Handel's Messiah for young voices

For weeks Noah has been practicing with the community children's choir, and tonight was the long awaited performance. It actually came pretty quickly and I was unsure if they were really ready after listening outside the auditorium at the last few practices. He's had his music memorized since the first week, listening to his cd every day and as he drifted off to sleep every night.

I was amazed by their excitement, their perfect preparation, their seamless timing. And their beautiful sound! My hats off to their two directors. These lovely women gave their time and energy to actually teaching this many children how to sing, not just belt out words at the top of their lungs. 

It was delightful!

Dressing

They are very serious about their decorating.

I wonder where they could have gotten that from?

Something's hiding in there

Can't believe it's that time of year again. 

The kick off to the Christmas season: our annual hunt for the family Christmas tree.

Finally found it. Only an hour later. Maybe hour and a half. tops.

Don't know why I'm talking in fragment sentences. No idea.

Being thankful

I'm thankful 

that most of my family is near - and the rest is not too far

for friendships dear

for my drafty old house

for full bellies

for peace of mind

for the ability to help others

for gainful employ

for the promise of eternity

It's gotta be one of these

Oh . . . if only his eyes were open!

Oh for the days of tying to keep only one child in frame!

Hmmm, Bronwen is about to loose it.

Ooh, I like that one.


Now look at the little one . . . she's off in her own world.

Okay let's call it quits!

I wish I could figure out the merge tool in photoshop.

Christmas card photo - take two

Smile!  Oops, Annabelle was making a face. Let's try that again. That's good Noah . . . stay just like that.

Girls!  Wait . . . Annabelle wants to sit down with you.

That's good! Look over heere!
Oooh . . . almost.  Lets . . . try . . . one . . . more . . . time.
Wait, wait, wait!


Oh my goodness! I have no idea what was so funny.

Cooper just wants out of there.

Christmas card 2008

This will be nice, a photo by the fireplace, how cozy right? Perfect for the family Christmas card this year. Ooh, that's almost the shot, wait. . . hold that. No wait Annabelle!  Smile.
Good! 

Oh, Bronwen . . . you lost your smile. Let's try that again . . . smile!

Wait, wait . . . 
No! Don't move . . . Annabelle come back here.

Okay. Bronwen, look at me. Over heear!

Bronwen . . . Annabelle . . . smile!
Okay. Let's try a different pose.