Ward Christmas Party

Our Ward Activities Committee put on an extraordinary party for us last week, with an amazingly delicious dinner and some great entertainment.

Nathaniel surprised me by volunteering to play a solo on his trumpet, which he did. To everyone's delight, he performed the best rendition of "Jingle Bells" I think I have ever heard. I was super proud of him.

Mel and I also performed, but there will be no photos of that!!! Sorry.

The kids participated with the rest of the Primary children in an adorable Nativity. Nathaniel was asked to be Joseph, Bradley was a donkey, and Lindsey was a little lamb. It was the cutest thing ever.

Cutest lamb ever.

Bradley's ears ended up looking a little rabbit-ish, but he was so cute.

Then Santa stopped by.

Joseph would have none of that strange looking bearded man.

Even the big boy took a turn on Santa's lap.

It was a remarkable and festive evening, and we really enjoyed it. Many thanks to those wonderful people who worked so hard to provide us with such a fun experience.

Bursting With Pride

The boys were both involved in Christmas programs at school this month, and they were fantastic!

Bradley participated in the Kindergarten concert, which we were privileged to attend, where he sang several carols and recited a few poems along with his classmates. It was, to say the least, adorable.





(Curses! I can't get any of the videos to load -- I'll post them later.)



Nathaniel had his first band concert -- it could not have been any cooler! The music was amazing.



I don't know how he plans to play without his left hand!





I love this shot -- he looks like a star waving to his adoring fans -- wait, he is!








He also had a Powerpoint presentation, which Chris and I were invited to school to observe. He wrote a paper on a famous American -- Wilbur Wright -- and created his own Powerpoint to present it. I was floored!!!



I am one proud mama!

Let Us Adore Him

For Family Home Evening last week, the kids presented a Nativity for us. It was a truly beautiful experience, full of sweet testimony of the birth of our Savior.

Costumes were, of course, put together by Mel, with assistance from three very creative children.



Mary enters Bethlehem.



The cutest shepherd I ever saw.

Shepherds came to see the Baby Jesus.

A proud Joseph.

The wiseman brought a gift.

Singing the closing song.

It was a wonderful night.

Our Life In Pictures

Always a million things going on around here, and never time to blog . . .

I'll just post some photos and maybe a little information about what we have been up to lately.

In scrumptious baby news:

Joseph LOVES playing the piano. If anyone is playing, he immediately zooms over and demands access to the keyboard.

What? Is there a problem?

Jammin' Jerry Lee Lewis style.

I really want to chow down on this foot!

Conked out in the chair.

The kids have started helping out with the laundry -- glorious. Here they are working hard.

Really getting into it.

I don't get raking leaves; I'm from the south, and this is, thankfully, not an activity we had to do. The beautiful trees are evergreen, thank goodness, and we never had to rake anything except the occasional pinestraw.

Anyway, we got outside with the kids a couple of weeks ago and had a pretty good time working together.

Here's Nathaniel giving out orders.

One of Bradley's many talents is the ability to get out of work.

Lindsey's turn to be bossy.

We piled up all the leaves and made an awesome leaf fort. The kids were super excited.

Joseph looking handsome in his Carhartt overalls.

Joseph batted Chris' hand as he was feeding him some oatmeal and fruit -- this is the result.

One of Nathaniel's Scout requirements was to plant a tree. He and I went to the nursery, and he chose a young dogwood, which he planted in the yard.

He's really proud of his tree.

Speaking of Scouts, the boy completed his requirements and received his Bear Award last week. We are crazy proud of him.

Busy times these days. Busy and fun. I wouldn't have it any other way.