Merry Christmas!

Began the day with Luke reading to us from the book of Luke!

We obviously stayed in our pajamas...and we are still in our pajamas at 4:45 p.m.!

And the traditional stocking photo continues!

This and That from the Crowells

 This is going to be a REALLY long post because it has been a REALLY long time since I've posted since the computer was in the dining room scanning all those 13,000 negatives! Some things may be out of order, but that's ok- right? The above picture is Toby at a knight/princess birthday party.

 Shelby and AK's new gerbils- Angelina and Hope

 One Sunday, Toby wore the hood to AK's coat all through church. Just thought it was funny.

 Shelby turns 10!

 Dinner with some friends for her birthday.

 Playing in the ice with the boys across the street.

 Shelby did Toby's hair- yikes!

 Home-school Bible class project presentations. They presented their interviews with Paul about one of his missionary journeys.

Christmas musical- we had a Mary and a rooster. SO thankful the Nienstadts came!

 

 Home-school Christmas party

 Home-school soap making class

 Polar Express movie night at church

Mark and the "Coveralls" playing at a restaurant/bar. They were a hit, and I was so proud!

Below- I'm sitting on the lap of the cute singer/guitarist in the greenroom while he signs the band ledger.

 First piano recital- they were great and brought tears to our eyes!

Happenings

 When we had our ice days, we went to a nearby subdivision where some friends live and went sledding. (some actually had sleds they shared)

 Our version of a sled is a Tupperware (what Hannah is sitting on)- which actually worked since it was mainly ice)

 Abby Kate and Shelby were sooooooo good in their Christmas play at their church. They both had speaking parts and singing solos.  They are good singers!

 Faith and Hannah's art class had an end of semester art show/puppet show.

                                                 They studied Chinese culture/art.

We went to a nursing home with our Homeschool group to play/sing Christmas songs.

Gigs...Gigs...and more Gigs...

Playing EARLY this morning at a local elementary school. Luke came to watch before heading to work. Jake was so proud to have his brother there! Jake has three more gigs today - one at another elementary over the lunch hour, and two at junior high schools this evening. Tomorrow they head to the ECISD Admin. Bldg. to play.

Serenading some of the youngest! The lady on the far right of the pic was Luke's Spanish teacher all through elementary. She was thrilled to see him.

Three Busy Days

Sunday was Jake's Holiday Piano Recital. The closing number was Brandon singing while Jake played "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas." Bailey Miller, our preacher's daughter, began lessons with Mrs. Richey, so she was in the recital, also.

Monday was our annual Christmas Bunko at our house. A wonderful time with special friends. We ate, played, and had an ornament exchange.

Tonight was the Satin Strings Christmas Concert at Permian. Jake serenaded me during "Ashokan Farewell," and Lane snapped a photo! I cried, of course. The music was beautiful.

Youth and Government District Conference

Today was Y&G District Conference, and M&M had a great day!  

 Mason is running for President Pro Tem of the Senate at the State Conference, so he had to give a speech and be elected first at the district level.  It was quite easy since he ran unopposed.  State, however, will not be that easy.  He will be running against candidates from larger YMCA's than ours.  The kids tend to vote "for their own", so sometimes it is just a matter of numbers.  We will see...

 In all of our years doing this I have NEVER taken a good picture of them presenting their bills.  Not sure what the problem is.  Oh well.

 We were very happy for M&M that they were both awarded the Distinguished Delegate award.  Many kids deserved it!