Les Miserables

I've seen many musicals and I must say... I like the "mystery" of the stage.  There is only so much you can do with the detail on the stage, so it leaves room for imagination.  Put a musical on film and there it is all fleshed out in front of you...every little detail.  

On Saturday, Rebecca and I went to see the greatly anticipated Les Miserables.  Although my girl was very familiar with the story (having recently been in the play herself), I was a bit anxious about what her eyes would see on the big screen.  Thankfully, intuition prompted me to hide her eyes in the most impressionable parts giving her freedom from those haunting images that linger in your mind.

We both shed tears.  Anne Hathaway was exceptional and who knew that Hugh Jackman could sing like that!  Wow.  I was especially enamored with Eponine and was glad they chose this chick for the part.  She nailed it.  

When we left we had some treasured conversation in the car about the depravity of man, redemption and forgiveness, and the evils of legalism.  We also talked about the beauty of innocence and purity and the wisdom in protecting it at all costs.  For this reason, our little outing was certainly profitable and a JOY.

However,  I still prefer the mystery of the stage.

A Whirlwind of Christmas

 We started the three day whirlwind with new hoodies for the family!

And enjoyed our annual Christmas Eve-Eve dinner...Take-Out Thai Spice!

It was sheer delight when I opened up my gifts from the girls... A Moda Hand Towel Calendar and a new quilting magazine!

 It was SO MUCH FUN to surprise my sweetheart with a new pullover!

 And the girls found great delight in their new Christmas Eve-Eve jammies!

 There was the usual treats for Santa, and then it was off to bed...

 ...so Santa could fill the stockings!

 Christmas Eve morning...

... and the gift she's always dreamed of (literally!)

 There were scarves...

 and stockings!

 And the annual Pillsbury cinnamon rolls.

And there was the pickle...

 ...the annual "search."  This year the victory went to the oldest.

 And then we loaded up the car in a flash and we were off to Atlanta!

 We ALWAYS look forward to Uncle Duke's Christmas Eve Feast!

 Aunt Viki always makes everything so festive and fun!

By three o'clock we were in the car again headed for Birmingham and Christmas Eve service where we hold up the lights and sing praises to the Newborn King!

 And then we snuggle in with more family.

 They love their Uncle Andy...

... and she adores her Cousin Caroline!

And sometimes everyone smiles.

 There are always delightful treats...

 ...from Nana!  (She knows just what they love.)

(Ummm...notice the diaper attached to her shirt. Ha.)

 And Aunt Lydia spends alot of time running after her little toddling crew!

 Maybe she can enjoy some "down time" curled up under the new quilt I made her!

 Gave my "MIL" a mug to match mine!

 And then it was stocking time...everybody's favorite!

 Even Aunt Betsy got a stocking this year!  It was such a treat to have her with us.

And there was Lego playin'...

 And Foosball playin'...

 And reading...

 And game time too!

 And Baby Rosie loved her little vanity... how cute is that!

It was a whirlwind indeed...but it was a whirlwind of happy!

This Christmas Season...

 We did lots of baking...

 ...with friends.  (Friends make baking more fun.)

 We made the annual peppermint bark....and ate most of it.... 

that is why you didn't get any.  

And we studied for exams...blech.

We had our annual caroling night... 

 ...where Caleb sang with his whole heart and reminded me of how the Lord delights in our uninhibited gift of song to Him.

 And we celebrated the season of JOY...

 ...with our dear friends at the big DD.

 We drank lots of hot chocolate....

 ...and ate way too many (cute) sweets!

And we celebrated a new little life on the way. 

 Caroline got her ears pierced with her dear friend, Zoe...

... and the mommas celebrated with a cup of hot latte. 

 We made gifts for classmates..

 ... and addressed a "thousand" Christmas cards.

We enjoyed a rainy afternoon of laughter with friends..

 ... and shared some holiday treats.

My little class came to over to my house for a party...and some Flarp!

We had a Christmas Showcase at school... 

 ...and celebrated the birthday of the King of Kings!

 (Can you spot Mrs. Lamb?)

And we had a birthday party for Jesus....

 where we all lit a candle for Him...

...and enjoyed the "sweetness" of the season.