So how was your Christmas??
Mine was really, really good. Although we kept up with our Christmas tradition of upper respiratory crud. The baby got sick and my mom wasn’t feeling good either, so after all my intensity about going to church on Christmas, we ended up staying home. But this meant that we got to put the presents out as the children slept and enjoy their wonder in the morning… I really love that!
The children had a wonderful time. My oldest son gasped so often from delight at his gifts that we all got light-headed from oxygen deprivation! He had the best of both worlds: Star Wars and Narnia. He is well stocked for battle in the days ahead! Two of my boys got xylophones - a large wooden one for Andrew and a small one for Joshua. I heard the bells on Christmas Day, I can tell ya that! And my Benny-boy? He got a gift that tugged at his heartstrings. So much so that he hardly put it down from morning til night…
It’s only a toy, of course. I’m hoping to start him on Suzuki lessons this year. But his teacher will have a hard time with the stubborn little monkey - he holds his violin in the wrong hand!
I was spoiled rotten, as I am every year. (and I like it!) I got this:
I managed to wait until yesterday afternoon to start it…and finish it. (Yes, I read really fast) I won’t spoil anything for any of my fellow Mitford Readers. But I will say: a) It’s really good. b) Have tissues standing by. c) I believe I found two continuity errors - bonus points to anyone else who sees them. My only disappointment with the book is that it’s too short! Of course, I’d feel that way if it were 750 pages, but I do think that Ms. Karon fast forwarded a bit towards the end. I get the impression she’s more than ready to move on to her next projects, which I’m eagerly anticipating!
I also got Place of the Lion by Charles Williams. This continues my leisurely journey through the “C. S. Lewis reading program”. I picked up Chesterton and MacDonald through following Lewis, now on to one of his dearest friends. I’m only a few pages into this one, I’ll keep you posted!
My mother-in-law gave me a book on raising boys, and a lovely book with the histories of classic hymns and their sheet music. I was thrilled to see my husband’s favorite, Sweet Hour of Prayer, and played it immediately. This garnered me a rare compliment on my playing, which is a gift in itself. (the compliment, not my playing. My husband is not what you would call free with praise) I thought the book part of my Christmas was closed, but my brother surprised me once again. He had given me a lovely cd, and that would have been plenty. But he informed me on the phone that the book I wanted most is indeed ordered and will come as soon as it is released…
Volume Three of C.S. Lewis’s Letters! I’ve read Volumes 1 and 2 several times… Oh I can’t wait!
I also received yummy treats, home decor, Andy Griffith Season Four (hey that rhymed!)… But the coolest gift was from my honey! Check it out!
Chick with Tool! Yeah that’s me! I’ve been wanting a Dremel for several years, but I’m not a power tool kind of person so I’m not sure I was being taken seriously. But I was serious. I want to learn how to use this adorable little device for all sorts of crafty purposes - like drilling holes in Scrabble tiles, and distressing and sanding things, and -oooh - you name it! My husband and my dad also put together my new craft table and shelves yesterday, so I can get my craft room up and running! Woo Hoo!!
So how about you? What was your best gift?
Sounds very nice. I’m glad you had a lovely Christmas!
Comment by Bethany — December 27, 2005 @ 12:55 pm
Our older girls are grown, (18 and 20) and we don’t see them enough, so we gave them a family trip for Christmas. (Partly selfish, we’re dying to spend hours with them in the car ride.) We’ll drive to LA, they’ll go to John MacArther’s “Resolved” conference, while we take in the sights of Pasadena and Disneyland with their little sister.
Has anyone ever attended, or their kids?
Comment by Michele — December 27, 2005 @ 1:54 pm
No but it sounds cool. My husband attended John MacArthur’s church as a teen and he absolutely loved it…but I don’t think he ever did the “Resolved”.
Comment by Bethany — December 27, 2005 @ 3:03 pm
I love bookish Christmases!! I got enought to read to keep me busy for say, a week. I got the lastest Sisterchicks book, several Dawn Miller novels, The Many Loves of Parenting, a new Bible, 2 Racheal Ray cookbooks…and some others. Then I will start on my husband’s books.
The worst part is getting to that last page and realizing that the read is done. I start a book consciously trying to read slow…and somewhere I get so into it that I forget.
Comment by Kathryn — December 27, 2005 @ 3:47 pm
My favorite gift was A&E’s Pride and Prejudice. A copy of my very own!
I also got a lovely homemade card from my son with a heartfelt sentiment of affection (he is not exactly exuberant with his feelings so this was especially special!)
I’m so glad you had a nice Christmas=)
Comment by laura — December 27, 2005 @ 4:41 pm
Ooh, I can’t wait to read the last Mitford book, but I want it in paperback to fit nicely with the rest of them.
We went easy on the gifts this year. Just a couple of books and a couple of gift cards.
Glad you had a wonderful Christmas.
Comment by Anita — December 27, 2005 @ 5:24 pm
I am thrilled you had an awesome Christmas time. Just glad that I didn’t get you Jan’s book.
…
Comment by eph2810 — December 27, 2005 @ 6:22 pm
I LOVE the Benny-boy picture!!! Tools are cool, too - Dan built me a toolbox one year - the Mommy toolbox and it is PURPLE! LOL I use it ALL THE TIME!!!
Comment by Leann — December 27, 2005 @ 9:24 pm
My husband is left-handed and learned by the Suzuki method.
And he still plays! (viola now, not Violin) But he can still play some of the things he memorized in Suzuki. He says our kids will learn the same way.
Would you like to have a chat? Email me.
Comment by My Boaz's Ruth — December 28, 2005 @ 2:22 am
Looks like you had a great Christmas! I love the pics. My parents got me a beautiful emerald and diamond ring, I would have to say thats my favorite.
Comment by Amie — December 28, 2005 @ 7:50 pm
BWS - you have a great blog! That picture of your son with his “violin” might be the cutest thing I’ve seen in a long time.
Merry Christmas!
Comment by Quaid — December 30, 2005 @ 10:26 am
OH! Please posts pictures of what you do with Scrabble tiles! I’m going to have to start asking for a Dremel now, and maybe in three years someone will believe me.
I got the Cold Heat soldering tool, and I’m hoping to make pins out of microscope slides.
Your Christmas sounds delightful!
Comment by judy — December 30, 2005 @ 10:41 am