In preparation for Concordia's Thanksgiving Program, parents received the following emailed instructions.

"We know that this service is a wonderful photo and video opportunity for parents. We have put up some chains separating the children’s sitting area and the rest of the chapel and we request that you stay behind those chains when taking pictures or videos. Please be respectful of families behind you and of the students who are sharing their gifts of songs when documenting your child’s participation in the service."

This was no doubt in response to the antics of a few bad apples during the 2011 performance.  I don't know what kind of parent would cross the chains, scale the side of the stage just to get a picture of their child, do you?  This year, Jerry and I sat obediently in our pew as throngs of paparazzi parents pulled out their telephoto lenses to get that close up of their toddler wailing on stage.  Seriously it was a circus of Kardashian proportions.  And God-bless the teachers for their enthusiam.  They swayed and sang about Jesus's love as Vivian sat open-mouthed, her classmates crying, runing amok or both.  The teacher's dedication almost made me feel OK with the heavy religous rhetoric that is included in our steep tuition rates.  Oy, the hours spent on choreography and dress rehearsals!  Ella's class faired better.  She had been excited about "the stage" since her debut dance performance last May.  Although we didn't get any pictures, we were so proud.  I'm also proud to annouce that Jerry and I are officially off of school probation for good behavior.