Church Children's Primary Program "I am a Child of God"

Today we had the Primary Children's Program at church today. I was getting so worried. Last Sunday we practiced during church and they weren't singing very loud and weren't coming up for their parts and I was having to direct the music and the kids in their speaking parts. I was not going to be able to do that today because I sit in the audience (the first row) so luckily the teachers and other leaders helped out with that part! THANK YOU GUYS!

Then Friday night we had our "dress rehersal". Some of the kids were being so disrespectful (especially in one particular song), making rude gestures (not flipping someone off or anything, but I will explain more later). They weren't standing up when they were supposed to and they were sitting down when they weren't supposed to. Again not singing. I was really concerned, I thought oh dear, how are we going to pull this off???

So Saturday while I was at worked I would think and think and think about what I should do about it. I was getting really worried! (Did I mention that yet??? lol) So I started to make a list of the kids I needed to have a little chit chat with, some I just needed to give reminders to and all of them I needed to remind a couple of things (like don't sit down until I direct you to, or sing the first verse ending fast and the second slow, etc). Not to mention I did a whole lot of praying yesterday and today that they would sing well, pay attention to me and pull it off. Prayer is powerful I tell you!

I had a chit chat with one of the boys who during the two practices (this is what I was talking about earlier) instead of doing the sign language on the chorus (which we have been practicing with all the kids for MONTHS and I have spent a ton of time on learning and teaching them), he not only was messing around, not singing, but he would make the "retard" signal, you know what I'm talking about, flapping your hand on your chest. Yeah, I was NOT happy. So I talked to him today (I almost thought I wasn't going to get a chance becasue he came in at the last minute). I basically told him I knew he didn't like doing the sign language and that was fine, but then just stand there and sing, don't make naughty gestures. I told him it was disrespectful to me and to people that it is the only way they have to speak. I think he realized it and said, "Yes ma'am. I'm sorry." I said, "okay, just sing loud for me, okay?" And he again said, "yes ma'am." WHEW! The biggest thing about that is that he is NOT like that at all (as you can see from the apology), his parents really stress being respectful and being quite and listening. So for him to do it to begin with was a real surprise. I am so grateful I was able to talk to him so we could get on the same page.

Anywhoooooo, Tye did his normal silliness when the boys were passing the bread and water. As they walked back to the front he yells out (luckily not WAY loud), "Train, chugga, chugga, choo, choo. Chugga chugga choo choo" over and over. I kept looking at him, said his name and asked him to be quiet. Even the bishopric (the men in charge of our congregation for those that don't know) chuckled and then one of them nicely got him to be quiet. I admit it is hilarious, he has done it several times before, and the first time I practically laughed out loud, while trying to get him to quiet down, but it still isn't appropriate.

So to the actual program....the kids did WONDERFUL! I was so proud of them! I swear it is like once you turn on the "spotlight" they are ready to shine. They remember all the words. They sang loud and clearly. They remembered all the things I had reminded them before. There were a few mess ups, but they were so minor it was a non-issue, besides we can't be perfect all the time, right?! The kids stepped up and helped out when other people were missing. They said their parts without yelling in the microphone. Of course the sunbeams (the youngest kids, 4 year olds, which is what Tye is), were sooooo cute and everyone chuckled each time they got done. And that boy didn't give me a bit of trouble. What a terrific program and I got so many compliments. Even the Bishop said, "if you didn't feel the spirit today from these sweet children, then there is something you need to figure out in your life and start reading the scriptures more often." Sweet boldness! So true, they almost made me cry with the last song. They were so good with their sign language and although no one said it I am sure the congregation was pretty impressed with it.