On The Twelfth Day of Christmas . . .

the "A" girls got to perform their Awana Christmas program, finally! And the "C" girls got more SNOW.

last year photos

Ya'll do remember Mimi and Granddaddy's trip to watch the "Cubbie Christmas" that didn't happen, don't you? Yes, we spent 8 hours that night stuck in the same spot on the interstate about 5 minutes from the A girls house. What a night! We did make the trip again tonight in the rain; but Mimi told Granddaddy if anyone even said the word "Ice" I was spending the night! The children all sang beautifully; of course, the two A girls were the best performers. How they could remember everything after 3 or 4 weeks is beyond me . . . you know, Mimi can't even remember her name sometimes! The trip home was uneventful, YEAH!!

web photo ~ not really Granddaddy's car but it did look like this that night!

When we called to check in with the "C" girls and give CJ a "good-back-to-school-wish" we found out that they had 2 inches of snow in 2 hours tonight so she would probably miss school again tomorrow! Mimi thinks you probably should just spend the winter with Granddaddy and I so you wouldn't have to go to school all summer. What do you think about that?

web photo

Also on this 12th day of Christmas, Granddaddy and I finally got all the trees and decorations back in the attic for another year. Mimi is always a little sad (well, a whole lot sad) when the decorations come down. The house just seems so bare, so empty . . . no twinkling lights, no red bows, no fresh greenery, and most importantly, no little giggles . . . no color and no sound . . . no wonder Mimi gets a little depressed.

Before I close tonight, I want you to ponder on something a little special . . . the first day of this NEW YEAR . . . 1/1/11 . . . did you think about the date while enjoying the day? While the C girls gathered at Mammaw's, the A girls gathered on the Acre . . . all enjoying the traditional New Year's Day menu of black-eyed peas, turnip greens, and corn bread. Mimi also threw in a Veg-All casserole, creamed potatoes, a pork loin, and gooey cake.

Do you remember how you spent New Year's Eve . . . the A girls spent the night with us and we celebrated with . . .

glad we did this before midnight since it was raining then

(don't you like Mimi's ingenious sparkler holders?)

Cj and her daddy celebrated earlier in the day with a trip to watch the Vols basketball game with a friend and her daddy. Great seats on the floor I understand! And, yes, Campbell, Mimi only watched that game to try to see you and your daddy! I think I did, too! Later, both families did a little celebrating together.

so sorry the Vols didn't win

Little Cybie got to spend some great one-on-one time with her Mommy while daddy and sissy were at the game.

Was Mimi the only one to see 1/1/11 make its official entrance? You know Mimi has to stay up to open the front door so the old year can go out and the new year can come in! (Your very Southern Great-Granny taught me this tradition) While I was waiting I did a little reflecting on all the blessings of 2010 and eagerly anticipated the new adventures of 2011.

Now back to the 12th day of Christmas . . .

We always sing the song The Twelve Days of Christmas during the Christmas season but do you really know the history behind the song? When Mimi was doing a little "searching" I found this account of "Religious symbolism of The Twelve Days of Christmas (The 12 Days of Christmas)."

photo from potterybarn.com

1 True Love refers to God

2 Turtle Doves refers to the Old and New Testaments

3 French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues

4 Calling Birds refers to the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists

5 Golden Rings refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.

6 Geese A-laying refers to the six days of creation

7 Swans A-swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the sacraments

8 Maids A-milking refers to the eight beatitudes

9 Ladies Dancing refers to the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit

10 Lords A-leaping refers to the ten commandments

11 Pipers Piping refers to the eleven faithful apostles

12 Drummers Drumming refers to the points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

Next year when we sing The Twelve Days of Christmas, Mimi will be sure to remind you what each of the gifts represent.

Of course, there's a "debate" as to whether the song relates to Christian beliefs or is just a "cute" song. Mimi likes what the author of the article had to say . . .

"Perhaps, when all is said and done, historical accuracy is not really the point. Perhaps more important is that Christians can celebrate their rich heritage, and God's grace, through one more avenue this Christmas. Now, when they hear what they once thought was only a secular "nonsense song," they will be reminded in one more way of the grace of God working in transforming ways in their lives and in our world. After all, is that not the meaning of Christmas anyway?"

As we move quickly along in this brand new year, let's never forget to give "thank yous" to God for His grace and His blessings on each of us . . . for our health, our jobs, our homes, our families, and especially for His unconditional love for us.

On this 12th Day of Christmas, Mimi wishes all of you a

Happy New Year!