2011 Co-op Christmas Party

We had a great Christmas party this year.  The kids played music & presented a verse, poem or song from their foreign language class.

:Will playing:

:Violin class:

:Faith played her piece from Sound of Music.:

:Spanish class reciting John 3:16 in Spanish:

Christmas crafts from 6 different continents.  My room represented Africa.  At Christmas, the African children would use wire to make different trinkets.

:Busy bees:

Will made me a stone wire ring.

 

I found a blog that did Minute To Win It games.  The kids had a great time.  This game, the kids are to throw as many "snowballs" into the wreath as possible within a minute.  (We had 5 other great games set up too.  I'm just sad that I couldn't be in 5 places at once in order to get pictures.)

Food & Fellowship

Just can't get enough of our friends. After our party, we went to Chick-fil-a with the McCathrens for a little more fun.

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After a long fun day of celebrating with friends, we went to see Denver & the Mile High Orchestra.  It was wonderful.

 

Mary's Story, A Mother's Point of View

Mary's Story, A Mother's Point Of View by Lura Langenback

How is it that so many folks try to praise me? ME! Who am I to be esteemed thus? Above all things, I am blessed of my Lord. But it was my Son that must be so honored, not I. Only He should be treated in this manner. I am but a mother who was so blessed to give birth to this Child. The angel told me....but I am walking ahead of myself. Is that not how it is said?

How do I know such as this? Because from where I live, I can see the people honoring me. But they must not! If I tell you my story, perhaps then you will see the need to honor the correct One. Will you promise not to interrupt until I am finished? Very well. I will begin.

I will introduce myself. My name is Mary, wife of Joseph, son of Jacob, of the tribe of Judah, sons of David, the King. A long time ago, (do not such stories begin thus?) when I was still living in my Father's home, I remember being told to go to bed and not fret because of my betrothal. Not that he thought that I needed to know this but Father did say that I would like Joseph, my soon-to-be husband. He was so kind to tell me that. It was not required, you know, that I like the person picked by my Father. My heart leaped for joy. Joseph was a very good man, full of honor, devoted to the Lord and so talented. He was a carpenter with a reputation for being a craftsman.

The night of my betrothal was so beautiful from my window. Sleeping was the farthest thing from my mind. My body would not stay still. Dancing around my room was the only thing I wanted to do at that moment. I was to be married! ME! I recall marveling at the thought. It was the custom then to marry at an early age, but at 13, I did not feel so young. People become grown up when they reach that year. My heart was celebrating even before the family celebrated!

Many months later, I was in my bedchamber when an incredible light shown into my room. Before I could walk to the window to see what it was, an enormous being stood in front of me. I trembled in fear of the awesome sight. He spoke to me saying not to be afraid. I was amazed at the peace that surrounded him. He called me highly favored of God, that the Lord is with me this night and that I am blessed of all women! But this troubled me more. Once again trembling, I sought to look into his eyes but the light was great. He said that he is an angel sent of God, not to be afraid of him for he brings great news. The next words were so incredible that I can hardly speak them now, after all these years. He told me that I was to have a Child of the Father, a Son of the Highest. His name was to be Jesus. The angel said that He would reign on the throne of King David and be King to the house of Jacob forever, that His kingdom would not end.

I, of course, worried since no man had ever known me, not even my betrothed, Joseph. As I mentioned this to the angel, he told me that the Holy Spirit would come upon me and the power of the Highest would shadow over me. For that reason the Child I bore would be the Holy One, Son of God. Then, if that were not marvel enough, he told me that my cousin, Elizabeth, who was barren those many years beyond all possible child bearing, was to be a mother herself. At that time, she was going to have a child in three months. Finally, the angel said that I should not marvel at such things for with God, nothing is impossible. I could no longer hold my tongue. My last words to him were that I, the maidservant of the Lord (for what else could I be? He is the One that we honor above all.) "Let it be according to your word!" I shouted to him. Then, he was gone. There was much to think about now. I could no longer sleep. That night, what the angel had told me came to pass.

The next day, I told my betrothed that I must journey into the hill country to see my cousin who was with child. Within a couple of days, I was able to be with her and her husband. Elizabeth and Zacharias are so very devoted to the Lord, it is no wonder that she was favored of Him. When I entered their home, Elizabeth cried out with joy as her child leaped inside her. She was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to praise me as being honored above all women! The Lord was truly with us both that day. I remained with her until the birth of her child, John, helping as I could. During that time of my visit, it was so strange that her husband, Zacharias, was not able to speak. I learned later that his tongue was loosed after the circumcising of his son.

After coming back from my visit, it was growing apparent that I was with Child. Trembling at the thought of telling Joseph, for what man would believe that I was still a virgin, I let him know of this thing. He mumbled that he would think on it but that he would put me away secretly to keep my honor as much as was possible. However, in a dream that night, an angel (the same angel had visited me) told him that I was blessed and carrying the Child of the Most High God. Joseph agreed to marry me in the proper time, which he did. What an honorable man he is!

In those days, the law came from Caesar Augustus that all people needed to be counted. As was our custom, we were to travel to the city of Bethlehem, the city of David because we are both of the house of David. It could not have come at a worse time for me. The Child was soon due to be born and I knew that the travel would be hard on us both. Joseph feared that the Child would come before we reached the city but we arrived safely at night but worn out. Unfortunately, because of the counting and the crowds already housed, there was no room at the inn. The innkeeper, who was very nice, told us that we could go to the stable. He was so apologetic for he was told of my condition. I know that if he could, there would have been a place in the house. I prayed that he not feel badly about this.

That night, a wonderous thing occurred. My Child was born to my husband and me. I wrapped Him as best I could in birthing cloth and put Him in the only place available, a manger. There was such a glow of Love surrounding Him! I could not take my eyes from His face. I wanted to hold Him forever, never putting Him down. My Child! God's Son! I sat back marveling at this. Many things I pondered in my heart. One day, I must tell this Child the story. Would He believe me? Could I give the love this Son needs? I, only a servant of the Most High, am the mother of the Son of God. It was still too much to take in.

Joseph had been watching the door because of all the strangers in the town this night. He whispered that men were approaching, running to the stable. They said that they were shepherds who had seen an angel. Fear had come upon them but the angel told them not to be afraid. They were told of a glorious birth of the Son of God Who was in the city of David in a manger. So they followed a star the angel had shown them. The star led them to this place. "Could we be honored to see the Babe?" they asked. Joseph showed them in to see our Son, God's Son. The Love of God radiated out to the shepherds who immediately fell to their knees and praised the Lord God.

Perhaps you do not believe my story though I am told it is now widely known. For many years, I meditated in my heart of these things. I recall holding Jesus, feeling the love I had for Him, feeling the incredible Love pouring from Him even as a Babe just born. I looked into His eyes and saw peace, everlasting peace beyond anything I had ever known in my life. Both Joseph and I wondered how we would care for such a One as this. Would He know all things? Do we teach Him of His Father or must we say nothing until the time He was a man? It would not be easy raising a Child like Him. None other had done so before. There was no one to get advice from but the Father of the Child. So many things are in my heart still of that time. I should tell you that there is much more to this story but perhaps I have kept you long enough now. Another time, I will recount the many wonders that happened. But for now, it is enough that you have heard this. God bless you as He has me.

Decorating Christmas

For some reason, I only took one picture of us putting up Christmas decorations.  (Probably because I was so busy working.)

I thought this was soooo precious.  Faith fell asleep in the Christmas tree box.

The Nutcracker

Every year, we start off our Christmas with the Nutcracker.  Tony plays the trumpet for it & the kids love to see him in the pit.  

Our friends, Mrs. Laura, Whit & Addie joined us this year.

After the ballet, we met up with some of the ballerinas.

Our Christmas Season part 4

When I was little, my brother & I used to wake up in the wee hours of the morning & sneak into the den to see what presents were under the tree.  Everything was wrapped, so we didn't know what we were getting, but the excitement of seeing the presents & shaking them to figure out what was inside was so much fun.  Needless to say, we didn't sleep much that night.

I told the kids this story a few years back & now they have adopted this tradition.  The funny thing was, they were not very quite.  I was awaken at 3 a.m. by loud whispers of "Come on, Collin, it's time to check out our presents."  A few minutes later: " WOW!  Look at that big present."  It was so fun to listen to them.

Will's favorite present of all...... Starbuck's gift card.

Faith received many wonderful presents, but her favorite was this spin top that she found at Books -A-Million & fell in love with. 

Collin wanted a Clemson pillow case.  He never saw me sewing on the sewing machine, so he didn't think he was going to get it.  He was so excited.

 The big gifts were........

A Karate kicking mat  &

 The Wii Fit Plus                      

Will's scarf.

Faith's Puppy scarf.

Collin's Clemson scarf.

After opening our presents, we had our Christmas breakfast & then played with all of our presents for the rest of the afternoon. 

We celebrated Christmas Dinner at Mammy & Papa's house with Uncle Kyle, Aunt Leahan, Ashton & Nathan. (cousins.)

Our Christmas continued the next day with a White "after" Christmas.  What a fun day.

 Living in the Southeast, we don't get a lot of snow.  We are lucky to get some every few years.  To have snow after Christmas is almost unheard of.  The day after Christmas always seems a little sad.  What a blessing to have a fun day.

 

I love snow angels.  Faith & Collin had so much fun making them.

We didn't have a heavy snow, but it was beautiful none the less.

Our Christmas Season part 3

 We were invited to a Christmas, music party.  I have never been to a party like this.  One of Tony's trumpet student's family is very musical.  Each year, they invite families that have musical talent.

Tony is playing behind the hanging light in the middle.   

Most of these people were from our sister church.  

So even though we didn't know them, we already had

a bond.  

Will played a song.

Everyone sang carols together & then some families did specials.

*****

Christmas Eve Day

We surprised our friends that live about 45 minutes away.  Mr. Dennis loves playing trumpet.  He & Tony can talk for hours about music.  

Tony took him some trumpet books.

Mrs. Yvonne had some play clothes that her grandchildren like to play in.

After trying them on, Faith was ready to join her brothers in climbing

the tree.

Can you find Collin & Will in the tree?

 

The area that they live in is known for gems & gold.  The kids were so excited to try to find these treasures. They had already made plans of how they would 

spend the money.  I was happy to hear that they wanted to buy us a new house. :)

So far, no luck, but they still have plans of going back to find the treasure.

For now, all we have is a lot of big rocks that we brought home.

*******

Christmas Eve Night

Since Tony is a trumpeter, he has to play on Christmas Eve.  In the past, we have gotten together with my Nanny on Christmas Eve, but since she is now enjoying being face- to- face with Jesus on Christmas, I knew that I needed to make big plans so that I wouldn't miss her so much.

We had our first Christmas Eve tea.  We had so much fun.

 

I am looking forward to the day that we can have traditional tea food, 

but until then, we enjoy the kid's finger food.

:Me:

Notice in the background the 3 big presents?

On Christmas Eve, the kids open their presents from each other.  For the last few years, they have all wanted Build-A-Bear coupons.  So they knew what they were getting.  This year, I made up a present clue hunt.  I wrapped the 1st clue in a huge box.  I made them stay in the back while I hid all the clues. When they came out & saw 3 big presents, they were so excited.  The hard part was having to wait until our Tea was over before they could open the presents. (I had to build up the excitement.)

Collin was a little bit disappointed when he opened up his present & there was nothing inside.  He had missed the clue.  After realizing that they were about to have a clue hunt, they were so excited.  3 big clue hunts.  The excitement was in the air.

After the present hunt, we did Christmas Crackers.  I found these at World Market for $8 on sale for $0.80 after Christmas last year.  They pop when you open them & inside is a little game piece.  When you've opened all, there is a game to play.  Each one also has Christmas jokes & trivia.

After the crackers, we put out sheep food for the traveling shepherds on their way to see Jesus.

It looked like snow.  Faith was really hoping that the sheep would stop by. :)

Our Christmas lights.  Sorry, but I could never get the picture in focus.

After feeding the sheep, we read the Christmas story.

With young children, I have found that this is the best book.  The book is all scripture, but has pictures so there little minds won't wander off.

We sang the 12 days of Christmas using this book & began to sing other Christmas songs.

Since we don't have cable, it was a nice treat to find Christmas movies online. 

ABC Family had Holly & Hal's Christmas Adventure.

Our Christmas Season part 2

We have really enjoyed going to the Lowe's Kid's workshop this year.  For December, they have been making a 3 part train.










 Before leaving the store, Collin & Faith wanted to get a picture in front of  Lowe's Christmas tree with Jacob. 

 After the 2nd  train workshop, we went with Jacob & his mom, Karen, to a train museum.  The kids really enjoyed this.


My Ladies Sunday School Christmas party was so much fun.  We have a bunch of crazy  fun ladies in our class. 

 Me & Zelle after the party.

This year, I am making a few things for the kids.  I crochet the boys a scarf & then decided to make a stuffed animal scarf for Faith.  I saw a tutorial online.  {I'm sorry, but I didn't save the site & now I can't find it to give them the credit.}  I was going to use one of her many stuffed animals, but then I didn't have the heart to cut it up.  So I bought a new one.

 Poor puppy, he has no idea what is about to happen to him.

It was so funny, it took me about 4 attempts before I actually could perform the surgery.  I'd start & then I had to wait to get my nerve up. 

 Faith can never see these pictures. No one tell her how the scarf was made.

The final product.  

(For some reason, blogger turned my picture sideways & I don't know how to fix it.)

Orange Belt

:Collin testing for his Orange Belt:

:Collin has really enjoyed karate:

 

:Mr. Gerald presenting Collin with his Orange Belt:

Normally, we have a children's Christmas play at our church.  We didn't have it this year.  All of the choir kids were so disappointed.  I hate to dis-appointing kids.  So this year, we decided to let them participate in a neighboring town's Christmas parade.  It was so much fun.  I was so thankful that the Lord warmed it up to 40 degrees for us.

:Collin riding the train:

: Will is just above the black stripe:

:Faith is in the back car on the right:

The back car was designated for me.  

Collin said, "look at the big caboose."  Didn't find that funny.

Caroling & the Manger

Our children's choir also "went" caroling at our church.  

The idea was to sing out on the front lawn of the church as the congregation came in for the night service.

It was so stinkin cold, rainy & windy that we brought the kids inside to sing.  (Since I was directing, I wasn't able to take pictures.  I'm waiting on some from the parents.)

I felt so sorry for Mary & Joseph.  They still wanted to endure the weather.

Thank you Alex & McKayla for enduring the pain for the Nativity scene.

21 Questions ~ or more

Question Jar

Money is always tight.  I was so excited when I came across this blog that had a very inexpensive gift.  At first I really wasn't sure about making it.  I didn't know if the friend that I had in mind would really like it or just think it was cheesy.  It was a huge hit.  Next time I make the flower, I'm going to make it a little smaller.

If you are interested in making one, click above on the  Question Jar to go to the site.  They even have all the questions typed up for you.  It's a great way to get to know each other, conversation starters, etc.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

What a beautiful group of kids~inside & out. 

I am so blessed & honored to be able to work with these children.

They did such a wonderful job singing It's About The Cross.