Christmas Eve 2011

The Christmas Eve worship service at EBC is one that I look forward to and treasure each year.The fifth Advent candle is lit, and special music is shared by members of the congregation.

This year, Pastor Nate led the scripture reading, along with Natalie and a few high school students, then Pastor Steve shared a message.

The service closes with candle-lit caroling.

Joy to the world! The Lord has come!

Christmas Vacation

Finals are over and my month-long vacation between semesters has begun! I'm enjoying sleeping in, reading, watching TV & movies (which I never have time to do), Christmas shopping, parties, and...baking! I haven't baked a single desert since before classes started in August. It was the first thing I did after exams last week!

Warm, moist chocolate cake!

What is your favorite Christmas desert?

Friend [frend] noun

1.A person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.

2.A person who gives assistance; patron, supporter.

3.A person who is on good terms with another;a person who is not hostile. 

I have some rockin' awesome friends!

Last night in class my instructor asked what was on my Christmas wish list. Until that minute, I hadn't given a Christmas list the merest thought. With finals looming, my "wishing" has revolved around my GPA and all the studying necessary to finish the semester strong. 

Then I saw THE LIST. And I knew immediately what I want need for Christmas:

 These mugs, designed to look like actual Canon lenses, are a must-have for any photographer. 

(hint,hint)

Bethany

Christmas Kids

Five kids and two dogs. I didn't get any perfect poses but I think I captured their personalities.  :)

Tea for Ten

Occasionally someone will walk up to me and say something along the lines of, "I think I met your sister...what is her name?" I always laugh. I have 5 sisters...who are some of the most amazing, beautiful, talented young women ever, who know me better than anyone else.With 3 of us plus my mom in college, and living over 40 miles from my family, spending quality time together doesn't happen very often. When some good friends-with a few amazing, beautiful, talented young women of their own- came up on vacation I tried to find a way to get all of us together. The Four Seasons Tea Room in downtown Houghton was the perfect location! With a prior reservation for ten they were able to get all of us at one table and we enjoyed an unforgettable 2 hours, laughing, talking, sharing, sipping a bottomless cup of tea from the more than 60 choices on the menu (Vienna Opera Ball was a favorite!), savoring the delicious quiche, soup, and salad, and treating ourselves to a delectable desert of cake, scones, and lemon curd. An added bonus was a local musician providing live music!

Bekah, Marianna, Molly, Kendra, Linda, Grace, Amy