There is a lot of unrest in our country right now.
I am not a person of influence. I do not feel I am one who can or should speak on the internet about most of the issues. I truly hate that seemingly all issues have become political. Hatred and injustice of any kind are horrible and disgusting and tragic. The best thing I can do is pray to Jesus, who is the only One who can truly help us spread love in the place of all the hatred, judgement and fear. His love covers everything.
Of course, my favorite way to pray is with music...
Christmas Eve was a little different for us this year, but so sweet.
Sylvia was asked by our friend Jamie to play her horn with the church choir he directs at the Presbyterian church in Fairbury.
We dropped her off for rehearsal, then went to Family Dollar to pick up scotch tape and some last minute Christmas supplies--you know, like a 2 pound bag of SourPatch Kids.
When we arrived back at the church, we went in a little early, and the choir was still rehearsing. A man from the congregation greeted us and pointed at me and Annah. He told us we should sing with the choir. I don't know how he knew we were singers, but when he said something to Jamie, Jamie said he would love for us to join them. So we did!
The piece the choir sang was All Is Well--one of my favorites.
Sylvia did a beautiful job playing her horn!
The service was really nice.
In his message, the pastor included this recording of of a TV broadcast watched by over 500 million people: 50 years ago today, the US astronauts of Apollo 8 reading the first 10 verses of Genesis as they watched the lunar sunrise of the earth! So awesome!
Receiving candles for the singing of Silent Night
On our way home, we drove around Colfax and enjoyed all the great Christmas lights. My pictures snapped through the car window are no good, but there were some really cute displays! We enjoyed it so much and were impressed the little village of Colfax had so many great lights!
I had a little wrapping to finish, but not much.
Had to keep the tradition of watching Polar Express on Christmas Eve!
And even the tradition of Dad reading Moosletoe!
It's fun playing Santa, because I'm the first one to see this pretty sight.
The angel said to them,
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven,and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
The football team got new jerseys this week, and the girls both got to wear one today in support.
Go Mustangs!
I walked into the band room before pregame, and the band was running their halftime show music. Annah was on the podium conducting, and I was overwhelmed to see her up there doing her thing so well!!! I had to step out of the room before the tears rolled down my face!!!
Our sophomore Sylvie-girl
Lining up to march out for pregame
Taylor and Annah
The team, finishing warm-ups, as the band marches around to the field
Drum Major Annah led her band out to the field!
Then the girls ran up to the press box to sing the National Anthem together. (Seriously, could my heart get more full? We've been asking them to do this for almost 3 years now, and are so happy they finally made it happen! They asked me a couple days ago to help them find a duet version and teach it to them. All I did was open the Reader's Digest Family Album book to the right page. They plunked out the top 2 lines and then rewrote the harmony and ending until they liked it. They don't need my help; they have their own skills!)
Such a proud moment for us. And they know they are blessed to have the privilege to do this!
VIDEO:
As soon as they finished singing, they ran back out to the field and Annah led the band on to form the tunnel for the team to come through.
Mellophones!
Getting ready to play the school song
VIDEO:
Coming onto the field for the halftime show
Drum major salute
I didn't pick a close enough spot for pictures and video this time,
but this is the first minute of the show.
VIDEO:
I took the pic after they started moving out of the angles, but they were all straight a moment before!!
Playing the school fight song again after the show
Running to lead the band back off the field
When they marched back to the band room, the Drum Major gave the call and response,
While the kids were getting changed out of their uniforms, Annah's friend Ryan scored the first touchdown of the game! (It was 0-0 at halftime.) The Mustangs won in the end too! It was a great game and a fun night!
Joyce invited a lot of families over for a bonfire after the game. Jeremy took the girls, and they stayed until about 1:30 in the morning! I guess that's how long it takes the teenagers to run out of adrenaline and finally get tired?!
