Every New Year's Day my dad's side of the family has a reunion. There is always good food, fun, and company, however there is one part of the event that leaves my family shuttering. It is a tradition that has existed as long as I can remember . . . It is the family songs. I thought I would enclose the lyrics to both just so you can have a taste of the blessed event.
The first is the "Sheffield Family" Tune: "Solomon Levi" with Words by James Francis Sheffield and Dagmar Sheffield.
1. We are some loyal members of the Sheffield family, We're here today to say hello to you, and you to me, To sisters, brothers, uncles, aunts, and cousins by the score; To eat, to drink, to laugh and play --how could one ask for more?
CHORUS The Sheffield clan, sir, the Sheffield clan are we The Sheffield clan, sir, and proud indeed to be.
2. We have a line of ancestry, came from that British Isle Where first that family tree took root and grew and grew the while; Some branches green grew over the wall, and on across the sea, To fertile soil Promised Land - there sprang up you and me.
3. Grandparents heard a gospel preached, unpopular and new, Thought "Mormon" was the common name, it sounded fine and true, Unlike the way that they'd been taught, its principles were clear, It is satisfied their questioning minds and gave them naught to fear.
4. With children six they joined the Church, made plans to leave Homeland, Dear England, old and critic friend, to join that Mormon band. They sent their son, the eldest one, to go and pave a way To meet the saints in Utah State, where they could go and stay.
5. By land and sea they traveled far, to reach America, That freedom land and home of brave, a land of liberty. Like pioneers, they journeyed on to Kaysville and Brigham town; Their courage high and faith increased, their happiness profound!
6. They met the saints and President Snow, who gave a helping hand To find a home and work to do 'longside that Mormon band. United Order was the plan by which they were to live, So on to work with shoes and nails, their best efforts to give.
7. The children soon established homes, as each one chose a mate; So that is how their family grew, distinguised and sedate. There's Heber, Will, Ellen and Frank, Sarah and brother Jim; That number multiplied so fast --filled house to the brim!
8. Our story could go on and on, but we'll just say adieu Until another day like this, again we'll sing to you.
So that's the first song and really it is not so much that we have a song, but the lyrics of the song are quite interesting coupled with the fact that some of the words don't fit into the rhythm of the song.
Up next is the second song that comes from an old version of the hymn book.
1. Verdant spring and rosy summer, Golden autumn, all are past; O'er the face of nature frowning, Lonely winter comes as last; Yet she brings us many pleasures, Many scenes of festive cheer; Now with joy our hearts are glowing,
While we hail the bright new year, While we hail the bright new year.
2. Sliding, skating, laughing, shouting, Down the rugged hill we go; Hark! the sleigh-bells gally pealing O'er the white and downy snow! Can we think the winter dreary, When such merry tones we hear? Now the cup of pleasure sparkles,
While we hail the bright new year, While we hail the bright new year.
3. Tho' the forest shades are silent, And the birds have flown away, We can warble sweetest music, We can sing as light as they. Happy season, happy greeting! Friends and kindred far and near, Take our best and kindest wishes,
While we hail the bright new year, While with hail the bright new year.
So this song is special because as you say the last line "While we hail . . . " you have to stand up like it is a cheer. Here is the picture depicting the event. Unfortunately, it doesn't show the whole room, but it is hilarious.
I just have to mention that I didn't tell Matt about this tradition until a couple of days before. No sense telling him about the weird family traditions to soon. Happy New Year everyone!!!
This is the cake (German Chocolate) I attempted to make for the occasion. I don't know if holidays and celebrations are inherently fraught with dessert peril, but for me they definitely are. You will notice that this cake has only one layer. Strange for a round cake, no? Well the other layer although given the equal opportunity treatment of having its pan greased and floured decided that it would come out of the pan in two pieces. How's a girl supposed to frost a cake in two pieces? I still don't know the answer as you can tell I just went with the one layer. It's a good thing baking isn't my profession.
And people think I am dramatic? I think if you hold your fingers like that the flames go out easier, they must be afraid. Although, I can't imagine why Matt would need the extra help I didn't even put the full 32 candles on. Instead I opted for the placement of the candles in the shape of 32. It's a considerably lower risk for fire that way and seeing as how we are renters I thought it was only polite to consider the other apartment dwellers.
He looks thrilled doesn't he? Matt likes to have music when he is getting ready, so I decided he had to own a shower radio. You gotta love the name brand--Rock It. That's terribly original isn't it?
I just love the fact that Matt humors me when it is picture time. Here is he is holding his new sheets. These aren't just any sheets they are 300 count. Why you ask? Matt doesn't like rough sheets, so hopefully these will accommodate him. I am just glad that he is secure enough in his masculinity to put up with a present like this and to have the present blogged for all the world to see.
Lauren and Ava love to play in the toys. They stopped just long enough for a picture.
