Liam's Pre-K Christmas Program

This year's Christmas program at VFPNS was another adorable display of festive hats, spirited songs, and overall holiday spirit.  I was flying solo this time around as Dad was stuck at work; Miss Doreen opted to stay back with the little ones as she just couldn't choose between this and Emily's kindergarten program going on at the exact same time.  The benefit to being a party of one, however, is that you get to snag the last open seat in the front row!  Best seat in the house :)

Mrs. Klepacki, school director, kicking off the program.

Our little elf

Liam with his teacher, Mrs. Trumpler.  He adores her!

Liam's performance could best be described by a quote from the movie Elf...

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is to singing loud for all to hear."  

See (and hear) for yourself :)

I was proud of my little Buddy, and afterwards, his teacher sent him a card thanking him for such an enthusiastic performance.  I can't believe it will be Joergen in next year's program!!

After the show was the school holiday party.  Liam's teacher from last year, Mrs. Tenney, gave him a big hug and told him that she had brought in two big trays of "Liam cookies"- frosted sugar cookies that she had made from scratch just so he'd have something safe to eat at the party!  Liam was over the moon.  He gave her a big hug back and couldn't stop thanking her for making him safe cookies!  

By the time we got through the line, though, there was nothing left on those safe cookie trays but crumbs and some sprinkles.  And... the trays of unsafe cookies had been left virtually untouched.  Liam's face just fell as he crumpled into my arms in tears, sobbing in disappointment.  My heart just broke for him.  Up until now, he had always been so resilient to this kind of thing, but who could blame him now for being upset?!

It was no one's fault... no one could have known to save one for Liam.  The cookies hadn't been labeled, and for maybe the first time ever, the safe alternative actually looked more fun and delicious than the regular stuff, so it was no wonder they were polished off so quickly.  But how could I explain this to Liam (or harder yet, make it better)??

I know, I know.  It's just a cookie!  And that's true for most kids.  But for a kid with food allergies, when party food can be so isolating, he feels so special (in a good way, for a change) when there is actually something safe for him to eat beyond just pretzels or fruit; even more so when that something is really festive and fun!

At 4 years old, he absolutely amazes us with his flexibility, patience, and understanding of food allergies... but in that particular moment... it was crappy and unfair and hard.

As we were getting in the car a little while later, Liam was looking through his backpack where some of his classmates had put holiday cards and gifts.  One of his friends had given him an adorable little tower of treats that included cookies, hot cocoa mix, and marshmallows- none of which was safe.  I stopped breathing for a moment - hasn't he had enough disappointment for one day?! - but my sweet and resilient son amazed me once again.  After looking at it for a moment, he said,

"Hey Mom, you could take this to work and give it to your coworkers!  Wouldn't that make them so happy?"

God is good.