I am over-the-moon excited to have a real nativity scene in our home for the first time this year. We've had a couple music box versions, an ultra-mini (like 1/2-inch wooden/yarn figures) version, and a Veggie Tales playset version in the past, but the one I got to put up on our mantle this year is the most special one to me.
Since my parents winter in Arizona, they don't put up Christmas decorations in their Indiana house anymore. Earlier this year, my mom gave me the ceramic nativity she made many years ago! I love it so much, and got very emotional as I unwrapped each piece and and arranged the set on our mantle today.
I used to spend so much time staring at this nativity each year when Mom would put it on the coffee table in the living room. I think it is so beautiful, and knowing that she made it makes it even more special.
I broke baby Jesus' hand off at least a couple times when I was little, and Mom had to super glue it back on.
Thank you Mom, for this beautiful gift. I am so grateful, and my heart is so full of love and memories each time I look at it.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Caeden had a little moment of panic this evening looking at his homework assignment. He felt like he hadn't learned in class how to do it. Annah helped him see that he could figure it out using knowledge he already had.
I loved seeing Annah help Caeden. They spend a lot of their time teasing, arguing, and insulting each other, so this was a refreshing moment. And proof that they do love and respect each other. Deep down. Deep, deep down. ;)
One of our favorite nights of the year tonight--RHS Winter Concert!
The Concert Choir started off the concert.
Since I was playing, all these photos came from other parents. I did ask Jeremy (who had just come from running wrestling practice) to record a couple songs.
The choir stood in mixed formation, so even though both of our girls sang soprano this semester, they stood on opposite sides of the risers for the concert.
Annah accompanied the choir for the Alma Mater.
The Alma Mater was written by our current band director, Mr. Marchese, in his first year at Ridgeview.
Annah had a solo toward the end of Bridge Over Troubled Water.
The vocal jazz ensemble, Midnight Blues, really shone bright in the concert tonight. This group only in its 4th year, and is re-auditioned every year. It's completely extracurricular and they meet at 7:40 in the morning before school. This year the group has 2 freshman, 2 sophomores, 6 juniors, and 2 seniors. They work really hard, enjoy what they get to do, blend really well, and are sounding so good together. Super proud of them all!!
VIDEO:
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VIDEO: The Ladies of Midnight Blues did a feature number, and each of them had a short solo in it as well.
VIDEO: Sylvia had a very small [but super sweet] solo in Love Walked In.
The girls love all their music ensembles, and playing their instruments in concert band is high on the list. Sylvia loves her horn, and Annah was so excited to play her new clarinet tonight!
VIDEO: just a little bit of holiday festiveness...
It was such an enjoyable concert. We love our little community and all the kids and families in it!
This morning, Travis shot a big 9-point buck. Jeremy and Dad helped him get it ready to take to the locker. Congrats, Trav!
Meanwhile, there was Christmas cookie baking going on inside the house!
We got together with the extended McEowen family for Thanksgiving lunch.
Erin made her most beautiful lemon poppyseed cake with raspberry filling to share.
I was gifted with this treasure on my phone. Love these two.
Siblings
Of course, the McEowen family Christmas band played a concert!
There was also a nose-flute concert.
Back at Krampa and Gram's house, Tessa practiced her Christmas music. She is doing so well!
We love to listen!
The kiddos and Gram decorated their Christmas cookies this evening.
Gram and Caeden discussed the fact that he is growing like a weed!
But he is not too big to hug his Gram!!!
We took the kids and went to see the lights in downtown Fort Wayne with Travis and fam.
I remember how much I loved seeing Santa and his sleigh lit up every Christmas season when I was growing up!
Downtown Fort Wayne is really beautiful these days, and all the holiday lights and decorations are great!
We parked by Erin's parking spot and walked around. It was only a little chilly, and really the perfect night to enjoy the festive lights!
We saw several horses and carriages.
The kids had fun jumping around the colored light blocks in the sidewalk.
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Santa!!!!!
We wanted to take the kids to experience Coney Island.
Cousins!
It really does feel like stepping back in time--a simpler time!...That's why so many people love it.
Ya gotta get the little bottles of Coke at Coney Island!!!
And the coneys!
It was not that we needed more food after 3 days of Thanksgiving meals, but it was just the time together and experiencing the places and cultures. We stopped next door to Coney Island at a new little place--The Yummi Bunni. They serve ice cream in donuts! We just had "small" scoops of ice cream, but their flavors were delicious, and the shop is full of cuteness.
We walked by Santa again. Love it.
The new Ash building in DTFW is beautiful and beautifully lit for the holidays!
We always love to see the slices of bread falling out of the loaf of Sunbeam bread that has been on top of the Perfection Bakery since 1957.
It would've been easier to not take the little trip to downtown Fort Wayne tonight with all that we've had going on the past few days, but I'm so glad we did. I'm glad we spent time with Travis, Erin, Tessa, Bryce, and Grayson. I'm glad we took in the beautiful sights of DTFW, and enjoyed a couple places there. I'm glad that our kids all 3 told us thank you for doing it because they really enjoyed the whole experience a lot! I'm so thankful.
