Hail Mary!

Marina was very excited for the church's Christmas Pageant this year. She got to play Mary. She's been going around the house with a blanket over her hair preparing for her costume. And we've been going over her lines all week. She even volunteered to bring one of her dolls for the Baby Jesus.

Before the church service, the kids arrived to rehearse. They went through the pageant twice before everyone arrived.

During the service, Marina and I lit the Advent candle. I read the prayers and Marina got help from Miss Judy lighting all four candles. Once we did that, she went into the classroom to put on her costume and wait with her friends for the start of the pageant.

The pageant went very well. Marina remembered all her lines and spoke in a loud, clear voice. She had a little trouble pulling Baby Jesus out of his hiding place to be born. All the kids seemed to have a good time.

For those of you who missed it, here is one of Marina's pivotal scenes.