Shock and Awe

I'm feeling sick tonight - bronchitis and no voice.  Just a few minutes ago, I was huddled in a big chair with a blanket.  I looked over to the kitchen and this is what I saw.

My little elf unloading the dishwasher!  Christian just up and started unloading the dishwasher!  His sis joined him, and right now, as I write this, it is done, and they are loading the dirty dishes.  Whose children are these?  This truly feels like a miracle.  He has never unloaded the whole dishwasher before.  I wish something this wonderful for you tonight.

Cajun Christmas

The Cajun bloodlines on my husband's side of the family mandate certain Christmas traditions.

Yes, those are my kids eating raw oysters.  Dad convinced them oysters might taste better if they closed their eyes.  Oyster Tally:  Anna - 3, Ehren - 1, Christian - 0.  What are your unique Christmas traditions?

It's a Pillow

...It's a pet.  It's a Pillow Pet! 

The music from the Pillow Pet commercial is stuck on replay in my mind.  I wonder how many Pillow Pets are in the arms of American kids today.  Is there a Pillow Pet in your house?  I don't know the national stats, but I now count three in our house.

In other Christmas gift news...

Still, Still, Still

I received many wonderful gifts tonight, but my favorite may have been singing the song, "Still, Still, Still" in church.  I knew this song in German from my grandma and have always loved it, but I've never sung it or heard an English version.  I give you the beautiful lyrics:

Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.
For all is hushed,
The world is sleeping,
Holy Star its vigil keeping.

Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.
Sleep, sleep, sleep,
'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.
The night is peaceful all around you,
Close your eyes,
Let sleep surround you.
Sleep, sleep, sleep,
'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.
 
Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.
While guardian angels without number,
Watch you as you sweetly slumber.
Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.

Hear the tune here.  I learned that it is a traditional Austrian carol, not German, as I had always thought.  And now, as my children have gone to bed, I wish for you and for me only still, still, still. 

Wordless Wednesday: Cold

Friendly Germs?

Bara gave the kids their Christmas gifts early this year since she's travelling over the holidays.  Ehren loves science, so Bara and I thought he would love his present, "Disgusting Science."  When he first opened it, he said, "What is this?"  Bara explained that with it, you could grow germs from your own body.  Ehren said, "germs?"  He looked puzzled.  She went on to say, "germs from your skin, friendly germs, all kinds of germs."  He put the kit down.  She continued on about how exciting it would be.  He carefully backed away from it.  With every word, he looked more horrified.  "Mom, do I have to touch it?"  I thought he might cry.  Christian chimed in, "I want to try it."

Stock Up Sunday

On Sundays, I try to make a few things for the week, so I don't have to cook each night after work.  My little helper and I made this Coconut Curry Red Lentil Soup. 

Later, I also made Friendship Soup and cut up snacking vegetables for the week.  Finally, to balance out all that healthy stuff, we made the super easy Fudge recipe you find on the back of the marshmallow creme jar.  To economize, we substituted 32 large marshmallows instead of the marshmallow creme.  Yes, it has 3 cups of sugar.  Here's wishing you a sweet Christmas.