Days With the Duerksens

Christmas Eve - my favorite night of the year.  Favorite for many reasons:  family traditions; the children's retelling of Jesus' birth; pondering what that birth really means for each of us in a dark but candlelit sanctuary; a full, over-crowded lobby as family and friends reconnect after the church program; our race back to my parents' house to celebrate our own family Christmas.  It's all the good things wrapped up in one blessed, holy night!  All three of our children were in the same portion of the church program this year:  Caiden was one of the narrators, Delaney sang in the choir, and Cambry made an appearance as an angel!   Cousin Time! Delaney wanted to sing "O Tannenbaum" at church this year:    

The week before Christmas was certainly busy:  finishing up at school, one school Christmas program, Christmas Eve program practice, a 2nd grade Christmas party, cheer clinic, and one last gymnastics class before the break. It felt busy, but I enjoyed it all - and so did Delaney, as most of these activities were hers! She was thrilled to be up on Makayla's shoulders! Delaney's beloved 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Ann Hiebert A few of the 2nd grade girls:  Jo, Lydia R., Delaney, and Quinli She just loves to sing!