#25: this christmas

Well, for my 25th Christmas memory, I decided it would only be reasonable to talk about Christmas 2010.

Because we were going to spend Christmas Eve/Day in Minnesota with Colt's family, our Christmases with my family were adjusted. We had one with my family, my Grammy and Papa, and my Mama Lue and Granddad. Each one was completely different than normal, but very special.

We spent an entire afternoon/evening with my family ... lunch, opening presents, napping, watching movies, dinner, dessert. The time with my Grammy and Papa was spent at their house with a yummy salmon dinner and gifts. My Mama Lue and Granddad had Colt and I over to open presents ... just the four of us. They were all lovely celebrations.

The actual holiday was spent in St. Paul, Minnesota. A lot of Colt's family live up there so we made the drive with his parents, brother, and grandma. It was so enjoyable getting to know them, as I really had only met some of them in the midst of wedding craziness.

Over the span of the past few days, there have been a few comical moments that definitely need to be shared. If you know some of these characters, it makes them even better.

-After Jill (Colt's mom) and her cousin reminisced over a fun memory, her laughing slowly faded and she said, "Do I remember that?"

-At several points in conversation, there was mention of dead bodies. One story was about a lady who fell on a snowy night, couldn't get up, and froze to death. The other was about a woman throwing rocks at someone, trying to get his attention. She got a closer look and realized that he was dead. These are very terrible stories, especially on paper, but in the midst of dinner conversation and Christmas celebrations, they were pretty funny.

-Someone commented on my accent. Really??

-While cleaning up, Jill said, "Nana, is that your cinnamon roll in the bathroom?" :)

This family has a strong connection with their Swedish heritage. And I mean strong. It now makes sense why Colt wanted to hang his Swedish flag somewhere in our house. I looked at him like he was a crazy person. Does that match with anything in our house?? Anyway, we had the traditional Swedish dinner for Christmas Eve consisting of Swedish meatballs, lingenberries, lefsa, red cabbage, herring, sausage, and probably other things I'm forgetting. This was followed by little Elise, 8 years old, coming in as St. Lucia in a white robe, crown of candles, and treats in hand for all of us. If you're confused, join my club. I learned a lot this evening. :)

The night ended with Tom (Colt's dad) giving a little summary of the Christmas story. If you've ever heard Tom say 5 words, you know he's brilliant. He talked from the perspective of someone waiting for the birth of Christ. I know the truth and I have faith, but it's getting hard. Nothing so great has happened in a long while and I'm just starting to feel like nothing will. Tom had better words than I do, but that was the idea. I needed to hear that little message, as I feel like I'm in a waiting period like that with God.

This Christmas was spent in Minnesota with LOTS of snow, sledding, games, coffee, great meals, and family. It was my first Christmas away from home and although it was a bit tough, it was really fun.

So, Merry Christmas everyone!

#24: the traveler

I love giving gifts. It doesn't need to be a holiday or anyone's birthday. Growing up, my mom would surprise us with "I love you" gifts. That's what she called them. They weren't for any special occasion, but just because she loved us.

One of my favorite parts about Christmas is giving gifts and seeing the reactions of the people receiving them. A couple of years ago, I stumbled upon this book in Starbucks.

One morning before school, I was waiting in line to order and read the first few pages. The next few times I was in Starbucks, I read a few more pages until I finally finished the book. I absolutely loved it and basically bought every single copy in several different stores around the OKC area. It's such a sweet story and the artwork is great. The main theme is to spend your time on things that are worthwhile ... people.

This book was my Christmas gift to everyone that year. So, if you haven't read it, you should. And if you can't read it, just remember to spend your time wisely. :)

Merry Christmas Eve!

#23: music with the family

I am blessed to be a part of a very musical family. I can't count the number of times that people have asked, "Do you guys just sit around and sing together all the time??" The answer, of course, is always, "No." Although it doesn't feel like it's often enough, I love getting to sing together.

My parents started dragging us around at a young age to sing for different church events in Oklahoma. I remember sound checks were always interesting. Someone would blow into the mic or point the mic in the wrong direction and dad would tell us to stop and then we'd laugh and couldn't stop giggling to where we couldn't even sing .... etc.

Now that we're all older, we have a different issue to deal with. We all have opinions. Ah, yes, we would all like to be in charge of who sings what where. "No, I think you should double the melody there." "I don't like that chord progression; it's so cheesy." "I can't read your writing! That's why I'm not singing the right thing!"

So, what does this have to do with Christmas? Out of the whole year, the time we sing together most is during Christmas time. This season reminds me of getting to make music with my family. Despite the little arguments and conflicts that may arise when trying to rehearse, it really is one of my most favorite things.

My mom has a jazzy arrangement of the BC Clark Jingle that we've sung a few places. A few nights ago, we all were together in the car to go look at Christmas Lights. We broke out into this song and we usually stop at some point ... but .... we didn't. We finished the whole song. Afterwards, Mark said, "I can't believe we just did that. That's exactly what people think that we really do." We all laughed. :) I love my family and am so grateful that we get to share the gift of music.

#22: "messiah" and a dream

One of my most favorite parts about being an OBU student was University Chorale, which was under the direction of Dr. D.

The literature he picked for us to sing was incredible. I was always excited for these rehearsals because he led us through so many emotions with our music. He had stories, lessons, and inspirations to share.

For Hanging of the Green, my sophomore year, we sang the Christmas portion of Handel's "Messiah." I had only done a few pieces here and there, but never the entire portion. Before we went out on stage that night to sing, Dr. D sat us all down in Yarborough Auditorium in the basement of Raley Chapel. This is a moment I will never forget. He proceeded to explain that it was his dream to conduct Handel's "Messiah." He told us stories of how, as a child, he would get in front of a mirror, play this music, grab something that resembled a baton, and conduct ... cues and all. "You are helping me live my dream," he said. I basically lost it.

In fact, this very moment was what pushed my brother to audition for Chorale the next semester. After loving the performance and hearing this story, he wanted to be a part of it.

So thank you, Dr. D, for being such a candid director and mentor. Thank you, chorale members, for such wonderful memories and beautiful music.

#21: 3 bucks, 2 bags, 1 me

So, I didn't really only have 3 bucks, I certainly wasn't allowed to have 2 bags, but there was just 1 me. Oh yes, I'm talking about NYC!

Ah, Christmas time in New York. Well, we weren't there during Christmas ... we came back just in time to resume our normal Christmas Eve/Christmas Day activities. This trip was December of my sophomore year in college and we went with the Britt family.

I'm going to try and hit on the high points of the trip, but there were about 294, so I'll do my best to be brief.

Siblings :)

Good Morning America

AMAZING

Yep, subway strike right when we landed in NYC. Yep, subway strike lifted right when our plane took off from NYC.

Moms and Daughters

Loving Josh's face

Josh showing off his dancing skills

Don't they just look like wee little babies?? So cute.

And, like, duh, like, we went shopping.

I really wish I knew what was happening right here, but whatever the situation, I love it.

There she is.

The Britt Family

The Clifford Family

Lovely parents

Another AMAZING musical

NYC can do this to you, but it's totally worth it.

I love taking vacations, I love the Britt family, and I love New York. Such a wonderful memory!

#20: wanting a boyfriend

What is it about this time of year that brings out the "I really want a boyfriend" in you?

I don't want a boyfriend right now because I have a husband, BUT don't you remember this feeling? Or maybe you still have it. There's something about this time of year that brings out the loneliness. In high school, all I ever wanted was to have a boyfriend during Christmas time.

One year, it happened. It was my first boyfriend ever. (Don't worry, it was over by the time the next December rolled around. :)) But, he called me one night and told me to go to my front porch. After the ridiculous flirting of, "Why? Like, I don't get it! Why??" I finally went outside. There was a little stuffed bear sitting in a gift bag looking at me. Funny how you think stuffed animals are stupid and then, a boy gives it to you and it becomes the coolest thing ever. I calmly walked back inside, went into my room, and probably let out some sort of scream.

So, why the loneliness? I'm not really sure except that it has something to do with lit Christmas trees, snow falling, making fires, romantic comedies, and songs like 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' all combined into one. That can make a girl pretty sappy.

So, if you have someone to share this season with, enjoy every little moment.

#19: love and the black and white party

In an earlier post, I explained how Sarah McLachlan's "Wintersong" Album reminds me of falling in love with Colt. Now, my 'falling in love' story ...

I went back and forth almost every day. My friends can confirm this. The reason? Well, there are several. One, is that I spent the first year and a half at OBU avoiding his existence. I thought he was cocky and I hated it. I would play music with him because he was/is good, but hang out and laugh at him and make him think he's awesome? No way. My friends and I would walk into eat in the ARA and would specifically say to them, "We are NOT sitting with Colt and his friends." (I know, it's rude, but it's okay ... he thought I was a brat. We're even.)

So, my feelings for him had made a complete 180 from freshman year to junior year. Another reason why I was so indecisive ... I wanted to like him so bad, but I also did not want to commit my heart to something that wouldn't happen. I wasn't in the mood to be disappointed and suffer heartbreak. But, who is? I remember telling several of my friends one day, "We look great together on paper, but I'm just not sure if it will work." That was my way of being totally cool and awesome and i-don't-really-care-what-happens-but-i-really-do.

I was frustrated because I really liked him and it was so strong. If you've been in love, you know. It's gut-wrenching loving someone and not really knowing if it is returned. I had heard that it was, but that's not the same as hearing it from his mouth.

One day, I was practicing in Ford Music Hall, where I spent a good majority of my college life. I heard a knock on the door and there he was. He fumbled through a LOT of words and in the process, turned them into a song, with interesting piano accompaniment, provided by him. In summary, he said, "I like you." It's one of those things that I thought right afterwards, "I wish I would have recorded this." I didn't say much, but I did say that I liked him as well. He left the room and I could hardly contain myself. I felt joy and excitement mixed with the anxiety of 'let's get this thing going!'

At this point, there were only a few weeks left before Christmas Break. My friends and I decided to do a little "Black and White" party, similar to the first episode of Laguna Beach, except not at all. :)

Our feast for the night. We put 4 different table/chair sets together from the apartments around us. It was quite the extravaganza.

And, here we all are.

I'm pretty sure this is our first picture together after having expressed our 'like' for each other. Maybe that's why we're glowing.

At the end of this little party, Colt took me outside and asked me on what would be our first date. It was happening!

So, we began falling in love in December of 2006 and I'd say, that's a pretty darn good memory.

#18: singing monks

At Council Road Baptist Church, we had Christmas programs every year and some of them consisted of the 'singing monks.'

One year I got asked to be in it and I was so excited. My job was 'lu.' It was a pretty tricky little dude. We would chant "ha-lellujah DOWN" so our cards would all flip down simultaneously. These rehearsals were so much fun. When you're standing on a chair, in a robe, flipping cards to the Hallelujah Chorus in the 10th grade with your best friends, it's hard not to get tickled.

It's a fun little memory and I wish I owned a video of it. But, lucky for you, there are several videos on youtube of other groups that have done it. I have to say, this one isn't as precise as ours was and I do apologize for the laughing man, but at least you'll get the drift. Enjoy!

#17: one week off

I've already expressed my excitement for school closings as a kid (and I guess as a grown-up, too). However, there was one specific time I'll never forget.

In December of 2007 I was finishing up my student teaching at Norman North HS. I had one week left and before that week began, a HUGE snow/ice storm came through. School was cancelled Monday ... Tuesday ... Wednesday ... Thursday ... AND Friday. THE WHOLE WEEK OFF. Does that ever happen?? Well, in Norman it did.

I remember each night, sitting in our cozy Oak Hollow home in Shawnee, watching the tv screen as the closings went by. My roommates and I were in disbelief every night! This week was finals week for them, so it was perfect because they weren't in class all day. I remember us hoping our electricity would go out so we could light candles around the house and just cuddle in blankets.

So, to all of you students and teachers out there, here's to a few days of missing school this winter season!

#16: a simple christmas

One Christmas, when I was probably 6 or 7, the weather was really terrible. It was on a Sunday and my family decided not to drive to church that morning. I think it was the first Sunday ever that I had not attended church as a kid. I wasn't sure what to do with myself.

We all sat in the living room around the fire and my parents read the Christmas story to us. Now looking back on this moment, I'm amazed that neither of them had music responsibilities at church that morning.

That Christmas meant a lot to me as a child and I haven't ever forgotten it. As I feel totally overwhelmed this holiday season, I am longing for a time like this. No stress, no responsibilities, no places to be.

I turned on my computer tonight and thought, "What will I write about?" Immediately, my mind went to this story. It's a simple story and a simple Christmas memory, but most of the time that's what I really prefer ... simple.

#15: 3 years ago

This exact day, 3 years ago, Colt asked me to marry him.

It also happened to be the night of the PC North Christmas Concert/Alumni Bash/Mrs. Hulsey is leaving event. I thought a few people were acting weird, but I wasn't going to think anything of it. If I thought he was going to propose and he didn't, I'd be disappointed; and whose fault is that? Mine. So, I decided not to get my hopes up.

We went to the concert and then he took me on a little repeat of our first date. I think I've written about our first date before, but I'll just give you a brief reminder. I had a concerto-aria audition that night and wasn't going to be done until around 8:30 p.m. So, since it was going to be a late night date, he took me to IHOP in downtown OKC. Now, I know IHOP isn't #1 on the list of classy restaurants in OKC, but it was late and I really like breakfast food, so it was great. We ate and then we walked around in the botanical gardens. This was also where he strategically grabbed for my hand as we crossed the street ... and just happened to keep holding it. Oh, the butterflies! We spent the drive home listening to Ray LaMontagne's 'Till the Sun Turns Black.' It was a lovely first date.

So, back to the engagement night. He took me to IHOP in downtown OKC and we walked around in the botanical gardens. He began going through all of our fun dating memories ... first date, first time holding hands, first kiss. Then, he paused, got on one knee and said, "And now, I'm asking you to marry me. Claire, will you marry me?" And you know the rest. :)

It was a perfect night to me ... everything I could have ever dreamed of. (Of course, I had no idea of all of the issues, frustrations, and crazy people that Colt dealt with to get to that point.) After he proposed, we went to my parents house to find a crowd of family and friends waiting to greet us. Such a wonderful surprise!

I spent the whole night laying in bed just looking at my ring. I had been waiting for this night all of my life and it actually happened. I'm so thankful that I have such a smart, caring, funny, and talented man who always challenges me to dream and to be my best.

#14: santa's letters

I believed in Santa until one day in 4th grade. I'm pretty sure Hilary Barker-Knippers was a part of it. (If you're reading this, Hilary, it's okay ... no hard feelings. :)) We were in Mrs. Sharp's class and I overheard a conversation that was going on about Santa. I hadn't doubted Santa, but now he seemed a little fishy. I came home, asked my parents for the truth, and they told me. I knew it wasn't really a big deal because, hey, I'm still going to get presents from the people that were pretending to be Santa.

Karlie, my younger sister who doesn't seem so young these days, was still little and believed in Santa Claus. Although I knew the truth, I decided to make it my mission that Karlie keep believing for as long as possible. I typed her a letter every Christmas on Microsoft Word with some kind of swirly/old timey font. Of course, I could refer to very specific things in her life and she was totally amazed. Every year, she would read these letters in amazement. I was so excited. It was working!

I hope I don't totally ruin her reputation by saying that I'm pretty sure I kept her going until 7th grade. Yes, she heard other people say he wasn't real, but I mean, she was getting letters from him! So, naturally, he's real. Finally, she asked for the truth one day and she got it.

Anyway, I'm pretty proud of my strategy. As I sit here now thinking about how thrilled she was reading those letters, it makes me a little emotional. Believing in Santa was a magical thing. I hope that you all got to do it. :)

#13: another favorite gift

Well, I've already said my favorite Christmas gift was my homemade barbie house, but I do have one more favorite to add to the list.

I was a junior in high school and I walked out into the living room to find a keyboard. It was 88 keys and it was weighted ... just what I wanted! I was just entering into a time when I was starting to feel comfortable playing and singing at the same time and writing my own music. I had been dreaming of a keyboard like this. There were many, many nights I'd plug in my headphones and play while everyone else was sleeping.

I've gotten a new one since then and told my dad, "Hey, if you guys want this back for mom to use, you can have it." He replied, "Well, we can pay you for it." And I said, "Dad, I'm not going to make you pay for this keyboard twice!" So, it's at home with my parents now. :)

That keyboard was a huge stepping stone in my life as a musician. My mom is one of the most incredible pianists you will ever know. Does she read chord charts, arrange music, write music, perform art music, play by ear, play every style, and sight read like a maniac? YES. She is crazy good.

What does this have to do with my keyboard? Well, I'm just grateful to have parents that are not only talented, but that encourage(d) my talent. This Christmas gift was one of those supportive moments where I felt them saying, "Yes, you are good at this and yes, you should keep going." So, thanks mom and dad.

#12: the blizzard of 09

Last year, Oklahomans woke up on Christmas Eve with an incredible amount of snow ... and it just kept coming.

We knew this was 'supposed' to happen, but weren't completely convinced. Christmas Eve morning, I immediately sat up on my knees in bed to look out of our window. It was true! The earth was covered in white and snow was falling.

We watched the news and saw that cars were stranded everywhere on the roads. It was really, really bad. So, what did we do? Well, of course, we met my family at the mall in the afternoon to see a movie! Duh. It took us over an hour to get there, so we enjoyed the scenery on the way. It looked like the end of the world.

Towards the end of the movie, my parents received a text saying that Candlelight was cancelled.

I know. We all had to take a deep breath too.

Council Road Baptist Church doesn't cancel things ... especially Candlelight. It is a huge tradition. Families are back together. We see friends we haven't seen in years. People travel from countries afar to be at this thing. Okay, I'm lying about the countries afar, but seriously, this was a big deal.

After we got over the shock, we celebrated! Of course we would have loved to go to Candlelight, but it was exciting to have a free night with the family snowed-in. And, if my memory is correct, I even think we opened presents that night. Living on the edge!

I'm hardly ever a 'change plans at the last minute and be flexible' kind of girl, but this was definitely one time that I didn't mind. :)

#11: yesterday

This Christmas memory is from yesterday. :) After a really crazy week, Colt said we should go on a date. Dinner was wherever I wanted it to be. Naturally, I picked Yamato. We had a wonderful dinner followed by a little browsing at a bookstore and then we came home.

I really wanted to enjoy a fire, but it was definitely time to go to bed. I was exhausted and had to turn around and wake up for a full day of musical auditions at school. I didn't want to stay up any later. So, to solve this dilemma of both needing to sleep and wanting a fire, we decided to sleep in the living room with a fire crackling, watching/falling asleep to "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days."

Girly and cheesy? Yes ... and I loved it. It was a simple and perfect night.

#10: starbucks opening

Once upon a time, there was not a Starbucks to be found in the greater Oklahoma City area. I first experienced Starbucks in Arizona when I was a freshman in high school. I purchased a caramel frappuccino, which is a silly drink to 'serious' coffee people; but I didn't know that then nor did I care.

I found out later there would soon be one coming to OKC! My friend, Katie, and I were elated.

(Here we are at Katie's 1940s themed party in 2009)

We were pretty obsessed with Starbucks for some reason. I'm sure you remember making 'signs' in high school. In November and December of my sophomore year, we made countdown signs with Christmas themes and coffee mugs and Starbucks logos and gave them to each other in Mr. Wright's geometry class. We couldn't wait.

I don't do a lot of things 'first.' I didn't get married first, I don't go to opening days of things or see movies at midnight premieres or buy CDs on their release date. But, I did go to the first OKC Starbucks on nw expressway and rockwell with Katie on the day it opened.

We felt so accomplished sitting inside, drinking our coffee (in other words, white mochas), knowing that we can't drive and our parents will soon be picking us up. :)

#9: a bible for christmas??

I was never the kid to sneak under the tree and shake my Christmas presents to see what they were. That was cheating and I wasn't a cheater ... except for that one time in 2nd grade when I copied Kenny's "Charlotte's Web" test and got sent out into the hall.

BUT, one year for Christmas, I did it.

I was probably about 9 or 10. I decided I wanted to know what one of my Christmas presents was before Christmas Day. Why? Because I was a kid. The one I picked was a rectangular shape, about 2 inches thick, and was heavy. Why I picked this one I'll never know. Each night I'd rip a little piece of the paper back. My reasoning was that it wasn't as bad because it was a little each day. Right?

One night I could finally see enough of it. I knew what it was. A Bible. Talk about a guilt trip. But, did I feel guilt? Nah, my initial thought was something along the lines of, "BORRRING." Now, the Bible isn't boring, but when you're a 10 year old girl who wants to get her ears pierced and get clothes from limited 2 and buy accessories from Claire's, a Bible is no fun.

Later on, of course, I realized it was a wonderful gift from my mom and dad. So, thanks mom and dad ... even though I was a cheater. It certainly sucked the fun out of 'opening' the present on Christmas day, but I learned my lesson and never did it again. :)

#8: kerr christmas

Kerr Christmas was a mini holiday show that was held in the lobby of an OBU dorm, Kerr. There were small skits interspersed with musical acts that were always sure to entertain. It was usually 2-3 weeks before the end of the fall semester so, by this point, everybody needed a little break. A night full of apple cider, hot chocolate, music, caroling and comedy was necessary. Kerr Christmas is definitely one of my favorite memories from OBU.

These are the times I miss at Christmas. It was so easy in college to get together with best friends and enjoy a night together.

Here are some of my Kerr Christmas memories...

Sibling Picture: Anna and Abby, Mark and Claire

Look at all of our sweet little rosy faces. It always got SO hot in there!

Mark, my brother, as Santa Claus? Yes, yes, it is him.

Ah yes, the year Colt and Ben were in charge. Judging by the boys you're seeing, outfits they're wearing and eggnog they are holding, you can guess what kind of night this was. :)

Each year there was some sort of caroling that went on a few times during the show. One year, my group of friends and I were asked to be the 'awkward' carolers. 'Awkward' is a word that used to be cool and funny. Then, it was overused. Now, I hate using it. But, anyway, that was our title. Honestly, it was bound to be awkward whether we tried or not. Strangely enough, Ashley (green scarf) is one of the most hilariously awkward people I know and she actually looks the most normal. The rest of us have adopted her body language traits. If you don't know Ashley, you should. She's great. (love you, Ashley :))

Gracious, I could just cry thinking of all you ladies. I miss you so much and am thankful for your friendship.

#7: the pose

Mark, Karlie, and I have a pose that we do every Christmas Eve. Now that I think about it, I think we've skipped the past few years ... but hey, who's counting?

So, here it is:

This one was taken in 2003 and no, that is not a wig. Long story short: box coloring gone terribly wrong. (I'll save that story for another post. It deserves its own.)

I feel bad for Mark. I mean, look at him. Karlie and I are as happy as can be, flying free without a care in the world! And then, there's Mark. He's such a good sport. And, of course, it gets worse every year. When I was 14 and Karlie was 9, it was a breeze! Not so much anymore. I'm thinking about bringing it back this year since we've skipped a few.

Hmm ... so where shall we put Colt?

#6: the sing-off

This time last year, the tv show, "The Sing-Off," started. I had never heard of it and I'm pretty sure I just happened to stumble upon it. The idea: a capella groups of different voicing arrange popular songs and compete to be the winner. It's basically like "Glee" and "American Idol" mashed into one, except a bajillion times better than both. Anyway, it's my favorite and was a fun little surprise last holiday season. No drama and lots of talent. It starts TONIGHT at 7pm, so watch!

http://www.nbc.com/sing-off/