Christmas 2010 Highlights

Well, we're back into the swing of schooling officially as of today, after about 3 weeks off for Christmas.  When I say "off", though, I chuckle because it's not really "off."  The only break that occurs during this season is in respect to putting the school books on the shelf for a few weeks, although, I did manage to finally complete a novel that I've been meaning to read, so I guess there was a smidgen of R&R in there somewhere. :)  Between music concerts, decorating, baking, cooking, planning, family and friends getting together, and, of course, the shopping and wrapping, let's face it: Christmas is work! LOL!  I'm exhausted, but in a good way.  It's a reminder that I'm surrounded by life and so much to be thankful for.  This Christmas, though, we all had something extra special to be thankful for:

This is my brand new niece!  Isn't she a beauty!?  Her parents and 10 year old big brother waited a long time for this wonderful blessing, and we are all so very thankful to finally hold her in our arms!  There's just nothing that compares to the gift of life, and what a wonderful time of year to be reminded of the ultimate gift of life and hope that we have in our savior.  God is so good!

And then here are some more recaps of some of our family get-togethers with both my side as well as my husband's.  (Although, it seems to be increasingly difficult to get everyone together these days, as the kids grow older and life's busyness takes over)...

 The cousins at Nana's...decorating baked goodies, of course! :)

 And more cousins...dogs too...

Overall, we had a wonderful Christmas celebration, and I'm very thankful!  Even in the midst of the busy schedule, we still made it a priority to fix our hearts on the real reason for it all that has nothing to do with us except our need for a savior.

Giving the Gift of Music

The kids and I had the opportunity today to share in some Christmas music with an adult foster care home ministry.  It was their Christmas party. We sang carols with them, of course, and Sister Strings and I played a couple of flute/violin duets, while Brother Brass played "Oh, Holy Night" on the piano.  This is the first time we've done something like this, and it was such a great experience for the kids to share their gifts with "the least of these."  That's what it's all about!  It was quite eye opening for them, and I think they will be very excited to do this again in the future, as we've been invited to come back for some more.  Miss Melody has already asked when we get to do it again.  She loved singing carols with them.

I was reminded today of how Christ demonstrated the epitome of humility by leaving the glory and splendor of heaven to take on human form, not to be born in the palace he deserves, mind you, but a dirty, animal- smelling stable...to be laid in their food trough (manger) for a bed.  ...And I think I deserve "stuff"... Boy, have I got a lot to learn.  It's not that "stuff" is bad, but that I think I *deserve* it sometimes... Lord, thank you for demonstrating humility, love, and how to give sacrificially.  May I never think more highly of myself than I ought!  Thank you for giving your life, so that I may live.  You truly are the King of Kings!...Like none other!

Handel's Messiah-Hallelujah Chorus surprise!

Dressed as average, every day shoppers, these professional opera singers break out in song and praise to our Lord with this majestic piece of music, filling a shopping mall with the meaning of Christmas.  What a great way to make use of that fabulous organ in the middle of Macy's!  And how awesome it would have been to be in the middle of all of that!  Very cool!  My Dad sent this to me.  Take a look:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp_RHnQ-jgU&feature=player_embedded