Twelve Days of Christmas

A friend in the bloggy world, is doing this leading up to Christmas.  She got it from Wives of Faith .  It sounded fun, so I thought I'd give it a try.  I'm already behind, but here goes...

First Day of Christmas-My Favorite Christmas Song

Hmmm, anyone who knows me knows I LOVE Christmas music.  I started playing it before Thanksgiving this year.  There really isn't a song I don't like.  Well, except for those dogs barking the Jingle Bells song.  I mean, seriously.  Why? 

I guess if I had to decide, I'd chose two.  They are totally at opposite ends of the spectrum.  One shows our selfish material ways, and the other one glorifies God.  I LOVE "Santa Baby" and no, not the Madonna version.  Just the old school version.  It just makes me smile.  The other song would be "Mary Did You Know?"  I think this one has an emotional tie because a former pastor would sing it at church and I would break down when I would hear it.  Now, as a mother, it takes on a whole new level of meaning.  We do not know how our children will turn out, or who they will become.  But, God!  He knows!  Amazing song.

Second Day of Christmas-My Favorite Christmas Recipe

Huh?  Just one?  NO WAY can I decide just one.  Plus, my mom always switches things up and tries new things each year, so no traditional favorite.  Ok, wait.  I do have a favorite.  Tony's Aunt Belinda makes a KILLER sausage stuffing.  Oh man.  It is such a flavor explosion in your mouth.  There are cranberries and spices and sausage yumminess!  I could literally, fill my plate with that and nothing else!  So, when I eat it (at Thanksgiving or Christmas) I just think of the holidays.  It's perfect. 

I'll have to ask how she does it.  Sorry, no recipe here. 

Third Day of Christmas-The Best Christmas Present I Ever Gave

Without a doubt, two Christmases come to mind.  One was a LOOONG time ago in the very early 80's.  I didn't give it, but it is such a good memory.  My dad bought my mom a new microwave.  I think she KNEW she was getting this, but maybe not.  So, she's unwrapping the gift and gets all excited when she sees the box.  Then, when she opened the box, my dad had weighed it down with a bowling ball!  She sat there with the box on her lap and CRIED!  We have a picture to prove it.  Then, Dad went out and got the microwave off the porch for her.  Ahh, the memories!

The best gift I ever gave (or was a part of) was when we gave my dad his '46 Ford.  His family had one of these when he was younger and he loved it.  He found one either identical to, or pretty darn near the one he had ridden in as a boy.  My sisters, mom, and brother and I went together and bought it (with our husbands/wife, etc.)   We kept it stored at my brother's house.  Tony and I lived next door at the time. 

So anyway, Christmas morning, Randy called my dad and said he needed some help.  My dad reminded him it was Christmas morning, but Randy insisted.  So he and mom drove the two blocks that chilly morning.  Everyone waited inside the closed garage for Dad to arrive.  We were all packed in there and heard him pull up.  Randy opened the garage door and there stood Dad and Mom looking at this garage filled with people and a car with a bow on it.  Recognition sparked on his face and he stood there and covered his face and cried.  Which, in turn, made us all cry.  He was so emotional.  He couldn't believe we did that.  My heart about burst with love for my family that day.  It was such fun!

Ok, that's it for today.  Check back tomorrow for The Fourth Day of Christmas!  In the mean time, what about you?  DO SHARE!

P.S.  Linny and Emma are in China and have their daughter Jubilee!  WHOOO HOOO!  God is SO good!