The Twelve Days of Christmas- My Top Seven "Non-Carol" Christmas Songs

A few more treasures from my Christmas collection......

7. Some Children See Him- James Taylor. I love this song so much. The lyrics talk about how some children see Jesus "dark as they", some see Him "lily white" and some see Him "almond eyed". I just think it's very neat. I remember the first time I realized that my Savior probably didn't look like all the pictures I had seen of him, with kind of soft brown hair and blue eyes.

6. An Angel Came Down- Trans Siberian Orchestra. I pretty much love anything they do. It's like '80s hair metal meets Christmas. And I love me some Monster Ballads and some Christmas tunes. Anyway, this one is a great one about, obviously, an angel who came to Earth one cold winter night.

5. Christmas Time Is Here- from A Charlie Brown Christmas. It's a little sad sounding, but I love it!

4. Santa Clause is Coming to Town- Bruce Springsteen. I don't even like this song that much; I just love how The Boss does it.

3. Who Comes This Night- James Taylor. Another beautiful song about the baby Jesus from JT's "James Taylor at Christmas" album. "Who sends this song upon the air/To ease the soul that's aching?/To still the cry of deep despair/And heal the heart that's breaking."

2. Emanuel, God with Us- Amy Grant. The music is beautiful--it sounds kind of like Celtic music. And the lyrics are beautiful and really convey a wonderful message. SO stirring.

1. Silver Bells- I love this song because I have attached to it a very specific memory. I remember visiting my maternal grandmother's house one winter when I was about thirteen. We were downtown in the small North Mississippi town in which she lived, killing time before dinner. I guess that some shop was playing music and I heard this song that I have always loved. I just remember thinking what a perfect song for this little town. My next thought, because I've ALWAYS been a hopeless romantic, was "I really hope I can share this with the person I love one day". I did.

A few more faves include, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause", "Jingle Bell Rock", "Blue Christmas" and "All I Want for Christmas is You".

The Twelve Days of Christmas- Eight Things That WERE on my Wish List

Alot of years, Peyton and I surprise each other. And this year his is going to be a surprise. But I had my "wish list" ready (obviously, I am a fan of list-making, seeing as how this whole series of posts is really just a collection of lists) and so he decided to make his own life easier and just pick something. Last year he got me an apron and some adorable measuring spoons from my favorite store ever, Anthropologie, and a really cute picnic cooler thing. I don't even think he meant to go with a "cooking" theme, but he did. Maybe it was opposed to be a hint ;). Anyway, he did really good, even though he forgot we already had one of the cooler bags, so I did end up taking it back. I was impressed.


However, like I said, this year I had a list:

8. One of those things that you can use to burn a dvd of something off of your tv. My parents have one of these (my dad is REALLY into things that convert one form of technology to another; he used all his credit card points last time to get this and something that will turn his circa 1974 slides into pictures). There are several things on our dvr that I've already watched, but don't want to get rid of. It's also the easiest (still tedious, though) way to get a VHS to dvd without giving our retirement fund to Deville.

7. A few "smaller" things again. I'd really love a funky pair of rainboots, some trouser socks, and something cute for myself or the house from the Anthro.

6. Another thing I'd add to that list is a MagHound subscription. It allows you "try out" different subscriptions for a few months and change it up. So it's like buying a subscription to a magazine, but you get to try out a bunch of different ones. It's great if you have trouble committing.

5. A typewriter. I thought I wanted one, but that was short lived. My friend has one, but then again he is a real writer.

4. A baby. Oh, wait! I already got that one! Trust me, I'd be begging Peyton for one this year if the Lord hadn't given us a surprise last. And yes, I'm good with just one right now (not forever, though!)

3. An iPhone. Because, all the cool kids have them. As in, Peyton and my sister. Also, it would just be so much fun to be able to open my google reader anywhere. But, I really hate the keyboard on Peyton's; I'm not good at texting anyway and to me the keys on the screen are actually harder. Plus, and I'm not judging anybody here, but my "office" is my house. I'm here so much every day. I'm so within yards of the computer 75% of my day. Not saying that you should be reading blogs at work anyway, though....hehe.

2. A camera. It seems like I know so many people with really nice cameras and I've started to actually realize the difference it makes. But, we decided I really only needed to tackle one new "creative" project this winter, sooo.....

1. A sewing machine. For months, I have been saying how much fun I thought it would be to design and make AP's clothes. In the end, though, I realized that a good sewing machine isn't going to be cheap and it's going to be a real commitment of my time if I want to do it. And, if I do it I want to do it right. Sooo.....

What I'm actually getting is some sewing classes. Peyton's mom has a machine that she's going to let me borrow and I'm going to take the beginners series of classes and see if it is something that I really am interested in pursuing!

The Twelve Days of Christmas- Nine Presents Ann Peyton Is Getting This Christmas

Everyone seems to be asking what we are getting her!

First of all, I finally just decided we aren't going to get her a "big" thing this year. Cookie and I always got one big thing (maybe not expensive, but impressive). So, I thought for sure we'd do the same. Well, the truth is I was racking my brain to think of a big thing and there wasn't one she needed/I even really wanted her to have. She did recently get a neat little "Annie pen" and I was considering holding off until Christmas to give it to her, but I didn't have the willpower! Then we thought about a walker, but she is SO content with her Saucer right now, I just don't know if we'll even need one. And, I've kind of made a decision that I'm not getting any more big plastic things to go in my house, without putting another one up. We just don't have the room!
Also, I really wanted most of the things we got her this year to be special and pretty and not some neon colored plastic apparatus. We thought about a rocking horse, but decided against that, too.

One other thing, I told Peyton I didn't care if she couldn't use it right away, but I did want her to be able to use it before next Christmas. That helped me keep myself under control a bit!

So here are a few things Ann Peyton IS getting:

9. A swing (from my parents)-- like an outdoor toddler swing, wow!

8. A highchair/shopping cart cover (from Cookie)-- we are so excited she can sit in a highchair now! Especially me, since her carrier is about to give me permanent back problems

7. A robot thing that Peyton says she will "chase" when she can crawl/walk; sounds fun! (from us)

6. Some crocheted Etsy stuff (from Santa)

5. A super cute dress (from Santa)

4. Some blocks (from Santa)

3. A puzzle (from Santa)

2. LOTS of books (from Santa)

1. Some type of cross (from Santa-who has yet to find the perfect one)

Merry Christmas, Annie!

The Twelve Days of Christmas- Ten Items On My To-Do Must-Do Before Christmas List

I'm going to go on record as saying this IS the busiest I've been since April (when we welcomed AP). I don't know why I'm shocked. I do want to accomplish a few things, since I have a break from my super time consuming (eight hour a week) job. We'll see.......

10. Work on a little project for my kitchen. It requires craftiness and thus I'm not going to discuss the details any further until I see if I can actually produce something that looks like it could actually be a decorative addition to my home.

9. At least, figure out how to make copies of home videos from dvds I've made. I've already done the painstaking work of getting them from VHS to DVD; I just need to make copies of the dvd.

8. Update pictures on the Facebook. It's the only photo sharing site we use and I need to do it as a courtesy to my mom (yes, she's on Facebook. Bizzare-ulous.)

7. Make a final decision about Flikr or Picassa and GO WITH IT. At least create an account. FB is not reliable enough to be the only place online where my photos are backed up (of course, we back them up monthly on an external device, but I want something that is "out there"; that cannot burn up or be destroyed unless someone who hates Al Gore decides to bring down his invention (wink)).

6. Get all of AP's new clothes washed, ironed, sorted by age, and hung up in her "big closet". I explained my pre-wash rationale in a previous post. It takes awhile, because we have, you know, legitimate laundry to get done, as well.

Aaaaand, here's where it gets imperative, friends......

5. Spend time with friends I don't see as often as I'd like--friends that don't live in town and also friends who are here but are usually ridiculously busy with school and such.

4. Continue to implement a "flexible routine" for Ann Peyton and myself. Thanksgiving kicked my butt because we both got totally off what little semblance of a schedule we do adhere to.

3. Finish my "around town" (as in, not online) Christmas shopping. Ugh. Wish I'd done that two months ago. I HATE Christmas traffic.

2. Finish ordering any presents that I'm ordering online for AP (or anyone). I know, you'd think this would be #1, but even as close as she is to being a toddler (haha, crazy Minnie said that one), she really isn't going to know the difference if some of her goods arrive by the 25th of December or the 25th of January! Still, I need to get on it. Tonight.

1. Send our Christmas cards. As in, they need to be stuffed, addressed, stamped, and sitting in the mailbox at 11:00 am tomorrow. Or really, 11:00 yesterday.

Will You Read to Me Wednesday?

I'm so glad a few friends decided to participate in my little bitty carnival--I don't even really like calling it that. I would have enjoyed it even if no one else decided to do it, but how much fun it is to find out about great new childrens' books! Also, I don't know if I said this last week, but even if you don't have kids, I'd still love to know what you'd like to read to your children one day or what you enjoyed as a child! This week's selection is....

Merry Christmas Curious George
by Cathy Hapka
illustrated in the style of H.A. Rey by Mary O'Keefe Young

Peyton is a Curious George fanatic, so I got this for him (and Annie) last Christmas when I was pregnant. Sidenote: as a little boy I think Peyton was Curious George. It's been fun reading it to Ann Peyton. It's a sweet story about George escaping (per his usual antics) and he ends up at a hospital and helps the children there decorate their tree. The little monkey lifts everyone's spirits!

Babykin Boutique: Sample Sale Collection

So, you know that when I find some amazing deals I like to do a post to recap it. I did one several months ago when I went to a great consignment sale and I thought it was pretty fun to document my great buys. Annie happens to be wearing two of my consignment buys this month......


I am ALL for buying ahead. Seriously, if you have the self control to do it, it is one of the best ways I know to get a bargain in shopping for childrens' clothes.

Well, a couple of weeks ago, my friend Rachel told me about a sale going on at the hotel where she works. And.....it was fabulous!

I actually limited myself to four outfits and they are all summer--two dresses and two bubbles.

12 mo.

This is a 2T, but it had pants that were missing. So, I got it for a HUGE discount. She'll either wear it early or I'll find some leggings or something to go under it. I heart madras!

12mo. I might get it monogrammed. Not sure yet.

This is my favorite.

This was $15!!! I was pretty proud of myself, seeing as how I bought all four outfits for what something like this would normally retail for!

I'll be doing another one soon on my Overstock Sale finds!

The Twelve Days of Christmas- Top Eleven Favorite Things About This Time of Year

11. Snow
I think it's beautiful and so much fun! Of course if I ever saw more than two centimeters of it, I might change my mind. I really have a strong distaste for rain after about one or two days of enjoying the romance of it and the coziness of my house. I guess I might feel the same way about winter precipitation, if I was exposed to it enough.

10. Warm (Preferably Flannel) Pajamas
I'm kind of a pj addict and I'm especially fond of winter ones.

I cannot believe I put this one here. Last Christmas. Very pregnant. Wannabe Katie Holmes haircut. Notsomuch.

9. Trouser Socks
I just love collecting a nice variety of trouser socks that go with every color outfit imaginable (obviously, I wear them under jeans, but I still like them to match my top).

8. Christmas Decorations
Makes me feel so warm inside!

7. Christmas Cards in My Mailbox
It's so much fun; I love going to the mailbox!

6. Dressing My Babykins in Seasonal Apparel
I love playing babydoll with her!

5. Fires in the Fireplace
We just love to hang out in our den with a good fire going.

4. Coats
I have kind of an obsession.

I thought about posting a picture of my coat closet, but it's just inappropriate. So no. This is one of my favorites.

3. Annie's "Winter Suits"
She doesn't own any actual coats, yet. I just prefer a suit at this age--there's only so long that you can wear a winter suit!

2. Seeing People We Don't See Often

This is our friend, Rob. He was home last at Easter. Hopefully, we'll see him over Christmas.

1. Snuggling

Pay no regard to Peyton's warm weather outfit (that is painfully mis-matched; what did I think because I had given birth within the week that gave me a license to allow him to do that? Call the faishion police, ASAP!**); it was really cold that day!

** I know I've said he helps me with clothing decisions and now I'm embarrassed, but usually he does MUCH, MUCH better than this!

The Twelve Days of Christmas--My Twelve Favorite Christmas Carols

Christmas carols are based on Christian lyrics and relate, in the main, to the Nativity. Christmas carols were introduced in to church services by St Francis of Assisi in the 12th century. As for the word carols, "carol" is a derivative of the French word caroller, the interpretation of which means dancing around in a circle. Carol and carols, eventually came to mean not only to dance but included music and lyrics - hence Christmas Caroling.The joyous themes for many traditional Christmas carols were banned in England by the staunch Protestant Oliver Cromwell and many of the very old Christmas carols and songs were subsequently lost for all time. Christmas carols were only fully popularized again during the Victorian era when they again expressed joyful and merry themes in their carol lyrics as opposed to the normal, more somber, Christian lyrics found in hymns. As religious observances in the United States and England were closely linked the popularity of Christmas carols grew in both countries in the 19th century. (from http://www.carols.org.uk/index.htm).

12. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley at his best; I'll claim him. "God and sinners reconciled"--gospel truth, right? It doesn't get any clearer than that.

11. Angels We Have Heard On High
Glory to God in the Highest!

10. Angels From the Realms Of Glory
It's just a coincidence that three of my faves have to do with angels. It's not a coincidence that I grouped them together. Obsessive. Compulsive. Disorder.

9. Do You Hear What I Hear?
I didn't know, until recently, that this isn't a "traditional carol", as it was written in 1962. It was written as a "plea for peace" during the Cuban Missile Crisis. I still consider it a Christmas carol, though!

8. Good King Wenceslas
I didn't even know the words to this one for a long time; I just loved the "merriness" of it. It's kind of an anomaly as far as Christmas carols go, in that it doesn't mention the nativity. The lyrics are great, nonetheless--a kind king helping the poor at Christmas time.


7. The Little Drummer Boy
I just adored this song as a little girl. It is so sweet and always gets me thinking about what I could give the King! It has been a huge hit for many recording artists. Interestingly, one of the biggest has been the Bing Crosby/David Bowie duet. It doesn't get much weirder than that combo, does it? Oh, wait, it does. That duet was actually old Bing's biggest hit since his famous "White Christmas"!

6 . Deck the Halls
This was another childhood favorite. Cookie and I loved to dance around the ottoman in our living room while my mom played it on the piano. And, yes, there is video footage.


5. O, Come All Ye Faithful
I still get goose bumps when I hear Perry Como sing "Sing choirs of angels...." and by the time he starts singing "Adeste Fideles" in Latin the goose bumps have usually turned into tears. Another childhood favorite.

4. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
I'm beginning to see a trend here, but most of these songs have been favorites for a very long time. I can't remember a time that I didn't listen to the Notre Dame Chamber Choir sing this around Christmas.

3. The Holly and the Ivy
This actually is a more recent favorite. The holly blossom as white as lily flower. The holly berry as red as any blood. The holly prickle as sharp as any thorn. The holly bark as bitter as any gall. The symbolism. The appeal to the senses. The lyrical journey from the manger to the foot of the cross. And the tune is beautiful, which can't hurt.

2. Ding Dong Merrily On High
I just love this song. It is so MERRY. I won't pretend to know what half the lyrics mean (um, matin chime?). Apparently, according to website referenced above, this song is loved by children because of the onomatopoeia (yes, I didn't think I had touched on literary devices enough yet in this post) and the "breathless state achieved when singing 'Gloria...'".

1. Go Tell It On The Mountain!
Probably my all time favorite Christmas song, ever. To the point that I get withdrawal and need to listen to it at other times of the year. When I was halfway decent at playing the guitar, I would start up with playing this about mid September. Simon and Garfunkle (who are also a favorite) have a great rendition that I just stumbled across--it's number 41 on my playlist on the right. I also love James Taylor's version. Or, anytime black people sing it. Or anytime. Ever.

When I was a sinner
I prayed both night and day
I asked the Lord to aid me
And He showed me the way.

Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and ev'rywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.

Weekly Happenings Post #38 (December 7-13)

"Oh, Papa! You're so handsome in that sweater!"

Well, the weeks leading up to Christmas always seem to fly by, but I think this year that is proving to be particularly true. I feel like I've had one of the most productive weeks I've had since April and yet, my to-do list is like, growing, exponentially. Not sure how people with multiple children or people who have children that are active (you know, actually walking around and stuff) do Christmas. I guess I'll have to figure that out by next year! But for now.....weekly happenings!

On Monday, Ann Peyton and I stayed home and actually accomplished quite a bit! I did the usual, beginning of the week chores (loads of laundry, dishes, ect.) and tidied up the house a bit. Then I did some more intense cleaning, such as dusting and sweeping, ha! I made White Rotel for Peyton's work party and wrapped his Secret Santa present and we brought it all up to the Walgreens. We had frozen lasagna for supper.

Tuesday was Mother's Morning Out. After that, I went to a children's clothes overstock sale and I got some great stuff! I was pretty tired after it, for some reason and our house was a disaster. It looked like Christmas threw up, but I got it together and finished decorating, except for a few finishing touches. My mom stopped by on her way home from work and we had a nice visit. Then we went to our friends', Patrick and Haley's, house for dinner. It was so much fun! Ann Peyton's little buddy will be here soon!

On Wednesday, I did laundry, finished decorating, and wrote our Christmas letter. I also "deep cleaned" our kitchen counters (moved everything around and really gave them a thorough cleaning). With our Christmas stuff out, I just had the urge to make it look really shiney! When Peyton got home, I ran a few errands without the Babykins. I just went to Hobby Lobby, Babies R Us, Target, and Kroger. But, it's Christmas, so it took about eight hours (Just kidding. Kinda.)! Also, the lovely souls at Hobby Lobby had a little problem of not having a single cash register that would take credit/debit cards. Things happen, but I feel like they should have let the patrons know what was going on. I thought it was just the fact that it's Christmas and where are you gonna go for all your Christmas supplies? Hobby Lobby, duh until I got to the front of the line. Luckily I had my checkbook. When I got home, I cooked a birthday cake and went to bed.

Thursday was Mother's Morning Out again. It was Ms. Darlene's (the sweet lady who directs the program and is literally like a mentor to me) birthday. The cake I made her turned out looking terrible. I had dumped it out of the pan to early, while it was still warm and it was kind of lopsided. I gave her this long explanation and when I finally breathed and concluded with "Happy Birthday" she was astonished. I guess she hadn't realized it was for her (she may not have realized it was a cake, ha!). She hugged me and told me no one had baked her a cake in so long and almost cried. I was glad I brought it, even though my pride had definitely caused me to hesitate. Peyton was working a double, but he had a break, so AP and I met him for Mexican for lunch. I spent the whole afternoon working on organizing AP's stuff and getting all her too small stuff ready to go to the attic. I then started washing the stuff from the overstock sale. I'm kind of alot anal about things and ever since ruining a whole load of clothes when a new, unwashed item bled I wash every SINGLE thing I buy for anyone by itself first. Thursday night, we had supper with my parents, since Peyton was working.

It's hard to believe she was ever that small!

On Friday, we met Carrie and Ashley and the girls for lunch. It was super fun, as usual. Friday afternoon Peyton was off and we had a relaxing time together, just the three of us and I addressed Christmas cards (which I still haven't sent--ahhh!). Then we went to my parents' house for Beans and Rice and we got to see Cookie, since she's home for Christmas break! AP impressed us by eating a whole (very mushed up) banana!

Saturday was pretty much my non-productive day this week. I have to say that I'm really working hard on using my time more wisely. I know it will change when AP is bigger, but sometimes I feel like I'm just being lazy around the house and that is not fair when Peyton is out working really hard. He loves to use this thick Italian accent and say "I provide a good life for you". It's so funny, but so true! I'm really grateful for that and I realize that I need to do my part! At the same time, there are no "days off" with my job, so I feel like if I want to take a day every once in awhile where I don't do much more than feed Annie and wipe her tush and snuggle with her, that's okay too. Saturday night, Peyton and I had a date! My mom and dad kept Annie and we went out to eat and did a little shopping. We ate at Pan Asia and it was delish. Then we went to Renaissance, but it was late and most everything was closed so we just went to Barnes and Noble. I spent most of the time in the children's section, looking for AP's Christmas presents. She was fast asleep when we got home. She hadn't nursed very well before we left and I didn't have a bottle pumped, so I just told my mom to feed her until she was full. She took me very literally and when we got back she had eaten a big jar of vegetables, a half a banana with some cereal (mushed up alot, of course), the other half of the banana, and a few Vanilla Waffers. She is eating so much more; her appetite has grown a ton this month! I just don't want to overfeed her and make her not want to nurse, since she's still getting important nutrients from that.

AP looks excited to be visited Mickey and Minie; she's about to leap out of her Papa's arms!

Cookie and her bf, before their date......enjoy it now, Sis!

On Sunday, we went to church and then went over to my parents' house. Cookie is home from college for Christmas and her boyfriend, Conrad, was visiting(!!!), so we had a great time hanging out with them. He's from out of town and he slept in my old bedroom--how weird is that?!? Haha! I love watching her play with Annie, because she really isn't a big "baby person", but she sure is now! Peyton left early, because he was a wiseman in the Christmas Cantata at church. We met him at home and I went to bed early!

Ann Peyton is finally making friends with Layla, or rather Layla is finally making friends with her (Annie's been pursueing it for some time)

Look at that big girl with her sippy cup!

This week is the last week of MMO until after Christmas and we only have it on Tuesday, but I'm pretty sure the week will fill up with all kinds of other stuff!

The Nester's Christmas Tour

I love Christmas time and I love it when my house looks all Christmasy, so I'm so very excited that it's finally all DONE! All except for the outside of the house, but that is not. my. job. Peyton is going to have to take care of that or it's not going to get done. Peyton is the husband/Daddy around here and the outside is his domain. Anyway, here it is......

Well, I did do a little outdoor decorating. This tree is on our front porch.

Most of the decorations are in our den. We call it a "den" because it is more casual, but it also serves as our living room and we have our dinning room table and buffet in it!

The silver chest is right beside the front door. We don't really keep silver in it, though! Anyway, this big bowl of usually sits on our buffet when it's not Christmas.


My Christmas tree--I love it!


Here is the fireplace/mantle. I didn't do a whole lot with it this year. I haven't found stockings for us that I really like and I really want to do more with the whole mantle; it looks so bare!


I do love these big damask ornaments and the Santa sign, though!


I got this big Christopher Radco Santa Clause this year. He was a "market special" so he was actually cheaper than the little ornaments that go on the tree usually are!


Peyton loves this "woodsy Santa" and he loves his basket of fire wood!


This Fontanini nativity set is on top of the piano. My godmother started me a collection and added to it for years!


I love decorating the bookshelves. You could play I-SPY with this thing--how many Christmas trees can you count??


I think this Christmas card holder is so much fun! There are more in the little basket behind it. I love the funky stocking holder, too!


My friend, Ashley painted this for me. I'd totally refer you to her buissness, but she's closing up shop...something about "priorites". Lucky me snagged something before it was too laste! I'm searching for a pretty gold or silver frame for it, but I wish I had started looking sooner. I just can't seem to find one I love.


More trees on the other bookshelf!


My mom gave me these authentic vintage carolers. Aren't they cute??


My mom always put books under her coffee table like this. Here's my little stack of Christmas classics.


This is one of my favorite things in the whole room. I love this nativity!


a close-up of baby Jesus with his Momma and Daddy

I really like to have a lot of "pretty" things in our den, but in the kitchen I like things to be FUN. Our kitchen and the sun room that is attached to it are kind of the "funky" rooms in our house. So, it lends itself to bold, bright decorations.

The kitchen table. You can't really tell in the picture, but there is some lime green tulle under the "snow" on the table. I'm a big fan of tulle; you can asked Ann Peyton, I used it pretty liberally in her nursery.

the kitchen counter


I got this little tiered tray recently at Target. It is in a very unusual state here--empty. I may not cook dinner every night, but the days we go without brownies are pretty infrequent!


I had this snowman and snow woman in the den last year, but I thought they looked so cute on top of the fridge!


Another counter top


the stove


The little tree plugs in and lights up. I had it in my bedroom every year growing up!


Peyton's "bar"--I love our polka dot cocktail napkins. You don't host many cocktail parties when you live with an eight month old, though!


I always like to change the candy in my jar to go with the season--I still haven't gotten my red and green M&Ms yet. I don't know why, but for some reason, changing the candy is such a little thing that brings me so much pleasure! It feels like something a character in a book or movie would do; mark time by changing candies.


Here are a few more from around the kitchen.........


Finally......
a little Christmas cheer in the bathroom!


MERRY CHRISTMAS!

A Fun Exercise

So, Ashley has come up with another great idea! She has started a blog where she answers a question about her childhood each day. It seems like a great way to keep up with memories! Of course, you know that I love things like this and when she asked if anyone wanted to tag along, I was all "Pick me! Pick me!".

Awhile back I got this book for Peyton:

and this one for my Dad:

I told myself I wasn't going to get the Mommy one until I get up to date on BunBun's baby book, but I really want to do this so bad, so I'm going to pretend that I am. Ha!

I'm a day behind (I'll catch up tomorrow), but this is it!

A Couple of My Favorite People

Will You Read to Me Wednesday?

I decided that I wanted to do some sort of series of posts about one of my most favorite things ever, which is childrens' literature. My mother read to me since I was a baby and ever since I could read it has been one of my biggest (probably THE biggest) hobbies. Once I started reading chapter books, I would read three or four at a time. I would spend many, many hours on Saturdays and after school snuggled up somewhere reading. I still love to read, but I don't spend as much time doing it as I would like. Anyway, I think a main factor in my love of literature was my mom and I so strongly desire to cultivate the same interest in AP. So, I try very hard to read to her, even as a little baby, at least once a day.

Anyway, I thought it would be so much fun to do a series of posts about what I am reading to her. I'd love it if other people wanted to participate (and if you don't have children, I'd still love to hear your favorite childrens' books), so definitely tell me if you do, but I'm not expecting to start some huge blog carnival with all my 21 readers. I'm largely doing it for myself, because my blog is my daybook/journal/diary/scrapbook and I know that it will be fun to look back and see what we were reading one day in the future!

So, the first book that I am going to feature is.....

The Night Before Christmas
by Clement C. Moore
Compiled by Cooper Edens and Harold Darling

I have loved reading this classic poem to Ann Peyton. This paticular version features illustrations by some of the best known illustrators of childrens' books from the late 19h and early 20th century. Each page was created by a differnt illustrator; the pictures were collected from various antique childrens' books.

As you probably know, I adore vintage things. This book just takes me back to a different time that I cannot adaquatly describe the beauty of. It is such a charming depiction of the past.

Holiday Happenings Update #2

Just checking in and giving a few updates:

-Decorating: one more box and the outside (but that's Peyton's job). Yay!

- The Christmas cards arrived today and I am very pleased. Now, I am debating to do a letter or not. I originally intended to get the kind of card where the letter is on the inside, but they were pricey and really there weren't any I loved. Either way, I want them sent by the end of the week at the very latest.

- I have sad news in the Pajama Project front. I couldn't get the ones I wanted because I waited to late and the shipping for them to guaranteed be here by Christmas was $20. Not doing it. So, I found some on ebay that will suffice, assuming they fit (they aren't exactly my size).

- I got AP's stocking ordered. I found a very sweet "babyish" one on Etsy that looked just like something Cookie or would have had. And it was extremely reasonable. Last minute Etsy purchases FTW.

- Did anyone notice me wearing my fleece jacket in last week's family picture? It wasn't because I had been outside. It is SO cold in our house I am thinking it's time to break out the electric blanket. I used one from since before I can remember until last year (I was pregnant and Annie was keeping me warm). I should probably get it out and just leave it plugged in in the den, because if I'm not up and moving I'm freezing.

- I cooked something for Peyton's work party! How domestic of me to prepare food for an "office party" (if you consider the Walgreens an office). Maybe I should consider cooking for my family more than twice a week since my dish was such a hit (it was White Rotel--brown sausage, melt cream cheese, pour in Rotel, smile and nod while people salivate and praise you).

- I am utterly dissapointed in myself. I realized that although I have been moving full steam ahead in all these projects, we missed the deadline to get an angel from our church's angel tree. I think you can still get them directly. Peyton said if you can't we can just make a Christmas contribution to the Salvation Army, in lieu of getting an actual angel. That will be fine, but part of the fun is the shopping and wrapping!

- Mix 98 (it's actually 98.7, not 98.3, as I said in a previous post) has decided to deliver. Kind of. They're mixing in some Christmas with the regular programming. However, I was about in tears today hearing "The Christmas Shoes". This song does nothing but inspire a desire to over indulge in chocolate candy, prescription anxiety medication, and weepy conversations with one's mother. Also, AP may or may not have had the breath nearly squeezed out of her a couple of times because of it. I'm just saying. Songs like this should not be written. Christmas music is my fave, but this I cannot do.

P.S. The baby name book that I was looking for in my last Holiday Happenings Update post was found. In the attic. When I was, guess what? Organizing. Ha!

Letter to (Now Baptized) Ann Peyton

Dear Ann Peyton,

Daddy and I both long to see you grow up into a woman of integrity. There are so many things that we want for you. So many things that we pray for you. Here are a few of them.

Love- The Bible tells you to love you enemies. When someone picks on you, or talks about you behind your back, or treats you unfairly, you are called to love them.
Joy- We want you to lead a joy filled life. When you aren't invited to a party you really wanted to go to or when a boy breaks up with you, you must realize these are just circumstances. You may not be happy, but you can still lead a life filled with joy.
Peace- There is an internal peace that is so important to have. Amid life's stressful situations (failed tests, drama with your friends, and arguments with us) you can have a peace. You are called to be a peacemaker in external matters, as well. If someone else is getting picked on, talked about, or treated unfairly, it is your job to come to their defense.
Patience- We pray that you have patience to wait on the Lord. We especially pray that you will wait on God's best in the area of your purity. He will not disappoint.
Kindness- It is so important that you be a kind little girl and young lady. You will need to learn to share things and to help others whenever you can.
Goodness- This is so broad, but it is a great one. Goodness means being a person of character. It means doing the right thing even when we are not watching you. Even when you think no one will ever find out. Someone already has.
Faithfulness- When you are faithful in the little, everyday ways, like reading your Bible and going to church, God will trust you to be faithful in big things.
Gentleness- Gentleness is not weakness. If you think someone is in the wrong, and you must tell them, tell them with gentleness. You will save many friendships , and likely, create many more, this way.
Self-Control- There will be times, when you need to exercise self-control. There will be parties that we may decide you are mature enough to attend, but that nonetheless will present tempting situations for you. You're behavior is not just a reflection on our family, it is a reflection on God's family if you claim His name. So you will need to be absolutely in control of yourself in all situations.

Annie, these values are called the "Fruit of the Spirit". They are called that because they are the result of the Holy Spirit's work in your life. They are not called the "Fruit of Ann Peyton Herrington's most valiant efforts" because your best efforts will not be enough to attain them. Not to the extent that it is required of you.

- You will not be able to love your enemies (or anyone) in your own strength. I've tried it.
- You will not be able to cultivate your own joy in painful circumstances. My best efforts were failures.
- You will not be able to make your own peace when times are stressful. I endeavored to do it.
- You will not be able to find patience enough in your own attempts. I have looked.
- You will not be able to stir up enough kindness within yourself. I realized it was not there.
- You will not be able to achieve goodness in your own merit. My level best was never enough.
- You will not be able to be entirely faithful to anything in your own efforts. I attempted that, too.
- You will not be able to foster a spirit of true gentleness in your own heart. My most ardent aspirations fell short.
- And, you will not be able to acquire an appropriate level of self-control on your own. I discovered that I was never good enough.


So, although these are all my prayers for you, my most important prayer that I will ever pray for you is that you will accept God's perfect gift of his only Son, Jesus Christ and will allow his Spirt to work in your life and grow you into the woman we are already praying for.


I love you forever,
Momma