Pre-Christmas Blues

Most of my friends just won't get this one. It was before their time.

Christmas of 1979 saw the release of one of the greatest albums ever recorded: John Denver and the Muppets - A Christmas Together. To this day, this album is a holiday staple in my mother's household. Nary a Christmas has passed without at least five hearings of this album. In fact, I'm willing to bet that every one of my siblings has a copy of it on CD (the original at Mom's house is on vinyl, with another copy on CD). I received my copy for Christmas last year, but didn't play it until today.

It has held up over time, being the absolute awesomeness that it is. Sammi and I popped my copy into the CD player to listen to while we put up our tree (photos to be posted later). That's when the trouble began. After the first go-through, I thought I had missed some of the songs- my favorite songs. So, the second time through the CD I made sure to pay attention. Sure enough, my CD, and every new release of the album, is missing three songs: "Little Saint Nick," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and 'Where the River Meets the Sea." Now, had it been "The Twelve Days of Christmas" that was missing, I probably wouldn't say anything, but these three songs MADE that album. In fact, Rolph's version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is the best rendition ever caught on tape.

Needless to say, I'm a little miffed. So, if anyone out there has the complete 1979 version of the album on CD, please e-mail me.

Post Thanksgiving

William and I survived our first married Thanksgiving! We had our private dinner (doesn't that sound better, than our dinner alone?), then we got to stretch the holiday out to a weekend event. We drove to Dallas Friday night, Saturday had lunch with my sisters and brother-in-laws, and Sunday we had a full Thanksgiving lunch with William's family. It was awesome! I am so grateful that our families worked out special time for everyone to get together, it really is wonderful to have that fellowship.

Since I am on my grateful/thankful thoughts...here are mine for Thanksgiving:

1. William- The love of my life, who supports me in every way. I am so blessed to have him and so grateful for the ways he loves me and provides for me.

2. My family-My new extended family included! I am so thankful for the ways they love me and have cared for me. I am also thankful for the acceptance and love of my new family.

3. My friends-The ones in DFW and the new ones I am meeting here. God has placed so many people in my life who mean so much to me. Thank you all for your friendship!

4. God- I am in awe of the awesome ways God has worked in my life, how every trial has brought me closer to Him and how it is all in His plan. I am grateful for His mercy, love and the freedom we have to worship Him. Thank you God for having mercy on me, the sinner.

5. You- Thank you for reading our blog! It means a lot to know that people take the time to keep up with our lives.