So, this isn't originally a new year's wish. It is in fact, a birthday wish from young maid Becky to the sadly misplaced Sara in Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess.*
However, I've decided that this will be my 2011 greeting for you all. May you have many more years to greet. May they always begin with love, joy and faith. May they be filled to overflowing with every good and perfect gift. May all of your steps be ordered by God. May you be blessed beyond measure in every facet of your life.
Many Happy Returns!
*PS-If you've never read A Little Princess, I recommend you run out and buy, borrow or download a copy ASAP. It's a beautiful work.
...and they were about to go over the side of the mountain, what would be in your box?" With a huge sigh, 5 year old Moomala answered, "Clothes." Her 8 year old sister agreed, "Yeah, probably clothes."
The 9 year old of the group was certain that the answer was "video games." His preteen sister went with "a book." (That's my kind of Christmas present!)
So began last Friday evening, a night filled with laughter and silliness. Watching the old school version of the Dr. Suess classic and eating a pre-light viewing roasted marshmallow, Becky, Moo, Boo, J.Eg, C.Eg and I were soon joined by Ashley and her clan.
Piling into the cars we made our way throught brightly lit neighborhoods to the local Festival of Lights.
Our rules for the evening:
~ If you're the first to see a decorated yard or house, yell out the code word* so that we can all look.
~Be on the look out for your favorite light display so that it can be properly recognized.
Simple enough and oh, so fun!
Amid much singing**, yelling of the code word and teasing about mistletoe, we made our way through the lights. Parking under the "Star of Bethlehem" we got out to wander through "winterland" and to see the wonders of the park lit for Christmas. It was on our way back to the car (thank goodness we had the star to guide us!) that we discovered the light show. Set to TransSiberian Orchestra's version of "Carol of the Bells," a beautiful display kept us enraptured. With near unanimous agreement, we gave a formal presentation to the light show as our favorite display. The one dissenter gave her vote to the Peacock, a worthy light display.
Returning to la casa de la noche, we indulged in s'mores, hot chocolate, fuzzy socks, Polar Express and attempted bribery (of the cat that is). Could this be a new tradtion? We'll find out next year!
Ashley's video of the light show was interrupted by voices in the background, so this isn't the one that wond the award. Still in all, a beautiful song and a beautiful light show. Enjoy!
* I'm not going to share the code word with the world. But if you happen to guess it, I'll tell you if you're right.
** Who knew that 4 kids under the age of 12 could out do 2 grown women when it came to singing Christmas Carols? They knew all of the verses to the 12 Days of Christmas and could sing them fast. Becky and I kept joining in around 8 maids a milking...
Last night I rested better than I have in a while. I know that this is a blessing from the Lord. Psalm 4:8 says "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, makemedwell in safety."
Indeed what could be better than a rest that is blessed by God? How about a rest that is interrupted by the angels of the Lord? God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen tells the story of that moment. When shepherds were the recipients of God's glad tidings. God Rest Ye or in other words, don't be afraid, be at peace!
Here it is. A BHC (Beloved Holiday Classic) sung by a great gentlemen, Nat King Cole...
Please don't put the crushed up peppermints in my milkshake anymore. As much as I love peppermint and chocolate together, I have a great dislike for things that stick to my teeth.
