Christmas Memories Part 1

Our festive December plans (which tentatively included a wedding, and an Annie Moses Band Christmas concert) shifted just a little because of all of the "issues" that unexpectedly came our way during the month!  So, we stayed ultra busy, just a little different than we had planned.
On December 3rd, we had our Church Christmas Dinner.  Kaitlynn's accident occurred three days ahead of this, so I was still a little preoccupied with worry, but we had a wonderful time.  I wish I had taken pics...the variety and amount of food was amazing!  Hats off to the cooks of the Lima PHC!  The kids had a blast playing in the gym, and we were all worn out after four hours of socializing with our buds. 
The Jr. Church Christmas play was December 11th, and all the kids (and a few adults) did a really nice job presenting a story of hope. We are so blessed to have a wonderful, caring staff for our Jr. Church.

Allison 'unwraps' Mary

Allison's expressions were so funny

Kaitlynn wasn't real generous with smiles last month, and I was
happy to get this out of her.  :-)

The boys belt out the tunes

Our school Christmas play was scheduled for December 6th, but we put it off for a week due to the amount of sickness and one of our teachers being out of state for a family emergency. 
On December 13, the kids presented "Santa Bowed At Christmas."  They did a fantastic job, especially considering all that they had been through with respiratory illnesses.  Our school presented this play about 10 years ago, and it was a hit then, as well.  I believe it is a Brentwood Benson product, and I highly recommend it if you have a wide variety of ages.  We had a full house, and one comment was, "That was better than the Andy Griffith Show!"  Now that's sayin' something!  :-)

Evan (left)

Kaitlynn hiding a little left of center

Ryan as Santa...he pulled his beard down for a solo and it
didn't make it back into position.  :-)

During the last week of school previous to Christmas break, I wanted to do something a little different with the students. I assigned each of them to one of four teams. Each team was given a passage of Scripture that told a piece of the Christmas story. Their task was to put together a small skit based on that passage.  The skit had to include Scripture reading and music (instrumental or vocal - their choice). It could be humorous or serious, and they had access to costumes and props. They had 3-4 short team practice sessions throughout the week, and presented the skits at the Christmas party at the end of the week. It was a little more difficult for them because of sickness (having to sub out parts, etc.), but they did a great job! It was fun to observe the creativity and different presentation styles that came through.

Evan playing one of his parts

Kaitlynn was an angel...she said she was born with
those wings...the rest of us know better...lol.

I guess I only took a half shot of Ryan...

The little ones were especially happy when
"Jolly 'Ole St. Nichols"
came to deliver their gifts! 

And that takes us right up to our family Christmas celebrations which will follow in Part 2!

What's that in your hand?

Gasp! A tooth? Yeah, so Ryan comes in from break at school today with a bloody mouth. "I fell on the ice and knocked out a tooth."
Somehow he fell and hit the gum area above the left front tooth (he broke the right one two days ago), and the third tooth in (I'm not good with the technical terms) decided to jump out. So...he has bruised, swollen gums and a gap that will hopefully house a permanent tooth at some point. I'm quite sure it was a baby tooth that fell out.
Anybody know where I can order 4 large rolls of bubble wrap?

Update On Ryan...

Imagine the look on the faces of the staff at the dentist's office this morning, as the seemingly brainless Burleys walked through the door for yet another front tooth adventure.  Anyway, they were gracious, and Dr. Meyer had Ryan fixed up within 30 minutes.  The x-ray showed no damage to the root, so she was able to fill the tooth at the bottom and make it look even enough.  I can't imagine a filling strong enough to take the place of the bottom of a front tooth, but as I said before, I'm only learning the tricks of the wonderful world of dentistry...and I hope this little education I'm getting is about to slow down!  The dentist said that, as with any injury, the nerve could eventually die and the tooth could absess, requiring a root canal and a crown.  In the meantime, we will (again) hope for the best, and hold tightly to our wallet.  :-)
Ryan and I share a common trait: big teeth.  I've never appreciated that, until today.  He doesn't look any different, so I'll not share pics, but we're ok and I haven't had to resort to "stiff" drinks, although it did cross my mind once or twice!  Thanks for your comforting words...they were appreciated today! :-)

Seriously.

Ryan: "Mom, part of my tooth came out."
Mom: "Let me see...Ryan! Half of your front tooth is gone! What on earth!"
Ryan: "Ummm...I was wrestling with Evan and..."

I need a nerve pill.

So Happy For This...