Joplin Journal Volume 8-12, Issue 1

From the Editor's Desk:

Happy December! I'm finishing up the decorating here at home, trying to fit in time to read Christmas stories, practicing Christmas music, working on things for the Christmas Play, and things for caroling. Yep, it's definitely December. What about you? Are your Christmas preparations coming together?

Weather Report:

We've had cold. We've had frosts. We've had cloudy days with rain. We've had sunny days with cold and with mild weather. Right now it's sunny and cold. I'm still waiting for some snow. Anyone else waiting for snow?

"Genius Burns":

Nope. I haven't written. I have ideas. I have a desire to write at times, but it always comes when I can't write. And then when I have time and could write, my brain closes the creative writing doors and leaves my stories in my brain. But don't worry. This often happens to me when I've got a lot going on.

Project Prognosis:

Well, since the last time I sent out a Joplin Journal, we've gotten a lot of things organized. Not everything is organized yet, but we made progress.

Decorating the house is almost finished. I have one little tree to do in Sarah's and my room, and then we have one more little thing above the couch in the living room. But for that we have to get one of Dad's bigger ladders. Yesterday afternoon when the kids were over Krista decorated our stairs for us. She wanted to do it all, so she did. It's pretty with lots of garlands, lights, strings of gold beads, and a few red balls.

I'm still trying to stay ahead on blog posts. You see, I agreed to be a part of a 10 days of Christmas party and I need to get the rest of my posts done.

Christmas Play:

We had our first practice with ALL the cast and stage hands on the 29th. It was good to have everyone. Yes, it still took us the full practice to go through the play one time, but we had to rework several parts to get everyone in the right place. Tomorrow is another full practice. Only this time it's a dress rehearsal. The kids are really excited! We only have 2 practices left! Pray we can get through the full play in the amount of time we need to.

KDWC:

The King's Daughters' Writing Camp is done. The gates have been closed and everyone has gone home. It was strange the first few days after camp not having to get on at all and not chatting with any of the girls. But at the same time it was a relief to be done with it. We've decided that we are not going to have camp open for 2 months again. It was just too long. We're planning a "mini camp" sometime in January.

The Music Stand:

Ah, Christmas music! I'm playing for the Christmas program, as well as doing bells that night with the kids. I'll also be playing for the Christmas service on the 20th, and possibly singing in a ladies ensemble.

Thanksgiving:

We had a lovely Thanksgiving. It was the first time that I can remember where we actually went somewhere. Always before we've had Thanksgiving at our house, or at Grandma & Grandpa's when we were staying there. This time we went to Jimmy & Co's. And it was just us. I played ping-pong with some of the boys in a game of doubles before we ate. Then after we'd eaten I read books to Grant. He's discovered the joy of We're Going on a Bear Hunt and wanted it read over and over and over. He also loves Ten in a Bed and makes the little one say, "roll over."

There was some baseball going on outside. I played ping-pong with Krista. We ate pie, and then played some more. More ping-pong. Joel is the only one who beat me and that game went to 3 or 4 deuce before he got 2 points in a row. Then I played Jimmy. It was just one game, but I beat him. I think he was a little surprised. ;)

A Little Red Chair:

Last Saturday I had a project. Grandpa had a little, red, paint-spattered, wooden chair that he always used when he was painting the house, or working in the yard. Well, when they moved, I asked for the chair and got it. So last week I sanded it, primed it, and painted it. Now it's sitting on our front porch ready for Christmas. Isn't it cute?

Babysitting:

Yesterday all the kids came over a little after 4. Even Kinsley got to stay and enjoyed crawling around and exploring Grammy's house. :) James and I played some duets on the piano. Since he's learned to read music, I can play songs with him. It was fun. It's been a long time since I've played any duets on the piano. We had baked potato soup for supper which the kids LOVE!

Read Another Page Publishing:

No new updates on audios, kindle books, or paperback books.

Book Nook:

Yep, I've started my Christmas book reading. Why did you ask? :) Of course I've only read 4 books, and only the last one, which was a reread, was a 4 star. But I'm sure there will be others because I have a whole stack, well, a kindle stack, still to read. And who knows how many rereads I'll manage to fit in. If you need any recommendations, go check out my Christmas Stories to Read page, or be sure to check out my 24-Days-before-Christmas blog posts for this year's recommendations. (Today there's a FREE kindle story available.)

Farewell:

And so I bid you all goodbye. I have a small tree to set up. And a list of things to work on. And maybe I can find time to read. I used to read on Sundays, but with Play Practice . . . Anyway. Sarah is probably going to be sewing. Mom's got laundry to do, Dad, I'm sure, has projects. See you next week! Oh, wait. I'll be at our final dress rehearsal next Saturday. No Joplin Journal then.