A New Life...

We are thrilled to announce that another grandbaby and nephew has made his debut into the world! Jason and Hannah welcomed Elijah Terrence Devine on October 29th, 2014! He was the healthy weight of 9lbs. 2 oz. and is 21inches long! 

                                                              Elijah at 13 days old

                                     "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, 

                                The fruit of the womb is a reward."

                                               Psalm 127:3

A Little Glimpse Into Our Musical Life

The impending snowball effect is in the making down a mountain of music.

For any musician, Christmas music practice and preparation generally begins in September. At least around here. Mom, Mallory and I are once again ringers in the Columbia River Handbell choir. This year both Mallory and I have taken on the lowest bells, which range between eight and ten pounds apiece. It has been lots of fun and we always enjoy being together. :) 

Also, this past week the Southwest Washington Symphony began preparations for the annual Christmas concerts, a huge community event that will include the handbell choir, and community choir! Mallory, Jared and I are also in our college's Concert Choir, which will be performing five various holiday carols that are all in different languages --quite the fun! 

After our family made a grand debut as the "Devine Family Ringers" this past Christmas season; performing two octave hand chimes as a family at several community events, we have received calls from all of the venues from last year asking if we would return again this year. What an honor! We have arranged to borrow a set of hand chimes this season and we look forward to beginning swift preparation for the weeks ahead! 

A snapshot of us during one of our performances

 that was to a crowd of over 500!  

In addition, our string quartet, consisting of Mallory, Matthew, Jared and I, is being booked to perform at each of the venues as well! 

We know that no production this size is possible without organization and good communication. 

Mallory has taken the lead as communications coordinator, which is no easy task! Meanwhile, I am ordering, planning, arranging, and collecting music for both ensembles! Victoria will no doubt get in on the outfit coordinating, we learned from last year that it isn't wise to wait until the last minute to collect outfits while crunching on practice time.

We have a few new members in the instrument family that we picked up over the Summer and would love to include this year, but that will have to wait for another post. :)

We look forward to being a blessing to the community and sharing the true reason for Christmas celebrations! 

-Elsie, for the family

Therefore, whether you eat or drink,

 or whatever you do, 

do all to the glory of God.

1 Cor 10:31