busy weekend

After a week without the daddy at home, we were all excited to spend a full day with him. After the Buddy Walk and a long nap, we decided to venture out again. The kids insist on continuing to grow, and were in need of some Sunday shoes and attire. So out we went. We dined, shopped and then hit a movie.

Are you jealous? Paige was SUPER excited to become reacquainted with Troy. Taylor refused to act like he enjoyed the movie. Gabriel was ecstatic as long as popcorn was involved.

My favorites of the movie:

Taylor looking every direction but the screen each and every time it looked as though a kiss might occur. (He was watching with his parents, after all.)

Paige's observation that Sharpay is bossy. Then adding, "...but she's pretty". We want to have our priorities in line.

Todd watching Troy Bolton's 3 biggest fans in the row in front of us more than the movie itself. The girls were worked up every time Troy arrived on the screen. Todd got a kick out of their giddiness. As a bonus, they also had the soundtrack memorized. That's dedication.

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The kids also had their Primary Program at church on Sunday. They each had a part they memorized. This was Taylor's last program before he graduates. He went out with a bang and lip-synced the heck out of those primary songs - he also nailed his speaking part. Paige went with her written part about her mommy even though her daddy tried to bribe her with $20 to tack on "my dad is awesome" at the end. (Phew.) She "wasn't even nervous" and did a great job. As for Gabriel's....hmmm. I decided that it was Daddy's turn to help with his talk. Gabriel's been working on the signs to say "I am a child of God" for a couple weeks now. He learned quickly and he's pretty great at it. Well, Todd was given 2 specific instructions: 1) put Gabriel high enough so that people could actually see the signs and 2) keep him away from the microphone. Unfortunately, there was really nowhere other than behind the podium for Gabriel to stand, so most of us couldn't really see the signs. Then, as he finished up, he took the microphone by both hands, pressed his mouth against the microphone and yelled "BWWWAAAAAA!!!!" (My apologies to the congregation.) (I still love you Todd.)

first sermon

Today was Gabriel's first talk in church. Maybe that's overstating.

Today I helped Gabriel give his first talk in church.

Hmmm... that could still be overstating.

We practiced and practiced. I would say the words and he would do some signs along with me. I started off by telling the group that Gabriel didn't talk a whole lot with words, but he knew some words with his hands and he would be 'talking' that way. Let's just say he loves the spotlight and got a little distracted. All the signs are ones that he knows very well, but apparently he's modest and didn't want to show off his skills in front of an audience.

Also note: me rhymes with knee.

He's about the cutest sunbeam in a tie that I've ever seen.

[Yes, we took a camera to church. I couldn't resist recording this first. Nobody even kicked us out or confiscated our camera - it's all good]

wanted: sunbeam

Gabriel has now advanced into the Sunbeam class from the nursery since he is 3 years old. I warbled back and forth as to whether I thought he was ready, but figured we'll give it a try and if it doesn't go swimmingly, we could always crash the nursery room again.

There were a couple of steps we took to becoming a sunbeam.

First, he had to turn 3.

Next, beginning in the last 6 weeks or so of the year, the nursery leaders led all the Sunbeams-to-be into the primary room during the more appealing singing time to try to slowly acclimate them to primary.

Finally, last Saturday, the primary even hosted a 'get to know your new teacher' breakfast for the children to well..., get to know their teacher. We took the 3 kids down and they were excited to see who their teachers were. I sat with Gabriel and his classmates and teachers, who seem to be a nice young couple. (I mention that they are young only to note that they do not yet have children and will hopefully soon realize that they are the bosses over the three year olds.) I still haven't quite figured out the Down syndrome introductions - I'm not sure what is necessary information (it's Sunday school) and what is considered too much and what they've already been told. So, I skipped it this time. It's obvious he has DS and doesn't talk and may not have a long attention span (not many 3 yr olds do, though). I just let them know that he is inclined to wander off and good luck keeping him in his chair - it's probably best to keep him on a lap during primary, etc. etc. It went well, and ended with a giant hug to each teacher and a couple classmates from Gabriel.

Sunday came the big test. I took him into the primary room and his teachers were not there yet. So I sat with him, wishing it didn't take so long for something to get started. But, he was doing fine. The teachers came and I told them we were going to give it a try going cold-turkey and where I would be should they need me. As soon as I stood up and said goodbye, the reality hit and I got the big pouty-lip and eventual cry. So... there I sat.

We got through the prayers and talks and most of the songs. To honor the newest primary members, all of his favorite songs were sung - 'Jesus Wants me for a Sunbeam', 'Popcorn Popping' of which he knew all the actions. Then came the reverent songs.

There's nothing like a little 'I Am a Child of God' to lull a 3 year old to sleep.

I was able to enjoy the class for grownups after all.