Whew! That was better!

Well, the Children Worship the Christ Child program was last night. The kids have been practicing every Wednesday night and Sunday before Sunday school starts. This year's program was much anticipated by all, especially us (see post below)! The organizer of the program wanted to have a short practice session right after church let out yesterday, just so the kids could find their spots, and know where to go. Man...that was pure CHAOS! There are only about 5 kids that are TJ's age, and they were scheduled to perform first. First I see "Baby Jesus" again, placed right in front of the children...so I think "here we go again!" So during the practice, we had one little girl standing off to the side of the stage, crying; one little boy (who shall remain nameless because his mom might pass out) had his pants unbuttoned and was zipping his zipper up and down, up and down, over, and over, and over...absolutely HILARIOUS!!! TJ was singing, with a little umpaloompa up and down dancing action. And one little girl was picking out pieces of hay out of "Baby Jesus'" bed and putting it in her mouth. Seriously, I know this is a church program and all, but I was thinking "Maybe we should just skip tonight!" And believe me, I wasn't the only one! You could hear the threats all around...nice Christmasy threats!

All of the children were supposed to get there around 4:15 for a little extra "cram session" right before the program. It's 5pm, and the program starts...first up, TJ's preschool group! They all made it up on stage, without tripping, falling, pushing, etc...first step, success! The music starts, still no crying...second step, success! The singing begins, and TJ is about the only one you actually can hear singing...and he knows the words! He looks over at Thomas and I while in mid-song, then holds up his thumb and gives us a wink...just to say "I got this guys, no need to worry!" It was too cute! They finish up their 3 songs and make it off stage with no hiccups...WHEW, that was better!

Next up, Tuesday night's school Christmas program...guaranteed giggles!

Repeat Performance?

Ok, so this Sunday is TJ's big church Christmas program. I'm a little weary of how it's going to turn out since last year's performance was...let's just say...mortifying! Let me start off by saying that our church membership is small, so there are only a few children in the program from toddlers up to like 7th grade. Last year was our first year to attend this church, therefore TJ's first Christmas performance. So, here's how last year's performance went:

First, we have a sweet older gentleman who sits behind us every Sunday during church (for those of you that attend mega-churches, yes, we sit in the same pew every week...it's a small church!). Anyway, he and TJ have struck up a friendship (imagine that). Every Sunday, he makes TJ some kind of boat, plane, or toy with the church program. If one isn't ready by the time we sit in our seats, TJ will turn around and ask him to make something. So, we sit in our seats, get the video camera ready, and I see TJ with a paper boat, actually 2 of them. Immediately I think, "Oh No!" Each younger child is sitting with an older child, and when the music starts they all get up singing and head towards the front. Not TJ, nope, he's still sitting in the pew with his boats, fighting the waves! Someone finally gets his attention, and he, with his boats, slowly make their way up. While he is supposed to be singing, he begins to "fly" both boats throughout the air. Well, this catches the attention of another 3 year old little girl who is supposed to be singing too. Not anymore...she and Thomas begin fighting, center stage, over the boats! I see fists flying, a little girl crying, but TJ...well, he comes out on top...with both boats in hand! You think that's bad...there's more! During the next song, all of the children begin to neal down and sing over "Baby Jesus." Center Stage, TJ is still standing up, not singing, boats flying. Eventually that gets too boring for him, so he neals down to "Baby Jesus" and I think "Finally, he's going to sing and do what he's supposed to." Nope, yet again. He pulls out his boats and starts "floating" them on "Baby Jesus!" Oh yes, he does!!!

Everyone else thought his whole "performance" was hilarious...and I guess now, a year later, it is pretty funny! But, I'm not ready for a repeat performance this year! Wish us luck...Thomas has already had to be called out of Sunday school to fetch TJ out from under the pews while he was supposed to be practicing...NOT looking good!