Christmas Eve Day - 2008

Dean took our 3 children and my sister's 3 children skiing today! The snow was gently drifting out of the sky most of the day and they were able to enjoy the fresh powder up on Granite Peak.

Pictured from left to right:
Allison, Elle, Caroline, Jack, Sam, Anna, Dean

In the meantime, I stayed home and cleaned and cooked :o) I will catch the slopes in the days to come!

Good News Of Great Joy!!

Actually....It's the "Good News of Greta Joy!" Our famiy's little miracle is finally here. She was born the morning of December 22 weighing 6lbs. 14 oz. Greta Joy is little sister to Grace Elizabeth. All babies are miracles, but some babies are a little more miraculous than others...and baby Greta is one of those incredible miracles! We were so excited to meet her before we had to leave the Christmas festivities in snowy Michigan. Congratulations to Aunt Deb, Uncle Matt and Big Sis' Grace!! We can't wait to get to know our little Greta :o)

The Apples of My Eye

disclaimer: proud mother is about to brag.....

SO...this is the first time in 7 years that I have been in charge of a Christmas music program. Although I am not a real music teacher yet, I was asked to take charge of teaching the 1st-8th graders the music for the church's Christmas Musical. Now, this isn't just any old production. We rehearsed most Sunday afternoons since October, had a full set of actors, soloists, scenery and props. To say I was stressed out about this production is an understatement, but that is not why I write this blog.

I write to you now to say that for the first time ever, I was able to direct a program with my own children involved. I'm used to watching everyone else's kids following my lead, but to look in the faces of the choir and see my own angel faces singing back just warmed my heart. AND...the cherry on the top...Elle was given a solo!! (NO..I did not have anything to do with that...I swear!) She was so cute and sang so perfectly in pitch, it was all I could do to keep the lump in my throat from taking over my directing abilities. To top it off...she loved the microphone. The audience of 500 did not phase her one bit, not either of the 2 nights we performed it. Sam also played the part of Jospeh (non-speaking role) and he also said a bible verse on microphone. Jack was in the preschool choir, and the cutest boy up there :o)

So I share with you now, a short 3 minute version of each child doing their role. As an unbiased blog writer (yeah, right) I recommend you take a minute to watch the Apples of my Eye :o)

http://www.viddler.com/explore/RogerB1/videos/8/

Just click on the above link and it will take you to the video!

A Boy and His Dog

Let me tell you a story...

There once was a boy and his dog. He loved this dog very, very much. The dog loved her boy just as much. One day, the boy layed his head lovingly on his dog. The boy felt sleepy as he layed on his dog and he found sweet dreams with his furry best friend. The dog continued to love her boy. The dog loved her boy until the heat from the boy became too much to bear(for this dog truly loves the snow!) So she left her boy to sleep alone. And although they rested alone, they continued to dream of each other, for nothing can come between a boy and his dog.