snow, snow, snow

I want to wash my hands, my face, my hair with snow. Those of you who know me even remotely well know that there are many reasons I love the Christmas season but there are a couple of reasons that top my list. Of course, first would be celebrating the birth of Christ and preparing for his arrival this season-that is a given. On a much different level, my second favorite part of the holidays is celebrating Bing Crosby and the arrival of White Christmas. I don't know what it is about this movie but it is my absolute favorite with A Christmas Story, Love Actually, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and It's a Wonderful Life tied right behind for second place. To be honest, I have loved this movie for so long, I cannot even remember how it all started. I do remember being quoted in the Munster High School Crier telling the entire school that I love Bing Crosby. I guess that is a sign right there that a problem exists. Of course, he is no Bryan, but that voice-oh my goodness. How could anyone NOT love Bing? And, how nice was he to fill the Pine Tree Inn full of his old service buddies to help their ole general? Amazing voice, nice guy-again, how could you not like him? Oh, ok, i guess his personal life was a little (err, a lot) dysfunctional but, really, whose life isn't in some regard? So, I have chosen my favorite Bing movie-that was easy-but to choose my favorite Bing Christmas song, that is near impossible. There are hundreds of options and I'm sure I have listened to most of them already. While Bryan prefers the Elvis Presley & Charlie Brown Christmas CDs, I am a sucker for the classic Bing and Frank songs (With a little Harry and Mariah thrown in there, too). I'm not trying to have John-Paul choose sides but since he does spend more time with me, I think he is leaning in the same direction. I have narrowed it down to 1. White Christmas-such a classic-but on my off year from going 'home' for Christmas, I can't listen to it too much or I will cry because as enjoyable Christmas in Texas will be, I doubt that it will be white... 2. Adeste Fidelas-that song is just beautiful when it is sung by anyone-with the exception of me- and 3. Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy as sung with David Bowie. Ha, even I laugh so you can as well but it's so fantastic. Individually, their voices are lovely, but together, this song is just stunning. Well, I have made the decision that-drum roll, please-this year's winner is Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy. This song trumped the others probably because the song is all about teaching our children to care about others and give of themselves to the world around them unselfishly and if they do not learn from us...who can I expect to teach them? Yes, I'm sure this song beat out the others simply because I do have this glorious little boy at home who changes constantly and his brain takes in every little thing we do. Right now he is proving that by learning new sign language words almost daily. Not only do I have to feed this growing brain with healthy, nutritious food but I need to feed his brain by teaching him how to be a good person. This job sounds easy, but I'm afraid it will be harder than trying to get him to nap.

Peace on Earth, can it be

Years from now, perhaps we'll see

See the day of glory

See the day, when men of good will

Live in peace, live in peace again

Peace on Earth, can it be

Every child must be made aware

Every child must be made to care

Care enough for his fellow man

To give all the love that he can I pray my wish will come true

For my child and your child too

He'll see the day of glory

See the day when men of good will

Live in peace, live in peace again

Peace on Earth, can it be

Can it be

May there be peace in your home and in your hearts this joyous Christmas season.

so very thankful

2008 has given us so many gifts to celebrate and be thankful for this wonderful time of year. We had a blessed and relaxing Thanksgiving visit in Munster. Yes, Bryan, Lucca, John Paul and myself all survived the 7 hour car ride home in our Honda Civic. I'm sure we get some weird looks as we drive down 80 through Ohio and Indiana with Lucca sitting in the front seat. I must admit, though, I really don't mind all that much. Don't get me wrong, I would prefer sitting up with Bryan but when it comes to long car rides, I am like a baby and fall asleep instantly. I was asleep before we left Pennsylvania on the way there and before we hit South Bend on the way home. Thankfully, Bryan is patient and John Paul likes to nap as much as I do! We spent a somewhat quiet weekend at home with most of my family (we missed you Carrie and Chris) but it was great to relax and eat and relax and eat some more. Everyone is loving watching our little guy grow since they last saw him. He is surely walking now and you can see the excitement in his face when he reaches you or the object he is walking towards-he is so proud of himself. Maybe it is because we are cheering him on like he is hitting in the winning run in the bottom of the 9th but we all smile so that is all that counts! My favorite part of our weekend was taking him to see santa for the very first time. Last year he was only one month old and I was a new mom worried about all the germs on that Santa suit! This year, The Region is celebrating the 25th anniversary of "A Christmas Story" as it was written by Jean Shepherd, a Hammond native. They had a display at the Visitors Center so we took him there to see Santa and go down the slide just like Ralphie! Well, needless to say, he HATED Santa but loved the slide!! In addition to the slide, they had great displays of the flagpole incident and, of course, the "Beautiful Awaaard" F-R-A-G-I-L-E Leg Lamp in the window. Although Gio was clueless, we had fun and can't wait to watch this very quotable movie. Hmmm, which makes me have to make a decision as to which movie to watch first "A Christmas Story" or "White Christmas". Decisions, Decisions. I'll do my best to decide while listening to some Christmas music.