Christmas Service Project

For Christmas this year both mine and Lance's families went a more service oriented route for gift giving and it was such a great experience for us. My family did non-monetary gifts so we had a range of people editing family videos and sending them out to everyone, writing up family memories from growing up, sending out favorite music CD's etc etc.  And Lance's family asked everyone to use the money they would have spent on a gift and spend it by doing service. We volunteered to head up our ward's "Angel Tree" project where we collected gifts (in the form of clothing and food) for families in need in our church throughout the area. We used our money to buy fake Christmas Trees to hang paper ornaments on that listed the items needed that people could donate. We were so amazed at all the generosity that was shown by members of our church in our ward. Although it was time consuming at a busy time of year we felt really blessed by the experience. It was fun to involve the girls by letting them help make the ornaments and help deliver gifts and was an eye opening experience for Lance and I. Lance's sister then collected pictures and stories from everyone's service experiences and complied them into a really cute little book for each family to keep. From both of our familes we felt like Christmas was much more meaningful while also being just as exciting.

Maddi's Preschool Christmas Program

 This is out of order but here is Ella after all the Preschool Program Chaos taking some time to zone out with her books.

 She also felt a need to get in on the reindeer headband action and do a little performance of her own.

Another big highlight in December was Maddi's first Preschool Christmas Program. I always like to do a little Christmas Program for the parents and it turned out just adorable. The kids were all so cute and so brave doing their little parts all by themselves and singing their little hearts out. And Maddi just completely surprised me. All month long she had been less then thrilled with really anything having to do with preschool and especially the Christmas Program.

We call Maddi our little "free spirit" because she truly has a mind of her own and isn't swayed by what anyone else is doing or what anyone else thinks of her....this quality could definately serve her well later in life if harnessed in the right direction. :) I try to remember that on the difficult days. haha

Well back to the story...the night of the program I was not expecting a whole lot of participation from her or ANY enthusiasm. I mean really how much can you expect out of any 3 year old who hasn't had a nap and is staying up later than normal to perform for a bunch of adults. :) But she was just hillarious. As soon as she saw that audience a light when on and she went into performance mode and was soaking it all up. She was singing...loudly and throwing in some dance moves here and there. You would have thought Preschool was the highlight of her life (and while it still very well could be....she makes sure that I don't get too hooked on that idea).

I have a feeling Maddi will always keep us on our toes. :)