last big activity

Since August I've had 3 major things on my calendar that I've kept telling myself  "Get to this point, and you can breathe."  Today is day two of breathing day. :)

Sunday morning the kids from our church had their Christmas program. I can honestly say I've never had a class at CBC that I didn't love as my own. Other than dealing with active toddlers during practice (which reminded me of why we've done 2 programs in the past - one play and a verse and song or two for the toddlers), it has been a true joy to work these kids. As with any play practice, there were moments:
- the day we introduced the sound system and kids were jockeying for position in front of a microphone
- the practice when a sheep pretended to bite the shepherds, resulting in some serious shoving
- the practice where a sheep pouted, another flipped off stage, and they crawled into an area they shouldn't be, prompting in several stands being knocked over - onto other sheep
- the practice where the shepherds decided to truly "shepherd" their younger siblings who were sheep, dragging them by their ankles!
- the practice where a sheep slung her arms about in protest and knocked a shepherd in the chin

but it was worth it. Every. single. minute. (and though Bobby is not here at the moment, I can hear him saying "Real-ly?")

So proud of these troopers! 

1st-3rd graders

Not sure which sheep crawled to the manger.
The rest are around the campfire trying to figure out why their fire isn't on!
(We forgot to flip the switch before church started.)

Our 4th-6th graders, minus one. These girls are extremely shy and volunteered the younger class to do the speaking roles because they were more outgoing and enjoyed performing. And they're right. And yet, these shy girls also told us they'd help in whatever way needed, and would speak if they had to. This crew truly leads by serving.