Step by Step Instruction for Brownies (adapted for cooking with pre-schoolers)

• dump the mix into a bowl
• wipe all the mix from the counter that missed the bowl
• crack two eggs into the mix
• remove all the egg shells from the bowl
• add the oil and water
• start to stir
• don't eat the batter
• continue stirring
• still don't eat the batter
• finish stirring
• still don't eat the batter
• pour the batter into the pan
• still don't eat the batter
• spread the batter out evenly in the pan and put it in the oven
• take the bowl into the kitchen and smear the remaining batter all over your face in an attempt to eat it

Christmas Song of the Day, Mary Did You Know

I had never heard this song until a friend of mine asked me to sing it in an octet at our Christmas Service several years ago. The men I got to sing with were extremely talented, and the song was quite amazing.

I heard it again on the radio this morning, and I was mesmerized and overwhelmed. It is such a powerful song, and now listening to it as a parent it takes on some new meaning. In fact, just two nights ago Nat was talking about her new found appreciation for Mary. Mary knew that her little man was not for her, but for the world, and she gave bore him for us. How hard that would be for a mother.

Watch both versions. Musically, I like Clay's better, and the video is excellently edited and full of emotion. But I love the artwork in Donny's version, and the images of Mary holding her baby Jesus escape adequate description.

I looked for a men's chorus, but none of them were as good as these two guys. We should have recorded our version, I bet it would have been one of the best out there :-)

Love you, and thanks for reading :-)

Christmas Song of the Day 12-22-09

This is an awesome song, and this is one of the best versions I’ve ever heard :-)

 

 

I’ve also mentioned I like non-traditional covers, so here this one, by the punk-ish alternative band Weezer.

 

Oh, and Corilee, you asked about Mannheim Steamroller.  There is no chance.  I cannot stand Mannheim or TSO.  Only way you’ll see them on my blog is if I get hacked :-)

Christmas Song of the Day 12-21-09

In honor of the Winter Solstice, a winter song. 

 

Christmas Song of the Day, 12-15-09

I've loved this song since I saw Claymation Christmas as a kid. But I've always preferred orchestral arrangements with no vocals. After searching for a few hours, I found this one, and it is the perfect version :-) Who knew? Thanks MoTab!!

Christmas Song of the Day, 12-14-09

Christmas Song of the Day, 12-12-09

And now a swing back to non-traditional :-)

First, The Nightmare Before Christmas is definatley a Christmas movie. It's all about Jack finding the magic of Christmas and him wanting to participate in it. And this song is definately the most Christmas-y of them all :-)

AND WHY HAS NO ONE EVER MENTIONED THAT FALL OUT BOY COVERED THIS SONG??!!??!!

I love covers and new twists to songs, and I love this song. It's a perfect combo!! If anyone knows of any other Nightmare covers, lmk!! I'd love to hear them.

Christmas Song of the Day, 12-11-09

Ever since I heard Taylor Momsen sing this in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," I have liked this song. I originally was gonna choose a clip of her singing it, but Faith Hill really does have a powerful voice :-)

Christmas Song of the Day, 12-10-09

First of all, I love Tchaikovsky. I mean LOVE!!! His music always moves me, and usually it moves me deeply.

Combine his talent for composition with Christmas, and you have one of the most beautiful pieces ever written. This song is on my 5-star playlist all year long, and I never get tired of hearing it.

In fact, I have seen the second act of The Nutcracker at least 50 times, and heard the music many more times over that. Still, each time I hear it I get goosebumps, and each time I see it danced the goosebumps are that much more intense :-)

Enjoy

Christmas Song of the Day, 12-09-09

Who hasn't sung this under their breath at least once at a family holiday gathering :-)

The video is kind of lame, so just listen to this one :-)