Musical Monday - Christmas Edition

I have a confession to make this Musical Monday. I don't really care for Christmas music. During the month leading up to Christmas, I find myself changing radio stations with even greater frequency than I normally do just to avoid all the Christmas music. Perhaps if radio stations and stores didn't overplay Christmas music I'd like it better. However, one of the few Christmas songs I'll listen to and enjoy is Merry Christmas From the Family.

I know. Not much in "the spirit of Christmas", is it? And it's not like it actually resembles any of our family get-togethers, even if I sometimes like to pretend it does. There are some interesting characters in our family to be sure, but I'd have to write a different song to accommodate them and December is just too busy a month to add songwriting to the list.

Another favorite is Adam Sandler's Hanukkah Song.

Okay, sure, it's not technically a Christmas song, but I love it and it gets played right along with the Christmas music on the radio.

There are some lovely religious carols, but I have trouble enjoying them when I don't agree with how they portray the events surrounding Christ's birth. In fact, though we are Christian, we celebrate Christmas as a family holiday rather than a religious one. That's probably a different post (and one I doubt I'll ever write) though. I'm not out to stomp on anyone else's traditions and beliefs, just explain why I don't much like Christmas music. I do still love Hark, the Herald Angels Sing whether the angels sang the news or not and in spite of the second verse which I'd throw out altogether. I suspect it has more to do with it being the song Janie is practicing throughout It's a Wonderful Life than anything else.

My favorite religious carol, though, is probably O Come All Ye Faithful.

Twisted Sister has a version, too, but I gotta say that it seems a bit too irreverent even to me--and also just plain annoying. Twisted Sister has its place, and it isn't in Christmas music. In fact, I find many of the rocked up versions even more obnoxious than the original Christmas songs. Really though, I do prefer the lyrics of How Firm a Foundation to the same tune.

There are a few other traditional Christmas songs I really love.

My mom took me to see The Nutcracker for the first time about 10 years ago at Century II in Wichita. It was a wonderful, magical experience, and I've tried to take my kids to see it a few times over the years. (Caleb's former Highland Dance teacher and his wife are often in the Wichita performances.) I don't know who wouldn't be enchanted by a performance of The Nutcracker and I could listen to the music over and over again. Three of my favorite parts, and probably among the most familiar, follow.

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy


Coffee (Arabian Dance)


Tea(Chinese Dance)

I can hardly keep from dancing when this part plays. Don't you love the energy? And now I'll admit something else. I always secretly wanted to take ballet lessons and had to really fight the urge to make Naomi continue her dance lessons rather than giving them up for gymnastics like she wanted.

My favorite Christmas song to sing is O Tannenbaum. It must be the German rather than the English O Christmas Tree. I don't know why, but it just sounds better in German which is funny because German is not known as a particularly pretty language. I took three years of German in high school, though, and the first verse of this song is the bulk of what I remember.

Danny can't stand this song. It reminds him too much of the pagan origins of some of our Christmas traditions. He says it sounds like you're worshipping the stoopid Christmas tree and it makes him want to go on vacation for the entire month of December and not observe Christmas at all. I tell him it reminds me of the story our German teacher told about Martin Luther walking through the woods one evening, seeing the beautiful stars through the boughs of a fir tree, and bringing it home and decorating it with candles to reproduce the effect. I have no idea if that legend is based in fact or not, but Danny likes good ol' Martin Luther. Still, I avoid singing O Tannenbaum around him--unless I just really want to annoy him.

My very favorite Christmas song to listen to is I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas, as it can only be sung by Bing Crosby.

No other version of this song will do. I just love Bing Crosby.

May your days be merry and bright, and may all your Christmas be nice. (Hey, we can't all have a white Christmas, and not everyone wants one. And if there won't be snow in Africa, maybe it's because there isn't supposed to be.)

Musical Monday - Playlist for Turning 13

Since today is Baby Girl's birthday, I thought I'd let her pick out some songs for this Musical Monday. They aren't what I'd pick (maybe I'll get back to that someday), but they aren't bad. And, as frustrating/annoying/embarrassing as it is, I have to admit that it's hard not to sing along with Party in the USA. Hey, I like Miley a lot better than either of the artists she mentions in her song.

Wild at Heart - Gloriana


Party in the USA - Miley Cyrus


I Run To You - Lady Antebellum


Down - Jay Sean


Fireflies - Owl City


Happy birthday, Na! May the music always live in you.

Holly and Jolly

December is just not a good month for blogging. All the shopping, holiday prep, and parties really eats at my time and energy. December birthdays? We've got three. Add to that a month of home basketball games (because we're the bad parents who only go to the home games), a middle school choir concert, and a husband who is working from home more often (which is nice but really throws me off), and it's just a busy, busy month.

Since Thanksgiving I have:
Shopped Black Friday sales
Helped Danny's grandma make peppernuts
Done a separate Thanksgiving dinner with my family
Taken my mom out on the town (antiquing and lunch) for her birthday
Attended two middle school basketball games (really 2x3 since Na has to stay for all games)
Worked on the Friends of the Library cookbook
Took Danny out for his birthday (dinner and a movie)
Decorated for Christmas and prepared the house for our Bible fellowship
Hosted Bible fellowship and potluck for our local fellowship and one from Manhattan
Planned Naomi's birthday party (which happens tomorrow)
Shopped some more
All the regular daily business

Meanwhile, if I have the time to post, I'm either being interrupted or my thoughts are too scattered or I'm just plum wore out. I've written all but the last paragraph of about four posts but never made it to hitting publish. Musical Monday? The songs were chosen, quotes from the band's site included, and just a little bit of intro left to write. Hot water heater broken. Plumber and husband in and out through kitchen and past my desk. Never published. It's times like this that I typically do much better with "guest posting" in the comment sections of your blogs because the train of thought has already been started by someone else. I'm not even doing much of that lately, though. But the Christmas shopping is pretty much done, thanks to amazing.com.

Yeah, yeah. We're all busy this time of year. What's the point? The point is this: For the first December in long time, I don't feel stressed.

I only had one moment of slight stress and irritation when Naomi complained that I hadn't found a place for some of the ornaments and her nutcrackers--an hour before we expected people to show up for fellowship. Everything not already in place went back up to the attic, and Na was told that she could find a place for them later if she wanted. See how I'm learning to let things go and delegate responsibilities? Hands off. Not my problem. If she wants it done, she can do it.

Did you catch that thing about the water heater above? Yes, an unexpected expense at a bad time of year. Even though as water covered the basement floor and I wondered aloud if hot water heaters weren't supposed to last longer than four years, I didn't feel anxious or worried. As it turns out, hot water heaters are supposed to last six years, but while the warranty covers the equipment itself, it does not cover the labor to replace it. Oh well, good thing we didn't go for any of those deals on big screen TVs. Good thing I had most of the gift shopping done and none of it purchased with credit. (And, like, when has that ever happened?) Even if circumstances had been otherwise, what good would worrying have done? None. So why bother? Why tie myself in knots over it. That is what I think makes the difference between this year and others in the past.

December, in addition to being one of the busiest months, is also probably the most stressful month for most people. There are so many expectations put upon us, but more often I think we put them upon ourselves. We forget that we have choices. Do we have to spend time with that toxic family member, or, at least, do we have to allow them to get to us? Do we have to make homemade goodies for all of our family, friends, neighbors, and the kids' teachers? Do we have to buy gifts we can't afford? Does the house have to look like Martha Stewart lives there? What would happen if we said no to one of these things or even all of them? What would happen if we chose to put our best efforts into only whatever we can manage and do those few things cheerfully?

Well, I can't tell you for certain what would happen, but so far it's working for me. It's something I've known since I was a little girl and something I've tried to tell myself every year since I've had kids. This year I decided to listen.

There's so much more I'd like to say about this one subject. Maybe later. Maybe not. Whether I post again this month or not, I hope you have a happy and stress-free holiday season filled with all the things that matter most--the kind of things Santa can't bring in his sleigh but come from within you instead.

Wealth Untold - Book Gifts for Young Children

I love giving gifts. It may be even more fun than receiving them. That's funny considering how much I loathe shopping, but hand-picking a gift giving careful thought to the recipient's unique personality and preferences is one of my favorite things. When I can share something I love with someone I love in the process, that makes it all the more enjoyable. Is it any surprise then that books are some of my very favorite things to give?

Books will always be my first choice for baby gifts. One child only needs so many receiving blankets, onesies, and stuffed animals, but there can never be too many books. A young child needs the time and attention of his parents beyond feeding and diapering. He needs to be held and to hear the sound of their voices. It's never too early to start reading to a baby. Even before he can understand the words, he will appreciate the rhythm of the words, the ritual of being held and spoken to, and the knowledge that he is loved. When I give the gift of a book to a baby or young child, I like to include a copy of The Reading Mother for his parents.

The Reading Mother
I had a mother who read to me
Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea.
Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth;
"Blackbirds" stowed in the hold beneath.
I had a Mother who read me lays
Of ancient and gallant and golden days;
Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe,
Which every boy has a right to know.
I had a Mother who read me tales
Of Gelert the hound of the hills of Wales,
True to his trust till his tragic death,
Faithfulness lent with his final breath.
I had a Mother who read me the things
That wholesome life to the boy heart brings-
Stories that stir with an upward touch.
Oh, that each mother of boys were such!
You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be --
I had a Mother who read to me.
--Strickland Gillilan

For this post I'd like to list some of my favorite picture books for babies and young children. This is not a definitive list of favorites, it's just a few of the books I can remember off the top of my head.

Dakota Dugout - Ann Turner's simple prose paired with Ronald Himler's black and white illustrations tell the story of a pioneer family through the rough lean years to eventual prosperity and a fine house in town with "windows like the sun". I can't read the last line, "Sometimes the things we start with are best" without getting choked up. It's a beautiful, timeless story of struggle and triumph and closeness to the land.

Benjamin's Barn - Rhyming text and realistic paintings describe a boy's imaginative journey through his barn. My kids loved the rhyme and repetition as well as the beautiful illustrations in this book.

The Salamander Room - This story with its lovely, rich illustrations awakened Joshua's imagination to all sorts of possibilities when he was little. What kid (or adult) hasn't dreamed of having a secret, wild space like the one Brian dreams of making his bedroom into to accommodate the salamander he has found?

Climbing Kansas Mountains - This is a wonderful book for any child whether he lives in the wide open spaces of the prairie, among hills and trees, or in a bustling city because it challenges the reader to see his surroundings--no matter what they are--in a new way. Thomas B. Allen's wonderful illustrations are what really make this a book worth owning, though.

All the Places to Love - This is one of my absolute favorite picture books and another book I can't make it through without crying. It's a happy story of a family welcoming a new baby, but I am a sap and I can't help it. The story is as sweet as you can get and the illustrations are gorgeous. Our copy officially belongs to Naomi, but if she ever moves out and takes it with her, I will have to buy one for myself. I've considered buying a copy just so I can frame and hang some of the illustrations.

Bub or the Very Best Thing - This book (and possibly several others in the list) is out of print, but there are several used copies available. I just bought one to add to my nephew's collection.

My Flying Machine - This is another out of print book which can be found used on Amazon. This is one of the books that fueled my imagination when I was a little girl. I wrote about it here.

The Little Engine That Could - A childhood classic with a great lesson and wonderful repetition, plus it offers the opportunity to do all sorts of fun voices for each of the trains, the dolls and toys, and the funny little clown.

Nicholas Cricket - Also out of print but worth finding a used copy, this book has wonderful rhythm and illustrations. I wrote about it here.

Books by Margaret Wise Brown - People seem to either love or hate Goodnight Moon. I find it slightly creepy (not sure why) but the rhythm is hypnotic and just right for lulling a small child to sleep. However, my favorite Margaret Wise Brown books are Little Fur Family and Wait Till the Moon is Full, both illustrated by Garth Williams. The Sailor Dog, also illustrated by Garth Williams, is Caleb's favorite. Apparently he has fond memories of me singing--off key and to no particular tune--Skuppers' song. Children don't care if the voices aren't right or if you sing out of tune, they will just love that you tried.

Books by Virginia Lee Burton - Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, Katy and the Big Snow, and Maybelle the Cable Car are all favorites, but The Little House is another one that just gets to me. (Okay, I get choked up reading about Mike Mulligan and Mary Ann, too.) No one can make you love inanimate objects like machinery and houses more, except maybe Watty Piper with her Little Engine That Could. All four stories can be found in Mike Mulligan and More.

Books by Robert McCloskey - Make Way for Ducklings, Blueberries for Sal, One Morning in Maine, Time of Wonder, and more favorites can be found in Make Way for McCloskey.

You may notice that there aren't any board books listed. That's because I don't see the need to have many board books. It's nice for a baby or toddler to have a few books that he can carry around without damaging too badly, but at this stage I think it's more important for books to be something parents and children enjoy together. The power of a book is in the words, and, in the case of picture books, the artwork. Board books are typically short on both words and art and are designed to help a child keep himself amused rather than to be read with a parent.

This list could go on and on. I have a list I started compiling when Caleb was a baby. Other children's classics like Winnie the Pooh, The Tales of Beatrix Potter (love that cheeky Squirrel Nutkin!), and all the Dr. Seuss books are on it, along with some newer favorites. Someday maybe I'll get around to typing it all into the computer and posting it here. Hopefully this is a good start for some young child in your life.

On the First Day of Christmas...

...my true love gave to me
a banana hammock, jingle-y.

Okay, so the first day of Christmas is actually on Christmas, the twelve days of Christmas refers to the period between Christmas and Epiphany (don't ask what that is), and the carol has hidden religious symbolism. That's not going to stop me from using them as I like or completely distorting them. It ain't scripture and it's all in fun.

So, tossing all true meaning and correct lyrics aside, I thought I'd do a series of posts this month highlighting different gift possibilities. If you're like me, there's probably at least one hard to buy for person on your list, and I'm here to help. Some of my suggestions will be silly and some will be serious...if I actually follow through and continue this series. No promises. If you've been reading this blog for a while, you already know how easily distracted I am. (Hey, I'm off to a great start already since I intended to post this yesterday.)

With that little introduction, let's get back to today's featured item. Jo and I went shopping in the wee hours of Black Friday, and we found this item at our last stop, Burlington Coat Factory. Yes, I actually bought this. Though it wasn't on the list I knew as soon as I saw it that I had to buy it. It was 8:30 a.m. and we'd been awake for four hours. At first I thought the hilarity which ensued might have had something to do with lack of sleep. (I'm always a little giddy when I'm overly tired.) We laughed ourselves silly all the way to the front of the store and for the next 20 minutes in the check out line. Other customers and the cashier seemed to be mightily amused as well. Days later I'm still giggling over this purchase and all the possibilities it holds.

Now I know you're dying to know who I bought this for because it sure isn't for my husband. It just wouldn't have the proper affect on me. No, this is a gift exchange present. Every year instead of buying gifts for the whole huge clan, one side of the family does a Dirty Santa gift exchange. This drives me bonkers because I like to pick a gift with a specific person in mind, really giving thought to what that person might like most. It's the only tradition (and a newer one at that) with this side of the family that I don't much care for. To not participate would likely upset a few people, so I go along, but I like to have a little fun with it by purchasing one gag gift. The funny or tacky gift always includes something a recipient might actually like or there is a real gift waiting for once the laughter has died down.

So, this year the Dirty Santa has gotten a little dirtier. Jo was a little mortified at what might happen. What if Grandpa gets that elf thong? The cashier at Burlington had an answer for that. "You never know, maybe Grandpa knows how to get down." I'm just hoping my family won't be the only ones laughing. I think sometimes these things shock Danny's family coming from me, but I like to throw them off and remind them they don't have me completely figured out yet.

Now tell me readers, what would you pair with this gift? Remember, it can still be funny, but the rest of this gift has to be something someone would actually like and around $15. Jo asked me, "What if someone actually likes the elf thong part of the gift? Oh gawd...what if they wear it?" I told her I'm not going there. Apparently she already did. Ding ding ding! Bonus points for scarring my daughter with disturbing images of family members who might be tempted to try this on. It's the gift that just keeps giving. Well worth the $7 I paid, I'd say.

Musical Monday - Peppy Edition

Has everyone recovered from all the turkey and Black Friday shopping? No? Me either. Good thing the fabulous Kaytabug has agreed to step in with this Musical Monday guest post!

Musical Monday-Peppy Edition

I have a playlist called Feelin' Good. It contains peppy, upbeat, sing-along songs. The kind of songs that when you hear them you can't help but to bob your head and sing along! They perk me up. Lately, I am in need of the perk and the pep. My hubs work has lead him far, far away for a year. Happy, feel good songs are what seems to get me through each day.

I had a couple of songs from this one band, so I decided to look them up to see if they had anything else to offer. Talk about a pep and perk smorgasbord! I am in heaven!!!

Today I share my newfound peppy-perk with you. Hmmmmm. Maybe I need to rename my playlist!

Love Drunk- Boys Like Girls(embedding disabled) I would suggest just hitting play and then minimizing it anyway. I made it to 33 seconds and had to stop it. Sometimes videos ruin a song for me. This one has the potential.

Contagious-Boys Like Girls thankfully this video is nothing but their album cover!!

Real Thing-Boys Like Girls I know the last 1 and this one have a real 80s-esq sound. Probably why I like them so much!

On Top of the World-Boys Like Girls

In case you were wondering, the 2 songs I already had were Thunder and The Great Escape. Both worthy of checking out.

If Jenni asks for another M.M. guest post from me, I promise to give you more than one artist!

Hey, I'm game--as long as it isn't more Christmas music. Thanks for sharing your songs with us, Kaytabug!

Musical Monday - Stacy's Playlist, Part II

This Musical Monday is brought to you by Jo's bff, Stacy. Until recently her picture could be seen in the sidebar, but apparently it was just too confusing for people. Since Stacy's parents wouldn't agree to letting us adopt her, we're working on them for an arranged marriage with either one of our boys. Stacy is just that awesome. And if that deal doesn't go through, I'm still thinking of hiring her as my personal shopper and stylist.

I've included a few comments (because you know how hard it is for me not to comment) and hints (since my kids keep asking what to get me for Christmas) to go with Stacy's selections. I thought about just leaving Stacy's original comments in here, but YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE STACY! No, really. That girl is a little wild.

Twitter - Ingrid Michaelson

I got a kick out of this song, so I looked up more of Ingrid Michaelson's songs and found one, The Way I Am, which I'd heard before and several more I really liked as well. (Psst! Kids! Christmas hint. Mix CD. Ingrid Michaelson.)

Foxy Lady - The Cross

This one reminds me of polyester leisure suits and gold chains.

Flightless Bird, American Mouth - Iron and Wine

I have no idea what this song is about. There's a lot of guessing about it on the internet. Some of the theories sound good, but then maybe it isn't supposed to mean anything. Usually that would bother me, but the melody is so pretty I don't think I care. (Hint.)

Alive - Superchick

Nice energy. This could go on a workout CD. Hahahaha. Yeah, I don't work out.

Grace Kelly - Mika

Leaving out any speculation on where the artist is coming from with this song, I like the message as it could more broadly apply to anyone. Plus, it's got a great beat. It's also a bit of an earworm. I've been singing it for the last two or three days. And I love how he really does remind me of Freddie when he sings that line.

High of 75 - Relient K

I kinda like this one, too. It would go nice with some Bowling for Soup and All American Rejects.

So, to review, Stacy...

wants taquitos for Christmas. Your mother, on the other hand, would like some of these songs--and some others--nicely arranged by mood and/or style on CDs. Not just iTunes cards but someone to actually burn the CDs for her because you know it always takes her at least an hour to remember how to do that.

Oh, and thank you Stacy for sharing another playlist.