Antiphons: A Second Christmas Concert

Gabriella, Kimber, and Leia memorized a beautiful poem by Longfellow to recite at tonight's second Christmas concert (this one in the church) called "Antiphons."  The children of the school were singing and speaking in Latin in this program put on by Jennifer Murray.  I really teared up at the holiness of it all!

"When Christ Was Born in Bethlehem," by Longfellow

When Christ was born in Bethlehem,
’T was night, but seemed the noon of day;
The stars, whose light
Was pure and bright,
Shone with unwavering ray;
But one, one glorious star
Guided the Eastern Magi from afar.

Then peace was spread throughout the land.
The lion fed beside the tender lamb;
And with the kid,
To pasture led,
The spotted leopard fed;
In peace, the calf and bear,
The wolf and lamb reposed together there.

As shepherds watched their flocks by night
An angel, brighter than the sun’s own light,
Appeared in air,
And gently said,
Fear not,—be not afraid,
For lo! beneath your eyes,
Earth has become a smiling paradise.

A Present from Peppermint: Annie in a Trance

Christmas Cookies 2011

More Excited about Gingerbread House or "English" Braid?

 Annie was so proud today to have what she calls an "English" braid.  (Yes, it's actually a French braid, we're not sure why she calls it that. This was probably the beginning of Annie's interest in hair fashion.  Later this year, she would switch to wanting a "side braid" with colored hair extensions.) Of course, the girls were proud of their gingerbread house, too.  And this afternoon Leia made a "Christmas Grunion" picture with all of the birds celebrating in style.

Leia's First Flute Concert [Christmas Program 2011]

The pride in my Leia Rose this evening was unparallelled.  Tonight, Leia played her flute for the first time for an audience because of the band program led by Mrs. Goodman that I helped to initiate.  Leia played her Christmas songs, and I CRIED, ... while Annie drew lots of beautiful birdies on the program.  : )  Then it was time to celebrate at Krispy Kreme.

 

Traiditional Sister Pics before the Christmas Program

Saint Nick Night

 This was the most SPECTACULAR Christmas celebration at Immaculata.  SAINT NICHOLAS came and did just what what he did on earth.  A bishop in Asia Minor, he wandered the streets, telling stories about Christ and giving out apples and small toys to the poorest of children.  The only caveat was that Santa Claus was there too, ... ha!, quite confusing!  : )