Caroling with an orange cone

This is the ONLY way Ted will go caroling

The orange-cone caroling started way back...

when we were engaged, we went to something

in downtown Salt Lake City (Christmas concert?)
 and while walking though ZCMI Mall, he saw one

(marking a just mopped floor or something)

and picked it up and started "serenading" me

with a Frank Sinatra tune.

i loved it!

 So here we are caroling with 3 families, to visit families in our church, some old folks, some young, and Ted stands in the back of the group calling out the names of those who answer the door, or yelling out to some of his youth (or young men from church with whom he works each week) "Heeeeyyy, GORDON!" in a loud, crazy voice. [note to Jeff, Ted's younger brother, I don't know if you or he started this tradition of yelling out at others, but it cracks us up! He fondly remembers you and him pounding on doors back in 1996 on Christmas Eve, calling our to fellow neighbors by your mom's house].

 Then we saw our favorite "claymation" characters from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer movie. Remember Hermie the Dentist (elf who wants to be a dentist)? the Island of Misfits? the Abominable Snowman? Clarisse? Yukon Cornelius? We are HUGE fans of this show and listen to the soundtrack too. Ted loves to croon "Silver and Gold, Silver and Gold..." or "I'm the King of Jing-a-Ling..." while in the shower. Today it was Elvis' version of "Blue Christmas" though. and he was hamming it up. Surprising, to those who don't know Ted well; he is quiet at church and at work; but when at home or with his extended family, he's a crack up!

Thanks, Benson bunch, for inviting us and for making such delicious homemade rolls!!! I came home and later noticed in my outside fridge the Delish Cream-Cheese Frosted Banana Bars I made for dessert a couple days ago--and totally forgot to bring them to dinner!! rats!

Speaking of rats, I have a mouse story which will follow tomorrow, entitled:

"Twas the night of Ted's birthday,

and all through the house (restaurant)

Not a creature was stirring

'Cept for a small mouse..."

Cub Scout Caroling

We took our Cub Scout pack to a nursing home nearby on Sunday, Dec 20th. They sang lots of songs (all the scouts' siblings came which was wonderful!) We had about 25 people. Our Wolf Den Leader (a marvel!), Kristi Johansen, taught the boys (and some girls) how to play these chimes and so the kids played some pretty Christmas carols on the chimes for those in the lobby and cafeteria. It really brought the Spirit of Christ(mas)! I love going caroling!

Here's Maddie and some of scout siblings:

and here is Nick (next to Pete and Vince) playing the chimes.

Way to go, boys!

Christmas Caroling

Every year since we moved to Texas, we go caroling with friends. I must say it is one of my favorite traditions! Only one year, when it was sleeting on the night we had planned did we not go. This year we called our good friends (neighborhood & school) to come with us, the Hales.

We took fresh baked bread to some of my most favorite Seniors that I met while working at the YMCA teaching SilverSneakers classes and participating in Senior Pot Lucks and field trips.

This was the first time the Hales had been caroling and they said they want to do it every year with us. They were so friendly to the sweet folks we visited and we plan to have a nice pot roast after we get done next year--yea!

This is one of the four families/Seniors we visited. All of these folks are dear to our hearts: they have watched Nick and Maddie grow up for the past 4 years and they have loved them like grandparents. It was a real treat to visit and sing for them as we could see in their faces and eyes how much they enjoyed it. What a great tradition that is free and leaves you feeling fabulous!

Joy to the World!!