The new M&M Puppeteers did a fabulous job of putting together their part of the program. We had some underwater creature puppets and a rear-screen projection moving backdrop.

 Miss Hazel closed each program with a beautiful song in Spanish, accompanied by pictures.

• It's been raining here the past few days. So badly the other night that my car did a little hydroplaning on the freeway. Rura was driving and handled it well. Of course he said that he never wanted to drive on the freeway in the rain again, but that can't really be avoided now can it?
• Today SBJ has a Christmas program. Whoever's idea it was to have 1st graders sing "Must be Santa" must hate all the parents. Do you know how long that song is?? Plus his school has like the smallest cafeteria known to man that they cram a ton of parents and kids in. And no parking. So I had to come to work early and I get to leave late. That kid better appreciate me being there.
• The crazy biatch at work gave cookies to everyone. Individually wrapped. I don't feel safe eating them. But she had to throw in my favorite cookie just to temp me. Damn her.
• I need coffee.
• Last night, a miracle of sorts occurred. I went to Target and spent less than 10 dollars.Don't believe me. I know you don't. But it's true. I bought mousse, note cards, a composition book, and Tostito's Queso. Oh and two candy bars. Came out under $10 and both me and Rura were shocked. Never happened before, probably wont ever happen again.
• Head on over to see a crazy bitch that blogs. While you are there, wish Jessie a Happy Birthday! Just don't mention Christmas and the fact that its only 5 days from now. She is kinda bitter about that. For good reason of course. Happy Birthday!!!
• The last bullet is reserved for Amy. Amy! I am the cat, you are the chair:

Fo sho.

During the Sunday School hour, we rehearsed this seemingly harmless idea and all was peaceful and precious.  My beautiful daughter stood right beside me as I sat on the steps of the platform; her little hand rested on my should as she sang.  During our rehearsal, I did notice that this group of 2's & 3's was much larger than in past years and that the area where we were to sing was a little small for the group.  However, after the practice I was assured their would be plenty of room when it came to that actual program. 

Later that afternoon, I talked to our Pastor about my opportunity to join the kids and accompany them with the guitar.  I gushed about how blessed I was to share this experience with Rylie; I would be right beside her as she sang in the Christmas program for her first time. I was so excited!

Like I said, it seemed like a great idea. But when the actual event transpired, well...

As a parent of a 2 year old, I've learned that the later it gets, the less predictable and controllable my daughter becomes (if she stays up much past her bed time she starts acting like she's been drinking!).  The Christmas program started at 6, but the part for the 2's & 3's was toward the end of the evening.  Since 6:00, they had been corralled in the back of the sanctuary, waiting their turn.  They were ready to melt their parents' hearts and eager for the bag of treats they were promised would follow.  I would come to see later on that this was the packing of the powder keg that was set to explode!

After 35-40 minutes, it was time for stars of the program to make their grand entrance. I was already seated on the platform, guitar ready.  The cue was given for the group to come up to the front.  I sat there waiting for a few solitary moments as their wranglers (a.k.a. Sunday School teachers) gathered the children and sent them forward.  This took a few minutes, but eventually I started to see the line of toddlers marching up the aisle, flashlights ablaze, ready to sing "This Little Light of Mine."  (I had found out earlier in the day that "Away in the Manger" was to be the third song they would sing, and I was to sing "This Little Light of Mine" and "Bells are Ringing" with them before we did A Very John Denver Away in a Manger.) 

As Rylie made her way up the aisle, I was enveloped by a mass of well dressed, pint-sized, energized little boys.  I helped them try to find their places around me and the look in their eyes was a mix of weariness, eagerness, and restlessness.  Rylie came and took her place alongside "Daddy." Her cousin, Luke, sat in front of her and her best pal, Abby, stood beside her, however she chose to give her back to the audience. 

Before I knew it "This Little Light of Mine" was under way and flashlights were waving in the air... and in my eyes... and in the eyes of the other children.  During the song, Rylie set out to inspect Luke's head and tried to burn a hole through his scalp with her flashlight.  Some kids were singing, others were inspecting my guitar, and others were trying to inform their neighbor that they'd had just about enough flashlight-in-the-eyes thank you very much!  Eventually, the song ended and it was time to replace the flashlights with bells on a string. Yup, you read that last line correctly: "bells (made of metal!) on a string."

As we pulled the flashlights from the hands of tired, excitable, and now angry children ("But it's MY FLASHLIGHT!") we armed them with these jolly, ringing maces and set out to sing our next song. 
We began: "Bells are ringing, Children singing..." and the bells started ringing as the children started swinging them over their heads and at each other! 
We continued: "...Christmas is here, Christmas is here..." and a group of boys to my right, who somehow interpreted that line as "Let's get ready to RUUUUMMMBBBLLLE!," tumbled down the three stairs of the stage and onto the floor.  Right on the heals of this, an eager 3 year old to my left ran and jumped off the small platform set up for the evening's solo and duet performances. I am pleased to report that he is ok (actually, he got good air and was pretty pleased with his landing!).

As we attempted to finish the song, anarchy was breaking out all around me.  I found myself in the midst of a swirling sea of toddlers and my precious daughter standing next to me began to joyfully ring her bells off my head! (Talk about a magic family moment!)  I tried to smile, but my heart was filling with panic.  The song had ended, but the bells were still swinging and the mob of boys behind me had become a seething mosh pit.  The teacher, who was trying his best to control this choir of chaos, caught my frightened eyes and shouted, "Play, Ryan, Play!" I regained my senses and Away in a Manger began.

I don't know if I played the right chords, or if the tempo was appropriate.  Looking back on it now, it is all just a blur.  I remember my daughter turning the stairs into a slide and her pal Abby looking like she had had more than enough of this "pagentry."  After two verses and some "lowing" cattle the children were dismissed to their seats and I was again left alone on the platform.  I placed my guitar back in its stand, my hands still shaking, and walked back to take my seat next to my wife.  She looked at me, and with a smile on her face, she said, "well, that was pure chaos!"    

The Christmas program went well both Saturday night and last night. Some glitches reared their ugly heads, but overall people seemed to have enjoyed it. The church was absolutely packed both performances. The little boy who played baby Jesus did wonderfully, he was mesmerized by the lights and the music. The dutchkid would never have been so cooperative at that age, particularly with a stranger. I remembered all the lyrics to my song and the only thing that happened to me was my head scarf slid off last night.

My Christmas shopping is done, my cards are out, the parties have been attended. My piano students are on Christmas break. This week I get to do the stuff I enjoy, like sitting around in my pjs, wrapping presents and baking my Jan Hagel. Ahhhh.

Thirteen glorious years ago today, we set out on this journey of life together. And I'm so glad to be living this life with one so smart as well as wise, fun-loving, patient, and full of integrity. I truly admire this man. He so needs me (think Absent-minded Professor), but I so need him (think Anne Shirley before Gilbert). God sure knew what He was doing when He put us together.

Every year, my dear hubby plans a fun outing in celebration of the day. Usually, due to the crowding of Christmas schedules, it doesn't happen on the actual day of our anniversary, but somewhere within the week or two surrounding. Over the years, we've had various get-aways, but this year Keith scouted out a unique Christmas program. A rather large church in Columbus had a one night only praise & worship Christmas celebration. Neither of us quite knew what to expect, but it was fantastic! We came away focused on the Savior's birth & majesty. We were able to participate the whole time, rather than just be spectators which we both loved. (By the way, that's something else I adore about Keith. He loves to sing & join in. He not one of those guys who just observes a church service.) Very well done.

One thing that really made this unique was that the words were displayed at all times for the choir & audience so everybody could sing all the time. Participation was welcomed. It had carols we all knew interspersed with new songs of worship & praise to the King of Kings. They only did it once, so the choir was really singing from the heart, not pumping out another performance.

The format was familiar, though. I always loved Dad's Christmas Eve service & this echoed it. Dad would have people of varying ages read a section of the Luke 2 passage, & in between, he had Christmas carols that focused on that section & there'd be special music done by those who had something (music, skit, etc.) prepared to help you focus on each section of the story. This church had the same basic idea just on a larger scale. A man came to the mic & read a section, then there were worship & praise numbers to join in on, then maybe one special song from a soloist, then the next passage was read. So it was reminiscent of the old Christmas Eve services Dad did as well.

Afterward, we ate at The Cheesecake Factory. Can I just say that place is the bomb? Never been there before, but seeing as how I *LUV* cheesecake, it's been on the list for quite some time. We both left dizzy from the sugar high after the incredible cheesecake. It was something else. But for dinner, Keith enjoyed bbq ribs & I had orange chicken & stir fry/rice. AWESOME! Both of them. They were such huge portions we traded half way through. Great meal. Another great anniversary date. A huge thanks to Mom who loved on the kids while we were out.

I have to say, the thing I've learned over the last few years is to be thankful for each day together. We are not guaranteed another. And so I cherish today & celebrate the past year God has given us together. Not everyone is so blessed.

I attend quite a small church, so it's not unusual for things like this to seem very rough around the edges. It also means that I have to wear many hats. I have also been tapped to play a piano duet and got a call this morning from the children's director asking if I would accompany the children on a few Christmas songs during the "pre-show". ¡Ay, caramba!

I hope it's a moving experience for those who attend. I've been trying very hard not to let my perfectionism get in the way of serving with a good attitude. Then even if I mess up, at least it will be making a joyful noise!

They're calling for BIG snow this weekend in Buffalo. Like, I just looked at the National Weather Service site and it says "1-3 FEET" on Sunday. That's a lot of snow. Have to say, I always think it's a little crazy when I'm watching TV with my friend Kath on Thursday night ("Without a Trace") and they are scrolling across the screen about a snow storm on Saturday night. Feels like hype. AND YET I know that people start to get nervous about things like the Children's Christmas Program on Sunday (5pm). SO...here's the plan:

• A decision will be made by 2pm on Sunday about whether the program is a "go" or not
• You can visit this blog (sweetsoup.wordpress.com), the First Trinity website (firsttrinity.com) or call First Trinity (716.835.2220) after 2pm on Sunday to get the information (and the announcement of when we WILL hold the program, if we have to cancel).

A couple other notes:

• Worship will not be canceled on Sunday morning. If there are driving bans or you don't feel safe driving, please don't come (maybe worship with your family at home??!?), but whoever can get here will worship. I'm warming up my new snow shoes, just in case! :-)
• Keep Pastor Chuck in your prayers...he and Susan are in Kansas City for the birth of their first grandchild (today!) and he is supposed to travel back to Buffalo on Sunday afternoon.

A special thank you to all the people who helped make this program such a great success! To those who supported their children and escorted them to and from rehearsal…To those that used their time and talents to make this program possible...To those who offered guidance, instruction, and assistance…Especially to those who took God’s word and brought it to life for the world to see...Thank you and may God bless you for your contribution to this year’s Christmas Program!

More Photos

Podcast of the Christmas Program

I know I'm biased, but he was so darn cute!

Here is a link to our list of Christmas events taking place in the Chicagoland area (including surrounding suburbs) for 2007:

http://wordpress.com/tag/christmas-season-events-for-2007

My daughter is turning 14 this Sunday. She has invited her friends to play lazer tag Friday night. We have lived on a budget for the past 8 years. The amount of money spent for a birthday is the same each year. My kids almost always choose doing an activity with friends over receiving gifts. Their birthdays are always quite memorable. My daughter has gone so far as to ask her friends not to bring gifts this year. She finally has her room cleaned out and really doesn't want more stuff. Anyway, I have a cake to bake today to prepare for this Friday's lazer tag event. On her actual birthday, we will go out to eat after church. The girl wants sushi on her birthday, and Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream.

This Thursday I'm teaching about ecology at our Keepers of the Faith club. I'm having a hard time pulling this together. I've got great resources, but haven't found a fun and creative activity to do. If I talk the whole time, I'll bore them to tears. This all will be figured out today!

My son is in our church's Christmas Program this Sunday. He has rehearsals tonight and Saturday. He is actually not "in" the program, but is running spotlight for the event.

Since my husband is home most of the week, he can take care of many of the daily details of life that I normally handle, such as going to rehearsal tonight. I am so grateful for all the help he gives when he is home. He is the best husband ever. Sorry to the rest of you wives out there. I got him.

I don't know how active I'll be on my blog the rest of the week, but I'll be back to my normal schedule next week.

Love to you all,
amanda ∞

Honestly, this time a lot of the issues are just due to my own poor planning and time management.  My Golden Apple essays and letters are due Monday.  Have I even started on my essays?  That would be no.  My "HOLIDAY" program is Monday (Kindergarten, First, and Second) and I am stressed about that as usual, AND I agreed to do a 10 minute PPT/Video clip presentation for the principals meeting in my district about our Oklahoma production.  Have I delved into that yet?  Another big fat NO. 

And all I want to do is watch television....but alas...tonight, I write.

There are smaller postcard versions available at the church in the info booth as well.  I thought this would be good for inviting school friends, since there is a spot for them to write in their name at the bottom under the map.  Aubrie is inviting her class this year!

Be sure to visit the Grade School Musical Blog for more details.

Thanks!
Sis Amie Kelp

Click below for the flyer

Christmas Grade School Muscial Flyer

http://www.tamerakraft.net/pastblogs.htm?blogentryid=2561835

The Christmas program will take place on Dec. 9th. The children at 8:30 Sunday school will participate in the 8:30 service program, and those children who attend 10:30 service will participate at the 10:30 program.

The preschool and kindergarten aged students will be singing "Away in a Manger" and "We Wish you a Merry Christmas," I have listed the lyrics below. We only have one more Sunday school class before the program so if you would be willing to practice a time or two at home that would be a great help!

Away in a manger

Away in a Manger,

No crib for a bed.

The little Lord Jesus,

Lay down his sweet head.

The stars in the sky,

Look down where they lay.

The little Lord Jesus,

Asleep on the hay.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

And a Happy New Year!

Good tidings we bring where ever you are,

Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New year!

On Saturday, Dec. 8th we will be asking ALL Sunday school students to attend the final dress rehearsal for the program. The students who attend 8:30 Sunday school will need to arrive at 9:00am and stay until 10:00am. The students who attend 10:30 Sunday school will need to arrive at 11:00am and stay until 12:00pm.

Thank you so much for your cooperation! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Holly Husom

The Christmas program will take place on Dec. 9th. The children at 8:30 Sunday school will participate in the 8:30 service program, and those children who attend 10:30 service will participate at the 10:30 program.

The 1st-4th grade students will all be singing "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem", and "We Wish you a Merry Christmas." The 8:30 service students will also be singing "Three Wise Men", I have listed the lyrics below. We only have one more Sunday school class before the program so if you would be willing to practice a time or two at home that would be a great help!

THREE WISE MEN

Three wise men they were following a star,

they were following a star,

they were looking for the King of Kings.

Three wise men they were very, very smart,

they were very, very smart,

to be looking for the King of Kings.

Nothing is more important, then finding the King of Kings,

Nothing is more important then the praises that we bring,

Glory to our King.

O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEM

O little town of Bethlehem,

How still we see the light.

Above the deep and dreamless sleep,

The silent stars go by.

Yet in the dark streets shineth,

The everlasting light;

The hopes and fears of all the years

Are met in thee tonight.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

And a Happy New Year!

Good tidings we bring where ever you are,

Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New year!

On Saturday, Dec. 8th we will be asking ALL Sunday school students to attend the final dress rehearsal for the program. The students who attend 8:30 Sunday school will need to arrive at 9:00am and stay until 10:00am. The students who attend 10:30 Sunday school will need to arrive at 11:00am and stay until 12:00pm.

Thank you so much for your cooperation! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Holly Hus

The Christmas program is Dec. 9th and your child will be participating at both services because they are a member of the Christmas program cast. Your child will need to be to Zion no later than 8:00am on Dec.9th to give them ample time to get into costume and prepare them selves for the big event.

We will need all 5th and 6th grade students to attend practice on Thursday, Dec 6th from 3:45-5:30. We will be going through the entrances and exits for the angel choir.

The students are also asked to participate in the final dress rehearsal with all the Sunday school students. That practice will be Saturday, Dec. 8th from 8:30am-12:00pm.

The students have been practicing the songs, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing", "Joy to the World", and "We Wish you a Merry Christmas". We only have one Sunday school class time to prepare these songs, so I have included the lyrics to all the mentioned songs so your child has an opportunity to look them over and practice.

"Hark the Herald Angels Sing"

Verse 1
Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic hosts proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem
Christ is born in Bethlehem

"Joy to the World"

Verse 1
Joy to the world the Lord is come
Let earth receive her King
Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room
And heav'n and nature sing
And heav'n and nature sing
And heav'n and heav'n and nature sing

Verse 2
He rules the world with the truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders wonders of His love

"We Wish you a Merry Christmas"

We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Good tidings we bring
To you and your kin
Good tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year

All of the students have been a joy to work with, and seem genuinely excited to be involved in the role that they were assigned. Thank you so much for your cooperation! If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at hollyhusom@netzero.net or at 763-682-1245.

Thank you again, and God Bless,

Holly Husom

The story calls for about 40 children in various roles ranging from narrators to sheep. A sign-up sheet, located on the Children's Ministry Bulletin Board (found on the wall between Trinity Hall and the Sunday school office) gives a detailed list of the roles available, and times available for audition.

The auditions will be VERY informal, please inform your child that auditions are going to be an enjoyable experience, and not something to worry about participating in. Auditions will be held on Nov. 5th and 6th from 5-7pm in the library, and are open to children ages 4 to 12 years old. Auditions will be approximately 5 min/child. We ask that each child come prepared to sing a short (approx. 30 sec) song, and prepare a short reading (possibly from a children's book, a favorite poem, etc...) we understand that not all of the children auditioning will be able to read, "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" will do just fine, we are just looking for expression.

Please contact Holly Husom with any questions .

Auditions will be on November 5th and 6th from 5-7pm, rehearsals will begin the following week. Sign up details will be available soon Contact Holly Husom.