CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS

As many of you know, Sarah has taught at Oakwood Academy for the last 4 years. She attended school there from grades 1-8. Went to Andrews Academy for 11-12 and graduated from AU. Her student teaching was also done at Oakwood and she even substituted at Andrews Academy. There is a soft spot in her heart for her former schools and teachers. This last year since having Leah has been the first year she hasn't taught. When making that decision, she promised Oakwood that she would help with their Christmas Program. Through her 4 years at Oakwood, the Christmas extravaganza has been the highlight of the school year. So, here we go again. Our Canatata, "The Treasures of Christmas" was held on Sunday, December 14th. Sarah was in charge of decorating and drama. The Oakwood Church choir sang the cantata this year which was different. Children joined on several numbers along with a bell choir.

One of the challenges facing Sarah was that out of 31 students, there are only 3 boys. Try dividing up positions for shepherds, Joseph, Kings, etc., with only 3 boys. Somehow it worked. So, for the last two weeks before the program, Sarah and Leah were at the school every day but Mondays. Whew, exhausting. And Julie was at Choir practice every Friday night, most Sabbaths after church, and on the last weekend, Thursday night, Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday for performance.

It was well worth every minute. Just beautiful. And I must say, the choir really only made one or two visible mistakes. Quite a challenge singing with an accompaniement trax, live saxophone, and live handbells, choir and childrens choir. The drama was great and considering the children are in grades K-7 it was even more amazing. During the two dress rehearsals, which every student attended in the evening, UNBELIEVABLE, scene changes, costume changes, and the like were very scary. But as usual, on the day of the program everything went so smooth. Sarah had a microphone hooked up to speak with the sound men up in the balcony. She also recruited 4 prop men to change scenes rapidly and they did a terrific job.

Our stable was handmade by a recently baptized new church member and was absolutely perfect. We will have it for many years. He also put some extra wood to prop up our life size animals we have had for years thanks to old member Vern Fought. Mr. Bosman, the best grandpa a school could have, built a long lasting portable fire for us. We will be using that for many more activities. Thanks to Melissa Bellenir for her backdrop that she put up and personalized, Trumpets from Mr. Drapiza, Costumes from April and Diana, and all our backstage help. Candace Walls was the director and it was amazing what she brought us. Lots of fun was had by all. These are just a couple of pictures Natalie took for me. I was to busy singing. The whole scene. You can see the stable, manger, big cow, fireplace.

I am sure you know the song "Do You Hear What I Hear" where it says "Said the night wind to the little lamb". The girl in the black cape is the night wind speaking to the little lamb. I think this was my favorite song. The shepherd is looking for the King to tell him and then the King came forward and told the whole crowd of people. I am in the choir with my head over the book by the shepherds rod. Guess I should have really been looking at the director.

This is Mary and Elizabeth talking about their expectant babies.

Here are 4 pretty cute lambs.

Another shot showing the star and the hillside and night sky background. This was our girls choir who sang "Oh Holy Night" in three part harmony. Remember, grades K-7.

Our own little angels waiting for their next scene with their trumpets in hand.

Every Tuesday we do hot lunch at the school. Here we are getting ready to eat. Sarah then stays until 4 or 5 giving piano lessons and tutoring so we babysit the rest of the day. It's fun being part of the school still.

Our grateful recipients.

So, my friends in Berrien, now you can see why I can't get time to come to see you as much as I want. Hopefully with the Cantata done and Nilza back in town, I will be able to slip away a bit more.

This is a picture of Stellas Christmas program for the needy children she does each year. She had over 40 children this year. She buys each one several gifts along with her church children. This year they had a big pinata. Their local newspaper came and captured many nice shots and had a very favorable article on their newspaper on line.

A yearly tradition we have started is to bring the school children to sing to the workers at Woolf. They seem to enjoy it. Natalie always sets up such a nice party for the children and the workers get pizza along with our students. Then, there is always the take home bag with goodies for them. After us, they go to several senior citizens homes from church and sing to them.

Christmas wouldn't be complete without a picture of Prince and George. They are enjoying their new present from Uncle Tim.

One of the saddest things happened the Sunday of our Cantata. Sarah went in her basement to get some wrapping paper and right in front of it was her kitty Farva dead. What a shock and sadness, and then have to head to the Cantata and direct it. She is a wonderful daughter and my heart aches for her and the lose of this kitty. He was her favorite and would cuddle her and just make biscuits in her neck all the time. We left for Florida shortly after that, so I think the loss will set in more when we get home. Hopefully Boo is doing okay by himself. It was hard to leave him knowing how sad he would be without his brother. Michelle, Gram Ann, Gram Cheryl and Angela all check in on him and he seems to be okay.

Broccoli and Cauliflower

Tina, the recipe is so easy. Basically Cheryl steamed the cauliflower in one piece and then steamed the broccoli spears around it in a large pot on stove until tender. Then she spinkled what we Adventists use for chicken seasoning on top of it. It is called McKays Chicken seasoning. Cecelia could tell you how to get hold of it. She served it the same way on a platter with the broccoli surrounding the cauliflower. Crazy easy but so good and tender.

Thanks for compliments on Leah's outfits. We do have fun with her shopping. The other day we went to a store in Aventura, FL. They had the cutest "Big Sister" shirt and "Pinkalicious" shirts, since Sarah is an all pink girl. Since we couldn't make up our minds, I said "Oh, I'll treat to both". They were all bling, bling. Well, I gave Sarah a substantial amount of money to cover it and 2 barrettes and left to go to another store. Ha, Ha. She had to charge some on her credit card. Next time we'll remember to check the price on the shirts first.

Too bad I didn't know you when you were in AA. We could have been good friends. Many similar interests it seems from checking on Cecelia's blog. Great getting to know you electronically.

CHRISTMAS SEASON MEMORIES

Before I tell you any of the exciting things we did this season, I must introduce you to Leah's official Holiday outfit. She was a gingerbread girl at all the activities. Everyone just loved it and it kept her nice and warm. We bought it at the Outlet Mall at a store called Heart Strings. They have the best clothes for children. So unique. So here she is in the official first shot.

We decided to enjoy a few excursions during the season. Monday night was the most convenient so that is what we chose. Unfortunately, Adam, Natalie, and David pulled the late shift on Mondays until 8:30. So, the first spot they all missed. We headed to a town called Rochester where they were having a lighting ceremony to turn on the city lights. About 3:30 we started north. First a stop at Don Pablos for supper. It was an hour trip at least. Most of you know Dan has been in a state of depression since they closed our Don Pablos in Canton. So whenever near one we are forced to eat there. He is the only one who likes it but we put up with it anyways. Then a quick stop at Archivers Scrapbooking store for some last minute Christmas supplies and we continued to the light show. The weather cooperated and began snowing very hard and it was also nice and cold!!!!! Here is Leah bundled up for the walk down main street. She would not leave her mittens on so we finally have invested in clips for them.These lights were spectacular. Every building on the city street had lights covering the entire front of the building and each one had a different color to it. Lots of cute shops to walk in. Live carolers sang beautifully. There was a Christmas tree decorating contest to walk thru and cast your vote. Also hot chocolate and kettle corn being sold on the streets. It was a great trip. Only problem we had was that the compass on Dan's car wasn't working, and we drove for about 30 minutes thinking we were going south, remember it is snowing heavily, and finally Dan said, I think we are going the wrong way. Sure enough, the hour ride home quickly became a 2 hour trip. But we had a fun time together and will surely go back next year.

The next Monday took Sarah with her friends Ryan and Melissa to Henry Ford Museum for their holiday celebration. Remember, this is where Sarah had her wedding reception. Sure looked different now. Here the four are in a carriage ride. Notice Leah's official outfit.

Here's the standard picture with Santa where child doesn't want to be in it. Great picture of Sarah and Santa isn't it.Lots of fun things to play in so they enjoyed the Hot Dog.That evening, another Monday, we headed north again to Birch Run and Frankenmouth. David had to come to put the car seat in Dan's car cause we are all so stupid we couldn't figure it out. Well, it turned out that his boss told him to take the evening off, leaving Adam and Natalie alone at the shop, and come with us. Sorry guys, we really missed you. Here is David breaking the news to Adam. He looks pretty upset don't you think. After a stop at the outlet mall it was on to Christmas town. Another snowy night and a beautiful Christmas setting made for a fun trip. Roads weren't even as bad as we were afraid they were going to be on the way home. The Bronners store is unbelievable. You could get an ornament for any occasion, hobby, pet, color, shape, etc., that you would ever want.
The first thing you are greeted with is a huge gingerbread house, perfect spot for a picture.

Just some of the things I thought were pretty.

David introducing Leah to a friend. Can't pass up the opportunity to get a 4 generations picture.

Leah hates hats so we torture her by putting them on her as often as we can.

David was pushing Leah around illegally in the cart after carrying her for an hour in the store. This is right before they got in trouble and told to get her out.

FEW MORE THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS

I can't believe I am at the end of November finally. This was our Thanksgiving dinner at Sarah's house. Cheryl and Ron joined us along with Gram Ann and Uncle Tim. We were stuffed as usual. Work crew above receiving orders from the boss below.

Dan and I took an early morning trip into Windsor, Canada where it was not Thanksgiving. We did a little Christmas shopping. I went to Sarah's the day before and had most of the food prepared ahead of time. Cheryl did the potatoes and a delicious broccoli cauliflower dish. Looks like we tired Dan out shopping and eating. He just can't keep up with me.

Here is the centerpiece being used again. These are the pumpkins we glittered and stuffed for the Women's Retreat. I love them, especially the white ones.

Someone is ready for her Thanksgiving dinner.
This is her special plate and bowl, but I can't get it in the correct way so I am just putting in in sideways.

Appetizer and drink table makes me hungry even now. We all love our home made vegetarian chipped beef cheese roll and our Gerry's dip and veges.

Aunt Angela came with Uncle James to see us in Florida the week before. I love these two pictures of them. We just had a nice relaxing time together, swimming, eating out, shopping, etc. Hope we will see them again sooner than later.

These are two crazy guys.