Remember December: M is for More Snow

the back pond is frozen and surrounded by snow

It started snowing here today about 9:30 a.m. The more excited my students became with the big flakes falling, the more apprehensive I was about driving home. The weather people are predicting up to a foot of snow in the next twenty-four hours in my area, then temperatures will be dipping below 10 degrees. Shelby decided to assist me with the camera tour.

We found the oil lamp, propane lamp, more candles, and flashlights. JEJ hauled in more wood and shoveled the roof of the portable garage. Living in a rural area prepares you to always have enough food to feed a family of eight for a month! Alas, I think we are set for what might come. Now we can just grab a book, a warm drink and sit in front of the fire.As always the snow does bring a beauty along with the travel restrictions and power problems. I grabbed my camera before it got too dark today to catch images of the first part of this snowstorm. Be careful out there in the Inland Empire! Stay home and keep dry, warm, and safe.Annie and Shelby didn't last long outside when they knew that warm fire was right inside!

Remember December: L is for List as in Grown- Up Christmas List

We all remember the Christmas lists we would write out for Santa when we were younger listing a baby doll, a tea set, or as we got older a Nancy Drew mystery or go-go boots. Just today in class I had a student ask to write a letter to Santa from the point of view of a "naughty little boy". It was very clever. One song that I have loved since it was first recorded in the early '90's is Grown- Up Christmas List. Often this time of year we reflect on our own wishes for the world such as feeding the hungry, providing clothing for a family, or praying for world peace. The chorus of this Christmas song stays with me all year and how I wish the list would come true!

"No more lives torn apart,
That wars would never start,
And time would heal all hearts.
And everyone would have a friend,
And right would always win,
And love would never end.
This is my grown-up Christmas list."

Such a lovely list. David Foster composed this song and made a recording with Natalie Cole helping with vocals on a non-Christmas album. Amy Grant made it more popular on her Christmas album, but it has been recorded by others such as Kelly Clarkston, Michael Buble, and Monica. I chose the simple David Foster/ Natalie Cole recording for this post .What would be on your grown-up Christmas list?

Remember December: K is for Kit as a Kitten

Last year we loved every minute we spent watching Kit in the snow, Kit birdwatching, Kit relaxing over the holidays and just about everything else Kit did. We still love watching everything Kit does, but we snapped more photos when he was a kitten. Kit does keep waiting for all those fun decorations to come out. I think he remembers how fun it was to knock glass ornaments off the tree to see if they would break. He also loved the tub full of ribbon and bows. Soon decorating will ramp up around this house and Kit will revert back to his kitten habits!

Remember December: J is for James Taylor

Many of you know that James Taylor is one of my favorite singers. I was so excited a few years ago when the Hallmark holiday music album for the season featured JT. He went on to re-release this album as "James Taylor A Christmas Album "with additional songs. With Dave Grusin producing and arranging the album you can also enjoy him on piano along with Chris Botti playing trumpet on "Winter Wonderland" and Natalie Cole joining James in a duet with "Baby, It's Cold Outside".

" Christmas holiday music is a rich and varied bag. It's true. These particular songs have lived in my head ( I guess it's my head) lo these many years. I'm lucky and happy to have the chance to put them down. And what a delight it's been to work ( play, really) with Mr. Grusin. " James Taylor

I knew James Taylor would be suited for a Christmas collection because on an earlier album "October Road" his last track was "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." I loved his version of one of my favorite Christmas songs. When James Taylor re-released his Christmas album this is one of the songs he added. Listen to the timeless James Taylor sing this timeless classic. Enjoy!

Wonder

Wonder

There is faint music in the night,
And pale wings fanned by silver flight;
A frosty hill with tender glow
Of countless stars that shine on snow.
A shelter from the winter storm,
A straw-lined manger, safe and warm,
And Mary crooning lullabies,
To hush her Baby's sleepy sighs.
Her eyes are rapt upon His Face,
Unheeded here is time and space;
Her heart filled with blinding joy,
For God's own Son--her little Boy!

Author Unknown

Remember December: H and I are for Holly and Ivy

The Holy and the Ivy
a traditional Christmas song

The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly wears the crown.

[Chorus:]
O the rising of the sun,
The running of the deer,
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir
Sweet singing in the choir.

The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Saviour

[Chorus]

The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good.

[Chorus]

The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas day in the morn

[Chorus]

The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.

[Chorus]

The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly wears the crown.

[Chorus]