St. Nicholas' Day

Tonight was the vigil for St. Nicholas' feast day and we went ahead and celebrated since Tuesday is packed with activities.  After supper the children put their slippers by the fireplace in the music room (underneath all of our St. Nicholas/Santa statues, most of which I was given by my grandmother).  Then we all watched "Nicholas- The Boy who Became Santa."

After the movie, Daddy read us The Baker's Dozen: A St. Nicholas Tale.  It's a precious story. 

Then we thought we heard sleigh bells :) and ran to the music room to see what St. Nicholas had brought!  (Usually he brings a book and chocolate gold coins)

Marc received The Marks of the Bear Claws and The Race for Copper Island, both by Rev. Henry S. Spalding, S.J.  Julia received Apple Tree Christmas. 

While they ate a few chocolate coins, Daddy read us "Kristoph and the First Christmas Tree."  Then we blessed our Christmas tree, which the children loved. 

Tomorrow we will probably color his picture and read the rest of our St. Nicholas books- all of which are awesome.

A Gift from St. Nicholas-

One of my favorites- The Miracle of Saint Nicholas- 

More of a chapter book, but fascinating- Story of Saint Nicholas-

And Saint Nicholas and the Nine Gold Coins-

St. Nicholas, ora pro nobis!

Marc's Amazing Concert!

Friday night's concert with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra went wonderfully!  He had a brief run through on Friday afternoon. 

 That night BB and Poppy came and we went out to eat to celebrate.  They gave us out own room by a fireplace!

Showtime!

 

The theater was lit up so beautifully!

Marc sang well- we couldn't really see him from our seats at the bottom.  A friend in the balcony sent me this picture- he had a spotlight on him!  :)

We had several friends come- it meant so much to us! 

 We were all giddy when we got home!  What an amazing night!

How can I say how proud I am?  Not just that he sang well, but that he was brave enough to try out in the first place.

This and that- getting ready for the concert!

Today Marc had his first rehearsal for his solo tomorrow with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.  It was AMAZING!  I was a nervous wreck and kept saying, "my heart is beating so fast- I'm so nervous!" and Marc kept saying, "Mommy, that doesn't really help."  :)

His name is in the brochures and on the website- we were surprised and excited!

The concert it at the Alabama Theater- the most GORGEOUS theater!

Gorgeous!

Marc was relieved when they said he will be singing towards the back of the orchestra standing by the piano.  We won't really be able to see him during the song because the lights will be dim for the movie.  Then they are going to bring him out to do a bow. 

Remember- this is the song he is singing-

My heart is just full of joy and pride.  They were so professional today- they only practiced ONE time and gave him no notes.  He sang it wonderfully, followed the conductor and kept on perfect beat.  He later said, "it's just like boys' choir."  I'm so proud of his training. 

Can't wait for tomorrow night!

The holidays have brought out even more crafting in Craftmaster Tucker.  He's making ornaments and presents every day.  Yesterday he said, "this is a present for the entire family- a winter wonderland."  :)

And he's wrapping the presents in real wrapping bags and writing in Sharpie!  I had to tell him to take it easy ruining all the bags in the house.    But I do love his generous heart. 

Daddy is making a fire almost every night- cold or not!  And we are reading all the Advent/Christmas books!  I keep them in the attic so they it's a special treat when I bring out the book baskets. 

And finally, a shout out to my alma mater, MCS, for making it to the State Championship games held at Auburn University today!  They didn't win, but I'm SO PROUD of the mighty Leopards!  We were state champs when I was a senior- such a fun, special time!