Advent Week Two

More symbols of Christmas came out this week and found their place on window sills.

The week began with more seasonal events: the beautiful choir rendition at church; fall dance recital at Cornerstone for the Arts where Kayla teaches many classes; and the Taylor University Chorale and Symphony Orchestra concert. Whew, that was a lot in one day! Michael didn't go to the dance recital, but I just couldn't miss it.

To watch Kayla herself dancing a contemporary number with her students, go HERE.

The after-Monday-Night-Dinner Jesse-Tree project has been so much fun. I wonder what creative activity we could do after Advent. . .

Jesse Tree as of December 9. Mike and Rita's contributions.

The story of another family-member's creative passion and skills aired this week on Journey Indiana. Watch  Handcrafted in Indiana to learn more about our son Sam!

Wednesday, at the last minute, we attended Delta High School's fall concert. We had a front row seat, but couldn't see Elijah. This is the one glimpse of our handsome grandson walking off the stage carrying his trumpet.

Jude was sick with the flu, couldn't go to school. Sam and Kristie both had to work, so I spent the day with him. The chimney cleaner was due to come. I was rather fascinated with the process and his stories. He found a long-dead duck and explained that when travelling they tend to rest on chimneys because of the warmth, but they are clumsy and if they fall in often cannot get out.

Chimney sweep at work and the dead duck he retrieved

Strangely, I have no pictures of Jude, but we had fun playing games, piano duets and watching some shows. He seemed to be on the mend.

Moriah's last final was due Friday at 10, then she spent the day with us sharing work, meals, and fun. She cut wood with Michael in the morning, helped me decorate in the afternoon, and packed her things. We even watched a movie together before she left that night.

La despedida (The farewell) 

Michael continues to work every day at the shop in Matthews. Robot build-season begins in a mere three weeks and there is still a lot to do. Saturday was a work day and those present managed to finally move everything in from the storage building next door. Now they must sort, arrange and find a place for each item.

I had errands to run, but also was able to watch Rebecca's last day of a four-week basketball camp. Her group of the youngest did not play games, only practiced skills such as dribbling the ball and jumping (by far her favorite).

Advent anticipation accelerates as the days go by, so does the busyness. May we not lose sight of the wonder of the Incarnation--God with us!