The Happy Homemaker: December 2006

You know how some brides worry themselves (and everyone else) sick over what could go wrong at the wedding? Some are known to break down in tears if it doesn't all go as planned. Well, get a grip.

Welcome to our Christmas Review in Pictures!
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Santa told the story of Jesus to the children.
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Although Jean Pierre went to Iowa for Christmas, we did have an early Christmas with him at our house!
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Christmas Wonderland!
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Jean Pierre spent hours at the piano playing Christmas carols for us.
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There was a Jedi battle. I'm not sure where Jedis shop these days, but I recommend you don't go there.

Labels: Colin, Spencer

I set the table for Christmas diinner, but we ended up eating chili in the living room.
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Santa was generous.
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Spencer took decorating to a new level.
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Going on a tip from Charles, we went out to see this tree last night just west of 19th and May. It is even more fantastic in person and the host house is fully decked out as well. (You can see it in the background here, but it is absolutely brilliant in person).

Way More Than Ten....But Here's Ten:

Ten Things I Love About America
(in no particular order):

1. Jazz. Especially New Orleans Style. Especially jazz trombone.

2. Wide Open Spaces.

3. Freedom to worship God.

4. Voting.

5. Capitalism.

6. Cookouts with hot dogs and hamburgers and Coca Cola. And flags.

7. I love a parade.

8. National parks.

9. The beaches.

10. The Rocky Mountains.

from Charles

Labels: memes

4.0.
FOUR POINT OH!!!
4 point 0.
I'm so proud! Way to go Jean Pierre!
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Today we went skating downtown at the Braum's rink. All but one of these people had never skated before and they put on quite a show!
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Labels: Oklahoma City

Spencer and Grant really did well!
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Welcome to the Happy Homemaker's Holiday Home Tour! Thank you to BooMama for arranging this fun event. If you haven't been reading BooMama, you're life is just not as fun as it could be.

Let's start with the Santa in the driveway:

Welcome!

Here is a little photo of last year's tree. Of course, it looked much more colorful in person.

Sometimes we decorate the tree completely in snowflakes. Here's that. If I can get someone to come over and take a digital photo of this year's snowflake tree, I believe you would find it even more impressive.

One of our yearly traditions is a "gingerbread" house decorating "contest." Everyone wins, we just all win different categories. For instance, Spencer's is usually Most Delicious since he eats more than he decorates. James often wins Most Unusual or Most Bizarre. In the lower photo, you can see the winner for Most Alphabetical. I say everyone wins...but look at this kitchen!

Another yearly tradition is decorating a tree in the woods for the wildlife. Our outing is based on the book Night Tree. Here are the boys preparing the treats.

Here is a Christmas dinner from 2001. We usually have friends join us for dinner. Look at little Spencer over there in his high chair.

Merry Christmas, y'all!

James is SO excited about Christmas!

I know. I know. This is pitiful. I'll be back soon. I'm done with my Christmas shopping! Woo Hoo!

Why not stop over at Swapatorium and check out the edible Christmas tree creation straight from the 60s!

That's about right.
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Joy
I subscribe to a weekly "inspiration" from some friends of a friend (Cafe Sophia) and particularly liked this week's:

Luke 2:10&14 "I bring you good news of great joy for all people ... peace to all people of good will."

In this season that inspires joy, giving, and good will, I wanted to write this simple Christmas java for your consideration. I hope you will take some time to interact with the following questions. Think about them, find some real answers, and engage your mind.

If you could receive only one gift for Christmas what would you want?
(You can't use "peace on earth".)

Consider 3 top gifts you could give that would cost you time and creativity rather than money?

If you could invite 5 people to a Christmas celebration, who would they be and what would you do at that get-together? (These should be people you actually know who are still living.)

If you could do one thing to make a simple, meaningful difference in someone else's life (not a family member) what would it be? Who would be the recipient of that action?

Though the giving of gifts has become a part of our Christmas traditions, remind yourself (that's important) ... remind yourself that true giving goes way beyond things you buy at a store. Don't get lost in the hustle and bustle. This year do something that will make your Christmas truly special: give yourself away. Get together with people you love, give a few gifts that cost you time rather than money, and do at least one simple act of kindness that will open a door of hope, goodwill, and joy in someone else's life. (Please let us know what you actually do.) You may not get the gift on the top of your wish list. You may not know what to buy your wife, children, sister, or friend, but it really doesn't matter. This is Christmas. Don't stress; be of good cheer! Use these few weeks to enjoy the concept of goodwill and give a smile, a card, a kind word, or an act of compassion; then imagine how much better your life would be if you continued to give great gifts of good will the other weeks of the year.