White Christmas - December 25, 2009

In Oklahoma a white Christmas is a rare occurance, and this year we made history in the form of a blizzard - the likes of which have not been seen around here in many years. In one day it snowed 13 inches, the wind blowing 50 miles an hour. In a short time it looked like we lived someplace up north, certainly not Oklahoma! Snow covered the windows and doors, drifts up against front doors kept them tightly shut. Last minute shopping became a memory - traveling was not advised and the word was "Stay Home!" We did - although people who were either driving home from work, driving here for Christmas from another state, or those who figured they could manuver the snow and ice found themselves in long traffic lines - stopped or stuck in snow drifts on the interstates, highways, and side streets, even stranded in their offices and airport. It was day to remember. The mail never came, no paper today - it's amazing how something like a blizzard can shut down an entire busy city and busy people.

But - that's one reason I loved it - for one day I felt a sense of solidarity with everyone - we all were in the same boat. For just a day, and really only part of the day - we were all home (at least those who made it!), glued to television sets giving the latest weather updates, having to make do with what we had - for just a day. No frantic last minute shopping for that one last thing - we were done. Lots of services were canceled and family traditions set aside - as we all listened to the howling wind, watched the snow accumulate, bundled up in warm clothes, and waited. For Christmas.

We've been bombarded with Christmas materialism since October, really, the end of September. Bombarded with messages and advertisements to buy, buy, buy, get, do, purchase, and on and on. December the first I actually felt way behind. The message seemed to be - the perfect Christmas equals the perfect gift or gifts, decorations, etc. and spending tons of money. I liked the message this Christmas eve better than any I've heard in a long time - wait, be quiet, slow down, do without, listen, stay home.

And just maybe in the quietness someone heard the still small voice of our Savior. I hope so.

O come let us adore Him - Christ the Lord. Happy Birthday Jesus!

Merry Christmas from Kindermusik with Bonnie

This week I completed my Kindermusik classes for this semester with my annual Christmas parties. You haven't lived until you have hoola hooped with the chipmunks, skated on paper plates to the "Skater's Waltz", bounced "snowballs" on a parachute, shone flashlights on the ceiling to "Silent Night", ridden on beach towel sleighs to "Sleighride!", or played bell jingles to a rousing blue grass version of "Jingle Bells!" Nothing in life can match little faces that light up and all of the joy and energy and giggles and laughter that are the rewards of being a Kindermusik educator. Bringing musical activities into the lives of little ones is such a privilege - with life long effects. The other day I was leading a little children's choir in church practicing for our Christmas program. One little girl in the choir, Kassidy (age 7), was in my Kindermusik Imagine That! class as a three almost four year old. She didn't seem to remember who I was until someone called me Miss Bonnie. It was as if a light went on and she looked up at me and said "Miss Bonnie?!!!" She remembered - and in a very good way! What a gift... for both of us.
Merry Christmas!
Bonnie Tschetter

Why Kindermusik?

Here is a good example of why steady beat activities are beneficial to children. Enjoy!

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1418565565?bctid=23207933001

Time to Begin

After visiting with my daughter Mary who just start a blog, I've decided to take the blog plunge as well and give it a try. My hesitation in starting a blog had much to do with who would care and what in the world do I have to say? My daughter's perspective was very helpful - let it be a record of moments - that pass and are soon quickly forgotten if not written down either in a diary or record book of some kind. So, here is my record book, my diary of sorts, of the moments in life that mean so much to me. My life is not nearly as complicated as it used to be. My four children are grown and I have a small Kindermusik business. My husband is a pastor and my heart is wrapped up tightly around the Body of Christ that makes up Covenant Community Church. I have three very beautiful and gifted grandsons who bring a joyful dimension to my life only a grandparent can understand! My boys live close to us, and my daughter and her family are far away. Our family times are some of the best times of life right now. I have one daughter in love that I adore and deeply respect. So, here begins a blog about life in my world, the songs of life that touch this tiny speck of the planet!