Church Christmas Program

Our four beautiful children prior to the Christmas program on Sunday night, December 13. 

Ephraim is wearing his father's tie since that will be part of his costume in the program.  We were lucky enough to find the girls' dresses at one of our favorite thrift stores. 

Two sisters and friends. 

Eliza looks taller, but she's not. . . must be the boots or she's standing up a little.  Or Eden's slouching.  They continue to be the same height.

"Yellow, purple, and red for the gifts to the newborn king."  That was Eden's line while the younger kids held up the crayons. 

"And so the story ends, with a gift from the kings to a newborn king."  That was Eliza's line. 

They sang several songs including "Walk Like a Wise Man," "In A Stable," and "When A King Comes." 

The girls on in the back row on the right. 

Ephraim had the role of the Newspaper Editor in the 6th grade play. 

He has to tell the reporters that there's a story brewing in Bethlehem and he wants them to hit the streets, stables, and inns to find out the event.  He wants to see it on page 1 of his newspaper before it is in the competitor's newspaper. 

He had to show some emotion by saying "Now get going!" and "I want to see it on page 1 of the BETHLEME TIMES . .  . BEFORE I see it in the Tribune!"  He did a great job with his lines and even made people jump when he pounded his fist on the desk.

"Silent Night Rap"

Oh dear, what would Grandma say.  But really, it was a great song!

"Born is the King"

"O Come Let Us Adore Him" and "What a Glorious Night"

It's Christmas, let's celebrate and spread the good news!

 

Great performance everyone!  As always, it is a joy to have family in the audience watching the children perform.  We enjoyed supper together afterwards. 

Church Program Practice

December brings with it a church Christmas program and program practice.  Practice time on the stage was cut short because with three services, we can't practice on the stage on Sunday.  So, this Saturday practice was it.  And then with kids, you never know how it will go.  Thankfully, it went pretty good!

Eden had lines to read. 

And she had a little troupe of kids where were supposed to come up while she was reading.

Eliza had a line to read and a preschooler up with her.

They sang three songs: Walk Like a Wise Man, In a Stable, and When a King Comes.

 

Eden & Eliza are in the back on the right.  This is the group of preschoolers through 2nd grade. 

Then it was time for the 6th graders to practice their play.  Ephraim had the role of Newspaper Editor.  He's telling the news reporters to find out the big story in Bethlehem.

This group sang Silent Night Rap, What a Glorious Night, O Come Let us Adore Him, and Born is the King.

This is the 3rd-6th grade group.

Most of the actors.  We apparently missed the memo about wearing your costume to practice.  Oops. 

It was a great practice and the program pictures will be the next post. 

Band Concert-6th Grade

Ephraim had a Christmas concert at the elementary school where he attends 6th grade band a couple days a week. 

 

Our trombone player--playing his dad's trombone.

Their band is small, but they sounded great and did a good job!

They played three songs: BB Christmas, Sleigh Ride, and Big Rock Candy Mountain. 

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music. . ." Psalm 98:4

It was great to hear him in the band and to know that he enjoys it!  Thanks to both sets of grandparents for coming to hear him as well. 

Retirement!

My mom has been at "the bank" for 31 years.  It hasn't always been the same company or co-workers, but it has been the same building.  Through bank changes with  Mid-Iowa, First Federal, Vantus and Great Southern, mom has stuck it out.  Through many co-workers who come and then leave, mom has stuck it out.  Through many changes in the hourly schedule and Saturdays, mom has stuck with it.  Oh, and let's not forget all the dress codes.

For 31 years, that's a lot of depositing and counting change! It also holds a lot of memories.  Amber and I would do homework in the back room on occasion.  Or we'd be at home and call her about whose turn it was to sweep the floor, etc, etc.

Mom has a few stories about bats and scary customers.  Banking has changed in many ways while mom has worked here.  Computers and security cameras are just two of the biggest changes. 

 

 Earlier this fall, the news came that their particular branch, along with a few others, would be closing for good. 

Mom knew retirement was on the horizon regardless, but this is coming just a few months earlier.  And it's all good. 
Some of mom's friends at another branch hosted a retirement party for her in December.  We were lucky enough to be there, too.

Mom with her sisters Marilyn and Karen and their gift.

Amber, Mom, Dad & I with the gift we gave her.  It was a gift basket of goodies.

 

Yarn: Enjoy your hobbies

Candle: The sweet smell of retirement

KitKat: Take a break

Trowel: Plant some new dreams

Mints: Enjoy Retire-Mint

Picture of the grandkids: Enjoy some extra time with the grandkids!

Slipper socks: Sit back and put your feet up

Coins: Don't forget your years at the bank

 

 

 

 

My kids with Mom & Dad.  We all enjoyed some cake and punch, too.

All of my mom's siblings were able to be there: Marvin, Marilyn, Twyla & Karen.

Unfortunately, this building will sit empty on the square now.  This week, my mom and the other employees bode farewell to a bank and a building.  Sad to see the end of an era, and yet, mom (and dad) have some great retirement plans with mission trips on the agenda.

 

Amber and I thought mom would enjoy some flowers on her desk for her last week. 

It is a bittersweet week with the bank closing completely and mom retiring so I know the flowers were a special touch.