♫ ♫ It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ♫ ♫ and it is the Hodgepodge!

 

Happy Christmas

It is Wednesday and it is time for the Hodgepodge.

Joyce asks the questions.

Click here to join the fun! 

We answer the questions.

Let's get started.

 1. What does Christmas mean to you? 

The journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, the Nativity of our Lord, and finally, the life of the Holy Family.

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us."

John 1:14 

 2. What's your favorite cozy holiday activity? 

Reading our favorite Christmas stories aloud. 

 3. Is all your shopping-wrapping-baking done? Tell us about your holiday plans.

Not yet, but getting close. We will be traveling to my parents for the Christmas weekend. 

  4. If you were Santa what treat would you like to have left for you (it doesn't have to be milk and cookies!) What sweet or savory treat do you most look forward to indulging in around the holidays? 

I love peanut brittle. 

5. Next Wednesday is the first official day of winter (in the northern hemisphere). How does that make you feel? Tell us what you love most about winter?   

The first day of winter makes me giddy, because I know the days will start to get longer. Slowly at first, but by February we can tell we have more daylight here in Northwest Wisconsin.

I enjoy a day of cross country skiing or snowshoeing. 

 6. Insert your own random thought here.

 I found this idea from Charles Swindoll and thought it worth sharing.

Daily Gifts "our Christmas projects" leading up to December 25th.

Mend a quarrel.

Seek out a forgotten friend.

Write a long overdue love note.

Gladden the heart of a child.

 

A Little Bit of Christmas Outside

 

I was able to create my Christmas outdoor decorating this season with dried flowers from the garden, a walk in the woods and a little help from my dad.

 

The evergreen branches are from the two Christmas trees that we have in our home this season. We usually need to cut the lower branches to have the tree fit in our stand. I am happy that I can use the branches in my outside decorating. 

The dried hydrangea are from the garden as well as the millet.

The red berries I foraged in my parents woods and I found the bird nest too.

The box is an old potato box that my dad fixed up and gave me. Thank you, Dad!

And the rusty bell is a bell I use year after year.

 

The front door features my ol blue pot that I cannot move. It is full of dirt for me to plant my flowers in for the spring, summer and autumn. October though November, I had a mum in the pot for an autumn display.

Evergreens are laid on the top of the pot. An old basket a friend gave me is filled with rocks so it does not blow away in the winter wind. Then I added evergreens and berries, a bow and a rusty star.

 

Happy Christmas Decorating!

 

 

On The Road Friday ~ Ceska Opera House

 Hello Friends,

Today is on the road Friday and we are off to the Ceska Opera House.

Friday, December 2nd, my husband and I went to an Old Fashioned Christmas Show at the Ceska Opera House. 

 

Before we went to the show, we went on a little light tour. 

 

 

You can tell by looking at the flags flying in the wind, it was a windy winter night to be out on the town.

 

The Nativity is above the doorway of the building in the above photo. 

It is beautiful. 

 

Heading towards the Ceska Opera House.

 

It was a sold out show. 

We are getting ready to go and get some refreshments before the show starts.

Local talent made up the entire program. It was fantastic. Skits, music, readings and lots of laughs.

"Politically Correct Christmas" performed by the Uff-da Players was a true hit.

 

 

A beautiful presentation of the Nativity.

 

And as each guest left we were given a goody bag filled with old fashioned treats.

Peanuts, an apple, an orange and old time candy.

 

 

It was a lovely way to begin to celebrate the Christmas season.

Thank you for coming along with me to the Ceska Opera House.

 

 

December Birthday's

 Hello Friends,

Happy December Birthday!

It is always fun to learn about who shares a birthday with you. I have several special friends and even a famous singer that share a birthday with me.

The day after my birthday we celebrate a very special birthday, the U.S. National Guard.

 The birthday of the U.S National
Guard is celebrated on December
13th and although this is not a
federal holiday it is still an
important event to be noted.
Since, 1636, the National Guard is
the oldest military organization in
America. The members of the
National Guard serve during times
of war and emergencies.
Let us all take the time to honor
those who have protected our
country for centuries and
centuries to come.
The U.S National Guard birthday is important because it
is part of our history. This birthday of this prestigious
militia reminds our country of the past and can be used
as an opportunity to move further into its history. By
celebrating the birthday of the National Guard we show
our respect to those who risk their lives for America and
its citizens.

157th Brigade December Newsletter was the source for the above information.

Happy Birthday National Guard

I am a proud National Guard Mom!

 December 12th Birthday's

I share a birthday with a very special blogger Nana Diana .

My friend Angie gave birth to twin boys on 12/12! I am honored to share a birthday with two amazing young men.

My childhood friend Nellie, she too has a 12/12 birthday. 

 

That famous singer is Frank Sinatra, he was born December 12th.

 

 I just recently found out that Caroline "Ma" Ingalls  was born December 12th.

 Caroline “Ma” Ingalls (Dec. 12) was born in 1839 in Wisconsin and became the beloved matriarch of the Ingalls family.

 

  Caroline Ingalls  Click here for more information. 

 

Photo Source