Caleb was so intrigued with sitting on my lap and listening to me practice!                              Then he wanted to try it himself!! Maybe he'll be a harpist someday too........

                    Program number 10 is over and we only have three more to go!! (not sure if I should be feeling sad or glad, I think I'm sad.) =(   "Come On Ring Those Bells" A fitting song for our family, I think! Also, the first bell song Jonathan and Laura have participated in! Cheers!!                            Always lots of things to bring in. Everyone helps and it's done in short order!                                                      Oh yes, Caleb does his fair share too. Except when he starts following one of the older people out and gets lost in the process. He brings lots of smiles to folk's faces!    "My name is Laura. See, it's right there after Jonathan's name. And that's me in the red dress in the picture on front"                                                   More instruments to load! Even mom helps!                                                 Laura's favorit

                     "Oh Holy Night" with Mom on the viola and Dad accompanying her on the piano. Truly He taught us to love one another His law is love and His gospel is peace Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother And in His name all oppression shall cease Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His holy name Fall on your knees Oh hear the angel voices Oh night divine Oh night when Christ was born Oh night divine Oh night divine What beautiful words, and what a powerful message!   Here, Jonathan is handing out our family card with our picture and contact info on it, to the older people for a keep sake.                     And this is the mountain load of "things" we pack in and out of our van every time! =)                                

Christmas at our house involves lots of practicing and many hours of preparations!  Here we are polishing our handbells.  Each bell gets a dab of polish, a lot of rubbing out the fingerprints and smears, and then a thorough buffing.  Then we do repairs as needed, tightening handles, adjusting clappers or replacing parts.                                                       This bell needs a good polishing!                                                                                                                            This one is done!               Everyone is in the Christmas music spirit.  Laura recently discovered our half-size violin and has  been practicing ever since.                                         Oh yes, little bro has some practice tips for big sis!!                                              

 Actually, I suppose I should say the first two programs of the Christmas season, because we shared our music twice the same day, at neighboring assisted care homes. What a blessing to be able to share in music with these older people who so rarely get to see young children and families anymore. That's what Christmas is all about for us, spreading joy and cheer to those who need it most!                                         Our loaded van complete with 5 bell cases, 3 tables, (not to mention the 3 foams, table skirts and toppers to cover the bell tables) 4 music stands, a cello, 3 violin cases, keyboard and bench. The sound system (speakers, mic cases, mixer, mic stands, etc.) ride up front with the eight of us people. Oh yes, and all the music books! I always marvel at the pile of stuff sitting outside the van at loading time, and wonder how on earth Dad manages to pack everything in just right! But he does, and we've never had to leave anything or anyone behind! :)