Thoughts On A New Year

It has been a flurry of activity around here the past few weeks. Next week I'll post pics and thoughts of the holidays.

A personal goal I have set for myself in this new year is to add value whenever possible to others. Authentic value. Value that doesn't ask for anything in return. Letting them know they did a good job, or they look great, or their food was delicious, or however I can. So many people hear negative feedback. Receiving a positive word can change your entire day....even your entire outlook. I know what it means to me!

As I write this tonight, a young girl in our church is passing from this world into the Savior's arms. She will leave behind 3 very young children. Its a stark reminder to constantly let the ones closest to us how much we love and appreciate them. For some reason, giving value to those we live with can often be the hardest. Hold the people you love close and let them know you love them.

Happy New Year. May you blessed with an Amazing 2010!!

Oh Holy Night

My oldest son, Joshua, singing Oh Holy Night in church yesterday as his grandpa (my dad) accompanies him on the piano. As always, you can never capture on video how good it was in person!

Christmas Traditions: Choir Christmas Concerts

Jacob's High School Choir

Emily's 8th Grade Choir

Deutsche Weihnachten

Sunday afternoon we headed to join Josh in one of his favorite Christmas traditions since going to Bethel. Deutsche Weihnachten is a German Advent service. When I say, "German," I mean the entire thing is in German, including the program.

It is presented by the college's German and Music departments and included and organ prelude, several readings, and choral selections, along with carol sings. As usual, Josh surprised me with a solo. I was amazed at how many people were there and when we came to the first carol (which I had figured out was O Come All Ye Faithful), I was amazed how they all sang out...in German. It was so cool and so Christmasy!!

The evening ended with the lights turned out and the entire place was lit up with candles as we closed with the German translation of Silent Night. It was beautiful!!

Christmas Party Fun

Every year our church hosts a big Christmas party. Full of food and lots of fun. There's always a program of hilarious skits. This year Jacob made his "skit" debut. He and his friend, David, had the funniest skit of the night.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Busy Days

These have been some pretty busy days around here. Josh came home for Thanksgiving and we spent the day with my parents. It was a great one and reminded me of the Thanksgivings when I was a kid....so much excitement in the air.

Our 25th wedding anniversary also fell on Thanksgiving week and the kids and my mom planned a lovely party for us. We received such nice cards and gifts. It was an amazing week and I was kind of sad to see it come to an end!!

Amy made us a BEAUTIFUL and delicious cake

Late night shopping trip

Determined to get some good deals!

My cute daughters

Emily loves this older brother of hers!