EdwardsFamily

Sunday, February 17, 2008

I teach the 4 year olds in Primary @ my church. They're cute, little talkative children (Three girls and 1 boy) with a lot on their mind. Mostly, they seek attention from each other by poking, patting, and prodding (and yelling as a last resort) to get a response. Sitting still in a chair is new to most of them, and even the promise of a Tootsie Roll for staying seated is quickly forgotten (not the Tootsie Roll, but what they have to do to get it).

I come prepared each sunday with several activities to keep us all focused on the lesson in fun ways. Little did I realize they'd finish drawing their pictures so quickly! After scribbling for approximately one minute, they would display their masterpiece for all to see and pronounce, "I drew a fish!" "This is princess!" "Mine's a temple." "It's a gum-watch!"

Very nice. The gum-watch actually did resemble a watch, by the way. And the temple had structure too. One girl even wrote her name on her drawing, which caught me totally by surprise.

The hardest part of my calling is that and if I weren't supposed to be actually teaching these kids how to act in church (quiet voices, folded arms, sitting reverently in that very small chair, etc.), and teaching a lesson about how much Heavenly Father and Jesus love us, I'd love to just sit back and watch the children interact. That's what I've done in Nursery when visiting, the 4 days that I didn't have a calling, it was amusing. The things they do - their wide eyes when talking about things, their inability to sit still or concentrate on any one thing for more than a few seconds, their bubbly excitement about Tootsie Rolls and candy in general, and their attempts at meaningful interactions between each other - make me laugh. I think I'm really just one of them, though it takes more than one Tootsie Roll to get me bubbly (try lemon squares or chocolate cake). And I don't care as much which chair I sit in (surprising how territorial they can be). As long as I get one of the big ones, that is.

I've been so used to reverent children, eager to learn and listen to a well prepared lesson. With the CTR5's there's always a lesson prepared yet rarely a lesson given.
Today for instance all three girls got up to say the prayer..and they all said different prayers at the same time! I don't know what to even say to that. I let them pray and to break up the fights afterwards we reverently walked to the water fountain. WHEW! another sunday over.
When will they understand? or When will I understand...
C onsuming
T attling
R ambunktious
so to be 5 year olds

If I could just teach them to choose the right! HA

Our Family Mission Statement

We recognize and respect that we have come from different backgrounds and upbringings
But that we are now united as one, with common goals and visions. We share an eternal bond That enables us to communicate honestly and openly in all issues. We are each other's greatest strength, comfort and encouragement.
Together we have a home of Love, harmony, cleanliness and learning, One to which we want to come back to each day and where family, friends and neighbors
Can come and feel comfort and peace; our doors are always open. The way we live our lives invites the spirit to dwell here. We turn our back to all influences that would cause the spirit to leave our minds, our Hearts and our home. We seek goodness in all situations and people, constantly keeping our eyes and hearts open to others in need, most specifically our extended families, which we hold dear.
We wish to instill in our children Unconditional love, respect, happiness and integrity And understand that we must first embody these qualities ourselves. Our ultimate goal is to return to our Heavenly Father together -- a complete family -- And we strive to instill in each this sense of unity. We strengthen and encourage each other so that each person has the capacity to gain a sense of self and individual worth from within themselves, independent of all outside influences.
As a family, We eat together, pray together, study and ponder the scriptures and gospel together, attend church together and laugh together.
We know when to work, when to play and when to relax. Most of all, we know each other. We know how to make each other smile and laugh And we are constantly seeking opportunities to do so. Our greatest legacy will be that we loved each other well.