At The Lake

Nothing like a day at the lake to relive memories, see your old campsite, and make new memories. To enjoy fellowship with people from your home church who also attend your camping church, and the general camaraderie that follows.

(T-Tot pictured)

No more Scrabble

My friend John comes home from college today. As I thought about this, I realized that I wont be able to go over with him to Great Grandma's house. We wont be able to go over to play a game of scrabble with her. He wont have to sweep the floor while I take her blood pressure. This really hurts deep down....

....I am thankful for these memories though. Im thankful that he got to meet Great Grandma! And Im thankful that she is no longer sick <3 We thought about visiting her right before John left for his last leg of the semester, but we never did. The day after he left, she passed away. 

I miss you, Grandma! <3

My last memory of her?

Leaning over her bed, a week before she passed away, kissing her forehead, and saying I love you.... <3

Hats for the Holidays! Day 22

Ive had this hat for about 9 years! The crease on the top is from being loved so much. Tis among my top 10 favorite hats Id say. Lots of memories in this hat. <3

Venerable Vintage Hats: Spring!

Every time I look at this hat, I'm instantly transported into spring. The air is filled with the aroma of flowers abloom! The lilacs fill the trees; my apple tree is in bloom. A gentle warm breeze is blowing softly through the garden. My skirt flutters softly with the wind as I twirl in the evening light. Birds call to one another with their delightful twittering and chirping. My kitty wanders around the garden as I dance and sing with joy. And maybe, just maybe, the moon peeps out above the trees as the sun slowly sets. In the warm twilight, I look back at my hat, and remember it's still winter! lol Brrr...it's frigid outside!! :~D

Slow during the Rush

Sometimes we're in such a rush, we forget about those around us.

Today I got up, ate breakfast, and went to work within an hour's time.

Rush, rush, rush.

When I got home, it was time for our tea party.

Time slowed.

We (my sisters and I) all dressed up in our "fancy" clothes, made some tea, put some snacks on fancy plates, and enjoyed ourselves immensely.

We laughed, and chatted about who knows what, yet being together drew us closer.

We slowed time, & created memories.

Was I planning on posting about this little tea party? No...actually it was far from my mind.

When it was over, they all went to play, and I started to clean up.

I picked up the dishes, and left on my fancy dress.

Silky softness rubbed against my bare feet.

The simplicity of the moment.

A simple act of love, a tea party, will be remembered for years.

Slow time; do something simple with those you love.

Treasure time slowed.

#0 - Born Tonight

Hush for a moment
Can you feel His heart beating?
He’ll die for you one day.
Look for a moment
a throne in paradise
Is a manger with hay.
God’s only begotten
Almost forgotten
As a world sleeps by.
Yet no other man
Has changed all eternity
As this baby Born tonight.

All the glory He brings
Is born tonight.
Every answer to prayers
From ages gone by
On the eve of darkness,
He carries the only light.
Oh this baby born tonight.

Hush for a moment
Can you hear Him crying?
He cries for more than what meets the eye.
Look for a moment
Man’s soul is dying
But there’s hope in this Christ child.
And as the heavens open
God reaches down
with saving grace.
Such incredible power
Indescribable love,
Rests in this baby’s face.

 All the glory He brings
Is born tonight.
Every answer to prayers
From ages gone by
On the eve of darkness,
He carries the only light.
Oh this baby born tonight.

Legends and prophecies
from centuries ago,
whispering through
The midnight breeze.
A star in the sky
Angels singing on high
Crying, “Glory to the
King of Kings!”
Oh this baby boy
Is as no one ever was,
And no one will ever be.
The birth that brought
This world to it’s knees...

All the glory He brings
Is born tonight.
Every answer to prayers
From ages gone by
On the eve of darkness,
He carries the only light.
Oh this baby born tonight.

Hush for a moment
can you feel his heart beating?
Have you taken the time
For a Saviors greeting?
Hush for a moment...
It only takes a moment...
For the miracle and the mystery
In this season of our lives.
All of this for,
This baby born...
Tonight.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

#1 - It Feels Like Christmas

It's in the singing of a street corner choir

It's going home and getting warm by the fire

It's true

Wherever you find love

It feels like Christmas

A cup of kindness that we share with another

A sweet reunion with a friend or a brother

In all the places you find love

It feels like Christmas

It is the season of the heart

A special time of caring

The ways of love made clear

It is the season of the sprit

The message if we hear it

Is make it last all year

It's in the giving of a gift to another

A pair of mittens that were made by your mother

It's all the ways that we show love

That feel like Christmas

A part of childhood we'll always remember

It is the summer of the soul in December

Yes, when you do your best for love

It feels like Christmas

It is the season of the heart

A special time of caring

The ways of love made clear

It is the season of the spirit 

The message if we hear it

Is make it last all year

It's in the singing of a street corner choir

It's going home and getting warm by the fire

It's true, wherever you find love

It feels like Christmas

It's true, wherever you find love

It feels like Christmas

It feels like Christmas

It feels like Christmas

It feels like Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

#2 - Away in the Manger

Away in a manger,
No crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head

The stars in the bright sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing
The poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes

I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my side,
'Til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray

Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there

I remember when I was little that I didn't know there was 2 versions of this song. I was very confused when they sang "the wrong one". Only 2 more sleeps till Christmas! A big sigh as life starts to slow.......

#3 - Over the River and Through the Woods

 

Over the river and through the woods
To Grandmother's house we go.
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
Through white and drifted snow.

Over the river and through the woods,
Oh, how the wind does blow.
It stings the toes and bites the nose
As over the ground we go.

Over the river and through the woods
To have a full day of play.
Oh, hear the bells ringing ting-a-ling-ling,
For it is Christmas Day.

Over the river and through the woods,
Trot fast my dapple gray;
Spring o'er the ground just iike a hound,
For this is Christmas Day.

Over the river and through the woods
And straight through the barnyard gate.
It seems that we go so dreadfully slow;
It is so hard to wait.

Over the river and through the woods,
Now Grandma's cap I spy.
Hurrah for fun; the pudding's done;
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie.

#4 - Here We Come A Wassailing

Here we come a-wassailing
Among the leaves so green,
Here we come a-wand'ring
So fair to be seen.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.

We are not daily beggers
That beg from door to door,
But we are neighbors' children
Whom you have seen before
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.

Good master and good mistress,
As you sit beside the fire,
Pray think of us poor children
Who wander in the mire.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year

We have a little purse
Made of ratching leather skin;
We want some of your small change
To line it well within.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.

Bring us out a table
And spread it with a cloth;
Bring us out a cheese,
And of your Christmas loaf.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.

God bless the master of this house,
Likewise the mistress too;
And all the little children
That round the table go.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year

Only a few more days until Christmas!!!! Very excited! :~D I'm ready to break out some more Christmas movies! :~D

#5 - We Three Kings

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light

Born a King on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light

Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light

Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Alleluia, Alleluia
Earth to heav'n replies

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light

A pretty song that reminds us of one of the reasons why we give presents. The most important one of course is the gift God gave us, the gift of Jesus. The other reason we give presents is that we remember that the Wise Men came with presents to give to Jesus. 

#6 - I Saw Three Ships

I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?
And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas Day in the morning?

The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

Pray, wither sailed those ships all three,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Pray, wither sailed those ships all three,
On Christmas Day in the morning?

O they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
O they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the souls on earth shall sing,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the souls on earth shall sing,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

Then let us all rejoice again,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Then let us all rejoice again,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

It's been my dream to perform an Irish step dance to this song. I love the melody! :~)

#7 - Ding Dong Merrily on High

Ding dong! merrily on high

In heav'n the bells are ringing:

Ding dong! verily the sky

Is riv'n with Angel singing.

Gloria,

Hosanna in excelsis!

Gloria,

Hosanna in excelsis!

E'en so here below, below,

Let steeple bells be swungen,

And "Io, io, io!"

By priest and people sungen.

Gloria,

Hosanna in excelsis!

Gloria,

Hosanna in excelsis!

Pray you, dutifully prime

Your matin chime, ye ringers;

May you beautifully rime

Your evetime song, ye singers.

Gloria,
Hosanna in excelsis!
Gloria,
Hosanna in excelsis!

I love pulling out our copy of Little Women at Christmas time. It's such a sweet story! In the version we own, they sing this song on Christmas Eve at the beginning of the movie. :~)

#8 - The Holly and the Ivy

The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Saviour
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly and the ivy
Now both are full well grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

I am learning this song this winter for my voice teacher. I always knew the first line, but never the rest. It is a very pretty old hymn. :~)

#9 - My Favourite Time of Year

Lanterns lighting up the town,

Peace on earth is all around,

Everything is calm on Christmas Eve.

There's goodwill in the air tonight,

Angels sing by candle

Their voices carried on the wind.

When carol singers gather round,

When I hear that festive sound,

I wanna join with them and sing!

They sing a merry song and we all sing along,

A festive melody that tells us Christmas time is here.

See the stars tonight; they're shining bright,

'Cause it's Christmas time and it's my favourite time of year.

Deck the halls with boughs of holly,

Give me mistletoe; it's the season to be jolly,

Wrapping presents writing cards, helping decorate the tree,

But there's one thing that makes it all for me.

When carol singers gather round,

Angel voices fill the town,

It's like the world is joining in!

(Noel, Noel, Noel)

They sing a merry song and we all sing along,

A festive melody that tells us Christmas time is here.

See the stars tonight; they're shining bright,

'Cause it's Christmas time and it's my favourite time of year.

Christmas Eve,

Still believe,

So excited,

Can't sleep,

When the morning comes,

Church bells ring,

And he's been!

They sing a merry song and we all sing along,

A festive melody that tells us Christmas time is here.

See the stars tonight; they're shining bright,

'Cause it's Christmas time and it's my favourite time of year.

And it's my favourite time of year

(Noel, Noel)

I heard this song back in November. It's only a couple years old, but quite pretty. I definitely recommend that you watch the music video and hear it for yourself!

#10 - Angels from the Realms of Glory

Angels from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o’er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation’s story
Now proclaim Messiah’s birth.

Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Shepherds, in the field abiding,
Watching o’er your flocks by night,
God with us is now residing;
Yonder shines the infant light:

Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great Desire of nations;
Ye have seen His natal star.

Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Saints, before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear;
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear.

Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Sinners, wrung with true repentance,
Doomed for guilt to endless pains,
Justice now revokes the sentence,
Mercy calls you; break your chains.

Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Though an Infant now we view Him,

He shall fill His Father’s throne,
Gather all the nations to Him;
Every knee shall then bow down:

Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

All creation, join in praising
God, the Father, Spirit, Son,
Evermore your voices raising
To th’eternal Three in One.

Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Our family has used this tree topper for as long as I can remember. :~) I would love to have one like this for my own house someday. :~)

#11 - We Wish You a Merry Christmas

We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy new year

Good tidings to you
And all of your kin
Good tidings for Christmas
And a happy new year

We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy new year

We are using this song this year for the end of our Nursing home shows. The picture is from a show we did last year. An almost full size Santa Claus dancing statue was in the lobby, so my friends and I took turns posing with it. ;~) ( It was so hard not to laugh :~D )

#12 - O Come All Ye Faithful

O Come All Ye Faithful

Joyful and triumphant

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem 

Come and behold Him

Born the King of Angels

O come, let us adore Him

O come, let us adore Him

O come, let us adore Him

Christ the Lord

Christ the Lord

Sing, choirs of angels

Sing in exultation

Sing all ye citizens of heaven above

Glory to God

Glory in the highest

Oh, come, let us adore him

Oh, come, let us adore him

Oh, come, let us adore him

Christ the Lord

O Come all ye faithful

Joyful and triumphant

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem

Come and behold Him

Born the King of Angels

O come, let us adore Him

O come, let us adore Him

O come, let us adore Him

Christ the Lord

Come and behold Him

Born the King of Angels

O come, let us adore Him

O come, let us adore Him

O come, let us adore Him

Christ the Lord

When I was younger, T-Tot and I came up with our own little "Christmas Show" for our parents. T-Tot danced to this song, and had the arm movements for the chorus memorized for several years. Once she started doing it at the Christmas eve service while we were singing!

#13 - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

From God our Heavenly Father
A blessed Angel came;
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

And when they came to Bethlehem
Where our dear Saviour lay,
They found Him in a manger,
Where oxen feed on hay;
His Mother Mary kneeling down,
Unto the Lord did pray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All other doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

When ever I hear Bing Crosby sing this, I'm transported to childhood and can remember listening to this while we get our tree decorated, or simply listening to Christmas music for fun.

#14 - What Child is this?

What child is this                                                                    

Who lay to rest                                                                     

On Mary's lap is sleeping

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet

While shepherds watch are keeping

So bring him incense, gold and myrrh

Come peasant king to own him

The King of Kings salvation brings

Let loving hearts enthrone him

This, this is Christ the King,

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing

Haste, haste to bring him laud

The Babe, the Son of Mary

O raise, raise a song on high

His mother sings a lullaby                                                              

Joy, oh joy for Christ is born                                                           

The Babe, the son of Mary

This, this is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing

Haste, haste to bring him laud

The Babe, the Son of Mary

What child is this who lay to rest

On Mary's lap, on Mary's lap he is sleeping

This, this is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing

Haste, haste to bring him laud

The Babe, the Son of Mary

The Babe, the Son of Mary

The Son of Mary

Lil' G calls this the "Baby Jesus Song".  She's danced to it for the past couple years at our nursing home shows, so she's kind of taken ownership of it.