Wednesday, December 15, 2010

CHEHC Christmas Meeting 2010

The CHEHC family Christmas meeting was fantastic once again this year. 

There was lots of food and fellowship to share. . .
 Plenty of fun and games to be enjoyed
 And more games
 And more fun!


After the meal, we all gathered upstairs for some singing,

And several wonderful presentations

Ken and Joseph

The Tennyson Family
 And a few others.


 It was then time for the gift exchange!  Sitting in a ring, the gift were passed around the circle in a way akin to musical chairs. 
 What wonderful gifts the girls created. 
 Even though there we only two of them, the boys had a blast passing their gifts back and forth!
 The boys fashioned great gifts as well. 
 A little more laughter and conversation ensued before everyone bundled up, said their goodbyes and headed out into the chilling weather, each to their own home.  

Monday, December 13, 2010

Providence Prairie's Christmas Music Recital 2010

Aha!  Snow is on the ground, it is bitter cold outside and we finally have time to share our recent recital news!


The beautifully decorated First Christian church in McLeansboro saw nearly 125 friends and family gather to hear practiced musicians present a variety of seasonal music at Providence Prairie’s annual Christmas Music Recital on December 5th.


Each year, the McDaniel Family hosts free summer and Christmas recitals for their music students.

Anticipation filled the air as 36 of Providence Prairie’s students performed in this unique production of Christmas, made delightful by every pupil’s diligence, conscientious effort and dedicated practice.

Colton
Silas
Nathan
Hannah
Samantha

Student performances consisted of musical arrangements on piano, guitar, violin/fiddle, bass guitar, and banjo.

Jordan
Fallon
Maddi
Tyler

Austin

Katie
Braxton

Bryce
Both adult and youth students interpreted an assortment of compositions celebrating the season.

Emma

Austin

Mark

Leah
Kolby

Lisa

Kaylene

Emaline
The recital entertained its attendees in an elegant and decorous venue, in the midst of the enchanting surroundings provided by the First Christian church.


Adrianna

Clay

Falisha

Timothy

Lisa

Sarah

Kaleb

Renea

Mulled cider, lemonade and fresh baked cookies were enjoyed following the afternoon’s event.






Providence Prairie has been providing private music instruction in Hamilton County for the past 7 years, offering guitar, bass guitar, piano, violin/fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and adding voice in 2011. You can learn more about private music lessons offered by the McDaniel Family at Providence Prairie on their website at providenceprairie.com.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Mulled Cider = Mmmm!

Mulled Cider

8 c. apple juice
2-4 T. packed brown sugar
1 t. whole allspice
Cinnamon sticks (optional)
2 cardamom pods cracked or ½ t. seed

In large saucepan, combine juice and sugar. Put spices in double thickness of cheesecloth. Bring to boil. Cover and simmer for at least 10 minutes. (or keep simmering in a crockpot).  Discard spices and serve in mugs with cinnamon sticks.  Float a clove studded orange in the crockpot for beauty and added flavor.

Monday, December 6, 2010

As Winter Approaches

The winter weather it rapidly making its way to Southern Illinois. 


And during a recent visit, Ryan graciously put up the outside Christmas lights.


While the winter cold is growing, someone else is growing and growing as well!



It won't be long before baby Cox makes an entrance into the outside world!