Mary's Treasure Box

This morning at church, the girls and I were asked to perform a skit for the children at FBC McKinney. It was titled, "Mary's Treasure Box" and it was taken from a book of the same name. I was "grandmother Mary" and Lily was Sarah, my grandaughter and the daughter of James, the brother of Jesus. Sofie was the narrator for the play. In the play, Lily and I looked at items placed in a treasure box that told of Jesus' birth. It was such a precious tale and we were so happy to get to be part of it.

We got to wear costumes and be together the entire morning. And though we found out about it last minute and had little time to memorize our lines, it all went perfect when it was time for us to be on stage. In fact, it was So. Much. Fun!!  And it was a great reminder to all three of us about the true meaning of Christmas.

Nutcracker Ballet 2012

 This afternoon, Lily, Sofie, and I were delighted to attend The Nutcracker at the Allen Performing Arts Center. It was a magical afternoon and I had two delightful companions. Our friends Gretchen, Molly, and Kinley Reck went along with us, and we met our friends Suzanne and Anna  Taylor there as well.

 

The girls were patient but excited for the ballet to start and the magic to begin. They were especially anxious to see the Snow Queen.

During intermission, the girls enjoyed some sweet treats in the lobby. It was also a good time to purchas a keepsake. Lily and Sofie both chose a snowglobe with the Snow Queen.

 Afterwards, Lily said, "Mama. I am going to remember this day for the rest of my life." To be sure, this is one treasure I am storing away in my heart as well.  I think this is going to have to be a new tradition for the Arbuckle women, and I am sure we are all going to dream of Sugar Plum Fairies tonight.

McKinney Boyd Choir Christmas Performance 2012

Last week, we had the privilege of listening to the McKinney Boyd Choir perform some of our favorite Christmas carols.  There is so much talent in this choir, and I was so impressed by this concert! How proud I am that Jack is part of it. The evening was superb and it certainly reminded me of the true meaning of Christmas.

Jack sings in the second choir and he is standing just being the director, Ms. Logan.

Christmas Dance Recital 2012

Last night, we enjoyed watching Lily dance with her classes at McKinney Dance Studio for her Christmas performance. I love that it is a little more relaxed than the big spring recital. She got to choose her own costume and it was in the studio during class time, so it was very intimate and personal. Lily chose to wear an old costume from a previous recital years ago. To my amazement, it still fit! I guess we got our money's worth! She was delighted, and I so enjoyed watching my beautiful girl doing what she loves most...dance!

Her lyrical class danced to Justin Bieber's "Silent Night".

 Ms. Tavia is Lily's lyrical teacher and we just adore her!

Silent Night

Lily's ballet class performed "Pachelbel's Cannon". Though the girls only had two weeks to put this all together, it was simply enchanting.

Ms. Jamie...such an inspiration to my little dancer.

Merry Christmas!

Bug's Birthday...She's 9!

Nine years ago, Sofie Faith came into the world...fast and fearless.

The Christmas Elves decided to celebrate her big day by wrapping her bedroom door.

The birthday girl requested Starbucks on the way to church.

She brought Penny, the Elf, with her as a special guest.



Sofie got an Our Generation doll named Jessica Anne as her gift. She picked this doll because it looked the most like Bug. I wrote her a personalized book to go with it. She loved her gift!



Strawberry cake with strawberry frosting and chocolate covered strawberries as requested by the birthday girl.

Make a wish Little Bug!

Nine birthday kisses from Mommy!

How blessed we are that God picked us to be Sofie's family. We love her to the moon and back!

FBC Children's Choir Christmas Musical: Shepherds, Sheep, And A Savior

The FBC Children's Choir performed the musical "Shepherds, Sheep, and a Savior". It was a delightful way to get hearts ready for Christmas, and the kids did a superb job!  Lily starred as a shepherd girl named Grace.

Shepherds watched their flocks by night...

Go and Tell. Go and Tell...Jesus Is Immanuel.

Lily led the choir with a solo in "We Wish You a Merry Christmas".
How sweet is she? I could listen to her voice all day.



Proud Daddy after the show!



Counting My Blessings-Thanksgiving 2012

We went home for Thanksgiving and spent our holiday in Iowa with my extended family. It was great to see everyone again and the weather was absolutely beautiful! The day before Thanksgiving, we had to grab groceries for the big day. Lily, Madilyn, and Lexie were thankful for Starbucks.

My family has a tradition of baking on Wednesday night before Thanksgiving day. We gathered at my cousin Minniette's house and spent the evening just hanging out.

The big hit of the evening was Wii Karoeke. The kids turned the game into their own version of American Idol.

Jack and Noah enjoyed being the judges when the girls were singing. 

After months of studying for his Tax Advocacy exam, Marty finally had some time to just relax.  I have missed that smile.



 It was so much fun relaxing with my two favorite women...Minniette and Mom.

Our family has a small "civil war" going on between ISU and University of Iowa fans. My kids and my neices and nephew love to kidnap Minniette's Hawkeye garden gnome and hold him for ransom. This year they demanded that Minniette post 10 things she likes about Iowa State on Facebook. Here is their "proof of life photo" that they sent to her with their ransom demands.

Uncle Dennis' new friend, Jonnie Rae, made the girls these adorable aprons for baking night. They all became fast friends. From the smiles on their faces, I think Jonnie Rae fits right in with us.



On Thanksgiving Day, we went back to Minniette's and spent the day eating and visiting. Minniette and Lily looked "fancy" as they sported matching hair do's. Minniette has mastered the art of the topknot and Lily could not be more pleased.

 Marty carved the turkey.

 Worth every calorie...Yum!!

Jack was excited to sample my chocolate cream pie. Mom helped me make it from scratch.

Six of the best kids I know and some of the reasons I am most thankful...Jack, Madilyn, Lexie, Sofie, Lily, and Noah.

We love going shopping on Black Friday, but we do it our own way. Rather than fighting the crowds at the malls and department stores, we went to small business in Pella, Iowa. It was a fantastic day full of smiles.

Mission Pillow Puff! You can't visit Pella without buying some delicious Dutch pastry.



Friday evening, Jack sat down with Noah and  started teaching him to play the guitar. It was even more cool because it was a year ago that Minniette did the same thing for Jack. It was super fun  listening to them play together.



Watch out John Mayer! There's a new game in town. What a great trip!

Glen Oaks 5th Grade Musical

This year, the fifth graders at Glen Oaks Elementary put on a musical tribute to Broadway. Lily got to not only be a dancer in the show, but also choreographed her groups number. It was fantastic!

  Lily all ready for her debut on Broadway...

 I love my little Superstar!

 Besties Sofie and Sophie (we call them Sofie-squared) waiting "patiently" for the show to start.

Lily and Brylee after the show! Bravo!!