It would appear that the Infant classes in my school have a gambling problem...
They told their teacher that they would be doing 'Bet the Hen' for the Carol Service.
Although I can't say for sure how God feels about that, I know for certain sure that the Music teacher is in serious bother for corrupting the morals of the Little People.
Welcome to the Christmas: Season of Goodwill, Charity, and Serious Addictions!
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Wednesday, 19 November 2014
Sunday, 15 December 2013
Back to Bethlehem
Well you'll be glad to know that the Heavenly Host came up to scratch on Friday! They sung their hearts out and presented the Nativity most resoundingly. I was/am really happy with them. The organist played with gusto and managed to cover up most excellently the children's and my glitches- I do really like working with him! The guitarist and flautist seemed to have fun too though they looked as wrung out as the organist and I felt. Wrung out and slightly hysterical actually...
The congregational hymns turned out rather antiphonally as one half of the church speeded up and overtook the organ, twice. Fanblinkintastic.
So school carols are done for another year.
And now I'm crouched over the laptop with You Tube and Bible Gateway sites open on several tabs, three hymn books, a Bible and a notebook open on the surrounding desk, trying to put together the Church Carol Service for next Sunday evening. I've lined up two soloists, the Sunday School teacher has wrestled the children into order for the Nativity, the Church is being decorated on Friday, so progress is being made. Now I've just to get the right hymns to go with each of the Nine Lessons.
I know its not everyone's opinion, but sometimes I feel that our Services have become so child-friendly and banal that we have lost the pure incredulity...incredibleness (??) of Christmas. Jesus isn't a doll dropped on its head and squashed into a toy cot face down, Jesus is God's Very Own Son. The children are important, and their understanding of the Christmas Story is essential, but there should still be space for amazement and respect and just good old-fashioned AWE. And children do love atmosphere and candlelight and favourite songs. Can I put 'magic' and 'Church' in the same sentence?
Well, that's my aim for next Sunday evening.
The congregational hymns turned out rather antiphonally as one half of the church speeded up and overtook the organ, twice. Fanblinkintastic.
So school carols are done for another year.
And now I'm crouched over the laptop with You Tube and Bible Gateway sites open on several tabs, three hymn books, a Bible and a notebook open on the surrounding desk, trying to put together the Church Carol Service for next Sunday evening. I've lined up two soloists, the Sunday School teacher has wrestled the children into order for the Nativity, the Church is being decorated on Friday, so progress is being made. Now I've just to get the right hymns to go with each of the Nine Lessons.
I know its not everyone's opinion, but sometimes I feel that our Services have become so child-friendly and banal that we have lost the pure incredulity...incredibleness (??) of Christmas. Jesus isn't a doll dropped on its head and squashed into a toy cot face down, Jesus is God's Very Own Son. The children are important, and their understanding of the Christmas Story is essential, but there should still be space for amazement and respect and just good old-fashioned AWE. And children do love atmosphere and candlelight and favourite songs. Can I put 'magic' and 'Church' in the same sentence?
Well, that's my aim for next Sunday evening.
Tuesday, 10 December 2013
Little People, Heavenly Host and Music
Did I disappear? Wish I could as for a supposedly unemployed person of insignificance I seem to be beyond busy.
The main focus this week, and last week, but not the week before, is the school's Carol Service. Big eejit here overstretched herself somewhat in the choice of this year's music and the children and I have struggled to work our way through the Nativity songs. The teachers say it is sounding ok now but I think we will all be grey by Friday- I'm talking Junior Infants upwards here...
This morning I spent some time in the Church with the Organist (long-suffering man) and the bass guitarist (who is having far too much fun), over two hundred weary and over-excited small people, the Principal and all their teachers. I really don't know how it's going to pan out as the little people are wildly unpredictable, the heavenly host are having dodgy moments, Gabriel temporarily muddled his words and Michelangelo put his hoodie on back to front with the hood up, to hide...
We'll see.
Implosion pending, tunefully and musically, of course.
The Shop was quieter the last two Mondays, and on Saturday I wound up the children's sewing classes until mid-January. There seem to be eleven children now in the Sewing Club but as they never all turn up at one time it is do-able. Its been a fun but tough learning curve for me as well as them, since teaching outside school is vastly different to school teaching. Or that's my experience.
The Sunday school teacher has rounded up sixteen small people for the Church Nativity, and has her hands very full I think...putting the Church Carol Service together might be the next thing on my 'to do' list...I talked to the adult Choir last Sunday so we will begin by doing a number on 'Once in Royal' and then progress to doing a number on the Nativity Story. I say every year that our God must have an incredible sense of humour considering all the many ways in which the Christmas Story is told...and I'm saying it again this year.
Think of us on Friday at 10am...then again, you may actually hear us...
The main focus this week, and last week, but not the week before, is the school's Carol Service. Big eejit here overstretched herself somewhat in the choice of this year's music and the children and I have struggled to work our way through the Nativity songs. The teachers say it is sounding ok now but I think we will all be grey by Friday- I'm talking Junior Infants upwards here...
This morning I spent some time in the Church with the Organist (long-suffering man) and the bass guitarist (who is having far too much fun), over two hundred weary and over-excited small people, the Principal and all their teachers. I really don't know how it's going to pan out as the little people are wildly unpredictable, the heavenly host are having dodgy moments, Gabriel temporarily muddled his words and Michelangelo put his hoodie on back to front with the hood up, to hide...
We'll see.
Implosion pending, tunefully and musically, of course.
The Shop was quieter the last two Mondays, and on Saturday I wound up the children's sewing classes until mid-January. There seem to be eleven children now in the Sewing Club but as they never all turn up at one time it is do-able. Its been a fun but tough learning curve for me as well as them, since teaching outside school is vastly different to school teaching. Or that's my experience.
The Sunday school teacher has rounded up sixteen small people for the Church Nativity, and has her hands very full I think...putting the Church Carol Service together might be the next thing on my 'to do' list...I talked to the adult Choir last Sunday so we will begin by doing a number on 'Once in Royal' and then progress to doing a number on the Nativity Story. I say every year that our God must have an incredible sense of humour considering all the many ways in which the Christmas Story is told...and I'm saying it again this year.
Think of us on Friday at 10am...then again, you may actually hear us...
Tuesday, 1 January 2013
Got There!
I survived the jolly season.
Let me tell you that that alone is an achievement.
I decided I couldn't bear to be an add-on to another family's Christmas, so despite the fact that three friends were kind enough to invite me for Christmas Day, I declined. They said they understood. Church was fun in the morning, and since my girls were all there I got to see them then.
New Year I listened to the annual RTE Concert from the National Concert Hall which is always fun.
Still, tomorrow things return to normal. You may be sad, I can't say I am.
Now I need to get on with some paperwork and sorting out the usual junk...like finances!!
Just to put a positive spin on the outlook, I was thinking about next summer. Part of the privilege of being school secretary is that the pay is barely over the minimum wage and I don't get paid for nine weeks in the summer, so as well as needing to save up for rent and signing onto the 'dole' I have zilch hope of getting away for a break. SOOOOO I was thinking of volunteering somewhere and then...I remembered reading about the WWOOF site...I know its kinda more a young peoples' thing but I could work to travel couldn't I?
A change being as good as a rest and all that...as long as I didn't lose my nerve at the last minute...
Any opinions or experiences?
Let me tell you that that alone is an achievement.
I decided I couldn't bear to be an add-on to another family's Christmas, so despite the fact that three friends were kind enough to invite me for Christmas Day, I declined. They said they understood. Church was fun in the morning, and since my girls were all there I got to see them then.
New Year I listened to the annual RTE Concert from the National Concert Hall which is always fun.
Still, tomorrow things return to normal. You may be sad, I can't say I am.
Now I need to get on with some paperwork and sorting out the usual junk...like finances!!
Just to put a positive spin on the outlook, I was thinking about next summer. Part of the privilege of being school secretary is that the pay is barely over the minimum wage and I don't get paid for nine weeks in the summer, so as well as needing to save up for rent and signing onto the 'dole' I have zilch hope of getting away for a break. SOOOOO I was thinking of volunteering somewhere and then...I remembered reading about the WWOOF site...I know its kinda more a young peoples' thing but I could work to travel couldn't I?
A change being as good as a rest and all that...as long as I didn't lose my nerve at the last minute...
Any opinions or experiences?
Saturday, 15 December 2012
A Home for Hubert the Hippo
Well he obviously made an impression on my friend's brothers who helped me move the heavy stuff into the wee hoosie, as last night I received a text from same boyos, 'We can bring over the hippo Thursday!'
I'm telling ya, there's nothing like the ambassadorial attributes of a Hippo!!!!
SO! Another friend's husband's uncle has an empty flat in town and as of yesterday morning I am its new tenant! It's beside the river, between two pubs, over an accountant's office and about 30 seconds walk from the studio...God moves in mysterious ways His wonders to perform!
Youngest loves the flat, to me its ok; affordable and available.
Monday I've to pay the deposit, sign the dotted line, etc and on Thursday will move. In between, the place needs scrubbing to within an inch of its life and the wee hoosie packing up. Youngest is rounding up all her friends to help load and unload the boyos' van, with the promise of dinner at 'The Swagman' as payment...might as well turn it into a party while we're at it...sure isn't it the week before Christmas?
Saturday I've to turn in the keys of the hoosie and collect my deposit.
Miracles happen, I'm so lucky!
So is Hubert the Hippo!
Sunday, 15 January 2012
Been A While...
Its been a while since I posted, let alone posted regularly. How have you been keeping? Missed yez, missed yez lots and thought of you individually often, wondering how things were going?
During the Autumn I was getting to grips with the new job- just FYI, School Secretary is not for the faint- hearted! I love the children to bits, I even really like all the staff and the principal, but boy! for each lovely parent it seems you get one who couldn't care less and one who is as obnoxious as bedamned! Its truly another world out there folks! As a teacher you may receive a little respect, as secretary there is NONE!
Over Christmas the Hub, Middlest and Youngest went to East Africa for three weeks to see all his family and catch up. His Dad has not been well, and is taking ill health and age very badly- well why shouldn't he, I guess? He's probably only being the way most people would like to act??!!
Eldest stayed in Ireland and was up and down to Dublin. With the mild winter that's been in it her health has been much improved, as well as being prescribed new and much more suitable medication. The last few days she has crashed again but luckily she is at home so she can lie on the sofa and grump all she likes! Over the Christmas week she had all sorts of friends to stay and it was fun seeing how they are all growing into such lovely adults- if they are a sign of things to come, its lookin' good!!
To say that I have found things difficult over the last while would be rather an understatement. But at the same time I've been seeing someone as part of a CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) program, and I feel as though I am mentally beginning to get my feet under me once more. The idea (excuse me if you know this) is to change one's own thinking and reactions, to be more proactive and not reactive in life's ups and down....I think....
Its HARD WORK!!!!!!
And learning to stand my ground and think afresh is difficult too, but so far, worth it. I'm very, very lucky to be getting any help at all as the mental health services are over-run with demands. I'm also really lucky in the friends who are still standing by me as I grapple with the inside of my head!
I really need to get back to writing regularly. I also need to get back to visiting all of you because that too keeps me sane, and out of my own head- to say nothing of really enjoying your company, of course!!!
I'm playing for Church this morning, guess they might be a little shocked if the organist rocked up in her pyjamas and her hair all on end clutching a mug of tea...or maybe they'd take it in their stride, they know my foibles well enough by this time!!
Have a peaceful, restful day, folks and I hope to chat again soon!
PS I got a camera phone for Christmas and I've been taking some photos around the place; when I figure how to upload them here I'll share!
During the Autumn I was getting to grips with the new job- just FYI, School Secretary is not for the faint- hearted! I love the children to bits, I even really like all the staff and the principal, but boy! for each lovely parent it seems you get one who couldn't care less and one who is as obnoxious as bedamned! Its truly another world out there folks! As a teacher you may receive a little respect, as secretary there is NONE!
Over Christmas the Hub, Middlest and Youngest went to East Africa for three weeks to see all his family and catch up. His Dad has not been well, and is taking ill health and age very badly- well why shouldn't he, I guess? He's probably only being the way most people would like to act??!!
Eldest stayed in Ireland and was up and down to Dublin. With the mild winter that's been in it her health has been much improved, as well as being prescribed new and much more suitable medication. The last few days she has crashed again but luckily she is at home so she can lie on the sofa and grump all she likes! Over the Christmas week she had all sorts of friends to stay and it was fun seeing how they are all growing into such lovely adults- if they are a sign of things to come, its lookin' good!!
To say that I have found things difficult over the last while would be rather an understatement. But at the same time I've been seeing someone as part of a CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) program, and I feel as though I am mentally beginning to get my feet under me once more. The idea (excuse me if you know this) is to change one's own thinking and reactions, to be more proactive and not reactive in life's ups and down....I think....
Its HARD WORK!!!!!!
And learning to stand my ground and think afresh is difficult too, but so far, worth it. I'm very, very lucky to be getting any help at all as the mental health services are over-run with demands. I'm also really lucky in the friends who are still standing by me as I grapple with the inside of my head!
I really need to get back to writing regularly. I also need to get back to visiting all of you because that too keeps me sane, and out of my own head- to say nothing of really enjoying your company, of course!!!
I'm playing for Church this morning, guess they might be a little shocked if the organist rocked up in her pyjamas and her hair all on end clutching a mug of tea...or maybe they'd take it in their stride, they know my foibles well enough by this time!!
Have a peaceful, restful day, folks and I hope to chat again soon!
PS I got a camera phone for Christmas and I've been taking some photos around the place; when I figure how to upload them here I'll share!
Thursday, 30 December 2010
Happy New Year!
Christmas has been and gone: all the fuss for one short day...
The run up was fierce busy, but when all is said and done, its the way I like it!
Cramming Carol Services into the last week,
all the chit-chat from the children at School,
and the final jolliness in town with everyone wishing everyone else a Happy Christmas.
The snow was rather an impediment this year, but things got done eventually.
The best part of Christmas Day is always the extended family Dinner in the evening, extended family and extended Dinner, and possibly distended family as well! It was rowdy and great fun- Mom cooked up a storm, as usual, and despite certain people trying to auction off the carrots, it was a real feast!
So all that's left to do is to wish yous:
All the Very Best for 2011 and here's hoping its a Good One!
The run up was fierce busy, but when all is said and done, its the way I like it!
Cramming Carol Services into the last week,
all the chit-chat from the children at School,
and the final jolliness in town with everyone wishing everyone else a Happy Christmas.
The snow was rather an impediment this year, but things got done eventually.
The best part of Christmas Day is always the extended family Dinner in the evening, extended family and extended Dinner, and possibly distended family as well! It was rowdy and great fun- Mom cooked up a storm, as usual, and despite certain people trying to auction off the carrots, it was a real feast!
So all that's left to do is to wish yous:
All the Very Best for 2011 and here's hoping its a Good One!
Monday, 6 December 2010
Christmas Shopping...on Etsy!!
Over this last weekend I've been doing my Christmas Shopping.
For us, presents are more than a token, but definitely not extravagant. The three daughters get useful items, and a certain number of requests (including, generally, six months' worth of toiletries and stationary!!).
My point is, that everyone gets something, but it is small, and staying within a budget whilst trawling the shops, or finding time to make something meaningful for everyone can be very trying.
Enter my brilliant idea for this year: Christmas Shopping on Etsy!
Firstly; I'd be supporting people like me, who are trying to make some extra pocket money to keep going through the times that are in it.
Secondly; consider the bliss of not having to battle the crowds in the shops?
Thirdly; I might possibly avoid costly mistakes if I'm not being harried and panicked, well, hopefully...
Well!
I have to say that I have just about everything bought, and now all I have to do is sit back and wait for the postman to deliver things!
There are a few items I need in town, but I know exactly what they are and where to buy them, and there are three things I need to sew, one big, one small, and one to finish off.
Howzat for stress-free present buying?
...and, what's more, it was fun, and...
...I met some lovely people, and...
...a couple of sellers gave me special deals...
...and I've got exactly what I wanted, as well as individual and special presents!
These are the Shops I used, if you are interested
(I'm not telling you what I got! Secrets must be kept!!).
I tried to shop local but many things just aren't made by Irish Sellers, so I went further afield, and then some Sellers had such gorgeous things that I just thought 'What the heck!' and went for it!!
Vickie Wade Fine Art : ab-so-lute-ly GORGEOUS posters of her Art!
Around The Island Photography : I've had my eye on Robin's photographs for a while now, and her new Photoverse venture is great!
First Fan, Cottage Jewellery : (Irish Seller) lovely costume jewellery, pretty and not clunky!
Ritz Glitz 555 : (Irish Seller) You have to see her dichroic glass, its iridescent and sooo beautiful...
Happy Cloud Supplies : I won one of her Star Necklaces back in the summer, so of course I went back for some beads and things! She has two Shops, Happy Cloud Moments has her jewellery in.
Mels Bells Cloche Hats : If you are a hat person, you've gotta check these out! I could easily buy half the shop, like maybe a hat to go with every jersey? and season...and occasion...and...
Dragonfly 1750 : (Irish Seller) These silk scarves aren't just bee-u-di-fulll, but also VERY reasonably priced! I'll be baaack...
Jewels by Jane : if you want some Wall Art you'd better move fast...I've already got the best one...hee! hee!
Eastwitching : You have to go and drool over Alison's Art! Each animal and bird has such character, and is so colourful!
Hearts and Laser Beams : I didn't really know what I was doing here, what with wanting to use my own photos, but Steph emailed me and she's made it all easy as pie! Efficient too!
Gifting Girls : Exactly what I wanted for a very reasonable price, including postage! Go Girls!
And that, mes amigas, is my shopping done!
Lots of time now for all the things I really want to do!
(Such as persuade the Junior and Senior Infants to sing in tune.....?? 9.20am Monday!)
Thursday, 4 November 2010
Wake Up Them Angels!
So there I was, bumbling along in me own slow way, and what happens?
CHRISTMAS jumped out and hit me!
First week in November and the deadlines don't just be LOOMIN',
they're blinkin' well ACCUMULATIN' too!
School Carol Service
My own Church Carol Service and Nativity
Taking a School Choir to sing in the Methodist Service
Parish fund-raising Stall at the Farmer's Market
Fund-raising for Kenya.build, which a friend's daughter wants to do
things happening in the Cathedral (I'm one of the key-holders...makes me sound like a nice piece of fancy beading on a ring!)
Mothers' Union Craft Night- gluey ideas coming right up!
and a Craft Market where I should be so lucky as to have a table...how does one make the time to make money when there is so much else to do? I tell you, you need unemployed people like me just to keep things ticking over peacefully!...
...perhaps not exactly peacefully...
Yesterday I spent in School (which is not a paying job, fyi, for all I work jolly hard at the Music!)
burning up the photocopier,
annoying the Principal,
going through the percussion and chime bell boxes (has anyone seen the G above Middle C?),
and wrecking havoc in various Classrooms.
My version of beginning the Christmas Music!
One Staff member commented, as she saw the paper and music littering the Staffroom table at break;
'Behind every school Music Teacher lies a Trail of Chaos!'
How they all put up with me I don't know, but as this is my ninth year at it, I guess they just tell themselves, 'This too will pass!'
Anyhow, I enjoy myself! As do some of the children, at least!
CHRISTMAS jumped out and hit me!
First week in November and the deadlines don't just be LOOMIN',
they're blinkin' well ACCUMULATIN' too!
School Carol Service
My own Church Carol Service and Nativity
Taking a School Choir to sing in the Methodist Service
Parish fund-raising Stall at the Farmer's Market
Fund-raising for Kenya.build, which a friend's daughter wants to do
things happening in the Cathedral (I'm one of the key-holders...makes me sound like a nice piece of fancy beading on a ring!)
Mothers' Union Craft Night- gluey ideas coming right up!
and a Craft Market where I should be so lucky as to have a table...how does one make the time to make money when there is so much else to do? I tell you, you need unemployed people like me just to keep things ticking over peacefully!...
...perhaps not exactly peacefully...
Yesterday I spent in School (which is not a paying job, fyi, for all I work jolly hard at the Music!)
burning up the photocopier,
annoying the Principal,
going through the percussion and chime bell boxes (has anyone seen the G above Middle C?),
and wrecking havoc in various Classrooms.
My version of beginning the Christmas Music!
One Staff member commented, as she saw the paper and music littering the Staffroom table at break;
'Behind every school Music Teacher lies a Trail of Chaos!'
How they all put up with me I don't know, but as this is my ninth year at it, I guess they just tell themselves, 'This too will pass!'
Anyhow, I enjoy myself! As do some of the children, at least!
Thursday, 24 December 2009
Monday, 2 November 2009
Brrrrr!
Yesterday the weather showered us with hailstones on and off all afternoon. Today the temperature is hovering around 9 degrees with wind and rain adding to the Winter-ish-ness. My folks have taken themselves off to Tenerife for a week as they felt some sun was needed...and I couldn't agree more!
This morning I had the oh-so-exciting task of doing all the clearing and cleaning from B's party. It seemed to take forever but in fact I was done by lunch time. I made a 'hearty' lentil, carrot, onion and sweet potato soup for lunch, with which the Hub and B ate a mountain of soda bread. Actually the soup was warming for such a horrid day.
This afternoon and evening I have spent working on Music preparation for this half term. I've been typing out an information sheet for the class teachers, a practice timetable for November and December, and all the words of all the songs the children are singing. Its cold work as the computer is not where the heat is so copious tea is called for!
If anyone is interested I have loaded nine items on ebay.ie, and my user name is 'heckety2009'. If anyone has any opinions on either how I could improve the items, or how I could improve their presentation, I'd be grateful if you could tell me? My bro had a few comments which I am digesting!
Tomorrow I head to school to do all the photocopying of songs etc. so that I can start teaching after Assembly on Wednesday. Half of me wishes I could have Christmas without the Music, and the other half knows I will enjoy it once I start and get the children excited. Ho hum!
This morning I had the oh-so-exciting task of doing all the clearing and cleaning from B's party. It seemed to take forever but in fact I was done by lunch time. I made a 'hearty' lentil, carrot, onion and sweet potato soup for lunch, with which the Hub and B ate a mountain of soda bread. Actually the soup was warming for such a horrid day.
This afternoon and evening I have spent working on Music preparation for this half term. I've been typing out an information sheet for the class teachers, a practice timetable for November and December, and all the words of all the songs the children are singing. Its cold work as the computer is not where the heat is so copious tea is called for!
If anyone is interested I have loaded nine items on ebay.ie, and my user name is 'heckety2009'. If anyone has any opinions on either how I could improve the items, or how I could improve their presentation, I'd be grateful if you could tell me? My bro had a few comments which I am digesting!
Tomorrow I head to school to do all the photocopying of songs etc. so that I can start teaching after Assembly on Wednesday. Half of me wishes I could have Christmas without the Music, and the other half knows I will enjoy it once I start and get the children excited. Ho hum!
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