Sights and Sounds of the Season

Christmastime is here when you start rehearsing for the Sunday School Christmas Program!

This year we had a shepherd family learning about the ways that shepherds have been important throughout Bible history.  By the time Jesus was born, shepherds were looked down upon, but God looks inside of our hearts and doesn't care what we look like or what we do for a living.  His Promise is for EVERYONE!
 Shae was one of the shepherd daughters...

 ...as was Paige.  Both girls also served as narrators to tell the story of shepherds throughout history (like Joseph's family, Moses, and David).

 Mom brag:  our 4 oldest kids played their instruments together on "The Little Drummer Boy", arranged by our school band teacher.  It was cool to hear them come together like that!

 Wynne danced by herself to "The Sugar Plum Fairy" ...and all of the kids danced to "Every Good Thing"!  It was a great way to worship the Lord and get ready for Jesus' birth!

This week was concert week at school.  The handsome percussion player in the back of the middle school band is...

 ...none other than Cy!  He was really nervous for his debut as a drummer.  We think he did GREAT!

 Cy switched from trombone to percussion this year and has made great strides in only 4 months.

 The high school band isn't quite as big, they make a nice strong sound!

 Ally leads the trumpet section and is already working on a Class A solo for solo and ensemble competition.  Being a trumpet player myself, I can appreciate the pure tone and good air flow she has.

 The middle/high school bands combined for one last Christmas tune.  Great job, everyone!

 Two nights later, it was time for the elementary concert.  Shae told me that she was a little sad because it was her last elementary Christmas concert!  Oh my goodness...look at our big fifth graders!!  This class has a lot of strong singers...

 ...and there are also 14 of them in the band!  They played a Christmas medley and showed great improvement from even Halloweentime when they played "Shark Attack".  They finished on a great note, which is always nice to hear:)

 Paige (in white sweater) is the only clarinet and boy, you could hear her!

 Shae is one of 2 very good French horn players.  I  know I sound biased, but I am impressed with how these girls sound on their horns.  It's one of the most difficult instruments to play!

 The 2nd and 3rd graders, along with the new children's choir, combined for a few really nice songs.  See if you can pick out Wynne.

 There she is!  It was difficult to get a good picture of her because she kept twirling around when she was singing.

 The second graders are so. darn. cute.  Except when I have them in the library on Thursday afternoons for class. !!! A few livewires like to run and play when they're supposed to be finding books or reading ;)

 Oh my goodness!  Look who's here!!!  Some little boys and girls were jumping up and down with excitement....

 ....you better be good, for goodness' sake!!!

Grandpa Donny and Uncle Jamey surprised us by driving all the way down (with freezing rain coming) to see the girls.  Jamey presented the girls with red roses, even!  What lucky little girls.  Christmastime is such a magical time of the year!

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." -- Luke 2: 9-14