December, 1934

Elda Baker Brown was my Great-Grandma. She was born at Bangor, Iowa, Marshall County, in the year of 1868, July 26. I have the history of her life, written by her in January of 1936. I am going to share her journal with you over the course of many posts. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

December, 1934

Vena and Allie took us to Alva, Okla. to attend the funeral of Russel
Kasparck. He died of appendicitis and was almost 29 years old. When
we came home we were surprised to hear that Henry Duke was buried that day and
that Edwin Clarkson's baby was very ill and passed away Dec. 23.

All the preparation for Christmas this year was made with sad hearts
for one of our dear ones is absent "a vacancy that never can be filled."
Five little girls have already been called to the glory world. What there
was left of us had our family tree at Allies.

Then all but Kenneth and Margaret eat Christmas dinner with Lout and
Gladys. We invited Albert and Emma Daily to be with us on this
day.

Great-Grandma's story may not be told in order. But I am going to tell it. After reading her post, 75 years ago this month, I can't help but cry. I don't have it so bad, at all. In fact, I have to say I am so very blessed.
Thanks, GG.

"What's Good About___?"

Twins!

Last night, during our Advent readings, the activity was "What's Good About.....?" game. The point of this activity was that building one another UP is an important lesson for all of us. And can I just say how fun this was???

We started at one end of the table (Paco) and then the person to the right (Melynda) started by saying either "What's Good About Paco is......" or "What I LOVE about Paco is that....." and then one by one (all 8 of us) would go around saying something positive about that person. This took the entire meal and it was delightful! We laughed, we teared up, we laughed some more.

More and more this year I am being reminded how blessed I am, how blessed our little family is. We have love and we have each other. It doesn't get any better than this. And I mean that.

Season Your Giving

We have begun the second week of Advent. What exactly does that mean? As with most things, it means different things to different people. Since this is my blog and I'm the author, you get to know what it means to me - this year.

Giving with the generosity of Christ is this week's focus. I have a nifty little helper, the Seasoning the Season Advent Calendar. They have different ones but this is the one I have; thus the one I am using.

Last week's focus was "Greet others with expressions of God's love." It was fun hearing different things we can say to both strangers and friends. My new favorite is

JOYOUS NOEL!

Yesterday we had a very interactive conversation on gift giving and receiving. Here is a recap:

Q: Tell about a favorite gift you received at Christmastime. Why was it special to you?

A. 1. My Bible - I like how it has places to help me live today - it makes me want to read it more. 2. Gold-Toe Socks - they're really nice and feel good on my feet. 3. The huge blue bag with my name on it. (#2 says, "Yeah, that's one of my favorite's too.) Why? It's mine. 4. The year I got the gift of time. That was so special. 5. The nice pajamas and robe set - they were so warm and snugly. All - whatever it was, it made me feel loved and special.

Q. What kinds of gifts trivialize the act of gift-giving? Which of these are most difficult to avoid?

A. The gifts that you know someone just bought because it was cheap and no thought was put it to it. It's hard to avoid these because "I" don't have any money and it's easy to buy in mass and just hand it out.

Q. How do you choose gifts for those on your list? How you can better season them with the meaning of God's greatest Gift to the world? What kinds of meaningful, small gifts might appeal to those with whom you might exchange presents?

A. I don't' want to bore you, but this was a great exercise! It was interesting to hear that they like to give non-practical gifts but like to receive things they'll really use... they liked the effect opening the gift brings - delight, surprise, tears, smiles... they want to see your reaction and see if it matches what they wanted it to be.

We discussed which gifts makes us feel loved and how we can continue to show that love to each other with each gift we buy, make or bake!

To give with the generosity of Christ, James Lundeen says,

Giving to the poor is not something we have to do because that's the way things work in the kingdom, whether we like it or not. The commandment to care for others was not meant to be a burden. Jesus, who always talked about blessings, commanded us to care for our neighbors because it was a blessing to us as well.

Something to Look Forward To...

...but not in the near future. More like the far far far far future. I'd prefer never but life doesn't happen that way.

We have a long-time friend who has been a skilled painter the entire time I've known her. My Mom has had her paint antique saws, high chairs and chairs for our family. One year, my Mom was able to get these gorgeous hand-painted Christmas balls from her. There are 4 of them and there are 4 of us kids (my 3 bros and me). It's a known fact amongst us that someday, these delicate ornaments will belong to each of us. That will obviously be a very sad year because that will mean my parents won't be here to celebrate with us.... that being said, let's take a look at these beauties!

We are blessed to have many wonderful friends in our lives. Joyce is just extra special. I can't wait to see her on Sunday!

Childhood Memories

This sweet Merry Christmas ornament was given to me by my 5th grade teacher. I think of him at least once a year when I decorate our tree. He's the reason I have nice penmanship!

This little gal was given to me in 1981 for my "ornament of the year." I have carried this tradition on and each of our children gets an ornament each year. The tradition has been that when they are married, they will get all their ornaments for their 1st Christmas.

This home-made wreath is one of MANY just like it. The year my mother was pregnant with me she decided to have a "themed tree" and made a gazzillion of these little buggers. Something to do with pregnancy induced sanity, I'm sure. No matter, I have a bin of them and one gets hung each year in both her and my honor as I was born 5 days before we celebrate Christ's birth!

Our stockings are hung by the chimney with care, we've decked the halls and Christmas music is playing loudly from the speakers. Merry Christmas, Everyone!