Church Christmas Program

This year was a little different for me, not only was a struggling with being sick from pregnancy, I was also asked to direct the Children's Christmas Program for our church. They first asked me back in early September and being pregnant was far from my mind and therefore, I said, "yes!" There was a specific request by all of the many parents to just have a basic program where the story of the Nativity was told by the children. I immediately set to work on writing pieces for all the the characters of the story to memorize and say, as well as getting together songs to coincide with the differents parts and get them onto posters. It took well over a month to get all of this put together and organized, parts assigned, and children & parents informed of what the plan for practicing was. I stated from the very beginning that in order to be in the program you had to commit by the first part of November, that I would not take any late comers. Call that rude if you would like, but if you have ever been charge of a Children's Program there is nothing more frustrating than having additions to your program arrive on Christmas Sunday morning expecting to be in the program. I have allowed this before, learned my lesson and have decided that isn't the thing for me, nor is it fair to the children who have faithfully come and practiced for the months prior.

We started having practices on Sunday mornings in October. I had 16 kids ages 3-1st grade. It was somewhat of a challenge at first, that is indeed a wide span. But in time, I was able to let the children know that if you were going to be in the program you must behave. I was blessed, the children and I developed a wonderful relationship and practices went quite smoothly. I also had tremendous support from the parents and people of the church. Everyone was so excited, volunteered to help in anyway possible and for a first program at Lewiston First Nazarene, it went well.

The children were thrilled with their costumes, the parents were thrilled with their child's participation, and I was thrilled that it went so well. Perhaps there will be another one next Christmas.


My Mary & Little Wiseman


Mary getting ready to sing her solo.


The star & the 3 wisemen








Christmas Sunday family photo. I was blessed to have my parents attend our kids programs this year and it meant the world to me!

CCS - Christmas Program

Brooklyn's school Christmas Program kicked off the Christmas season for us in a beautiful way. It was a rare treat to get to have my parents, as well as 2 siblings here for that weekend. Brooklyn couldn't have been more estatic to have them in the audience and it showed on her face all evening long. A great BIG thank you to them for making the effort to come and share in this time with us!

The program itself was so cute. All who are involved in putting it on are to be commended. They do such a wonderful job and we have never left disappointed. We are indeed blessed to be a part of Cornerstone!


All dressed up and ready for the program to start!


Thanks to a friend of mine that took these for me while I was upstairs getting a seat for my family.:)


A group of friends


All of the girls.:)


The whole class with Mrs. Ridinger before the program started.


These 2 are very close friends - whenever Brooklyn is having a hard time he seems to sense it and checks on her. We're not into boys, but we certianly promote friends!:)


Group Shot


Singing the 'Christmas Country Spelling Bee'

A Special 4 Year Old!

Nov. 14, 2005...God certianly knew what He was doing when He sent Brittan Riley our way. He came in smiling and has pretty much remained the same throughout his 4 years, while causing us to do the same. I could name several wonderful things about him that I just adore, but I think that one that sticks out most in my mind is the fact that many, many times each and every day, at very random times, Brittan will come up, give me a big hug & a kiss and say, "Mom, I just love you. You are my best gill." Talk about melt my heart, it does!

Here are some of his favorites at the present time...he is very into playing anything policeman, "building things with nails and a real hammer", helping mommy cook anything & everything, playing with Brooklyn, cars, and watching Dinosauer Train. He still loves mac & cheese, fruit of any kind, milk in his sippy cup, and chips. His favorite resturant is McDonald's where he always orders chicken nuggets with ranch, apples with no carmel(it makes his hands too messy), and apple juice. His most favorite place in the world to go is Nana's house, who by the way is one of his most favorite people. He loves to be at "Brooklyn's School" where he sees many of his top 10 people, 3 of whom are, Teachur (Wendy), Dena, & "Mr. Ridinger." He has declared that he won't be going to Kindergarten because teachur won't be there anymore, rather he is just going to be with Mr. Ridinger. Lastly, some of his most favorite friends are, Brooklyn, Alicia, Jordyn, Corinne, Zachary, & Kaden. He hardly meets a stranger, which makes this mommy a little nervous.

What keeps me on my toes most with him is that I never know what he is going to say. Anything and everything that comes into his mind, comes out of his mouth. This has provided many times of laughter, but just as many times of causing mommy to have a red face. Thank goodness we were home the other day when he said the following; while using the restroom he accidentally tooted, normally this is extremely funny to boys of all ages, but he sat there with a most serious look on his face. I wondered what he was thinking and so I asked, "Brittan, what was that?" In the most serious tone possible he said, "mom, my rear end keeps trying to talk to me, but I can't understand a word it is saying." Needless to say, I quickly exited the bathroom to hide the laughter that was about to spill out.

Brittan you are a delight and a joy, a true gift from Heaven. We thank God for you and for blessing our home with you. May you always strive to please Jesus, be honest, kind, hardworking, loving, tenderhearted, wise, and seek to be just who God created you to be. I love you! ♥


It is a tradition that at your 3 or 4 year old birthday, my parents take them to Build a Bear to have them choose and then make their own animal. Brittan couldn't wait for this day to arrive. Brittan was so into the whole process and it made it so fun for us all. Before even arriving at BaB he has already decided that he was going to choose a bunny, not sure where this came from, but he was deadset and that was exactly what he chose! It was a fun evening, followed by cupcakes and presents at my parents house afterwards. A wonderful birthday celebration and a very happy little 4 year old!


He was determined to have a "police bunny":)





My parents, the Birthday Boy, and his new policeman bunny.:)


All dressed up with his new policeman bear, ready for his party to start.





Brooklyn helping Brittan read the card that she made for him.:)


One very happy birthday boy...chocolate cheeks and all!