The Gift of Song

Well, I did it! I had a dream come true- I had my own Christmas Concert! It was so much fun! I was savoring every minute of it. Man, was it a lot of work to get there. A lot more than I had anticipated. Every year (for several years I've been saying I'm going to do it this year) and always wait too long. This year I decided to really go for it. So I've been working on this since early September! Jon has been so amazing through it all, so supportive and helpful! Breanna has been through a lot too. Poor little chica-choo didn't know what to do for a while, I was working so hard, it was like having a full time job-plus overtime! The date was getting closer and closer and I didn't feel ready. Of course knowing me I was scheming up new ideas just days before the big day, I could always come up with something crazy. It was quite an emotional roller coaster having really exciting things happen and people canceling on me left and right, but it all came together in the end. Now that it is all over it is clear to me how much easier it was when I was really relying on the Lord. He made some incredible things happen over the last two weeks there.There was acting narration, soloists, instrumental numbers, and two videos. One special children's video a friend helped me film and put together, asking kid's questions about Christmas. It turned out really cute. The other video has our sister missionaries talking about why they chose to serve a mission and their experience being out in the field. Also a couple in our ward bearing their testimony of the Savior. The choir ended up being some very seasoned singers from several different wards. Thank goodness, because when we finally got them together for a practice there wasn't that much time left. I asked a member of our ward to be the choir director for me, she's got a thick accent from Finland, she's just absolutely adorable and couldn't have done a better job. That's another thing I wasn't use to in this process, SO much deligation.The first Dress Rehearsal was complete chaos! Everyone needed answers at the same time, and I was the only one who had them. See, it's one thing to put myself in the spot light for everyone to judge, but it's something entirely different to be in the spotlight,AND be in an incredibly stressful situation while every one is watching you. Everyone was so patient, it made it easier for me to keep a level head. I don't think I've asked for so many blessings before.

I had scheduled several performances at old folks homes, so I wouldn't be so nervous. I think it payed off. We got the boy scouts to be the back stage crew for the show. A friend from Jon's work came to do the sound for us. Another friend of ours is a professional videographer and he came to film the show. We had it advertised on K-Loves Website and several Churches in the area, including other denominations. We had a pretty good showing, I loved every minute of it!! Jon said he heard about 6 people say they enjoyed this show better than the Colorado Choral show- what a compliment!! Shawn & Crystal came from Utah to see the show and Crystal sang a duet with me. It was so special to have them here.
It was quite a journey. I think I'm going to take a year off before I jump into all this craziness again. I am grateful to have had this experience. I am grateful that my Father in Heaven has given me this voice so I can use it to share his message. Here is the program and some little snippets from the Concert, I hope you enjoy it!

The Gift of Song
Act 1
Where are you Christmas Gena
Jingle Bells Gena & Special Guest Crystal Cecie
Happy Christmas Gena Joined by Scout Troop 44
Video 1 (Children)
Unisista Paimenista Tuulikki Tammi on Violin Williiam Mayfeild on Piano
Gesu Bambino Megan Stafford, Liz Anderson on Piano
Pata Pan (Choir) Williiam Mayfeild on Piano David Powell on drums
What Child is this Gena
Video 2 (Testimonies) Primary sings I am a child of God at end of video
The First Noel Hama Wharemate
Silent Night Gena & Daniel Vigil on Guitar
Plebs Domini (Choir) (The choir came in from behind the audience holding candles-
              an old world Latin Monk Song)
Hark The Herald Angels Sing (choir)
Oh Holy Night (Gena & choir)
Act 3

I had to add this picture, it's classic! "Mom why are you handing me to this weird man??" (There's always next year.)