not this cute anymore!Last night was the big Christmas party for our ward. I was in charge of it. No one with a newborn should EVER be in charge of a party like that. We fed dinner to & entertained hundreds of people.. Obviously, I had a lot help. (with Kate by your side, you can do anything :) Now that's it's over, I feel so grateful-- not just to the people who came to the rescue, but to God. As cheesy as it sounds, I'm sure He knew how overwhelmed I was and sent the right people at the right time to make things happen. Amazing how such simple things can seem so miraculous.
We made 25 pans of cheesy, gooey lasagna. We transformed our Primary room into the North Pole-- and had a real train (well, a four wheeler pulling kids in barrels) in the parking lot taking the kids on a Polar Express ride. We had Elves (YW) making crafts and playing games with the millions of little kids in our ward. We had Santa and Mrs. Claus handing out incredible presents (light sabers for the boys and light up spinning wands for the girls.) We had a great photographer taking pictures and another couple printing them for the parents to take home. We had Christmas karaoke and delicious desserts. We had lights and decorations donated from a local elementary school who just had a Christmas play. We had SO many people stay to help clean up. Everything was said and done by 9:00 pm. Incredible. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE my calling?
As I was driving out of the church parking lot (with my four kids + 3 adopted teenage girls + decorations packed to the brim) I felt completely overwhelmed with gratitude. Somehow everything got done.. and it turned out fabulous. Last week, I wasn't sure if I was going to survive-- but here I am alive and kicking. It's a Christmas miracle!
And much to my surprise, Simon slept a solid 10 hours again last night. I had to wake him up to eat this morning. I am sure Simon was as exhausted after such a party, but it's more than that. God was giving me another one of his tender mercies. He is so good to me. After a party with elves, Santa, decorations and presents, I came away with a strengthened testimony. God is real. He knows what we're going through and wants us to feel of His love. I know that He loves me personally. He has given me so much. I want to spend the next 14 days focusing on the REAL reason of the Season: the birth and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ. "Let every heart prepare Him room..."
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
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5 comments:
Love this post! And I'm so happy (for you) that the party is over, and that it turned out fantastic. My Mom told me to tell you that she thinks it's the best Christmas party that helped include the children that she's ever been to. I would have to agree-- great job!
Janet and Kate you did an AMAZING JOB and it couldn't have gone any smoother! Everything was perfect, from the food (the lasagna was delicious) to the North Pole, the gifts Santa gave, Santa and Mrs. Santa the Train Ride and even the balloons on the floor that the kids could run around and play with! You were blessed and everything did come together, I can't believe how generous everyone was. It is a great time of year!
You are the most amazing woman and the perfect one to throw a killer Christmas party. NO ONE could have done what you did, even without having just had a baby and a husband who is so busy. You again made a huge difference in your ward...as you so commonly make a difference where ever you go.
I loved seeing you Saturday!
I havent read blogs lately but I'm going to read yours regularly. I need your inspiration. I LOVE YOU!
Janet you guys did awesome. You are definitely a super mom (woman). You are amazing. The party was so much fun and Kenna had a blast. By the way when Aaron came to our house last night Kenna said " Mom, there's my teacher." It amazes me what an impact you guys made on her. She was 18 months old at the time and will always remember you guys. That just shows the kind of people you and your hubby are. WONDERFUL!!!
Hi Suzannes sister in law next door neighbor hear. Love this christmas party thing. Can you please come to utah and spice up our ward christmas gatherings.
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