I haven't posted in several days. There has been a lot going on....
I spent Thursday afternoon with my family....I didn't get to spend much time with Dad because he was busy on the phone with his brothers and sisters making the arrangements. I just feel so bad for all of them....I know that it has been difficult for all of them..... :(
On Friday I went up to the station to spend the morning with my friends at the station....as a tradition....we always do that on Christmas Eve or the last "live" day before Christmas. It was fun. Definitely memorable...as always!!!! I always have a blast! It lifted my spirits!!! Friday was also our office holiday party & it went very well. We had a white elephant gift exchange and all gave donations to a person in need. I'm the "social coordinator" for our office meetings, etc. This was no exception....I love doing that stuff, though! It really cheered me up! We all wrote down our favorite holiday memories and I read them aloud. Then everyone guessed who's memory it was. Then, we also wrote down a reason why we love working for our organization. That was very inspiring and motivating! Reminscing with holiday memories was really fun, too!
Friday night - Anthony and I went downtown for me to finish shopping and I dropped him off at a friend's house to play Madden. Charlotte Russe was having a huge sale, so I got a pair of earrings, bracelet, a belt, pair of pants, a cami, and pair of pants for about $40!!!! Got some great gifts, too! Then, when I got home, Anthony and I decided to exchange gifts....he got me a pink sapphire and diamond necklace that I had been eyeing at the jewelry store...and a NEW BLENDER! YESSSSS!!!!! Mixed drinks, here I come!!!
Saturday - I got up and got ready. It was a long day! We went up to my grandmother's for dinner. We had a great visit! Then, we went to my mom and dad's for gift exchange. Anthony and I got some KILLER stuff! My brother is so awesome! He got us Sirius Satellite radio!!!! Mom and Dad got us some really cool stuff...I got some cookware, new gadgets, lots of great stuff for the kitchen! AND a retro piece of Blenko that I have been wanting. Anthony got a rare collector piece of Blenko (in opaline and cobalt --- his fave!) He also got an antique "road" sign that said Wrigley Field that mom and dad got him from an antique store. Gosh, we got so much stuff that I can't even name it. I felt bad because I didn't get a lot for my family, but they said that they enjoyed their gifts, so I guess that is all that matters..... Actually, all that matters to me is that my dad was happy....or seemed to be....he seemed to have had a good Christmas, despite all the other stuff going on.
Sunday - I got up at 8 AM. Started on the chocolate chip scones for breakfast. (Which turned out awesome BTW) Then, through the course of the day....homemade pasta sauce with italian sausage and beef, homemade lasagna, homemade italian sausage bread (I can't spell Minialotta???), self filled cupcakes, chocolate covered marshmallows, baked a pumpkin pie, manicotti, prepared the salad, thawed the shrimp ring, and Anthony's mom made some baked spaghetti....!!!! We ate about 4....a few people came over to share the holidays with us. There are a few others that are supposed to come by too but haven't showed yet.....I am so full that I feel like I am waddling like a penquin!!!! I've had two bowls of salad, a piece of lasagna, and some spaghetti....and a cupcake! Man, I definitely need to get my a** to the gym ASAP!
So, I have had a wonderful Christmas! I hope you have had a joyous holiday!
Continue to pray for my family during this difficult time....
Best wishes for the New Year!!!! Hey - speaking of New Year's...what are you guys doing to celebrate?
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Thursday, December 22, 2005
I could not imagine...
I could not imagine losing my dad. I don't want to think about it. But, since last night, that's all I can think about. I got a call from my mom last night that my granddad (my dad's father) passed away yesterday evening.
I am sad, but I know that Granddad is now back with Nana. Now he is not lonely. He will never be sick or lonely again. He will never struggle to remember someone's name...he will never forget a face...a place...or time...
Please pray for my family during this difficult time. I am worried about my dad. I love him so much and it hurts me to see him hurt.
I can not imagine losing my dad. I don't want to think about it....but since yesterday, that's all I can think about.......
I am sad, but I know that Granddad is now back with Nana. Now he is not lonely. He will never be sick or lonely again. He will never struggle to remember someone's name...he will never forget a face...a place...or time...
Please pray for my family during this difficult time. I am worried about my dad. I love him so much and it hurts me to see him hurt.
I can not imagine losing my dad. I don't want to think about it....but since yesterday, that's all I can think about.......
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
MMMM....CUPCAKES!!!!
I just finished up in the kitchen...third night in a row. I am seriously considering finding a sweets anonymous group...I really think I need help! HAHA
What I baked tonight was my aunt's self-filled cupcakes. MMMM with buttercream frosting.
They are yellow cake mix cupcakes with a chocolate chip cheesecake filling...with homemade chocolate buttercream frosting (recipe to follow).
Like I told Annette in an IM post a few moments ago....."I just made the best cupcakes. OMG! I haven't had them since I was a kid...they turned out SO good....I swear...I'm considering marrying it.... :)"
My aunt made these for my birthday parties. I remember them being good, but I didn't realize you could feel LIKE THAT from a cupcake! The only dessert that has made me feel that good (before now) has been the walnut hot fudge cake with ice cream, hot fudge, and whipped cream from Blossom Deli in Downtown Charleston....
So, try this recipe...It will amaze any baker...and any guest. (It's SO easy!)
Self-Filled Cupcakes
1 pkg yellow cake mix
1 8 oz package cream cheese
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 6 oz pkg chocolate chips (I use mini semi sweet)
Mix the cake mix according to pkg directions. Place paper cupcake liners in muffin tins. Fill liners 2/3 full with cake batter.
Cream togteher cream cheese and sugar. Beat in egg with a dash of salt. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop one rounded tsp of cheese filling into each cupcake (on top of batter). Bake according to pkg directions.
Makes 30. Frost with Buttercream Frosting.
Buttercream Frosting
1 stick butter or margarine (Can not use light or reduced fat...:( will separate/not blend properly
1 lb of confectionary sugar
2 or 3 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp cocoa
Mix together until well blended. may have to add an additional tsp of milk, but mix well first before adding any additional milk. Beat until completely smooth and creamy.
Ice cupcakes.
What I baked tonight was my aunt's self-filled cupcakes. MMMM with buttercream frosting.
They are yellow cake mix cupcakes with a chocolate chip cheesecake filling...with homemade chocolate buttercream frosting (recipe to follow).
Like I told Annette in an IM post a few moments ago....."I just made the best cupcakes. OMG! I haven't had them since I was a kid...they turned out SO good....I swear...I'm considering marrying it.... :)"
My aunt made these for my birthday parties. I remember them being good, but I didn't realize you could feel LIKE THAT from a cupcake! The only dessert that has made me feel that good (before now) has been the walnut hot fudge cake with ice cream, hot fudge, and whipped cream from Blossom Deli in Downtown Charleston....
So, try this recipe...It will amaze any baker...and any guest. (It's SO easy!)
Self-Filled Cupcakes
1 pkg yellow cake mix
1 8 oz package cream cheese
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 6 oz pkg chocolate chips (I use mini semi sweet)
Mix the cake mix according to pkg directions. Place paper cupcake liners in muffin tins. Fill liners 2/3 full with cake batter.
Cream togteher cream cheese and sugar. Beat in egg with a dash of salt. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop one rounded tsp of cheese filling into each cupcake (on top of batter). Bake according to pkg directions.
Makes 30. Frost with Buttercream Frosting.
Buttercream Frosting
1 stick butter or margarine (Can not use light or reduced fat...:( will separate/not blend properly
1 lb of confectionary sugar
2 or 3 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp cocoa
Mix together until well blended. may have to add an additional tsp of milk, but mix well first before adding any additional milk. Beat until completely smooth and creamy.
Ice cupcakes.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Some lovin' from the oven!
I just got finished decorating my second batch of Christmas cookies. I forgot to get food coloring at Kroger, so they were iced white but sprinkled with red and green sugar. They taste pretty good...not quite as good as my Aunt's, but it's a start.
I have provided the recipes for my aunt's shortbread and sugar cookies below. I hope you enjoy them.
YUMMY! You don't get much better than butter and sugar. Okay, so I will DEFINITELY have to join the gym after the holidays.... :)
Sugar Cookies (Refrigerator Cookie Recipe)
5 ½ cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 sticks butter
1 stick margarine
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla
Cream margarine and butter add sugar…beat until light and fluffy. Blend in eggs and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients and add to other mixture; mix well. (really stiff)
Chill overnight. Roll out; bake on ungreased sheet 6 to 8 minutes in 400 degree oven.
Cool and then frost.
Makes 100+ cookies (I divided this recipe in half to make about 50 cookies.)
Shortbread Cookies
½ lb (2 sticks) margarine
2 sticks butter
1 cup sugar
4-6 cups flour
Cream butter, margarine, and sugar. Gradually add flour (3 or 4 cups and then mix by hand – knead) shape into small balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten with a fork or cookie press. Bake at 325 for 20 minutes.
(I LOVE these cookies with a cup of hot tea.)
I have provided the recipes for my aunt's shortbread and sugar cookies below. I hope you enjoy them.
YUMMY! You don't get much better than butter and sugar. Okay, so I will DEFINITELY have to join the gym after the holidays.... :)
Sugar Cookies (Refrigerator Cookie Recipe)
5 ½ cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 sticks butter
1 stick margarine
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla
Cream margarine and butter add sugar…beat until light and fluffy. Blend in eggs and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients and add to other mixture; mix well. (really stiff)
Chill overnight. Roll out; bake on ungreased sheet 6 to 8 minutes in 400 degree oven.
Cool and then frost.
Makes 100+ cookies (I divided this recipe in half to make about 50 cookies.)
Shortbread Cookies
½ lb (2 sticks) margarine
2 sticks butter
1 cup sugar
4-6 cups flour
Cream butter, margarine, and sugar. Gradually add flour (3 or 4 cups and then mix by hand – knead) shape into small balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten with a fork or cookie press. Bake at 325 for 20 minutes.
(I LOVE these cookies with a cup of hot tea.)
Sunday, December 18, 2005
It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas....
After talking with my aunt today to get some of her FAMOUS recipes, I went to the store to stock up on baked goods. Unfortunately, the shelves were pretty bare and I wasn't able to buy the brands that I normally buy, but the cookies that I have made so far have turned out pretty tasty! The sugar cookie dough is in the fridge setting overnight and the shortbread cookies are in the oven. As I've posted several times in this blog, I love my aunt's shortbread and hot tea. So, after the first batch came out of the oven tonight, I had a cup of tea and a couple shortbreads. I will be posting the recipes later tonight in case you'd like to bake some up in your kitchen.
Anthony helped me roll out the shortbread cookies and he says that he will be helping me paint the cookies tomorrow night after they cool. I am excited that he and I are making our own traditions by carrying on some of mine from childhood.
It's beginning to feel, taste, and smell a lot like Christmas in the Wagner house. :)
Anthony helped me roll out the shortbread cookies and he says that he will be helping me paint the cookies tomorrow night after they cool. I am excited that he and I are making our own traditions by carrying on some of mine from childhood.
It's beginning to feel, taste, and smell a lot like Christmas in the Wagner house. :)
More blessings this holiday season....
I wish I would have had the chance before now to let you know what has happened since Friday morning.... So, without further delay, let me begin....
Friday - While working at my desk, I received a phone call from my mother. (I know this is getting confusing....So, since I know all of you pretty well and I use names of people in my life already on this blog, I will just start using first names....My mother is Helen and my (step)Mom is Drema.) Anyways... Helen called and asked if Anthony and I were coming up to Mamaw's for Christmas Eve. I told her that I thought we weren't doing it this year....since we hadn't done that celebration for the past two years b/c of weather (we had it a week or so early last year). Anyways, I was ecstatic when she gave me the news. She was confused because she thought all along that we were getting together for the feast of roast, potatoes, and the fixin's. I somehow assumed that we wouldn't get together (because of the scheduling changes of recent years). You can imagine my excitement when she called me back, after confirming with Mamaw that we were getting together (because I had her so confused)!!!
So, that was blessing #1.
Friday night - I began my shopping for the family that I am sponsoring. I was able to get so many nice things between the two days of shopping (Friday and Saturday). My mother in law had a great time picking out gifts and just enjoying each other's company. The crowds were completely unbearable either. A great trip with my mother in law and the experience of doing something for others made me feel good.
Saturday - I went shopping with Annette and had a blast. She is so much fun. And, man, that girl is smart. I have learned so much from her and I am excited to find out what else is in store!
We finished up our shopping before 4:00! Much sooner than I had expected! Also, while we were shopping, my mother (Helen) called and wanted to give me $20 towards the family sponsorship. I was so excited! That is a total of $345 that was contributed by my loved ones to help this family.... We were able to get a TON of clothes, including coats for all three kids for under $200! With shoes, clothes, toys, gift cards for groceries and necessities for the mom, all in all, it was under $400!!! I just hope they like everything! Blessing #3 - Great day with a friend and doing something for someone else....AWESOME!!! (Plus, adding shopping into the mix just makes it even better!)
Then, after shopping, I spoke with mom (Drema) and she and Dad were in St. Albans shopping at KMART (for my brothers reading this...I'm not tellin' what they bought!!! You'll just have to wait! HAHA) They were getting ready to go to dinner...I was still stuffed from lunch with Annette, but I went for the visit. We had a blast. I really needed some quality time with the folks. Being with my mom and dad always lifts my spirits. Blessing #4 - QT with the folks!
So, after a weekend full of blessings (including my mother in law making homemade biscuits for breakfast YUM), I am ready for the holidays. Heck, I might even put the Christmas tree up today. After all, The Grinch even got into the holiday spirit at the end.....
May your holiday season be as blessed as mine has been.
I am so thankful for all of the blessings in my life...but most of all, I am thankful for my family. Whether times are tough or great, they are always there. Thanks! :)
Friday - While working at my desk, I received a phone call from my mother. (I know this is getting confusing....So, since I know all of you pretty well and I use names of people in my life already on this blog, I will just start using first names....My mother is Helen and my (step)Mom is Drema.) Anyways... Helen called and asked if Anthony and I were coming up to Mamaw's for Christmas Eve. I told her that I thought we weren't doing it this year....since we hadn't done that celebration for the past two years b/c of weather (we had it a week or so early last year). Anyways, I was ecstatic when she gave me the news. She was confused because she thought all along that we were getting together for the feast of roast, potatoes, and the fixin's. I somehow assumed that we wouldn't get together (because of the scheduling changes of recent years). You can imagine my excitement when she called me back, after confirming with Mamaw that we were getting together (because I had her so confused)!!!
So, that was blessing #1.
Friday night - I began my shopping for the family that I am sponsoring. I was able to get so many nice things between the two days of shopping (Friday and Saturday). My mother in law had a great time picking out gifts and just enjoying each other's company. The crowds were completely unbearable either. A great trip with my mother in law and the experience of doing something for others made me feel good.
Saturday - I went shopping with Annette and had a blast. She is so much fun. And, man, that girl is smart. I have learned so much from her and I am excited to find out what else is in store!
We finished up our shopping before 4:00! Much sooner than I had expected! Also, while we were shopping, my mother (Helen) called and wanted to give me $20 towards the family sponsorship. I was so excited! That is a total of $345 that was contributed by my loved ones to help this family.... We were able to get a TON of clothes, including coats for all three kids for under $200! With shoes, clothes, toys, gift cards for groceries and necessities for the mom, all in all, it was under $400!!! I just hope they like everything! Blessing #3 - Great day with a friend and doing something for someone else....AWESOME!!! (Plus, adding shopping into the mix just makes it even better!)
Then, after shopping, I spoke with mom (Drema) and she and Dad were in St. Albans shopping at KMART (for my brothers reading this...I'm not tellin' what they bought!!! You'll just have to wait! HAHA) They were getting ready to go to dinner...I was still stuffed from lunch with Annette, but I went for the visit. We had a blast. I really needed some quality time with the folks. Being with my mom and dad always lifts my spirits. Blessing #4 - QT with the folks!
So, after a weekend full of blessings (including my mother in law making homemade biscuits for breakfast YUM), I am ready for the holidays. Heck, I might even put the Christmas tree up today. After all, The Grinch even got into the holiday spirit at the end.....
May your holiday season be as blessed as mine has been.
I am so thankful for all of the blessings in my life...but most of all, I am thankful for my family. Whether times are tough or great, they are always there. Thanks! :)
Friday, December 16, 2005
Very busy weekend....
It's Friday...Finally!!! But....there's a catch! I have a very busy weekend ahead of me! I'll have to come back to work to get some rest! (HAHA)
Tonight, it's off to do some shopping with my mother-in-law. She needs to finish up her shopping and I will be going along for the ride (or the drive....since I will be driving). The only down side is that we have to go out Corridor G to get the things that she wants/needs. That place is pure craziness on the weekends...especially during the holiday season! So, that should be interesting!
Saturday is a big day! Shopping all day (since I only have a few gifts checked off on my list). My friend, Annette, and I will be headed out to Barboursville to hit the stores hard and heavy! I have a million things to do and not much time to do it! Only 9 days until Christmas! Well, 8 considering we exchange gifts on Christmas Eve. I haven't even finished making a Christmas List....OH NO!
Sunday, I will either be going up to my mom and dad's to visit or meeting my brothers for a movie in town. Either way, it will be a good day! :)
Anthony and I decided last night that we will start our own tradition this year and do our own Christmas dinner. Normally, we go to my parents' house for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This year, I'm going to create our own Christmas feast. I have cooked a turkey and the fixin's with my mom's help one time. I think I can do it, but I will definitely have my mom on speed dial! I hope that she will speak to me after I tell her that I won't be up to celebrate on both days. The past few years haven't felt like the Christmas celebrations of my youth....I miss the old traditions...and going back to those aren't possible, so I guess we'll start new ones. So, hopefully this will help with my lack of holiday cheer. :(
(Yes, I know....chastise me if you will...I still don't have my tree up at my house...other interior decorations are up, but no tree....maybe if I get inspired this weekend, I'll put it up. mmmm probably not.....)
Tonight, it's off to do some shopping with my mother-in-law. She needs to finish up her shopping and I will be going along for the ride (or the drive....since I will be driving). The only down side is that we have to go out Corridor G to get the things that she wants/needs. That place is pure craziness on the weekends...especially during the holiday season! So, that should be interesting!
Saturday is a big day! Shopping all day (since I only have a few gifts checked off on my list). My friend, Annette, and I will be headed out to Barboursville to hit the stores hard and heavy! I have a million things to do and not much time to do it! Only 9 days until Christmas! Well, 8 considering we exchange gifts on Christmas Eve. I haven't even finished making a Christmas List....OH NO!
Sunday, I will either be going up to my mom and dad's to visit or meeting my brothers for a movie in town. Either way, it will be a good day! :)
Anthony and I decided last night that we will start our own tradition this year and do our own Christmas dinner. Normally, we go to my parents' house for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This year, I'm going to create our own Christmas feast. I have cooked a turkey and the fixin's with my mom's help one time. I think I can do it, but I will definitely have my mom on speed dial! I hope that she will speak to me after I tell her that I won't be up to celebrate on both days. The past few years haven't felt like the Christmas celebrations of my youth....I miss the old traditions...and going back to those aren't possible, so I guess we'll start new ones. So, hopefully this will help with my lack of holiday cheer. :(
(Yes, I know....chastise me if you will...I still don't have my tree up at my house...other interior decorations are up, but no tree....maybe if I get inspired this weekend, I'll put it up. mmmm probably not.....)
Monday, December 12, 2005
My wish was granted...My prayer was answered...
In my recent post, I wished (and prayed) for something special to do this year....something different...something to help someone else. A friend of mine who I hadn't talked to in a month or so was telling me about how her organization still had some families that needed a "secret santa" sponsorship for the holidays. She was worried because it was so close to the holidays. I felt like it was a message. I mean, you can't get more obvious than that! Someone to come right out and say it....
So, that is my blessing for today. I've found something to bring back the spirit of Christmas in my life. I will spend my money on something important...someone else instead of another "thing" to collect dust in my house.
Friends are going to help me sponsor the family...I already have people telling me that they will help.
I am so blessed for what I have been given...now it is my turn to give to someone else.
Pray for all of those families in need this holiday season...and all year 'round.
Jen :)
So, that is my blessing for today. I've found something to bring back the spirit of Christmas in my life. I will spend my money on something important...someone else instead of another "thing" to collect dust in my house.
Friends are going to help me sponsor the family...I already have people telling me that they will help.
I am so blessed for what I have been given...now it is my turn to give to someone else.
Pray for all of those families in need this holiday season...and all year 'round.
Jen :)
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Holiday Season....Cheers and Tears....
I have been thinking about this post for some time now. I guess with the holiday celebrations around the corner, I have been thinking about the celebrations of Christmas past. Baking cookies and decorating them all by hand...the cookie as our canvas and icing as our paint. Painting them with a brush and decorating with sprinkles. My aunt and I baked many goodies during the holiday season....coconut bonbons, sugar cookies, peanut butter balls, peppermint patties, bourbon balls, banana bread...the list goes on and on. (She did most of it, I was just a 'helper'. She is amazing in the kitchen!)
Listening to carols while making crafts for the church bazaar....My favorite 'carolers' are Brenda Lee, Burl Ives (who I believed was the "real" Santa Claus...well, he did look like it!), and many of the other classics. Every time I hear "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree", I think of those wonderful times with my Aunt.
On Christmas Eve, we would go up to the Church and hear the story of Jesus' birth. Father Roy would read the story. Even when I was older, I always enjoyed hearing Roy Gene tell the story. Then, we would go down to the parish hall and sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and eat birthday cake that my aunt made. Then, we would go home and Mamaw and Aunt Jordan would prepare a feast for the family....open faced roast beef sandwiches with mashed potatoes and gravy...veggies...and all the fixin's. Then, we always had coconut cake (that Aunt Jordan made...what can I say? the women in my family can COOK!!!). My Uncle Joe always had cake with fruit salad instead...he doesn't like coconut. He washed it down with a glass of milk with ICE!!! (He is the only person in the world that I know that drinks milk with ICE in it!!!)
Then, the table was cleared and the dishes were cleaned. As a kid, I remember that this seemed to take an ETERNITY!!! Gifts could not be opened until AFTER the dishes were done. I usually bounced around the living room in excitement and anticipation. (My heart races just thinking about it.)
So, finally, my aunt would bring the gifts up to the living room from the downstairs. (They had to keep my presents hidden...I was a shaker and "present detective"...always wanting to know what I got before I opened it!) Then, I would open gift after gift.....I was really spoiled...errrr ummm blessed...Yeah, that's it....blessed. Looking back on it I really feel guilty. Granted, there were kids that got more than I did, but I still got much more than I needed. Maybe I shouldn't feel so guilty...my family did it because they loved me...and they wanted to spoil me....but I can't help feeling like I was a spoiled little brat. (That's because, many times, I was.... I got gifts on Christmas Eve from my family, a HUGE stocking on Christmas morning, and then I still got gifts from my mom and dad, too! (There were a lot of traditions...going to Nana and Granddad's, Christmas Eve at Mamaw and Papaw's, Christmas Mornings at Mom (step) and Dad's. Things changed as lives changed... Too confusing to go into all of it. It confuses me and I lived it!)
This was supposed to be cheerful and here I am being gloomy.....I just can't get over the thought that there are so many people out there that are not as blessed as I am. I have a wonderful home, a great family, a rewarding job, and I have a lot going for me. So, I hope that this season I will do more to help those in need. I have already given my annual gift to the March of Dimes, and we are collecting money at work for a person in need, and I have dropped money into the red bucket every time I see a bellringer. But, it still feels like I am not doing enough. I saw a segment on GMA this morning about Target and the Salvation Army teaming up to get items to families in need, many of the families were victims of Katrina. One child asked for a lantern....another asking for pajamas. A LANTERN and PJ's??? That's what they want? Not asking for Ralph Lauren PJ's or something outrageous or pricey or trendy. Just everyday things. It breaks my heart. I will try to stop crying long enough to log on and buy a few things today. (Marketing side note: GMA - You know what 'heart tugging' segments are all about. It worked!)
One step further is that I think of the people who do not have their families for the holidays...our soldiers overseas and their families....the victims of Katrina....people who have lost loved ones from a variety of causes. I have lost some members of my family, my nana (paternal grandmother) and Papaw (maternal grandfather), but I am blessed to have many of my family members still around to celebrate the holidays.
Many of my friends have had family and friends pass throughout year. Holidays are always difficult after a loved one's passing When people pass, the holidays don't feel the same....celebrations are changed...traditions are transformed into something new and strange... The traditional routine of the holidays change...and so do the emotions that are felt during the season.
I am going to spend as much time as I can with my family this holiday season and througout the year. Because, as I am reminded often, people that are here today, may not be tomorrow. So, spend as much time as you can with them. Enjoy them and celebrate them.
Not only is this holiday season a joyous time, but it can also be stressful, depressing, and akward. So, in your prayers, please remember those who are celebrating their holiday in a different way...that they will find comfort in the memories of holidays past, and find renewal in new traditions and in the new year...that there are good things to come...and that the people who are not with them physically are there spiritually.
My prayers are with everyone this holiday season. That your celebrations will be that....a celebration...of life, joy, and togetherness.
Listening to carols while making crafts for the church bazaar....My favorite 'carolers' are Brenda Lee, Burl Ives (who I believed was the "real" Santa Claus...well, he did look like it!), and many of the other classics. Every time I hear "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree", I think of those wonderful times with my Aunt.
On Christmas Eve, we would go up to the Church and hear the story of Jesus' birth. Father Roy would read the story. Even when I was older, I always enjoyed hearing Roy Gene tell the story. Then, we would go down to the parish hall and sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and eat birthday cake that my aunt made. Then, we would go home and Mamaw and Aunt Jordan would prepare a feast for the family....open faced roast beef sandwiches with mashed potatoes and gravy...veggies...and all the fixin's. Then, we always had coconut cake (that Aunt Jordan made...what can I say? the women in my family can COOK!!!). My Uncle Joe always had cake with fruit salad instead...he doesn't like coconut. He washed it down with a glass of milk with ICE!!! (He is the only person in the world that I know that drinks milk with ICE in it!!!)
Then, the table was cleared and the dishes were cleaned. As a kid, I remember that this seemed to take an ETERNITY!!! Gifts could not be opened until AFTER the dishes were done. I usually bounced around the living room in excitement and anticipation. (My heart races just thinking about it.)
So, finally, my aunt would bring the gifts up to the living room from the downstairs. (They had to keep my presents hidden...I was a shaker and "present detective"...always wanting to know what I got before I opened it!) Then, I would open gift after gift.....I was really spoiled...errrr ummm blessed...Yeah, that's it....blessed. Looking back on it I really feel guilty. Granted, there were kids that got more than I did, but I still got much more than I needed. Maybe I shouldn't feel so guilty...my family did it because they loved me...and they wanted to spoil me....but I can't help feeling like I was a spoiled little brat. (That's because, many times, I was.... I got gifts on Christmas Eve from my family, a HUGE stocking on Christmas morning, and then I still got gifts from my mom and dad, too! (There were a lot of traditions...going to Nana and Granddad's, Christmas Eve at Mamaw and Papaw's, Christmas Mornings at Mom (step) and Dad's. Things changed as lives changed... Too confusing to go into all of it. It confuses me and I lived it!)
This was supposed to be cheerful and here I am being gloomy.....I just can't get over the thought that there are so many people out there that are not as blessed as I am. I have a wonderful home, a great family, a rewarding job, and I have a lot going for me. So, I hope that this season I will do more to help those in need. I have already given my annual gift to the March of Dimes, and we are collecting money at work for a person in need, and I have dropped money into the red bucket every time I see a bellringer. But, it still feels like I am not doing enough. I saw a segment on GMA this morning about Target and the Salvation Army teaming up to get items to families in need, many of the families were victims of Katrina. One child asked for a lantern....another asking for pajamas. A LANTERN and PJ's??? That's what they want? Not asking for Ralph Lauren PJ's or something outrageous or pricey or trendy. Just everyday things. It breaks my heart. I will try to stop crying long enough to log on and buy a few things today. (Marketing side note: GMA - You know what 'heart tugging' segments are all about. It worked!)
One step further is that I think of the people who do not have their families for the holidays...our soldiers overseas and their families....the victims of Katrina....people who have lost loved ones from a variety of causes. I have lost some members of my family, my nana (paternal grandmother) and Papaw (maternal grandfather), but I am blessed to have many of my family members still around to celebrate the holidays.
Many of my friends have had family and friends pass throughout year. Holidays are always difficult after a loved one's passing When people pass, the holidays don't feel the same....celebrations are changed...traditions are transformed into something new and strange... The traditional routine of the holidays change...and so do the emotions that are felt during the season.
I am going to spend as much time as I can with my family this holiday season and througout the year. Because, as I am reminded often, people that are here today, may not be tomorrow. So, spend as much time as you can with them. Enjoy them and celebrate them.
Not only is this holiday season a joyous time, but it can also be stressful, depressing, and akward. So, in your prayers, please remember those who are celebrating their holiday in a different way...that they will find comfort in the memories of holidays past, and find renewal in new traditions and in the new year...that there are good things to come...and that the people who are not with them physically are there spiritually.
My prayers are with everyone this holiday season. That your celebrations will be that....a celebration...of life, joy, and togetherness.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
UPDATE....
Okay, so I know that I haven't posted in days.... I apologize. It's been pretty busy.
So, I have decided that even if it is a short post, I am going to post something every day. (Hopefully, I will stick to it. HAHA)
So, I have a few posts that I will be putting up over the next day or so. Lots of things have been going on, I just haven't had time to post them!!! HAHA
Okay, so here is goes......
So, I have decided that even if it is a short post, I am going to post something every day. (Hopefully, I will stick to it. HAHA)
So, I have a few posts that I will be putting up over the next day or so. Lots of things have been going on, I just haven't had time to post them!!! HAHA
Okay, so here is goes......
Dancing the night away....In a new way! :)
A friend and I went to a FOOTMAD (Friends of Old Time Music and Dance) event last Friday night. A ContraDance!!!!! My friend and I were a little hesitant to go because of the "fear of the unknown". We checked out FOOTMAD's website and the description made the event sound fun...so we put on our jeans and tennis shoes after work and headed downtown for an evening of dancing!!!
We walked in slowly. We acted very shy (ok we felt it...which is shocking, I know...I am never shy)
After talking to a few folks for about five minutes, I saw a friend and her husband! I was so glad to know someone there! She and her husband gave us a little "crash" course for a few minutes before we got started. It was a small group to start, but by 8:30, it was a full house! Probably 40 people (if not more) had come out to join in the fun!!!
Contra is similar to square dancing....a mix of the dancing that you would see in medival times and square dancing...if you can make that comparison! HA (That is my comparison. For more info about ContraDancing, click here.)
There was a live band (three young and VERY TALENTED musicians from Northern WV) and a dance caller. It was definitely an experience that I want to continue.
So, the main thing to keep in mind....I am VERY out of shape...haven't been to the gym in months...haven't worked out at all for months.... By the end of the first dance, I was sweating and very winded. I thought...."Man, I need to get my butt to the gym!!! I'll have to get in shape to even do this!" HAHA
I think that some of the people I danced with felt bad for me, being winded and a beginner, so they went easy on me. However, there were a few that were outstanding dancers and they didn't cut me any slack. One older gentleman (about 60 or so) and I were doing a "swing" (a spin) and I felt like he had put me into a clothes dryer!!!! You definitely have to keep eye contact or you get very dizzy....although with this guy, it didn't help. I'm just glad that I didn't hurl! HAHA
Everyone gave me tips and advice on how to improve my technique, but everyone is there to have fun....and if you mess up, they don't take you out to the parking lot to beat you or anything. It is really all about fun.
So, I must say that I tried something new last Friday and it was a success!!!
Friday night was a living experience. Thankfully, even though I was winded, I was still able to feel the extreme sense of happiness and livliness that was flowing through the room. Every person in that room had a smile on their face. Friday evening was almost a spirital experience. It felt so good down in my soul to be dancing again...and with wonderful people. I was able to dance and work up a sweat without worrying about the people who had too many drinks or people getting the wrong idea. I have found a place to dance....and not in a BAR!!!
Dancing has always been fun for me and it has always uplifted me. A dance held in a church (an Episcopalian church, which made it feel even more comforting) with great people and awesome music. How can you beat that????
ContraDances are taking place all over the country. Click here to find out more about ContraDancing.
We walked in slowly. We acted very shy (ok we felt it...which is shocking, I know...I am never shy)
After talking to a few folks for about five minutes, I saw a friend and her husband! I was so glad to know someone there! She and her husband gave us a little "crash" course for a few minutes before we got started. It was a small group to start, but by 8:30, it was a full house! Probably 40 people (if not more) had come out to join in the fun!!!
Contra is similar to square dancing....a mix of the dancing that you would see in medival times and square dancing...if you can make that comparison! HA (That is my comparison. For more info about ContraDancing, click here.)
There was a live band (three young and VERY TALENTED musicians from Northern WV) and a dance caller. It was definitely an experience that I want to continue.
So, the main thing to keep in mind....I am VERY out of shape...haven't been to the gym in months...haven't worked out at all for months.... By the end of the first dance, I was sweating and very winded. I thought...."Man, I need to get my butt to the gym!!! I'll have to get in shape to even do this!" HAHA
I think that some of the people I danced with felt bad for me, being winded and a beginner, so they went easy on me. However, there were a few that were outstanding dancers and they didn't cut me any slack. One older gentleman (about 60 or so) and I were doing a "swing" (a spin) and I felt like he had put me into a clothes dryer!!!! You definitely have to keep eye contact or you get very dizzy....although with this guy, it didn't help. I'm just glad that I didn't hurl! HAHA
Everyone gave me tips and advice on how to improve my technique, but everyone is there to have fun....and if you mess up, they don't take you out to the parking lot to beat you or anything. It is really all about fun.
So, I must say that I tried something new last Friday and it was a success!!!
Friday night was a living experience. Thankfully, even though I was winded, I was still able to feel the extreme sense of happiness and livliness that was flowing through the room. Every person in that room had a smile on their face. Friday evening was almost a spirital experience. It felt so good down in my soul to be dancing again...and with wonderful people. I was able to dance and work up a sweat without worrying about the people who had too many drinks or people getting the wrong idea. I have found a place to dance....and not in a BAR!!!
Dancing has always been fun for me and it has always uplifted me. A dance held in a church (an Episcopalian church, which made it feel even more comforting) with great people and awesome music. How can you beat that????
ContraDances are taking place all over the country. Click here to find out more about ContraDancing.
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