Let Me Call You Sweetheart Chapter 3, Page 24
It was hard to teach the children in December. Their minds were always on the Christmas holiday and who was acting in the nativity pageant, who was caroling, and making wishes for their presents.
Elizabeth reminded them that they would be putting their wishes on the town Christmas tree soon so encouraged them to think of others when doing so.
"I'm having a hard time this year thinking of someone else." Opal sighed.
"How about your grandparents?" Elizabeth suggested. "What would they wish for?" Every student was pondering what or who their wish would be for.
Dee had an easier time as the children loved the Christmas Carols. Some were really fun to sing like Jingle Bells and Up On the Housetop when they used bells, snapped their fingers,and clicked their tongues. This often ended up in laughter.
The pageant songs were centered around the Gospel of Luke which meant that they not only practiced in school but when the church choirs met. Wonderful classic Christmas songs were chosen by the choirs. Silent Night, of course, Away In a Manger, O' Come All Ye Faithful, and Joy to the World! Bill and Nathan helped those learning to play guitar and Angela helped with her mother Minnie, for those wanting to play piano. John, the band teacher, wanted a debut for Cooper on the drums so he was practicing The Little Drummer Boy.
Pastor Joseph asked Dee to sing a solo. She was hesitant at first, but he reminded her that it her talent was a gift from God that needed to be share. So, she was preparing for O Holy Night. "This will be quite an honor!" she shared with him. "I hope I'm up to it."
Dee also had two lessons to teach in Brookfield this month. What really helped her was that the Coulters drove her there and back.
"Lee and I both want to drive you to Brookfield, Dee. We want to visit the children and get to know Paul more. So, not to worry about taking a stagecoach." Rosemary offered.
"That sounds serious," Dee said "You really are taking a liking to Paul, aren't you?"
"Yes, we have so much room in our hearts and a place for Paul to fill in!" she smiled with tenderness as she touched her heart. "I hope we get the approval to be able to have Paul visit with us so we can take him out soon."
"You and Lee will make marvelous parents. I know by the way you teach these children. When you give them costumes to try on, or lines to memorize you are a very patient and understanding. They all enjoy you!" Dee complimented Rosemary.
"That just comes naturally for me. I was trained in drama don't forget." Rosemary flung her hair off her shoulder.
"Yes, I see your talent, but I'm talking about your approach. You are so tender with the children. It shows. Your caring for others is very evident!" Dee smiled.
On the few times that the children weren't busy with their Christmas preparations, the boys still needed to use up their energy. So, Sam, Mark, Luke and John came a few times after school and started to show the boys different exercises and stretches to do before practices. Once they were loosened up they went over the rules so no one would get hurt without any protective gear. That's when Sam handed out permission slips for their parents to fill out. So, for now they learned touch football to start. Each of the men had different responsibilities as coaches. They had defense, offense, drills, and scrimmages. The boys thrived on being a team and wanted to meet on Saturdays.
"Sam, I'd like to be there every Saturday but I have to do my housekeeping, I hope you understand." Elizabeth told Sam.
"Elizabeth," Sam said as he grabbed her hand, "I know how busy it is, especially with Christmas coming, so I don't expect you to be there. Besides, it's getting colder out and the snow will be falling. I don't want you to bring Jack out in that kind of weather for any length of time."
"Thank you Sam, maybe after practice you can come over and you can relax and play with Jack. He needs more attention. I don't like leaving him all the time to teach, but now I have to provide for him myself. I treasure any moment I have with him more than ever." Elizabeth confided.
"I think it would be a great time to get you a tree for your house. Would you like to do that?" Sam asked.
"Yes, of course, that will be wonderful!" Elizabeth's eyes lit up. "I was hoping to decorate soon."
"All right then, after practice I'll pick you and Jack up and we can get you a tree for Christmas." Sam promised.
Over at the dress shop, Dottie was checking on what had just arrived and was stumped as to where to put it all. It sure seemed the walls were too close for comfort and she definitely had to expand. Rosemary was also taking up room sewing costumes with her sewing circle for the pageant. She wondered what she could do. Opening the upstairs might be a possibility. She'll have to make sure she goes to the next town council meeting. For now, she had her hands full with dresses for the Dee and Nathan's wedding. Dottie hoped Dee could stop by Saturday to go over choices for her bridal gown. Thank goodness she arrived back to help she thought. What would they do without her?
