DCC Christmas Caroling

The Dale Christian church gathered to spread the Good News through song to the community of Dale and McLeansboro.

Ryan and Clair were able to make it too, which made Amanda and Trey quite happy!

Trey wore his traditional pointy Santa hat.

We had to have some fun and see if we could all fit in the back seat!

. . . "Away in a Manger". . . . . "Joy to the World". . . . . "O Come, All Ye Faithful". . . . .

After eating a good supper at Mimmo's Pizza, we all headed our separate ways to await next year's round of caroling.

Singin' with the Cuz'!

We were able to join the Cuz' once again this Christmas for a fun afternoon filled with singing and story telling on WMCL 1060 AM. Clair was visiting and able to participate in the fun. She shared her rendition of "Mary Did You Know" with the show's audience.

It was good getting caught up with "Aunt Edna" and "Cuzin' Eddie." A big thanks to station and the entire WMCL 1060AM family.

The Way of Lights

We decided one evening to visit The Way of Lights in Belleville, Illinois. We were even able to ride camels!

There was a petting zoo with many exotic animals for us to feed and enjoy.

We were able to drive through over 1 1/2 miles of breathtaking light displays and over 1 million lights which all focused on the birth of Christ.

We were even able to stop and watch the fun laser light show.

It was an evening to remember!

DCC Christmas Program

Our Christmas program at DCC turned out quite well. We had shepherds and angels, prophets and kings, stars and daughters of Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph and Eve.

Nothing like shepherds playing music for your song service!

Our candlelight service followed the program and Herb presented a devotion on being the light of the world.

It was an evening enjoyed by young and old alike!

Benton Kiwanis Christmas Party

Sunday afternoon found us performing for the Benton Kiwanis Christmas party. There was good food, fellowship, and fun while smiling faces and pleasant looks were donned by the crowd.

Thank you for blessing us!

CHEHC Christmas Meeting 09

Several homeschool families from Hamilton County gathered to enjoy the festivities of our '09 Christmas Meeting. There was a carry-in meal, many presentations, and a gift exchange for the younger children.

Rachel shared with us "A Visit From St. Nicholas."

Pat played a song on the piano.

Juliana sang a wonderful and touching song.

Ken and Joseph performed several beautiful Christmas songs.

There was music and fun to be had around every corner, including a rousing round of the 12 Days of Homeschool! It was a fun night for all!

McLeansboro Healthcare Christmas Party

We were blessed to be able to perform for the McLeansboro Healthcare Christmas party. Singing a variety of Christmas music, we also played a little instrumental for the residents who had gathered to listen. What fun!

The Rose

Amanda received a beautiful red rose from Ryan. It stayed unusually pretty and adorned the table for many weeks, a lovely sight to behold.

Searching for the Christmas tree

Traditionally, for the past several years, we have searched out and cut a cedar tree from Providence Prairie to serve as our Christmas tree. This year was no different.After finding the right one, we allowed Ryan the privilege of taking the axe to the tree. After a few chops, Trey carried the freshly felled tree back to the cabin to adorn it with our Christmas ornaments and homespun baubles and bows.

Along the way, we stopped to note that our future Christmas trees are growing well. One of these days. . .

Off through the woods and home we go.

Christmas with the Lincolns

Friday, December 4 brought us to Marshall, Illinois for Christmas with the Lincolns: An Evening at the White House, 1864. Ryan and Amanda were to act as ushers, seating people for the dinner theatre in their newly crafted Civil War costumes. It was a definite chore stuffing Amanda and her dress into the Suburban!
When our family arrived, Ryan was seating guests in the beautiful Harlan Hall. Amanda quickly joined him and helped by taking the arm of the masculine guests.



What a dashing couple Ryan and Amanda make in their Civil War attire.








We were serenaded by a talented harpist as we awaited our dinner. At the commencement of the event, Ryan asked blessing for our food in an 1800's style prayer.


Following the dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln discoursed about their life while we enjoyed what it might have been like in the White House at Christmastime in 1864.


President Lincoln graciously posed for a picture with the Civil War couple.


Infantry and cavalry cross swords in a sort of salute.
President Lincoln and his military men.

It was an enjoyable evening reliving our nation's history circa 1864.

Fun with our Civil War Attire

Before storing away our Civil War costumes we thought it would be fun to make use of them here on Providence Prairie. Lady, our horse kindly participated, allowing Ryan (a Cavalry Colonel) to mount his steed preparing for battle.

To arms! Draw swords men!

Straight from the Civil War!

Hmmm. . . this colonel has found himself a fair young maiden.

Walking (instead off riding) of into the sunset.

Being too dark to continue outside, we moved our "photography studio" into the house and continued to have a little fun inside.

They decided that it would be fun to re-enact their engagement in an 1800's style considering they were already dressed the part.

Having a little "surprising" fun!

Dreaming of her man who is off to war.

The dashing Colonel Cox.

Oh no, he's been wounded. :)
What a fun evening!