Traditions

If you haven't noticed by now, Christmas is one of our favorite times of year! Because our work is seasonal, this time of year tends to be slower and creates more opportunities to slow down a bit and enjoy evenings together as a family. This year is a bit busier since we are practicing Christmas music several times a day and getting ready to hit the road for a little while, but we've still found a few quiet evenings to enjoy together.

The last several years we decided that it is completely ok to put up Christmas decorations any time after November 1st. But because we wanted to save some Christmas things until after Thanksgiving we decided to wait to set up the tree until December. So as soon as the Thanksgiving festivities were over, we all gathered in the living room! Alaythia made orange & cranberry scones and we enjoyed decorating the tree together.

What's a family evening without a little entertainment?! 

While going through things at our grandparents farm there was a huge stack of Christmas decorations that were going to be given away. Maybe that's where we get our love of Christmas decorations... Our Grandparents always had the most beautifully decorated trees! :) Anyways, we sorted through the stack and found a bunch of gorgeous glass ornaments and other decorations to bring home with us. Everyone agreed that this was the prettiest tree we've ever had!! And even more special because of the memories tied to the ornaments.

Taking a break from decorating to enjoy some food and conversations.

"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

 Isaiah 9:6

Weekends

Our most recent activity has been getting everything ready for our upcoming Christmas performances!! Lots of practicing, and gathering props, and practicing, and putting outfits together, and practicing, and you get the idea! I'll share more about that later. But when we aren't occupied with all of that, we've had some other things going on!

The weekend before Thanksgiving we ended up going two different directions! Dad, Mom, Elizabeth and Charissa headed up to Grandma's house to work on the farm and enjoy time together with Mom's side of the family. And the rest of us headed out to see Ryan and Ruth's new house for the first time!

It had been quite awhile since we had seen them and everyone's smiles were really big! We were able to get some house projects done as well as enjoy time together.

I am thoroughly disappointed that I didn't get more pictures of our Thanksgiving this year. This was the first time we've ever celebrated it at home and it was so special! Alan & Rachel came up and Josiah & Abi came over for two days. I guess it was kind of what family gatherings are typically like. Good food, games, deep conversations, playing with the nieces and nephews, a football game and we even fit in a little bit of Black Friday shopping!

Then this last weekend we got the text that Ryan & Ruth's little baby had arrived!! Which meant a quick trip out to meet little Judah and drop mom off to help for a few days.

It is always amazing just how tiny and wonderful babies are!! We are so looking forward to being all together during Christmas and so everyone can meet the newest little babies!

"So teach us to number our days,

That we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Psalms 90:12

Judah Loren

It's a BOY!!!

Welcome to the world Judah Loren!

November 28, 2019 // 8lbs. 5 oz. // 21 inches long

Congratulations Ryan & Ruth, Lee and Jerit! 

We are so thrilled for you and cannot wait to meet your little Thanksgiving baby.

We love you!!

"I will praise the name of God with a song,

And will magnify Him with thanksgiving."

Psalms 69:30

Christmas Show!

‘‘Tis the season... for a Christmas show! For the first time in four years, we are so excited to bring back to the stage once again the festive music, costumes, and timeless message that we performed in Branson, Missouri for 5 seasons.

 Christmas has always been such a special time for our family and we are greatly looking forward to sharing some of our favorite carols, stories and traditions with y'all! We’ll be hitting the road with select Christmas shows in Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas. Mark your calendar & come join us as we celebrate our Savior’s birth! 

Thursday & Friday - December 12 & 13th - 7PM

New Hope Christian Church

Marshalltown, IA

Sunday - December 15th - 5PM

Postville High School Auditorium

Postville, IA

Wednesday - December 18th - 7PM

Emmaus Mennonite Church

Whitewater, KS

Thursday, Friday & Saturday - December 19, 20 & 21st - 6:30PM

Old Glory Theater

Seward, NE 

                                        (contact us for reservations)

Sunday - December 22nd - 6:30PM

Falls City High School Auditorium

Falls City, NE

If you are close to one of these locations, we would love to have you join us!

To see pictures of our previous Christmas shows, 

click on the months November & December in 2014 and 2015.

"Sing to the LORD, bless His name;
Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day."

Psalm 96:2

Busy Days

The last few weeks have had such a variety of activities that it is hard to pinpoint it all in one post... I haven't captured many pictures lately, but here are a few that will give a glimpse into what we've been up to.

The weather is quickly turning cold in Nebraska, but we've been trying to get as much done as we can before it shuts us down for the year. The guys have been working from sunup to sundown!

Then we've been busy with practicing music for something really exciting that is coming up in December. (I can't wait to share all the details soon!!) Performing with a group of friends in Branson, Missouri for veterans week, toe surgery for Alaythia, spending a couple days out at Ryan & Ruth's helping them paint, making a trip up to Grandma's...

And topping it off with everyone dressing up to help celebrate a friend's wedding! I'll try to get more pictures this week to share with y'all. And keep your eyes open for that "exciting something" that I'll be sharing with you real soon!

"I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart,

And I will glorify Your name forevermore."

Psalms 86:12

Nathanael

Nathanael is a man of many talents who has a love for people and adventure!

It has been fun to watch him this last year! His birthday was the end of October, but here is a glimpse into what he has been up to in 2019.

Nathanael continues to push himself to learn new skills, whether it's conquering a backflip or perfecting cinnamon rolls!

He really enjoys being active!

He is pretty much always ready to lend a hand when something needs done or to make some spontaneous memories together!

Sometimes it takes a little bit of time to warm up to tall Uncle Nate, but once they do he quickly becomes an absolute favorite!

This year he is a senior in high school as well as working on finishing up his pilots license and working for Wissmann Enterprise.

And we are grateful for his guitar playing and singing during when we do music together.

"But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!"

2 Chronicles 15:7

Alaythia

I know we had two birthday's last week that I didn't post about... But I'm working on that now! Hopefully you don't mind them being a little bit past due.

Alaythia turned 20 on October 22nd! It is so crazy to think that when we stared this blog she was only 7! Here is a glimpse into her last year with pictures.

She enjoy's all things that have to do with her nieces and nephews and family...

Works for Dad's business as well as working for an online company...

Is up for all things active and adventurous...

Still plays the violin & piano and helps arrange music for the our family and now enjoys teaching lessons as well!

We love you Alaythia!

"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

John 13:35

Go Reach The World

It all starts with just one voice
That takes a stand, that makes a choice

To live for God and not hesitate
To tell the world about amazing grace

One day that seed somehow breaks through
Where there was one, there now stands two
And soon another takes his hand
A ray of hope that spreads across the land.

Across the mountains. Across the sea.
Soon other's join in harmony.

They've found the cross still standing strong.
And soon a mighty chorus sings along.

Go reach the world, touch one more soul
Bring one more lamb back to the fold.

Each soul another flag unfurled.
Each voice another chance to reach the world.

Don't let me pray, Lord, for wealth or fame.
A spark that sets the world aflame.

But help me reach the lost and alone
Tel tell of joy and hope where hope was gone.

"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."

Mark 16:15