, December 21, 2007
O-ver and Out
Not to be o-ver come by the distractions of these last few days before Christmas. The Ark is going offline. Here are the last three days of Antiphons:
Today:
O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice; come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.
We ask this "Sun of Justice" to come and shine on those who are dwelling "in darkness and in the shadow of death" (Lk 1:79). These dwellers in darkness are both those who do not know Christ and those who do-for even in the latter there is much darkness.
Tomorrow:
O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart, O Keystone of the mighty arch of humanity, come and save the creatures you fashioned from the dust.
We ask Christ the Keystone to come and save the creatures that he fashioned (Gen 2:7). Without Christ, there is no hope for salvation. May his coming now in mystery lead to the salvation of all that yearn for him, whether they know it or not.
Final:
O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of all nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God.
We ask Emmanuel to come and set us free from sin and death, for he is our Lord and our God. (Jn 20: 28)
Not to be o-ver come by the distractions of these last few days before Christmas. The Ark is going offline. Here are the last three days of Antiphons:
Today:
O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice; come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.
We ask this "Sun of Justice" to come and shine on those who are dwelling "in darkness and in the shadow of death" (Lk 1:79). These dwellers in darkness are both those who do not know Christ and those who do-for even in the latter there is much darkness.
Tomorrow:
O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart, O Keystone of the mighty arch of humanity, come and save the creatures you fashioned from the dust.
We ask Christ the Keystone to come and save the creatures that he fashioned (Gen 2:7). Without Christ, there is no hope for salvation. May his coming now in mystery lead to the salvation of all that yearn for him, whether they know it or not.
Final:
O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of all nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God.
We ask Emmanuel to come and set us free from sin and death, for he is our Lord and our God. (Jn 20: 28)
Thursday, December 20, 2007
St. Jude's CookiesLast year, I found these very festive Nestle Holiday Swirled Morsels at our local grocery store. Having been a total impulse buy, (the marketing experts at Nestle will be happy to know at least one consumer totally fell for the scheme of Christmas colored white chocolate morsels) I was uncertain what I would make with them and they sat on my baking shelf for a few weeks.
As Christmas neared, enchanted with their merry colors, I pulled them down again and noticed that on the back of the package there was a recipe for traditional Snowball cookies with one special addition-the Holiday Morsels. I was game. The cookies were easy to make and with the coating of powdered sugar over the warm cookie filled with melted white chocolate bits, they were a hit with everyone-but especially my husband.
So this year, purposefully looking for these seasonal treats, with intent to bake, I couldn't find them anywhere. No grocery, no corner store, not even the granddaddy of them all--W*l-Mart had them. I was growing discouraged. Not to mention the children, who were growing weary and somewhat resentful of my quest. I was almost ready to give up the fight when we passed by one last mega-mart. As I cajoled the children to offer up their blistering feet once more for the sweet cookie mission, they scowled at me and hobbled into the store.
Right inside, on the Christmas baking display, I spotted an entire section of boxes covered with the familiar yellow Nestle logo. Hopefully, I walked toward it and scanned the selection: semi-sweet, dark chocolate, white chocolate---even butterscotch, but NO Holiday swirls. Discouraged (and not wanting to turn and face the angry mob that had accompanied me in for another round of defeat), I stood up, as something caught my eye on the top of the display. Right on top of the display was a small holy card. (I have no idea where it came from as this secular big-box doesn't carry such things.) Standing a little taller, I stretched out my hand to read the card.
"St. Jude: Patron saint of hopeless cases"
was written across the top and a simple medal was attached below. I was re-energized. "Okay, St. Jude," I thought to myself, "If those morsels are here. You're going to have to show me." As I set the card back down on the display, just off in the distance, on an end of aisle display I caught sight of the same Nestle-logo laden boxes. I turned to the children and said, "You don't even have to follow me. I'll be right back," and quickly made my way through the oncoming shoppers. I looked back only once to see my children hurriedly racing to catch up with me and shooting each other looks like, "Has she finally lost it?" Just as they arrived, out-of-breath next to me, with a smile on my face and a quick "thanks" to St. Jude, I held up several bags of the Holiday morsels and made my way to the check-out.
Nestle may call them Swirled Holiday Snowball cookies, but from now on in my house, they'll be known as St. Jude's Cookies.
Nestle may call them Swirled Holiday Snowball cookies, but from now on in my house, they'll be known as St. Jude's Cookies.
O Key of David
O Key of David, O royal power of Israel, controlling at your will the gate of heaven: come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and lead your captive people into freedom.
In this extended petition, we ask that Christ may use his key to unlock the prison of sin ("darkness and death") to which all human beings are subject. More specifically, we ask that he may free us from the prison of selfish attachments to which all of us are prone.
O Key of David, O royal power of Israel, controlling at your will the gate of heaven: come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and lead your captive people into freedom.
In this extended petition, we ask that Christ may use his key to unlock the prison of sin ("darkness and death") to which all human beings are subject. More specifically, we ask that he may free us from the prison of selfish attachments to which all of us are prone.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
O Flower of Jesse's Stem
O Flower of Jesse's stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples, kings stand silent in your presence, the nations bow down before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.
However, we know that Christ is not yet fully ruler of all hearts-beginning with our own. We ask that he come to be the sign, not only for the world but for our own souls.
O Flower of Jesse's stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples, kings stand silent in your presence, the nations bow down before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.
However, we know that Christ is not yet fully ruler of all hearts-beginning with our own. We ask that he come to be the sign, not only for the world but for our own souls.
The Uh-Oh Antiphons
My intentions were really good, really. But yesterday was spent far from my keyboard. Early yesterday morning (early by most mom's standards), our parish Mom's Group brunch was held at my home. It was a beautiful, relaxing morning filled with friends and food (especially this delicious Baked French Toast Casserole) and fun. The children (and there were easily 20 of them) played like angels, seriously. Even the hosting children--amazing. I was again reminded how blessed I am to be surrounded by a group of faith-filled women, who encourage and support one another as together we juggle the roles of wife, mother and woman of God.
Basketball practice, the big girls' Christmas program, (The Mystery of Simon Shepherd, which I would highly recommend for any grade school performance), and wrapping and packing all the out-of-towner's Christmas gifts for shipment today left me to fall asleep on the couch fading in and out of consciousness as Paula Deen baked the Rockettes and danced with a crescent-roll encrusted ham--or was that the other way around? Like I said, it was late.
Needless to say, I did not get around to much computing yesterday. I still have to email our caseworker back...but most importantly, I don't want to forget the beautiful O Antiphon from yesterday as well as the one for today. So, here they are:
O Sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.
As Lord, Christ has the power to free his people as he did at the time of exodus. We ask that he come and stretch out his arm to set us free from evil, sin, and death.
My intentions were really good, really. But yesterday was spent far from my keyboard. Early yesterday morning (early by most mom's standards), our parish Mom's Group brunch was held at my home. It was a beautiful, relaxing morning filled with friends and food (especially this delicious Baked French Toast Casserole) and fun. The children (and there were easily 20 of them) played like angels, seriously. Even the hosting children--amazing. I was again reminded how blessed I am to be surrounded by a group of faith-filled women, who encourage and support one another as together we juggle the roles of wife, mother and woman of God.
Basketball practice, the big girls' Christmas program, (The Mystery of Simon Shepherd, which I would highly recommend for any grade school performance), and wrapping and packing all the out-of-towner's Christmas gifts for shipment today left me to fall asleep on the couch fading in and out of consciousness as Paula Deen baked the Rockettes and danced with a crescent-roll encrusted ham--or was that the other way around? Like I said, it was late.
Needless to say, I did not get around to much computing yesterday. I still have to email our caseworker back...but most importantly, I don't want to forget the beautiful O Antiphon from yesterday as well as the one for today. So, here they are:
O Sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.
As Lord, Christ has the power to free his people as he did at the time of exodus. We ask that he come and stretch out his arm to set us free from evil, sin, and death.
Tagged!
Stina, of Lord, Guard and Guide, tagged me for this meme:
Seven Facts You Don't Already Know about Me
Directions:
*Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
*Share 7 facts about yourself that you think most people don't know.
*Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
*Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
I know you have all painfully endured the "8 Random Things About Me" meme, as well as the "Re-Mix of said 8 Random Things", but this one says SEVEN, which clearly makes it different from the EIGHT things meme. So, I'm going out on a limb here. Do you think YOU can come up with at least one of the 7 things for me? (I'm just not that interesting. Heck, coming up with 16 was a stretch...) Drop your ideas in the comments section and let me know what you don't already know about me. Because that makes perfect sense, right? I thought so.
And just because I'm feeling saucy today, here's the first one--
1. I (with the advent of DVR) have become addicted to (in a healthy, addict sort-of way) the TV program Monk.
There you have it. Only 6 more to go...
Stina, of Lord, Guard and Guide, tagged me for this meme:
Seven Facts You Don't Already Know about Me
Directions:
*Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
*Share 7 facts about yourself that you think most people don't know.
*Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
*Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
I know you have all painfully endured the "8 Random Things About Me" meme, as well as the "Re-Mix of said 8 Random Things", but this one says SEVEN, which clearly makes it different from the EIGHT things meme. So, I'm going out on a limb here. Do you think YOU can come up with at least one of the 7 things for me? (I'm just not that interesting. Heck, coming up with 16 was a stretch...) Drop your ideas in the comments section and let me know what you don't already know about me. Because that makes perfect sense, right? I thought so.
And just because I'm feeling saucy today, here's the first one--
1. I (with the advent of DVR) have become addicted to (in a healthy, addict sort-of way) the TV program Monk.
There you have it. Only 6 more to go...
Emmanuel Award
Michelle, at Dei Gratia, honored me (a little while ago and I am just now getting around to sharing it!) with the Emmanuel Award created by Marie and Ginny from A View from the Pews. The award is described below. As for passing it on, I loved the idea that Therese had to share it with everyone on her blogroll. Therese, I'm *borrowing* your idea. Everyone on my blogroll gets the award!
Michelle, at Dei Gratia, honored me (a little while ago and I am just now getting around to sharing it!) with the Emmanuel Award created by Marie and Ginny from A View from the Pews. The award is described below. As for passing it on, I loved the idea that Therese had to share it with everyone on her blogroll. Therese, I'm *borrowing* your idea. Everyone on my blogroll gets the award!
Emmanuel Award
"God With Us"
In a consumer society it is a blessing to read blogs where the writer's main focus is God. Where they express their love for their faith so visibly and joyfully.
In a cynical world it is refreshing to see so many blogs which are generous, giving, who care about others and demonstrate what being a Christian is about, loving God and loving our neighbor.
In a cynical world it is refreshing to see so many blogs which are generous, giving, who care about others and demonstrate what being a Christian is about, loving God and loving our neighbor.
Through their faith, lives and spirituality, they bring God to us, they in essence make God visible, 'God with us.'
This Award goes to all the faith filled blogs who make evident 'Emmanuel'- God with us, with Joy in their hearts.
Please share this Award with Christian blogs that focus on the real meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Savior.
Peace, JOY & Merry Christmas
Monday, December 17, 2007
Grandfather's Solitude
A Christmas Reflection
I have always directed my Christmas column toward families who are caught up in a tinsel marathon of tree trimming, stocking stuffing, music making, dog barking and children squealing.
They're so busy that sometimes I get only a glance before the garbage is wrapped in me. Occasionally, someone puts me on the back porch to catch the slush from boots. If I'm lucky I escape the licking flames when I get thrown in the fireplace with discarded wrappings and warranties.
So I've decided to write to all of you today who have the time to read me: those who have just moved to an area and haven't made new friends...those who are alone because they can't afford the trip home...those families who have been splintered by distance or disinterest. And you are alone.
Let me tell you about my grandfather. He lived by himself in a little trailer in southwest Ohio until he died a few years ago. I always felt sorry for him when I visited at Christmas because he only had about five cards on top of the TV set, two or three packages at the most to open, and a pitiful artificial tree with a single strand of lights that bubbled like they were going to boil over.
You would have thought those pathetic trappings were straight out of the Sistine Chapel.
He'd pick up each card, trace the scene with his fingers and marvel, "This is pretty enough to be put in a frame." Then he'd recite the message inside, which he had memorized.
The boxes were another delight. He'd shake them and make a guess as to what they held and place them gently under the tree. Then he'd prime you for that big moment when he said, "I'm going to light the tree for you!" My sewing machine had a bigger light.
The year before he died, when he spent Christmas in the hospital, he raved the entire visiting period over a favor on his dinner tray: a Styrofoam Santa Claus with a red gumdrop hat held on by a toothpick.
Every Christmas since then, I have had to ask myself: Can I quote a single line from the stack of cards I receive? Can I visit without keeping an eye on my watch? Can I become childlike with excitement over a box that obviously holds a handkerchief? Can I live with my solitude without self-pity?
God help me. I think my grandfather felt sorry for me.
by Erma Bombeck
December 25, 1979
A Christmas Reflection
I have always directed my Christmas column toward families who are caught up in a tinsel marathon of tree trimming, stocking stuffing, music making, dog barking and children squealing.
They're so busy that sometimes I get only a glance before the garbage is wrapped in me. Occasionally, someone puts me on the back porch to catch the slush from boots. If I'm lucky I escape the licking flames when I get thrown in the fireplace with discarded wrappings and warranties.
So I've decided to write to all of you today who have the time to read me: those who have just moved to an area and haven't made new friends...those who are alone because they can't afford the trip home...those families who have been splintered by distance or disinterest. And you are alone.
Let me tell you about my grandfather. He lived by himself in a little trailer in southwest Ohio until he died a few years ago. I always felt sorry for him when I visited at Christmas because he only had about five cards on top of the TV set, two or three packages at the most to open, and a pitiful artificial tree with a single strand of lights that bubbled like they were going to boil over.
You would have thought those pathetic trappings were straight out of the Sistine Chapel.
He'd pick up each card, trace the scene with his fingers and marvel, "This is pretty enough to be put in a frame." Then he'd recite the message inside, which he had memorized.
The boxes were another delight. He'd shake them and make a guess as to what they held and place them gently under the tree. Then he'd prime you for that big moment when he said, "I'm going to light the tree for you!" My sewing machine had a bigger light.
The year before he died, when he spent Christmas in the hospital, he raved the entire visiting period over a favor on his dinner tray: a Styrofoam Santa Claus with a red gumdrop hat held on by a toothpick.
Every Christmas since then, I have had to ask myself: Can I quote a single line from the stack of cards I receive? Can I visit without keeping an eye on my watch? Can I become childlike with excitement over a box that obviously holds a handkerchief? Can I live with my solitude without self-pity?
God help me. I think my grandfather felt sorry for me.
by Erma Bombeck
December 25, 1979
The O Antiphons
During the Advent season, the closer the feast of Christmas approaches, the more the liturgy accentuates the call to the Savior to "Come!" (Veni) The seven O Antiphons of Advent summarize the hopes of the people in the Old Testament who waited for the coming of the Messiah:
O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.
As Wisdom, Christ is the teacher of the way to salvation for all Christians. "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Jn 14:6) We exhort him to come and teach us that way.
From The Essential Advent and Christmas Handbook
During the Advent season, the closer the feast of Christmas approaches, the more the liturgy accentuates the call to the Savior to "Come!" (Veni) The seven O Antiphons of Advent summarize the hopes of the people in the Old Testament who waited for the coming of the Messiah:
- O Wisdom
- O Lord of Might
- O Flower of Jesse's Stem
- O Key of David
- O Dayspring
- O Desire of Nations
- O Emmanuel (God with-us)
O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.
As Wisdom, Christ is the teacher of the way to salvation for all Christians. "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Jn 14:6) We exhort him to come and teach us that way.
From The Essential Advent and Christmas Handbook
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Advent and Hope
On the first Sunday in Advent, my husband and I were treated to an impromptu nativity play, performed by the Ark's own junior thespians. At showtime, we were escorted to a quiet corner of the playroom, where two seats had been reserved specifically for us. We sat front and center while the narrator/director/producer cranked up the Christmas Cat Chat CD kicking off a rousing rendition of O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
CB dressed as an all-purpose angel took her stage direction well. Suffice to say that N and Baby T performing the roles of Mary and Joseph might have benefited from an additional dress rehearsal or two. As the music morphed into an uptempo version of Gloria In Excelsis Deo, we-in the audience-noticed that Mary had taken off her serene covering revealing (big surprise here) her much worn cheerleading dress. Joseph, meanwhile, was alternately trying to turn a bright blue bowling pin into a Louisville slugger and getting down with his bad self to the new song. The angel persevered, but it wasn't enough to keep the play's creator from having an artistic "moment" before calling the troupe back together for a retake.
After a few false starts, Mary re-cloaked. Joseph stopped dancing. And the narrator was able to lead the audience through the final words of St. Luke's version of the first Christmas to the ebullient shouts of the whole cast as Joy to the World played on. At that very moment, watching my children dance and sing around the tiny baby in the makeshift manger, under the computer desk serving as a stable, I smiled.
For with all its flaws and errors, with all its imperfections and miscues, the show went on and the Savior arrived. It was the essence of the Incarnation played out in my basement. Regardless of our sins, despite our weaknesses, our failings and foibles; He came anyway.
Hallelujah! Today we can rejoice---He comes anyway.
On the first Sunday in Advent, my husband and I were treated to an impromptu nativity play, performed by the Ark's own junior thespians. At showtime, we were escorted to a quiet corner of the playroom, where two seats had been reserved specifically for us. We sat front and center while the narrator/director/producer cranked up the Christmas Cat Chat CD kicking off a rousing rendition of O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
CB dressed as an all-purpose angel took her stage direction well. Suffice to say that N and Baby T performing the roles of Mary and Joseph might have benefited from an additional dress rehearsal or two. As the music morphed into an uptempo version of Gloria In Excelsis Deo, we-in the audience-noticed that Mary had taken off her serene covering revealing (big surprise here) her much worn cheerleading dress. Joseph, meanwhile, was alternately trying to turn a bright blue bowling pin into a Louisville slugger and getting down with his bad self to the new song. The angel persevered, but it wasn't enough to keep the play's creator from having an artistic "moment" before calling the troupe back together for a retake.
After a few false starts, Mary re-cloaked. Joseph stopped dancing. And the narrator was able to lead the audience through the final words of St. Luke's version of the first Christmas to the ebullient shouts of the whole cast as Joy to the World played on. At that very moment, watching my children dance and sing around the tiny baby in the makeshift manger, under the computer desk serving as a stable, I smiled.
For with all its flaws and errors, with all its imperfections and miscues, the show went on and the Savior arrived. It was the essence of the Incarnation played out in my basement. Regardless of our sins, despite our weaknesses, our failings and foibles; He came anyway.
Hallelujah! Today we can rejoice---He comes anyway.
Santa must have me confused with one of the other reindeer
| You Are Comet |
 A total daredevil, you're the reindeer with an edge! Why You're Naughty: You almost gave Santa a heart attack when you took him sky diving Why You're Nice: You always make sure the sleigh is going warp speed |
Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?
Of all of the things I would call myself, Comet, the daredevil reindeer is not one of them. Go figure.
H/T Kathy
H/T Kathy
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Christmas Meme
You can thank Katie later, for asking me to share my Christmas faves and flops...
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both, but if I'm doing bags I simply MUST have tissue paper!
2. REAL OR FAKE TREE? Two fake ones after many years (and allergies) of real ones. However, I'm not sure the dust on the fake ones helps the dust allergies either!
3. When do you put up the tree? Third Sunday in Advent (tomorrow!)
4. When do you take the tree down? weekend after Epiphany
5. Do you like eggnog? Is "blecch" an answer?
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Red velvet Sassoon pants when I was 8 years old. My dad drove all over the place trying to find a pair of "designer jeans" that were all the rage; so while these weren't jeans, they were a special gift because of the thought behind them.
7. Do you have a nativity scene? We have a Fontannini set started by my mom on our first married Christmas, which Santa adds a piece to each year AND the *infamous* Little People Nativity set.
8. Hardest person to buy for? Kids' teachers
9. Easiest person to buy for? All the kids
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I honestly can't think of one...
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? White Christmas, Christmas Vacation, The Muppet's Christmas Carol, Christmas Eve on Sesame Street and A Charlie Brown Christmas (Okay, by definition I realize that selecting more than one negates the title favorite, but I really like them all!)
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? late Summer/early Fall
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No, but I have shared with my family
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Buckeye cookies and Roast Beef with Yankee Magazine's "Freddie's Famous Roast Potatoes" (to which I also add baby carrots) and Yorkshire Pudding.
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear on the inside trees, colored outside
17. Favorite Christmas song? Alan Jackson's Let it Be Christmas Sesame Street's Keep Christmas With You
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home in the morning, visit relatives in the afternoon
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Grumpy, Doc...
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? After Christmas Eve Mass, we come home and relive my husband's tradition of delicious appetizers (in place of a sit-down meal) and everyone opens one gift that night.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? When the secular world ends Christmas on December 25th at midnight.
23. What do you love most about Christmas? There isn't a thing I don't like about Christmas. I'd be like Elmo who wanted to have Christmas everyday. Yeah, yeah, I know how well that turned out for him.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
If any of you are feeling jolly, leave a link letting us know you're playing, too...otherwise, if you're feeling a little scrooge-ish, you can always come back and play later, after a cup (or two) of egg nog.
You can thank Katie later, for asking me to share my Christmas faves and flops...
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both, but if I'm doing bags I simply MUST have tissue paper!
2. REAL OR FAKE TREE? Two fake ones after many years (and allergies) of real ones. However, I'm not sure the dust on the fake ones helps the dust allergies either!
3. When do you put up the tree? Third Sunday in Advent (tomorrow!)
4. When do you take the tree down? weekend after Epiphany
5. Do you like eggnog? Is "blecch" an answer?
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Red velvet Sassoon pants when I was 8 years old. My dad drove all over the place trying to find a pair of "designer jeans" that were all the rage; so while these weren't jeans, they were a special gift because of the thought behind them.
7. Do you have a nativity scene? We have a Fontannini set started by my mom on our first married Christmas, which Santa adds a piece to each year AND the *infamous* Little People Nativity set.
8. Hardest person to buy for? Kids' teachers
9. Easiest person to buy for? All the kids
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I honestly can't think of one...
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? White Christmas, Christmas Vacation, The Muppet's Christmas Carol, Christmas Eve on Sesame Street and A Charlie Brown Christmas (Okay, by definition I realize that selecting more than one negates the title favorite, but I really like them all!)
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? late Summer/early Fall
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No, but I have shared with my family
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Buckeye cookies and Roast Beef with Yankee Magazine's "Freddie's Famous Roast Potatoes" (to which I also add baby carrots) and Yorkshire Pudding.
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear on the inside trees, colored outside
17. Favorite Christmas song? Alan Jackson's Let it Be Christmas Sesame Street's Keep Christmas With You
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home in the morning, visit relatives in the afternoon
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Grumpy, Doc...
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? After Christmas Eve Mass, we come home and relive my husband's tradition of delicious appetizers (in place of a sit-down meal) and everyone opens one gift that night.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? When the secular world ends Christmas on December 25th at midnight.
23. What do you love most about Christmas? There isn't a thing I don't like about Christmas. I'd be like Elmo who wanted to have Christmas everyday. Yeah, yeah, I know how well that turned out for him.
If any of you are feeling jolly, leave a link letting us know you're playing, too...otherwise, if you're feeling a little scrooge-ish, you can always come back and play later, after a cup (or two) of egg nog.
MY ADOPTED CHILD CAN HEAR YOU
Adoptive parents speak out: Before curiosity gets the best of you - take a breath and think about what you're saying.
(Los Angeles – December 14, 2007) - International adoption has gotten a lot of attention recently with Brad and Angelina regularly expanding their family, and Madonna getting the government go-ahead this week to adopt her son David from Malawi. An article in this week's Newsweek sheds light on the difficulties, sadness, and potential devastation behind international adoption. But the challenges outlined in the article aren't the norm for most adoptive parents. Sometimes, the biggest obstacle is not the adoption itself, but the comments and questions tossed out at parents while they're in the grocery store, at the dry cleaner, or in line at Starbucks. As it takes a village to raise a child, it's the (perhaps unwitting) village idiot who feels compelled to ask stupid questions, not even considering the damage their words can do to an innocent child.
One of our own Mom•Logic Moms is in the process of adopting a baby girl and has already endured the "You're so nice to adopt a kid who's unwanted" and "That's much easier than giving birth" comments. She's now preparing herself for some of the outrageous questions that fellow adoptive parents have been asked by "curious" onlookers. Click here to view the entire story.
H/T Jen of Mom Logic
Adoptive parents speak out: Before curiosity gets the best of you - take a breath and think about what you're saying.
(Los Angeles – December 14, 2007) - International adoption has gotten a lot of attention recently with Brad and Angelina regularly expanding their family, and Madonna getting the government go-ahead this week to adopt her son David from Malawi. An article in this week's Newsweek sheds light on the difficulties, sadness, and potential devastation behind international adoption. But the challenges outlined in the article aren't the norm for most adoptive parents. Sometimes, the biggest obstacle is not the adoption itself, but the comments and questions tossed out at parents while they're in the grocery store, at the dry cleaner, or in line at Starbucks. As it takes a village to raise a child, it's the (perhaps unwitting) village idiot who feels compelled to ask stupid questions, not even considering the damage their words can do to an innocent child.
One of our own Mom•Logic Moms is in the process of adopting a baby girl and has already endured the "You're so nice to adopt a kid who's unwanted" and "That's much easier than giving birth" comments. She's now preparing herself for some of the outrageous questions that fellow adoptive parents have been asked by "curious" onlookers. Click here to view the entire story.
H/T Jen of Mom Logic
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