Merry Christmas!

She Just Makes Me Smile

November Rewind

November came and went, and I can't believe December is already here! Here is a quick review of some November highlights.

Anna Lee's school put on a Thanksgiving program before the holiday break. It was my first time to get to see Anna Lee in a program, and I have to say, after being on the other side, I loved it! I was definitely one of those parents who was waving at their child. How can you not??? Anna Lee searched and searched for us, and once she found where we were sitting, she sang away(you can see her find us in the first picture). My sister, my mom, and Jim's parents also came to the program. It was so sweet of them to come. It made me laugh at what a fuss we all made over 3 songs that took no more than two minutes combined to sing. But when it's your "baby," that's what you do!

Anna Lee was dressed as a cute little pilgrim. They had sent home a sheet with the songs the kids were supposed to sing. The packet they sent home had four papers stapled together with the song lyrics on the front and back of the sheets. Anna Lee and I worked and worked on memorizing all of those songs....all 12 of them. It wasn't until the day before the program that I realized I had been teaching her all of the songs for the 2's...the 3's...the 4's...the 5's...and pre-K. Anna Lee was PREPARED for the show! Poor thing was probably wondering why in the world she wasn't singing all 10 other songs up on the stage!

The day after Thanksgiving, Jim's whole family went to a neat Homestead craft fair/farm. (I don't remember the name of it.) It was a huge working farm run by a group that lives a very simple life, similar to Amish groups. There were tons of really neat things to do. The kids got to pet live animals, make crafts, listen to music groups, see demonstrations, ride a hayride, etc.

J.D. having fun with Pops

Making a soap ball

Pulling taffy

Rolling oats

The whole gang getting ready for the hayride

As soon as Thanksgiving was over, we moved into "Musical Mode." The past two years, my sister Kasey and I have directed the kids' musical at our church. It is one of my favorite things to do. I love getting to teach about music and God's love with my sister, working with an awesome team of friends (including my sweet husband), and getting to know and love a great group of elementary kids. This year's musical was this past Saturday night. I feel like I am finally able to take a breath now that it is over. This year's musical was called "Angels Aware," and the kids were all dressed like beautiful angels, telling about Jesus going to earth. I was so proud of all of the kids, and what an incredible job they did. It has been such a blessing to watch a group like these little 1st through 5th graders put a show like that together. And it has taught me a great deal this year about our need for Jesus, and the true reason we celebrate.