Christmas 2009

A whole season, builds to this one day. The day we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I love Christmastime. I love focussing on God's immense love and sacrifice for us. The more I dwell on it, the more it boggles my mind.
"The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14-15) I believe Trent and Grant were awake a little after 5:00am but they stayed in bed like good boys pretending to be asleep. Around 7:00, Brooke was awake and cuddling in bed with Daddy begging to go downstairs. As soon as Mom and Dad gave them the go-ahead, they raced down the stairs and to their stockings.

Stanley got her first stocking too. She didn't know quite what to think. But she liked her new toy and all the attention.

Our family tradition is to read the account of Christ's birth from Luke 2 and the visit from the Magi in Matthew 2. It has been my joy to hand over the Scriptures to the children and listen to them read from God's Word. THen each of us says a prayer of thanksgiving for God's gift of His Son to us.

This was the #1 item on Grant's wishlist: a rock polisher. I'm not sure what he is going to do with all the rocks he polishes, but he enjoys the process! Trent recieved an MP3 player and Brooke got the Roller Skating Barbie she had been asking for.

But, the big "don-ta-da" came after the kids thought all the gifts had been opened. Daddy brought out a few final item from Grandma and Grandpa Rose. It was a gift for the whole family, but we let the kids open it.

"A Wii! It's a Wii! I can't believe it! Its amazing! We have a Wii! Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!" As you can see, Brooke is holding her ears because the boys are screaming like little school girls with excitement!

( THANKS GRANDMA AND GRANDPA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE LOVE IT!!!!!

Christmas is so much more than a day for me. It is an entire season. It is everything that points to Jesus: the lights,

the trees and children in jammies,

the music and programs,

and all the blessings we have been given. Thank you Lord, for Christmas.

"Oliver!" November 09

Well, to say I am behind on blogging would be an understatement - so tonight, I will attempt to catch up a bit!
In early November, both Trent and Grant were in Christian Youth Theater's production of "Oliver!" It was Grant's very first show and he loved experiencing his debut along side his brother, Trent. Here are the leads "Oliver" and "Dodger".

Trent played a sad little orphan in the workhouse where Oliver was born. Trent named his character Freddie. Trent also played a London Street Child in the town scenes.

Grant enjoyed performing and was glad for his part in the London Chorus. Here he is at the very last pose of the song "Consider Yourself". Trent is knealing below him.

This was a smaller role for Trent but he didn't mind. He loves being with his CYT friends and misses them greatly when it is over.

This is the cast photo. It is incredible to see so many very talented kids on stage. The show was awesome. All the leads were very strong and it is such an amazing story. We love the music and still can't stop singing songs from it. Trent is currently reading Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. Their next theater venture will be Les Miserables in the spring.