December Snow 2010

December 26

Traditions. Moments. Christmas.

New traditions, moments you know you've passed a landmark. No highchairs, actually documenting the cookies that Nana made. Remembering a special book, and reading it with the boys. Actually realizing the book is Ukranian, Eric's ethnic heritage. Letting it go, when the plan to do all the Jesse Tree, just right, doesn't go as planned. But knowing Christ is in their hearts, and will only more fully develop His place through the years. Blessed.

Book List 2010 in Review

So I posted a hefty list last January, of hopeful reads. I did read but only 3 books on my list.

Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis made the list. (personal read)

7 Habits of Highly Effective Families by Steven Covey (book club read)

Diligently Seeking God by Gary Henry (daily devotional)

Those were the only 3 on the list I can honestly say, I really read.

I tried to read Giliead... Angle of Repose. But ~ did. not. happen.

I did however, re-read & add other books of course.

The De-Valuing of America: The fight for Our Culture and Our Children, by Willliam Bennett. 1992

The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan. 1996

Repairing the Ruins: The Classical & Christian Challenge to Modern Education

edited by Douglas Wilson. 1996

Flight from the City by Ralph Borsodi. 1933

Flight from City, was a really, really interesting read. It is a homesteading book, which came on the heels of the crash in 1929, and referenced earlier, but similar economic crashes in our country. What you will find interesting is the similarities in the thinking of people from then & today.

I found Bennett's book an interesting discussion of his time in offices he held during Reagan's administration. I didn't realize he was a Democrat when he came to office. He however was truly one of the most conservative appointees during that administration. He mentions his 'controversial' history, but makes no bones about his dedication to morality & virtue. It is an excellent read for provoking thought in my own noble intentioned but tired mind. It is convicting in ways you wouldn't think. I highly recommend it.

Omnivore's Dillemma ~ page 486. Read.

Ruin's ~ excellent read for a parent who is baffled by the choices of homeschooling & a christian education. Numerous topics discussed, including but not limited to: 'why rhetoric, literature & apologetics' and 'why Latin'., to 'egalitarianism' & 'the Trivium applied'.
It made me think.

That's all the read's I can remember off the top of my head. This was not the year for reading fun stuff, I tried, I really gave it my best shot, but my heart was absorbed in the move, in reflective thought, the how-to's & the task at hand.

Perhaps I'll not be quite so ambitious this year, but I'm sure there will be an excellent read again. I know it's just around the corner....

I Have a Song ~

the view from Newcomb Kitchen sink... where I 'sang' many a song....

I was reminded today talking to my best friend, I didn't talk till I was about 3. It was thought I was, well, slow. Perhaps I am, on many fronts for reasons other than ability, but none-the-less, I didn't say much. My brother was a talker. Still is, and these days he has alot to say, and most of the time, it's worth a listen. But back in the day, I had to fight to get a word in edgewise.

One day when my parents were tape recording us, I spoke up, with intrepid determination,

~ 'I have a song' ~

For years, my Dad has hounded me to write that book,

for I surely won't sing it.

But if there ever was a song, it is because my parents put it there.

Their integrity of heart is demonstrated today,

by the anniversary of 50 years of marriage.

They'll shoot me if you call them or throw a last minute surprise party, I'm so immature, I'm still a little fearful to post this. But some things must be noted. If you've seen anything in this blog worthwhile, it was probably encouraged by my parents, and the steadfast encouragement of their children. Whatever you've seen in their children that stands lacking, it's been because they know the best lessons are learned through experience, not because they didn't try.....

I love my parents, but I'm not alone. I'm thankful for the many & numerous moments they have encouraged many a soul along the path of life. Their dedication to their collective & individual interests or callings have stirred in me often, a melody that can keep me humming about the most mundane of times. I can hear their prayers, I can see their affection for one another. I know their moments of challenge, but most of all I know they have a dedicated love, unsurpassed. They are not perfect - who of us is? I know their weaknesses, their quirks, but they know the dearest of each other & keep that precious to themselves. And that has been a chorus liken to the most beautiful sung by the Mormons in their tabernacle, I can play over & over in my mind.

I thank you Mom & Dad for the 50 years. I celebrate you today, while Jack plays 'Good King Wencellas' tonight, know I appreciate it, because indeed, you did put a song in my heart.

Perhaps if we weren't so 'English' but more 'Celtic' I'd sing 'my song' like this.... love you both...

Shutterfly's 'free' offer to Bloggers

Friend, when I saw this, I jumped. Then I had to postpone my effort to comment because life got in the way. But dawdle no more. Last year I had the perfect card, and alas didn't order. But this year, I'm GOING FOR IT.

Go to this link, to read more about this offer of 50 free folding cards to bloggers.

I love shutterfly. It has made many a photo need of mine ever so simple. Making it easy to share smiling faces like this one of our own boys. As you can tell by the sample cards from Shutterfly, there are numerous options to spell out the joy, so check it out!

Merry Christmas!

{this moment}

Merry and Bright

Our Christmas is bright, beautiful. Amid life, we are festive, even with sniffles, from colds & allergies. The cold weather has been amazing to us, after our season in the seasonless realm of Louisiana. We love & miss Louisiana. But here we are. In Georgia. And we are here to stay. So we continue our house hunt, & goal refining. Reading a little 'Omnivore's Dilemma' will set one to thinking.

I've found Classic Holiday on our tv options and have been enjoying tunes like this one.

May your Christmas be merry & bright.

December 1st

I was ready. December 1st has brought a welcomed relief from many things. Sickness, unseasonal warm weather, anticipation of our Jesse Tree. We actually did it. I'm so excited.

This year Ann Voskamp is offering her book as a download. I'm not sure if it's exactly the same as the published book, or more like a journal, but it includes, to my knowledge, the ornaments. Day 1~~ the reason we need Christ. Sin came into the world. We need a Savior.

December 1st brought a special 1st for me. My first red Cardinal sighting. Beautiful, just as God made him. Off to make some pinecone feeders.

If you are unfamiliar with Ann, this is one of my first encounters with the idea of counting 1000 gifts.