Sing Out Loud, Sing Out Strong

Yesterday was the annual Primary Program for our ward. I insisted that each child practice their line several times before the actual program. After four or five deliveries, Cooper, in a state of exasperation, said, "The teachers told us it doesn't matter how we say it, just that we say it." Bryan confirmed that he had overheard some of the Primary leaders coaching the more timid children that they just needed to say the words, probably in an attempt to ease their nervousness. I told my kids that advice didn't apply to them, it did matter how they said it, and then we kept practicing.

Consequently, all three of my children that were old enough to participate delivered their lines clearly and loudly.

Bryan and Sophie and I sat in the congregation and grinned at the kids while they sang. (It's the closest thing to a date we've had in ages.) Phoebe was expressive and obviously knew all the songs. Cooper looked so happy to be participating and knew most of the songs. Peter didn't sing much and didn't look particularly happy to be there, but at least he stayed in his seat when he was supposed to and earned a candy bar from his Primary teacher for his good behavior, so that's something.

Peter sat in the back row on the podium, Cooper sat in the row in front of that. Phoebe's class sat in chairs on risers that had been brought in and placed in front of the podium. In other words, the entire congregation had a great view of Phoebe while she poked at and played with the kids on either side of her. Her poor teacher tried to halt the impromptu play date, but alas, Sacrament Meeting proved an ideal time for merriment.

Bryan and I were stressing out over her disruptions and had her apologize to her teacher afterward. We shouldn't had worried too much though. I had several people come up to me during the next two hours of the block and tell me that Phoebe and her shenanigans were their favorite part of the program. I guess one parent's stress is another parent's entertainment.