It is December 2nd, my house is mostly decorated, my gift giving plans are well in hand, I have baked my first batch of cranberry bread, and I am enjoying Christmas music and lights. But, I have two 'issues' that I need to air in the hope that I can put them aside and enjoy the season.
First, if I never again hear the songs, 'White Christmas' and 'Chestnuts Roasting-Whatever it is Actually Called', it will be too soon. I can stretch my imagination to understand why someone, somewhere might have some kind of sentimental(and I mean that in the most negative sense) attachment to the original, circa Bing Crosby era, renditions of these sappy songs. But, it is truly beyond me why almost every musical artist who records a holiday album feels the need to include one or both of them. I wish people would stop singing this nonsense. I am not opposed to music about seasonal fun, but, of course, the best holiday music is religious and sacred. For Kevin and I, the season really seems to start when we play the Pavarotti 'O Holy Night' album we bought when we were first married. It is sacred music, sung mostly in Latin, and it is amazing.
There are so many really beautiful traditional and ancient carols from many different Christian religions and countries. There are also beautiful modern songs being written and performed, often by the same artists who 'sell-out' in the above described manner, that express religious beliefs and emotional attachments to the holiday season. This is the time of year when I really get my money's worth out of my Napster subscription. I love to explore new holiday offerings and search and research Christmas music from the past. Not to go on and on, because I do have something else to complain about, but if anyone would like to check out any of my very cool and festive playlists that do not deal with weather conditions or burning nuts in the fireplace, let me know.
Second, I am totally done with the assertion that it is somehow anti-religion to say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". This is just a right-wing radio ax to grind, an excuse to accuse others and feel victimized. It is supercilious and silly. There is of course an economic side to this-stores jump into the fray and choose, I am sure, which combination of words to use to court the pocketbooks of their target customers.
Here is my reality about what really should be a none-issue: The 'Holidays' traditionally include Christmas and New Year's Day-there are two, three if you reach back to Thanksgiving-more if you include non-Christian religious and cultural celebrations, and they are not all Christmas. We know from the scriptures that all good things-all things that truly bring happiness- come from our Heavenly Father and point us toward Him. The best and happiest of these is the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. During the the holidays, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We also celebrate a great many other things involving family, culture, and tradition that are all made rich and meaningful for me because of the reality of the Gospel. Woven through our celebrations are echos of peoples and traditions of the past, reaching back to before the birth of Christ. At this time of year we celebrate hope, renewal, generosity, kindness, love and all other good things that bring happiness. If I am wished 'Happy Holidays', I accept the wish with the knowledge that happiness comes from our Heavenly Father through the teachings and sacrifice of His son, Jesus Christ, and with a desire to share that knowledge in order that more people may experience more true happiness. And, for me the word 'Merry' leans a bit more toward the fun side of celebrating. So, lets all have a very Merry and Happy Holiday season as we celebrate Christmas and all the good things in our lives and let us remember where they come from and to whom we can look for more.

Thanksgiving in Texas

We spent the week of Thanksgiving with my parents in Texas. Although the boys have visited them in their newer home a number of times, this was the first time Coral and India had been there. I feel a bit starved for experiences that give my children a sense of family in a larger context. They are all very good at forming long distance relationships with grandparents, my siblings, and their cousins, but I am grateful we had this chance to enjoy each other's company and to make memories all together. Of course, everyone we would have wanted to see was not able to come, and those who were not with us were missed.
A neighbor stops by with her horse.

India bonds with the horse and the neighbor.

Niall learns to ride the RipStik that my parents gave him for his birthday. He was thrilled and mastered it quickly.

My children were so excited to see Alison's twins. We have missed them since they stayed with us and we all had an emotional and wonderful time seeing them again.
Niall and Joseph

Leith and Nadine

Grandma takes her dog, Miguel, on an early morning walk with the help of Logan, Rose, Niall, and Leith. Casey was just trying to get in on the photo, not the walk.

The children try to encourage the teens to greet the day. The teens reacted with hostility.

Grandpa chats with Coral and India.

Babies on the porch taking in the sun and, unfortunately, tasting bark, bugs, etc.

Coral fixes the little girls hair.

Kevin reads to Rose and the boys in their pantry/bedroom.

Coral with Joseph

India and Nadine

Now in reverse....

Joseph eats mashed potatoes before Thanksgiving dinner is actually served.

The children play horseshoes with Dale and his father and brother while waiting for the feast.

India sets the tables for @30 people.

The food was really amazing with the exception of the pumpkin pies-separate tragedies made both pies a bit healthier, and less tasty than expected.

Polly helps India crank out some Pre Calculus.
Our attempt at a family snapshot before the light completely fades....