Tis the Season

It is that time of year where we start practing for Christmas programs. This year we are doing five Christmas programs for nursing homes and retirement apartment buildings in Freeport with the Niesman and Ortega families. We did our last practice at First Baptist Church in Freeport so we could have more room. The program is really starting to come together nicely.

Mariah, me, Anthony, and Aaron playing "Carol of the Bells"

Mr. and Mrs. Ortega are the actors for the skit that is part of the program.

the choir

~Amber~

String Recital

Last Saturday, Anthony and Aaron had a recital at the Rockford Music Academy.

Anthony played "Symphonie Espagnole, Movement 1" by Eduardo Lalo.

Aaron played "Bourree" by Bach.

They did a great job!!

~Amber~

Austin's Birthday Party

Austin's birthday was last Thursday, so we had a special birthday supper for him.

He wanted homemade ham and pineapple pizza, breadsticks from Pizza Hut, corn, and mashed potatoes. We talked him out of the mashed potatoes! lol :)

playing with one of his birthday gifts
Austin and Aaron

Mom made the cake for Austin.
blowing out the candles
The book and sword that Mom and Dad got him went along with the cake.

We had a fun time celebrating Austin's birthday! Happy Birthday buddy!!!!

~Amber~

Happy Birthday Austin!

Today Austin turned 7! It's hard to believe that he is that old already!

Austin: "Venerable Lee: "Shelter"

Austin is always sure to give us a laugh with what he does or says. ;) We could have a book full of hilarious things he said. I remember a couple of years ago when Mom had just planted some flowers, she came back outside and found that Austin had pulled them all up (roots still intact!) because "Their feet were getting dirty." Austin always was one of those really intelligent little kids that knew more and were smarter than some adults. ;) Austin can be strong-willed at times, but he can also be very sweet. Our prayer for Austin is that he would God would draw him to Himself, and that Austin would become a mighty warrior for God. We love you Austy!!!

Happy Birthday!!!!

~Amber~

Piano Recital

Last Friday, Anthony had a piano recital at Harvard Bible Church. This was his first recital with his new teacher Jacob Bernhardt.

Anthony played "Nocturne in F Minor Op. 55, No. 1" by Frederic Chopin.

Anthony and Jacob played a duet of "My Faith Looks Up to Thee".

~Amber~

These Don't Fit Me!

Last Friday night, Anthony had a piano recital. Mom laid out Austin's and Alec's clothes on the couch and told Austin to get dressed.

A few minutes later, he came out to the kitchen and said, "Mom, do I have to wear these pants? They are really short and tight." We all turned to look at him and burst into laughter. He had put on Alec's pants (which are 18 months and Austin wears a boy's 8) because both of their clothes were sitting on the couch. Don't ask me how he managed to get them on! I had to grab the camera and get a picture quick! Austin is just so funny in the things he does and says!

~Amber~

You Are My All In All

You are my strength when I am weak

You are the treasure that I seek

You are my all in all

Seeking You as a precious jewel

Lord, to give up I'd be a fool

You are my all in all.

Chorus:

Jesus, Lamb of God

Worthy is Your name

Jesus, Lamb of God

Worthy is Your name.

Taking my sin, my cross, my shame

Rising again I bless Your name

You are my all in all

When I fall down, You pick me up

When I am dry, You fill my cup

You are my all in all.

Chorus

This is an awesome song to think on and sing throughout the week! My prayer is that God would be my all in all.

~Amber~