4k Program

I was very sad this year that Sarah Ellen’s 4K Christmas program was the same night as our church Christmas pageant.  We decided to participate in the church pageant, but little Buggy was very sad that we would not see her as the bird in her play.  It worked out well that Lily was home from school on the same day as the 4K dress rehearsal, so Lily and I went to watch.  This seemed to make Sarah Ellen very happy and all was well.

Our Christmas Card

I Cried Today

I cried today.  The country cried today.  We cried for 26 reasons.  A senseless tragedy.

Twas’ 11 days before Christmas, around 9:30

when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven’s gate.

their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.

they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

they were filled with such joy, they didn’t know what to say.

they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

“where are we?” asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.

“this is heaven.” declared a small boy. “we’re spending Christmas at God’s house.”

when what to their wondering eyes did appear,

but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.

then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring

those children all flew into the arms of their King

and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,

one small girl turned and looked at Jesus’ face.

and as if He could read all the questions she had

He gently whispered to her, “I’ll take care of mom and dad.”

then He looked down on earth, the world far below

He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe

then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,

“Let My power and presence re-enter this land!”

“may this country be delivered from the hands of fools”

“I’m taking back my nation. I’m taking back my schools!”

then He and the children stood up without a sound.

“come now my children, let me show you around.”

excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.

all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,

“in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT.”

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

Dance Presentation

Sarah Ellen’s dance class showed off all the ballet and tap skills they have learned so far this year.  One word: PRECIOUS.

The Adventures of Papa

I’m not sure what Papa enjoyed most on this trip…        The peaceful screaming canoe ride with James and Sarah Ellen.         Eating just harvested oysters.   Or the lazy boy on the porch(while watching the big green egg cook)!

Lamont is Back

Apparently Lamont got real thirsty one night…

Tis the Season

Is it Advent already?  I love this time of year for so many reasons and one of them is spending Wednesday nights with our church family celebrating Advent.  The first Wednesday of the season we make Advent wreaths.  While the kids love to decorate them and then wear them on their heads, they do learn the meaning of Advent by making these wreaths.  They ask what each candle means as we light them at night before dinner.  They pay attention in church as a family lights the candles each week.  They know PEACE, LOVE, JOY and HOPE.