Project 365, Week 50

It was a fun week of cousins and shopping and parties and shows and serving and growing opportunities. We are blessed, in abundance.

December 6

My return home from work was met with nerf bullets and squeals.

December 7

This day had been scheduled for a while for Amanda to get three baby teeth pulled so the orthodontic work can continue. She was quite nervous about it, understandably. She handled it bravely and the whole process took less than 30 minutes. She spent the rest of the day watching Disney and sipping smoothies, with her Christmas lights twinkling. 

December 8

The first snow of the season and my favorite kind. It was so pretty coming down and dusting all the trees, and then it was gone.

December 9

Amanda woke up with a sore throat so I kept her home from school. We did a rigamarole to get her tested but then she also spent some time helping Mr. Lucia...they get along famously. 

Aiden and I went antique shopping for frames and furniture and swords. 

And then, twice in one week, I was back at the mall, looking for dresses. The girls and I didn't find anything but we tried out the new Chick-fil-A and brought some to the boys at church, who were rehearsing the Christmas program.

The girls ended up staying to help (aka hang out with friends) set up for the youth group Christmas party the following night.

December 10

A much anticipated night!

Cousins!!

Da boys...

...and sweet friends

December 11

We did respite just for the afternoon/evening and it was one of those days where you grab some food in the church cafe. It was show #1 of 3 at our main campus. 

I have heard the Christmas story read and sung about my entire life. I've seen versions of this show. I wasn't even fully engrossed in the show because I was the photographer. But seeing it live on stage, I was transported back to that time...the events leading up to Jesus' birth, the involvement of lowly shepherds, the faith of those present to believe that this baby was the long awaited Messiah. It all stunned me in a new and fresh way. 

Nathanael took Aiden under his wing and showed him the ropes of lighting. 

December 12

Two more shows, so much emotion knowing it was the last show with Brent. He's been doing shows at our church for 16 years. What a gift to have had our kids grow up around theater! And we were always able to do it as a family. They've learned roles on and off the stage, we traveled to many different states and even Italy. We were able to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, sharing the good news that Jesus came to rescue us and give us abundant life.

Brent is an exceptional writer and a dear and faithful friend. He will be missed as they take their ministry to Sioux Falls, SD where they have a full-time theater.

In their processing and mourning, the kids binge-watched Lights Up Productions shows and clips. I'm just so thankful we had these years. 

TBQ Christmas event. We did a gingerbread house decorating competition. They were all so different, it was hard to choose! I love this crew and the time we have together.