Gingerbread houses

 The girls made Gingerbread houses from scratch .....

 They are talking to Thomas, facetiming while they work- at one point they had A.k on the phone, too!

Early Christmas, Another Visit to Pease

An early Christmas before we leave town in the morning. Our traditional stocking photo!

Luke asked for a tea kettle to make green tea and keep it in the lounge fridge to drink while he studies.

 Earlier in the day...Jake played for Lane's class during first-period music.

The students were so encouraging. The teacher gave them time for Q&A, and they had some thoughtful questions!

 We paused for the pledge and morning announcements.

Jake finished out with the violin. Then, we walked down to Jake's first-grade teacher's class and played for her. Today was "Drop Everything and Read Day" at Pease, and the kids were allowed to wear pajamas. The little first-graders Jake played for were so cute - in their pajamas on their sleeping bags reading when we walked in.

Pease Christmas Party

I had a wonderful time at Lane's class party today. The kids all signed up to bring food - pizza, nachos, chips, cupcakes - you name it! Everyone brought a gift for an exchange game, and the kids did great...so much laughter! Several were also very excited to give Lane gifts. This little girl got him a Texas Tech T-shirt, Tech pajama pants, Tech pen, paper, and key chain! Wasn't that sweet? She was so eager to watch him open the gift - she stood right by him the whole time.

 Such a sweet class!

Luke spent the morning teaching math to several classes! Lane said he was a hit. Tomorrow, Jake is going early to play the piano for Lane's class during music.

A very blessed day!

Nienstadts

 This is Ryan's Men of Note Christmas show.  He's on the left (looking at pic), top row. 

 Singing Christmas carols at the nursing home last week.  This was with our Homeschool group.  The girls also played piano.

 The girls take a Music class once a week.  They did a Christmas program.  It was so cute.

Gifts from Faith and Hannah

Faith and Hannah made us the BEST gifts!  Faith made Mallory a beautiful bookmark with her name SEWED into it!  I was very impressed with her sewing skills.  The letters are perfectly straight!  The funny thing is that Mal needed another bookmark.  It even came with a duct tape case.

 Faith remembered how much Mason loves duct tape, so she made him this iPhone and case.  She was so kind to say that she didn't use much pink on his!  Smart girl!

 Okay - is this the cutest thing??  Hannah made me a doll!  She sewed it herself, and I love it!  Be sure to notice that she even has a pretty necklace on.  Check out her beautiful hair.  I named her Jacqueline.

Faith and Hannah - Thanks so much for these perfect gifts!

Youth and Government District Conference

Mason and Mallory had their Y and G District Conference recently.  Both of their bills passed!

 They were quite excited to both be awarded "Distinguished Delegate."

Texas A&M and Santa's Wonderland

Last Friday we spent the day in College Station.  Tim had arranged several meetings so that Mason could get some exposure to A&M.  We had a wonderful day and were very impressed with everything we saw.  The people were so nice and the business program has some great things to offer.  We just keep praying that God will make it clear where Mason is to go to college.  

 After dark we headed 7 miles south of the campus to Santa's Wonderland.  It was SO fun!

 Snow was falling as we entered the adorable little town.  The stores were precious!

 We got there at just the right time for our own private hayride through the lights.  The pictures will not do it justice, but the lights were amazing!

 We anticipated the Nativity, and it was very special.

 We did not anticipate, however, the crosses and the tomb.  It was such a moving display.

 You can't see it, but there was motion in the scene.  Jesus rose into the sky with the lights going on and off and then the angels lit up to praise Him.  Can I just say "God Bless Texas!"  People unashamedly declare their faith here!

 No, my children did not want their picture taken with Marshall Frosty.