My favorite Christmas song

The words and music to the Christmas song Little Drummer Boy was composed by Katherine K. Davis, Henry Onorati and Harry Simeone in 1958. The lyrics of Little Drummer Boy consist of no less than 21 rum pum pum pum' - a major part of the song and therefore presenting an apparently easy task for the lyricist! However, Little Drummer Boy has been a huge hit for several artists. The most notable rendition was created by the most unlikely combination of Bing Crosby and David Bowie. This version of Little Drummer Boy was a massive hot for the artists and was in fact Bing Crosby's most successful recording since the legendary White Christmas.

Little Drummer Boy: Lyrics

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.

As long as I can remember, this story and song has been my favorite Christmas story. When I hear the story, I always get teary eyed and emotional. The story tugs at my heart strings because the poor little boy comes across a new baby king. He feels inadequate and unworthy to be before the young king, but he decides that all he can give is part of himself by playing his drum for the king. It was this gift among the gold, silver and precious gifts that the king recognizes with a smile.
The song reminds me that no matter how unworthy I am to have a savior, if I give myself to Him and try my best to keep his commandments, then I can be pleasing to my Savior.

Holidays

The holidays, mainly Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years are a time that most people look forward to. For the past few years, I have not. I have dreaded the coming of these days with bitterness and fear knowing that I would probably feel disappointment and a longing for something unknown.

This year is different. I have a peace this year and feel a happiness that I haven't felt in years. I already have our tree up. Brandon picked it out and decorated it. I think it is the most beautiful tree I have ever seen. I have already finished my shopping and was excited about wrapping the presents and getting them under the tree. Our little apartment is meagerly decorated but definitely has that festive feeling when you walk inside. I am looking forward to going to parties and having fun with friends instead of sitting at home feeling all alone.

I have seen many changes in my life in the past two years. I have bittersweet feelings about some of the changes but I can see life flourishing in myself and in my son. A lightness and easy going feeling has come to both of us as we move forward in our lives.

I have many friends that have helped me through some terrible times and often find myself in tears as I realize how thankful I am for the hands and shoulders that have carried me through. My wonderful friend Dan who has stood by me faithfully and been a rock and foundation for me to stay above the troubled water's waves. My sisters Diane and Shirley that have not pressed me for anything but have shown unconditional love for me and Brandon. My brother, Jeff, who has done the same. All of which have never judged but have all been a great support. My parents who have taken me under their wings and shielded me from harm and given support like no one else can do.

I am a blessed person and I thank God for all my friends and family every day. I am finally able to love life again and with God's help I hope I will encourage others to find joy not only in the holidays but also in each and every day that we are blessed with.

Out of Breath

The other day we passed a house that had about 10 of those big inflatable christmas decorations in the front yard. Brandon looked for a moment and said,

"Wow, I bet they are out of breath."

Brandon's candid moments

I have always said that Brandon's candidness with strangers is one day going to get me, him, or both of us killed. I thought that moment was going to happen yesterday while we were out shopping.Brandon needed some new shoes so we went to Famous Footwear to pick some up.

Of course it was busy since it was the day after Thanksgiving, but he needed shoes and I knew there would be some sales. We finally picked out shoes that we could both be happy with and went to check out. The line was really long because there was only one register open. One of the ladies in front of us had on a Barack Obama T-shirt. I didn't even notice, but Brandon did. He took the opportunity to strike up a conversation. "Hi," he said, "you like Barack Obama?" She said, "yes." "Well you know he isn't good and McCain is better" he continues. At this point, I notice her shirt and tell Brandon that in America it is ok for people to have their own opinions. I was hoping that would be the end of it. "Look, on your shirt ma'am, Obama won't wear a flag. That is bad" he explains.At this point the woman is getting irritated. And just for a little more emphasis Brandon tells her, "You should have voted for McCain."Now I am wanting to run out of the store. But I notice a distraction to try to redirect Brandon. A tiny baby behind us. Thank goodness it worked.

When we got in the car I explained to Brandon that we don't need to talk about politics in public with stangers. He said "well she had on the shirt." And I told him yes she did but it didn't mean you had to comment on it.I thought Brandon is smart for bringing up the fact that she had the t-shirt on. If you are going to wear something of that nature, you should be ready for people to like or dislike your display. I just think the woman didn't like being lectured by a little white boy.

Be Thankful

**I snagged this from our church bulletin**

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you are tired and weary,
because it means you have made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings. (author unknown)

Mammoth Cave

Brandon and I had a great time this weekend. We travelled to Byrdstown, TN on Saturday morning and met Dan there. We were able to keep Dan a secret from Brandon and he was very excited to see Dan.

As soon as we got there, we had to meet up with my parents, brother and his two sons. We ate some good ole country cooking at The Bobcat Den. After a very filling lunch we went over to visit my Granddad. He is in a nursing home for rehabilitation after a bad bit of sickness. He was with the physical therapist when we got there. In order to get him to work out, we had to join in with the exercise. Brandon at one point told Grandpa that he would put him in time out if he didn't do his exercise. Grandpa replied, "Good I will take a 10 hour time out." The PT asked him why he was here if the grandkids were going to do all the work. He replied "That's what I wanna know."

That evening we went down to the Dixie where we took in some more good country food and some live bluegrass music. Sierra Hull and her brother sang and played for us. Brandon enjoyed it so much that we had to buy the CD before we left.

The next morning we got up early and headed for Cave City, KY. We headed to Mammoth Cave and got ready for a 4 mile hike through the cave. We were able to see some beautiful gypsum formations, some amazing canyons, and incredible stalagmites and stalagtites. Brandon was amazed that we were actually INSIDE the earth. He was able to ask many questions to the ranger and he had a great time. He did get worried when he found out that they were going to turn the lights out on us.

We finally made it through the cave tour and headed back to the hotel. There was a indoor heated pool. It wasn't heated enough for me but Brandon loved it. We hadn't been there long before 2 more boys that were on the same tour with us showed up at the pool. The boys played so well together. Dan and I were able to play some UNO while they swimmed.

The next morning we had to head home in the rain. :( But we had a great time hanging out and seeing some incredible natural wonders.

A long drive with Brandon

Time in the car is usually a great time to find out what is going on in Brandon's head. The trip to Tennessee this weekend was fairly quiet. But the closer we got to our destination they more chatty Brandon got.

We were driving past a large area that had recently been plowed. Brandon took in the sight and then explained to me that "Apparently, they are about to build a house." Now if that is the case, I would LOVE to see a house that big.

Then he was reading his Pepsi bottle. "Mom, Did you know there are 250 calories in this drink? No wonder Granddad is so hyper all the time."