Almost Christmas

December 21.

A few days before Christmas, when our hearts are still filled with anticipation of celebrating the birth of Christ, sharing special time with family, opening our hearts with gifts to each other, spending sweet time in fellowship with friends...  It was a day for singing!

We hosted a neighborhood caroling party, with fellowship throughout the afternoon, a shared meal at dinnertime, and finally, singing from door to door in our neighborhood.  Here is the singing group, going through a few of the Christmas carols before heading out to knock on their first door:

They were gone for a long time, but--faithful as usual--they rang our own doorbell and caroled the few of us who stayed behind!

Gloria in Excelsis Deo!

Back to life,
Christine

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UIC Christmas concert

December 6.

In his semester singing with the UIC University Choir, Danny sang in three concerts.  This was the last of those three--a Christmas concert (although they called it a "holiday" concert...)!  This was also held at a beautiful church, inside a regular-looking office-type building/skyscraper in downtown Chicago.

The UIC Jazz Ensemble played in the foyer before the concert began; they were really, really good!

Just as the University Choir was about to enter the sanctuary, I spotted Danny through the glass of the door.

After all the different choirs, ensembles, bands, and orchestras played, it was time for the sing-along!  Various instrumentalists were stationed throughout the sanctuary, since there was minimal room at the front to hold all the performers.

You better believe I was getting my picture taken with my amazing son!

When we left the building, I realized that we were directly across the street from Daley Plaza, and the huge Christmas tree lit up there!  What a perfect place to wait while Fernando and Danny walked to the parking garage and got the car for the rest of us.

I'm filled with thankfulness for having the opportunity to see and hear Danny singing in the choir.  The extra-special night was added to my treasure chest of cherished memories.


Back to life,
Christine

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Into the Water

August 24.

Sunday after church, we headed over to Weigand Riverfront Park.  The ducks were already there, sunning themselves on rocks, and floating on and diving into the flooded river.

Now it was Thomas' turn to go down into the water.  Today, he was baptized in a public ceremony, confessing his allegiance to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  Pastor Fraley did the honors, praying over him and baptizing him in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Fernando was there to help in case the river current was strong.

Thomas' friend Noah was also baptized.  What a special thing to see two young men publicly dedicate their lives to Christ.

We had a celebration party at our home afterwards, and I didn't pick up the camera even once!  After everyone left, though, the sun made a spectacular display, illuminating the clouds to the east.

And the sunset itself seemed to light the sky on fire.

Beautiful ending to a beautiful Lord's Day.


Back to life,
Christine

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Here We Come A-Caroling!

Well, the house was as decorated as it was going to get.  And just in time, too!  We hosted a neighborhood caroling party, where we invited several families over for a fun afternoon, plus whoever wanted to could go door-to-door down our street and sing carols for our neighbors.

The carolers spent a long time out on their afternoon trip (they went out again after dinner, those brave souls!), and I captured them caroling to us when they returned.

Back inside, we laid out all the food--boy was there a lot!!--and everyone got their bodies warmed and their bellies filled.  And then it was time for some more fun, in the form of indoor music--jamming style!   Our musicians:

Our listeners:

And our sibling dancers, too!

There were a few music lessons sprinkled in:

Heather learns the bodhran.

Dale (above) and Caleb (below) show how it's done.

And Dale gave a young boy a lesson, too!

An afternoon of music, with great friends and family, and great food.  Christmastime doesn't get any better; this was all the gift we wanted.


Back to life,
Christine

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