Joplin Journal Volume 8-12, Issue 2

From the Editor's Desk:

Merry Christmas! I am finding it very difficult to wrap my mind around the fact that Christmas is next week. I don't even know how that is possible. I mean I love Christmas, and the decorations, the music, the stories, the cookies and sweets, the movies, and all the fun things we do, but didn't we JUST do them? And now the Christmas program at church is over. Tomorrow is the special Christmas service. And then we have caroling, the Christmas with J & Co., and then Christmas Day. Are you as bewildered as I am by the fact that Christmas is almost here again?

Weather Report:

We had snow! On Sunday it snowed almost all day, but it was so warm that nothing stuck. It was just muddy. Then we had snow Tuesday night and woke to a lovely dusting which stuck around almost all day. Otherwise it's been sunny here. Some days are warmer than others.

"Genius Burns":

Well, I did get a little bit written. A writing friend sent me some Christmasy pictures she took, and I got inspired to write a story. I haven't gotten much more than 400 words written, but it's a start! That's more than I did all December last year. I'm hoping I can write more this evening because I want to find out what happens in this story. Right now I have several different possibilities swirling in my brain.

Project Prognosis:

Let's take a look and see what my projects even look like.

• Blog Posts for December – I have two to finish up and then I'll be done. One of those is almost done, I just have to wait for a giveaway to finish.
• Caroling – We go caroling on Monday, and I need to get the song sheets ready.
• Christmas Play – That is done! And it went really well!
• Cleaning off my Desk – A seemingly never ending job. But it's not as bad as it used to be.
• January Blog Posts – I need to start working on those!

Christmas Play:

As I mentioned above, the play went really well! The kids all did a great job and I think everyone enjoyed it. Here's a picture of the cast. (Plus stage hands and Sarah & I.) Aren't the costumes cute? And yes, Sarah made several of the girls' outfits.

Isn't the backdrop cute? One of the mom's did the windows for the bakery.

KDWC:

Not much going on with camp right now except for a little planning for our next one. That will be a mini camp at the end of January.

The Music Stand:

I have one song to practice today and play tomorrow for church. And then Sarah and I are singing with a ladies ensemble for the service tomorrow too. And then . . . all music practice will be over.

The children's bell group song went really well at the program. It seems to be a highlight for everyone. It would be pretty impressive watching 41 kids playing a song all together. And it's not just the melody. There is harmony, melody, added notes, and more.

Babysitting:

The kids all came over yesterday afternoon. We read stories, played, talked, ate supper, cleaned up, played games, and enjoyed time with them all. Even Kinsley came over and had a great time.

Read Another Page Publishing:

Providence Christmas just got released as an audio book! So, if you have Audible, you can now listen to that story.

Book Nook:

I have been managing to fit in reading Christmas stories. Some stories have been a disappointment, others have been lovely. Like Snow-Globe World. You can read it for free if you have Kindle Unlimited. I would list the rest of my books, but that would take too long. So, you can just check out ALL my Christmas books here. I'll keep adding Christmas books to it as I get them read and reviewed. Have you read any good Christmas stories? I'm always looking for new ones to read. Feel free to share titles and authors, or links to your favorite stories.

Farewell:

I think Sarah is going to be baking some nut bread and cinnamon bread today. Mom might get a new puzzle out, and I'm not sure what Dad has planned. I think he's going to run some errands, but I doubt that will take all day. And me? I always have things to do. Like reading, writing, music practice, and more.

I doubt I'll write a Joplin Journal next week. I hope you all have a very blessed Christmas where ever you may be and whatever you may be doing.