Music on the blog

Yes, you suddenly have surround sound as you read our blog!!!  Isn't that a novel idea!  

Well, it wasn't something I really planned to add, but here's the story.... 

I sometimes don't get into the "Christmas Spirit" til a few short days before Christ

mas...and I guess that's mainly because I am spending almost every waking moment making chocolates for Little Women's Sweet Shoppe, and don't have 

a whole lot of extra time to think warm, fuzzy thoughts about Christmas-y things. 

Anyway, I was somewhat bemoaning that non-festive-feeling fact in my heart on the way to church several weeks ago, because I really do love Christmas, etc, etc.   I was missing certain people,etc., etc.... 

So, we're riding along and Johnny had the radio on and everyone was singing the Christmas carols with the fervor that can only be produced by the Ballenger family.  Then the Christmas Canon by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra came on....and I melted.  It was so uplifting, soothing, comforting, happy, and I announced in a very matter-of-fact voice to all present..."THIS is what Christmas music is supposed to sound like!"  I sat there in a sort-of dream til it finished.  It was so beautiful.  Since then I kept hoping I would hear it again.  I did twice on the radio, but never could find out who performed it, etc.  THEN I HEARD it on Sherry's blog!!!  That's when I HAD to put music on our blog.  It brings joy to my heart every time I hear it, and sometimes I even blare it LOUD!!  

Go ahead and laugh.  I do.  I love it.  And, by the way, the "Christmas Spirit" hit me early this week, so don't worry about me.  We're having a wonderful Christmas!

Also today I was remembering going with my family to Orchestra Hall in Chicago every Christmas season to hear the Messiah.  

My parents even let us take friends along too, and paid for their tickets as well!  I know Melissa went one year, and Johnny was with us every year too, of course!  Those are such fun memories.  When the girls and Chase are a bit older, we'll have to do it with them too!   Anyway, that's why the Hallelujah Chorus plays next, after the Christmas Cannon....on this blog.  :)  Johnny always stands up involuntarily when the Hallelujah Chorus starts playing on here!  LOL!  He brings so much laughter to this home.  What a riot!

Enjoy your families today!  Hug everyone I know for me, k?  Tell them it's from me.