Mystery of the Manger

This weekend the children's choir  performed their Christmas program, The Mystery of the Manger.  I was impressed that a group of young children could memorize not only the words to all of the songs, but also all of the choreography for the whole production.  It was somethin'!

Carson and Calleigh were both excited to perform their musical.  I think in Carson's mind, this is his High School Musical moment :)  Calleigh preferred to wear her enthusiasm on the inside, much like her daddy does with his feelings of overwhelming excitement.

 

Carson had his moves on for the performance, but kept his smiles tucked away as well.  Although, he said he didn't smile because he was too nervous and did not want to mess up the moves/songs.  A little case of stage fright, I might say.  

 

Regardless of their outward appearances, they had fun and they continue to sing the songs and recite the lines.  Even at the top of their lungs while standing in line for rides at Disneyland.  Who knew my kids would evangelize in song to the throngs of people on vacation in the land of magic?!  I loved every minute of it.

Holiday Welcome

While my mom was here to visit in November, we spent some time decorating our house for Christmas.  One of my favorite spots that we decorated is our front porch.  We found this cute little train and tree at a decorating store in Simi (it is an amazing store!) and we added our santa that we used in years past.  It makes a cute little holiday welcome.

A Round of Applause

Each trimester, the kid's school has an awards assembly to celebrate the hard work of each student from the previous trimester.  Today Carson earned the Academic Excellence award for Outstanding Reading Skills.  This award is presented to the students who are meeting and/or exceeding the majority of the academic requirements as stated on their report card.  In the words of Ms. Radloff, the principal, "academically these students are doing very well in school.  These students are the ones that I expect to shake their hands when they are getting Honor Roll and Principal's List later on in their school years."

  

Calleigh earned the Eager Eagle Award award for outstanding effort.  This award is given primarily to kindergartners who have worked exceptionally hard during the first trimester to acclimate socially to kindergarten and strive toward academic excellence.

 

Way to go, kiddos!  We are very proud of you!

Thankful.  Simply defined as feeling or expressing gratitude.

This week marked our first family Thanksgiving in California.  The day brought new traditions for our family.  It also brought a time of reflection and a renewed sense of thankfulness.  Here are few of the things for which I am thankful:

• An amazingly wonderful husband who has a heart for God, loves me completely and passionately, and is an incredible father who models Christ's love to his kids
• Two healthy children who never cease to amaze me and fill me with an overwhelming sense of love and joy and awe
• My parents - two of the most wonderful people in my life - who raised me in a loving home and demonstrated daily what it meant to love God and serve others
• Wonderful friends who encourage me, love me, and stand by me no matter where life takes us
• The chance to live in the beautiful state of California and experience living with the beach and the mountains in our backyard
• The blessing of living in The United States of America where we have freedoms, safety, and opportunities beyond measure
• Most important - I am thankful for my God.  He is faithful, a comfort, a provider, and a friend.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope your Thanksgiving Day is wonderful!

Two Thumbs Up

We took the kids to see Bolt in 3D on Friday night.  It was an unplanned movie quest, but it turned out to be a much better movie than I anticipated.  The overall messages of perseverance, heroism even if you don't look/act like a superhero, and true friendship is a great message.  The kids laughed.  Michael laughed.  I laughed.  I think we all had different characters who were our favorites.  I personally liked the pigeons.  They were fabulous!  With their head wobbles, neck bends, and glowing colors were incredible!  The little hamster was a nutcase who had Michael laughing out loud.  The kids loved the dog, Bolt.  I highly recommend this movie to anyone with little ones.

 

How Do You Know. . .Thanksgiving

Remember my post about how one can tell the seasons changing in SoCal?  If not, then click here and you can read that post before proceeding with this post.  If so, then here you go.   This is how you know it is Thanksgiving season in SoCal. . .

Happy Thanksgiving Season to all!!