Neighbor Gift Idea: Paperwhites Planted in Mason Jars

Hi! It's Jilly. Have you started thinking about "neighbor gifts"? This year I wanted to do something different for our friends, but still work within our fabulous "we're still in residency" budget.

Help Me Choose a Christmas Card!

Post graciously sponsored by Minted. All opinions are 100% my own.

Hi! It's Jilly. Guys, I need your help! I am trying to decide which Christmas cards I should get and I can't decide!

Last year it was tough finding a Christmas card that we liked. They all seemed to be "holiday" cards and not "Christmas" cards. I like a good snowman and jingle bell as much as the next guy, but when I'm sending out Christmas cards I want them to evoke the reason for the season. I ended up just designing my own.

My friend told me about Minted, so I decided to check them out. They have so many awesome designs to choose from that it's going to be hard choosing which ones to get! That's where you guys come in. Help me decide!

This one makes me tear up and start singing "Messiah"!

The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Hi! It's Jilly. Do you have your Christmas tree up yet? We don't! The days since Thanksgiving have been flying by! I plan to get my Christmas decorations up today, though. 

Have you ever watched or been to the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Washington D.C.? Did you know that it is TONIGHT?! The National Park Service is guest posting today to tell us all about this awesome event. Take it away, Ern... (HP reference. Couldn't help myself. Moving on...)

It’s that time of year again! Bundle up for a spectacular winter wonderland treat during the 91^st Annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony brought to you by the National Park Foundation and National Park Service on Friday, December 6, 2013 at 4:30pm on the Ellipse at President’s Park in Washington, D.C.

All Aboard the Polar Express with the Saratoga & North Creek Railway!

Hi! It's Jilly. I love the book "The Polar Express" and always wanted to take my kids on it. I just found out that there is a railway only a couple hours from us here in New York that has a Polar Express! I can't wait to take the kids! Let's hear more about it from the Saratoga & North Creek Railway. :)

All Aboard! THE POLAR EXPRESS comes to life this holiday season as the Saratoga & North Creek Railway rolls out of the station bound for the “North Pole!” Come early and climb aboard with your family to cozy-up and enjoy our festively-decorated vintage train cars. Dancing chefs deliver hot chocolate and a cookie to each guest to savor while music from the Polar Express movie plays en route to the North Pole. Make sure to have your tickets handy, because your conductor will be by shortly to punch each child’s ticket.

Before arriving at the North Pole, the iconic book, The Polar Express is read as your Chef turns the pages to share the beautiful illustrations in the original book. With the station far away, 

31 Days of Christmas Music: Day 31, and Goodbye 2012!

Hi! It's Jilly. Tomorrow is January 1st, 2013!!!! How did that happen?! What a roller-coaster of a year it's been! We went on an epic trip to Disneyland with Grandma, Grandpa & Mamaw, the kids turned seven, my hubby graduated from med school, we moved across the country from Arizona to New York, and the kids started 2nd grade. Crazy, crazy!!

As I reflect back on this last year, what better song than "Auld Lang Syne"? I think of friendships old and friendships new, and experiences we've had over the last year that we don't want to forget.

Wishing all of you a happy and healthy New Year!



To see the rest of the 31 Days of Christmas Music series, click below.

31 Days of Christmas Music: Day 30

Hi! It's Jilly. Can you believe 2012 is almost over?! Crazysauce. And, since the month of December is almost over that means our 31 Days of Christmas Music is almost over, too.

I've been wanting to share this beautiful, touching song all month, but none of the days seemed quite right. Well, today is the day!!

This song is called "Mary's Lullaby", and it is sung from Mary's perspective. She talks about Jesus Christ and his mission on Earth, but "tonight you are mine". It is a very loving and tender song. I've sung it a couple of times for Christmas parties and church services. I get choked up every time! I hope you love it as much as I do!


Come back tomorrow for our last *sniff* song in our series. See you then!

31 Days of Christmas Music: Day 29

Hi! It's Jilly. Today's song I thought would be a good one to do between Christmas and New Years...We Wish You a Merry Christmas! My kids love singing this song!

Here is a nice Disney version.


Or, you can watch this silly Phineas and Ferb one. "We wish you a Perry Christmas..."


Our 31 Days of Christmas Music is almost over! *sad face* Be sure to catch the last few days!
Click on the button below to view the whole series!

31 Days of Christmas Music: Day 28

Hi! It's Jilly. Sorry I'm getting this post up so late! We've just been hanging out this Christmas break, and I keep forgetting to post! But, better late than never, eh?

Our song for today is a sweet little song. It's called "While By My Sheep". I love the call and response in the song. It make it easy for kids to sing along with. I don't think many people are familiar with it, though. I hope you like it!


We only have a few more days left of our 31 Days of Christmas Music! I hope you've been enjoying all the fun songs I've been sharing! 

Follow along on Facebook or Twitter to catch the next song, or to see any other fun posts coming your way!

31 Days of Christmas Music: Day 27

Hi! It's Jilly. Our 31 Days of Christmas Music series is winding down. Only a few more days left!

Today's song is a cute French carol I first learned in children's choir, then sang again in college. I think it is so sweet! It's called "Il est ne le Divin Enfant", which means "He is born, little child divine".


Join us tomorrow for the next song in our series!

D

31 Days of Christmas Music: Day 26

Hi! It's Jilly. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! Hubby and I stayed up ALL NIGHT trying to get the last minute wrapping, etc done, so when the kids got up we let them open their stockings and gifts to each other, then let them watch Christmas movies while we took a NAP!!



When we woke up we made our traditional Eggs Benedict for brunch, THEN started unwrapping the  presents. We didn't start on presents until 1:30!! It was definitely a laid-back Christmas Day!

 

Hubby had to go in to work for a few hours, so the kids and I just cleaned up & hung out. After Daddy got home we tried out the new cotton candy maker and watched "Home Alone". Long time, no see! It was fun to hear the kids laughing in all the right places!

Now it's time for today's song in our 31 Days of Christmas Music series.



This is one of my kids' favorite Christmas songs. I love how it is so cheery, yet it is so powerful!

Join us tomorrow for the next song in our series. It has been so fun sharing a new song every day!

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What did you do for Christmas?

31 Days of Christmas Music: Day 25

Hi! It's Jilly. MERRY CHRISTMAS!! I hope you are able to celebrate with family and friends on this beautiful day. My hubby's on call, so hopefully he won't have to spend too much time at the hospital!

Have you ever heard the King's Singers?! They are amazing. Their blend is ridiculous. If you ever have a chance to see them live GO! Their rendition of "God Rest You Merry Gentleman" is just beautiful! Enjoy!



Have a wonderful Christmas. We'll see you tomorrow. :)

31 Days of Christmas Music: Day 24

Hi! It's Jilly. It's Christmas EVE!!! Aaah! Are you guys excited?!

Because we lived in Arizona the last four years, the kids reeeeally, reeeeeaaally want a white Christmas! I would love it, too. So, today's song is "Let It Snow". :D

First, let's hear it sung by 'ole Blue Eyes. Swoon!


Now, let's hear it by Vocal Point AND Nick Lachey. Double swoon!


Since tomorrow is Christmas I will be featuring a song more religious in nature, since Jesus is the reason for the season!
Want to see the rest of the season? Click HERE.

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31 Days of Christmas Music: Day 23

Hi! It's Jilly. We're rolling right along with our 31 Days of Christmas Music.

Last week I introduced you to the Alfred Burt Carols and gave you a little background on them. Another one of his carols that I love is "Some Children See Him". My favorite part of the song says

The children in each different place will see the Baby Jesus' face

Like theirs, but bright with heavenly grace and filled with holy light.

Oh, lay aside each earthly thing

And with thy heart as offering

Come worship now the infant king;

'Tis love that's born tonight.

When I was looking for a good video to showcase this song I stumbled upon one of Julie Andrews singing it! AND, she is also singing another song I wanted to share, Ding Dong Merrily On High. BONUS!! Enjoy the amazing Julie Andrews!

Swing by tomorrow for another great Christmas song!

31 Days of Christmas Music: Day 22

Hi! It's Jilly. It's almost Christmas! Eeeeeeee!! Getting some last minute stuff done today, or relaxing with family?

Today I wanted to share with you a medley of Christmas songs done by a flash mob at a mall. Have you seen it yet?! I get chills every time I listen to it!


I participated in a flash mob of the Hallelujah Chorus a couple years ago, and it was amazing! The feeling was SO awesome! Originally it was a choir of 100 who had asked the mall if they could do it, then the emails about it spread like wildfire! 
They ended up having to start 15 mins earlier than planned because mall security was starting to freak out! Then, someone started it a second time for all the people who didn't make it for the first one! Here's a video of if you'd like to see it. :)


Have you ever seen or participated in a flash mob?
Join us tomorrow for another great song!

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31 Days of Christmas Music: Day 21

Hi! It's Jilly. Glad to see you are all still here! The world didn't end like the Mayans said it would!

No, I didn't think anything would actually happen, did you?

Moving on...

Today's song in our 31 Days of Christmas Music is a gorgeous song I've sung in choir many times, Candlelight Carol by the incomparable John Rutter.

Back in the day Neil Diamond recorded this song and it is terrible! Nails on a chalkboard, people! Sorry if you're a Neil Diamond fan. It's like what Bill Murray says in the movie What About Bob?, "There are two types of people in this world. Those who like Neil Diamond, and those who don't."

I am of the "don't" variety.

SO, let's hear this song sung the proper way, shall we?

(
Pretty, eh? Come back tomorrow for some more beautiful Christmas music!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for Firmoo.com happening now! I make no guarantees, but if you enter you have a pretty good chance of winning. ;)
And, there's still time to link up with the Weekend Blog Walk if you have a blog, Facebook fan page, Twitter, or Pinterest. 

31 Days of Christmas Music: Day 20

Hi! It's Jilly. Today for the 31 Days of Christmas Music series I wanted to share one of my favorite Christmas carols, Oh Come All Ye Faithful.


I grew especially fond of this carol when I was in children's choir, when I learned a beautiful descant to go with it. 
I feel like I talk about children's choir a lot! But, being in choir helped shaped me into the musician I am today, so it only makes sense to talk about children's choir and other choirs I've been in when doing a series about music! 
The wonderful descant for this carol is sung on the second verse (or third, depending on the arrangement). It is written by David Willcocks, a giant in the choir world. The descant can be found in the book 100 Carols for Choirs, a book he worked on with John Rutter, another choral giant. 

'This book is awesome. It's chock full of wonderful Christmas music. A must for any music collector! In fact, I might just add one of these puppies to my cart right now!
Here's a video of the King's College choirs singing "Oh Come, All Ye Faithful" with the infamous descant, conducted by the man himself!


I hope you enjoyed today's song. Come back tomorrow for more Christmas music awesomeness!


What's your favorite Christmas carol? 

31 Days of Christmas Music: Day 19

Hi! It's Jilly. Welcome to Day 19 of our 31 Days of Christmas Music series!

Today's song is a classic. An oldie, but a goodie. Doesn't it make you think of everything Christmasy?! 

"You know, Santa Claus and ho-ho-ho, and mistletoe and presents to pretty girls." (name that movie)



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31 Days of Christmas Music: Day 18

Hi! It's Jilly. Can you believe Christmas is only a week away?!?! That is just crazy! Are you ready yet? I know I'm not quite ready. I still have a dollhouse to refinish, presents to wrap, help the kids make their gifts for each other, make treats to take to friends, presents to make for my siblings and Hubby's siblings...Phew!

I know a lot of bloggers are having a day of silence today in support of the victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy. But, in times of grief and sorrow I always find comfort and inspiration in music, so I felt it appropriate to share a song with you today.

The song I have for you is "Silent Night". On Sunday I was playing the piano for Primary (the children's class at my church). As those beautiful children were singing in their sweet, innocent way, I got a little emotional, especially during the third verse.

Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light.
Radiant beams from thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth; Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. 

We will all see our Savior's face again someday. What a joyous and glorious day that will be!

I wanted to share with you two different arrangements of "Silent Night". The first is beautifully sung by Jackie Evancho, who has the voice of an angel. She is singing with the Canadian Tenors. Ah!



The second is an arrangement by Rhonda Polay. We sung this version when I was in college, and it has stuck with me ever since. It is especially powerful going into the third verse. In the background the choir sings:

Oh! Silent night and holy night
Son of God, of God. He loves pure light.
Radiant beams from thy holy face
With the dawn, the dawn of redeeming grace.
Oh, my Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

I love the additions she made. He loves pure light! MY Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

It brings tears to my eyes every time. Enjoy!


If you'd like to see the rest of the 31 Days of Christmas Music series, click the icon below.

See you tomorrow! 

31 Days of Christmas Music: Day 17

Hi! It's Jilly. Welcome to Day 17 of our 31 Days of Christmas Music series.

I want to keep it simple today and just listen to one of my favorite Christmas songs, The First Noel. I love the imagery of the shepherds in the fields and the angels appearing to them, singing their praises to God. Love it!

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Come back tomorrow to see what song we'll be featuring! 

Miss part of the series? See the rest HERE.

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31 Days of Christmas Music: Day 16

Hi! It's Jilly. Welcome to Day 16 of the 31 Days of Christmas Music series!

Today I wanted to feature two different songs with the same name- The Star Carol. One is from the Alfred Burt Carols, and the other is by John Rutter. They are very different, including completely different lyrics, but both are wonderful!

The Alfred Burt Carols are really neat. Alfred Burt's father started a tradition of writing a new Christmas carol every year and sending it out as their Christmas card. Alfred took over and carried on the tradition. The Star Carol

 "...was the last of the four carols Alfred Burt hurried to finish before he died and the final Alfred Burt Christmas card. In an interview, Anne Burt said that Al realized that death was near and “The Star Carol” reflects his state of mind at the time. It is so beautiful and pure.”He completed the Star Carol on February 5, 1954 and died on February 6, 1954."

Read more about the beautiful history of the Alfred Burt Carols HERE.  Now, let's hear the song!

John Rutter's version is a more upbeat carol. He says, "Hurry to Bethlehem and see the Son of Mary!"


It kind of bugs me how they sing "BethLEEham". Ugh! (That's the choral director in me talking.) But, I thought it was cool that everyone in the audience knew the song and got to sing along. How fun!
Join us tomorrow for our next installment of 31 Days of Christmas Music!
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