Jadyn's Lucky Day

The day finally arrived for Jadyn's Preschool Christmas Program. The countdown started over a month ago. Jadyn LOVES to sing and she was so excited for the program. She didn't even want to go to sleep the night before. It was almost as intense as waiting for Christmas Morning!


I wish I could explain just how much work goes into putting on the program and all of the projects that the kids take home on program day. Gail does amazing things. AMAZING. From the t-shirts with their hands and footprint, to the gingerbread houses and a box full of gifts and goodies, the kids go home with some great memories.

As to the program, well... I'll have to show you. Gail has hats, bells, shakers, etc. for all of the songs. Everything is special. Everything is so cute to watch. The kids do a great job. Jadyn knew every word and every action to every song. It was so much fun to watch her! So, here are some program photos:

Watch them "Deck the Hall" with cute candy canes!

Felize Navidad! I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas!

Look at these adorable Reindeer!

Down through the chimney comes good St. Nick!

Jingle Bells - I love it when they drive the sleigh to the left and to the right.

Did I mention that they also got to see Santa? Here is one of my favorites... Jadyn, Jenna and Razzie all hanging out with Santa.

After we finished the program and helped with the clean-up. Again, I just have to say "Thanks!" to my amazing Mother-in-law. It was a fun program!

Next we went to McDonalds to play. It was a cold and rainy day, so I was pretty suprised that Jadyn wanted a Hot Fudge Sundae, but hey, it was her special day.

Shrek was playing at McDonalds, so after we braved the cold rain and made it home, we threw our schedule out of the window and had a Shrek Marathon. The kids all had blankets and snuggled on the couch. We ate popcorn and drank hot chocolate. Jenna and Hyrum took turns falling asleep on my lap. It was a great way to spend a rainy afternoon!

When it was time for bed, Jadyn asked if she could call Daddy and tell him about her "Lucky Day". I had to ask why today was today a lucky day? This was her excited response...

"Mom, today was my PROGRAM! I got to sing and do my part. I loved it. Then I saw Santa and sat on his lap. That was so cool. Then we went to McDonalds because it was so cold and I got to play with new friends. I ate a Hot Fudge Sundae and then we came home and watched movies and had fun ALL day. Today was MY LUCKY DAY!"

Of course we called Daddy to tell him all about it. Great Job, Jadyn! I am glad you had such a lucky day!

Released

For those of you that didn't know, my husband was released on Sunday as the Elders Quorum President. It was a bit of a bitter-sweet experience for him. He has served as president for 2 years and was in the previous presidency for 2 years. I have forgotten what it is like to have Jared home on Wednesday evenings - and on Sunday. :o) While he is sad about being released, his work schedule leaves little time for anything else. I guess it is a blessing in disguise.

He was so grateful to have served with such great men as counselors. As a wife, I felt he was really blessed to be surrounded by such good men. We have all been strengthened by their service, friendship, and testimonies. When he was called, he was told that he was given the chance to serve - at the expense of others. He was given the chance for growth and blessings. I have seen so much of both over the last 2 years. I am glad that he was given that opportunity. We have such an awesome ward and I know that Jared has really enjoyed these last several years. I can't wait to see what will be in store for him next.

More to Come...

For those that faithfully check my blog only to discover that I haven't posted anything new, I promise that more is coming. We have had a very busy month.

I honestly have never been so proud of my husband. He is working insane hours (18 and 20 hour days 6+ days a week) and he manages to still greet me with a smile. He is amazing. Way to go, Sweetie! I know that all your hard work is going to pay off. I can't wait to stop being a "single mom"! It will be great to have you around again. The kids and I are really looking forward to Christmas with you.

Gail (super mother-in-law) did another great Preschool Program (I'll have to do an entire entry just to show off my photos) this week. Did I mention that she is unbelievable? It is so easy to see why my husband is never satisfied with just getting by. Gail goes above and beyond for everything. I am glad that he learned that from her. Great job on the Progam and all of the projects! In my eyes, Jadyn stole the show, but she LOVES singing, dancing, and being on stage. She has been counting down the days until program for a month. Funny kid.

Christmas shopping is almost all done - and half of it is wrapped. I have never been so prepared when it comes to the kids. I have a few gifts that are in the works and may or may not get done by Christmas for family and friends. I have promised myself not to stress about it. What gets done will be done - if not, oh well. (Now I just have to believe myself.) Who knows, I might actually get some sleep on Christmas Eve this year. (Ha!)

I love the Christmas season. I love the decorations, the smells, the food, finding/creating gifts for others, the magic that the children add, and constantly remembering the Savior.

I will have to post more later (when I have my photos ready to load). I just had to write a few thoughts today.