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Saturday, Feb. 14 was the night for the Lance Creek Community Family Valentine Dinner. After a five year absence, the church ladies decided it was time to ‘bring back’ the tradition and they went ‘all out’ by transforming the school gym into an eloquent atmosphere complete with lamp lighting, candles and netting with white lights. The buffet line was spread with a variety of salads & vegetables ‘carried- in’ along with roast beef, mashed potatoes & gravy and homemade rolls. There were also two tables of delicious desserts to suit anybodies’ sweet tooth. The school gym was appropriately renamed the “Sugar Shack” for the evening. Approximately ninety guests were in attendance including children representing 30 area families.
Babysitting was provided after the completion of the meal by some of the older youth in attendance who entertained the kids with a movie next door in the school modular. The adults were entertained by Mike & Faith Ball from Douglas. They sang several songs including “The Love of God” & “Love Crucified a Rose” accompanied by their daughter Feilynn who also sang and played the guitar. Their son Borden read a love poem. Mike & Faith also performed for the crowd the humorous rendition of “Will You Marry Me” comparing it to Gary Walker’s proposal to Vonda fifty years ago to the date. Special guests, Don & Marlene Dillavou, from Billings, MT. were in attendance and Don entertained the adults with an impromptu performance of a few of his impressions.
The evening concluded with the traditional Lance Creek version of the “Newlywed Game”. Couples graciously volunteering for the game included: Rex & Barb Biehler, Ken & LeAnn Dixon, Shannon & Teri Bruegger, and Dwight & Shelly Krein. Congratulations go to the Dixon’s who went home with the winning prize: matching ‘red-neck’ negligee (apron) and red-hot-chili-pepper boxers! This year’s dinner was attended by some honored alumni: Travis & Katie (McGuire) Krein, Eric & Linda (McGuire) Randall, Wray & Karen (McGuire) Lovitt.

Puttin' Away the Christmas Decorations, But Keeping the Christmas Spirit!

Yesterday was the day to take down the tree and box up the decorations. I used to dread the project but have learned a couple of ways to make it a little more enjoyable. Probably the best help is listening to the four "old" Christmas albums we have kept over the years. I didn't realize how much those "old" albums were a tradition to our family 'til both our girls mentioned them as part of Christmas. Okay, you need to know what four they are: Joy to the World by Connie Smith, Come On, Ring Those Bells by Evie, The Statler Brothers Christmas Card, and last but not least The Carpenters Christmas Portrait. As Vanessa has mentioned, since she grew up hearing Connie Smith belt out Go Tell It On The Mountain, no one else can quite measure up to her standard! The "old" vinyl 33's are showing their age as they are a little warped and scratched, but they are one of the possessions that our family holds dear. Listening to those Christmas carols really helps to keep the Spirit alive within. I have a newspaper cartoon tucked inside my bible that's a good reminder also. It's one of the Family Circus ones and has mom busy putting away the Christmas ornaments with little Jeffry stating "Grandma says when we put away the Christmas things we shouldn't put away the Christmas Spirit with them." Amen, Grandma you preach it! (I think her preachin' was her livin' it everyday.) Knowing what the Bible says isn't the challenge for the New Year, it's the life application or doin' what it says that's the hard part! Practice everyday! Oops, I see I missed puttin' away the mistletoe... maybe I'll leave that out on purpose!