Twas The Night Before Christmas...

The kiddos all did a wonderful job playing the piano and singing at our Christmas Eve Church service.  We really enjoyed the "candy cane service."  I love that the kids know there is a bigger reason to celebrate than just Santa Claus...or simply to receive gifts.  Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ and the light of God that lives in us all. 

Luke 2:8-14 (King James Version)

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

We wish you a very blessed and safe Christmas!



Where I've Been...

Hello!  My, it's been a long, long time, it seems!  It's been awhile since I've gone this long without posting, but life has been extra busy.  I'm happy to report that I'm finished with with my fall semester of studies!  I've been working to finish up final projects and then my final exams.  It's so nice to be on break (finally).  The kiddos have been extra busy with church and Christmas activities.  Mr. Jones has been working like a dog and is now enjoying his much-deserved vacation.  It's a good thing he has some time off, because we have lots to do to prepare for Christmas day! 

Here's a quick look at what we've been up to the past few weeks.  You may want to go ahead now - scroll to the bottom and pause the holiday music. ;) 

Our "Elf on a Shelf" Sprite Sparkle found his way back to our home. :)

The basketball season at church ended with a visit from some Iowa Energy basketball players!

That's Cavy under the hoop.

The kiddos were excited to get autographs!

Mr. B had his first vocal concert of the year.  I'm frustrated with these low light pics - I'm not digging those "laser eyes."

Mr. B is in the front row - center.

The following week, we enjoyed his first band concert of the year. (Darn camera!)

Mr. B plays the baritone.

It finally snowed (ugh) and the boys took full advantage of it!

Those are some happy faces!

I'm sure the thought of throwing at that chunk of snow at his brothers never even crossed Mr. B's mind...right?!

We baked some Christmas sugar cookies.

Bear enjoyed the baking! :)

Cavy did an awesome job rolling his own dough and cutting out his own cookies!

Cousin Alex joined us for the fun!

Shay is working hard. :)

The youngest 3 kiddos participated in the church Christmas program.  (Grrr...laser eyes)

Jaron did a great job on his lines! :)

Miss Shay started the program with a solo.  She was nervous, but did great! :)

There's my cutie! :)

Angels We Have Heard On High

Joy to the World!

Mr. B attended a Show Choir day camp at the high school. 

They put on a short show at the end of the camp.  It was so fun to watch! :)

He did a great job! :)  (There's those darn laser eyes again.)

Cavy performed with the Cherubs @ Church.

Mr. B performed with the Young Prophets @ Church.

Miss Shay had a winter dance show.

The finale.

Daddy & Cavy brought our little dancer some gorgeous pink roses! 

Someone is enamoured with his little girl.

I'm pretty sure the feeling is mutual!  :)

I hope you have been doing well these past few weeks!  Christmas is less than a week away.  Take time during this busy season to remember the real reason we celebrate - the birth of our Savior.

Blessings~

December is here!

Greetings!  Wow, it's been awhile!  I hope you had a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!  We had a nice Thanksgiving here at the house with my family.  I slept through most of it as I had a knee scope done on Wednesday morning - nothing like having surgery the day before a holiday.  Bummer.  I can't complain too much though, my mom and the hubby made a wonderful meal, and the hubby and the kiddos took excellent care of me!  I'm back on my feet and doing well - just a little sore still.  This afternoon I get to visit my wonderful surgeon and get my stitches out.  As much as I adore him and his staff, I'm hoping this will be my last knee procedure for quite some time!  I'd much prefer to pop in and say hello without having problems to report. :)

A very unflattering pic of me - staying positive before surgery.  I was so blessed to have so many praying for me and thinking of me! 

Look who came to Thanksgiving!  It's my nephew, Kaevon!  He's getting so big!

He provided a lot of entertainment...another reason I wish I could've stayed awake!  Darn pain meds!

It's hard to believe it's December already!!  Christmas sales are abundant in the stores, I have neither the time nor the money to take advantage of them.  Another bummer.  My schedule will be clearing up soon as next week is my last full week of classes, then finals week...and then... a BREAK!  I can't wait!!  Until then, I'll keep plugging away...and searching for a money tree to attempt to put a dent into Richie Rich's the kiddos' wish lists.

A visit with Santa.

And one of his reindeer!

All but Cavy with Mrs. Claus.

The kiddos are busy this month with programs and concerts and activities.  I'm working with them on the piano and they will all be playing a piece for the Christmas Eve service at church.  I never thought of myself as a piano teacher, but it's going really well!  My little elves are so excited that this magic season has arrived!  I remember how much I loved Christmas season when I was little.  One of my favorite memories was going to holiday open houses with my  mom and my grandma.  There was always Christmas music, and decorations, and beautiful and fun things to look at.  Oh, and there was always Christmas cookies to eat...yum!!  I look forward to making some memories and some cookies with the kiddos in the weeks to come! :) 

Cavy practicing. :)

Grandma's Christmas Cactus is blooming - I've been taking good care of it for her. :)

Bear and Mr. B in front of the dining room tree.

Awww....

The kiddos in the family room (before the ornaments went on).

Well, our tree is up - or I should say "trees."  I guilted the hubby into letting me put up three trees this year (they're all artificial and were all in storage - so I don't feel too bad about it):  one in the family room, one in the dining room, and one in the kid's play area in the finished part of the basement.  I didn't get to physically do much of the "putting up" this year - the hubby and the kiddos did that while I rested up the ol' knee.  They did a wonderful job decorating the trees too - I just may consider officially retiring...well, maybe not quite yet.  :)

Blessings~