Nursery and Sunbeams- The changing of the guard

Not necessarily related but they all fold arms so nicely for prayers.  Abby and Olly have started to take a turn.  It's so sweet to hear them say "Father, food, Charlotte, Abby (or brother), Jesus, Amen!" with help.

A little background for my friends who aren't Mormon-

18 months is a big milestone when you're a member of our church- not because there is some special religious ceremony but because they are old enough to go to the church nursery.  Until they are 18 months the babies stay with their parents during the entire 3-hour-church block. Usually during that span they are missing a nap- or a meal- or in the case of 11:30 church- both.  It can be pretty rough. And we've been trying to keep two babies happy instead of just one- which meant that Matt had to take at least one of them.  Usually Olly because he was less mama-dependent. Many parents eagerly count down the days until their kid is old enough to go to nursery for 2 hours of the church block so they can teach or attend their own classes.

January 1st is Oliver and Abigail's half-birthday (cool date huh?) which also happened to be a Sunday this year which means that Charlotte who has been in the nursery got promoted to the youngest primary class called Sunbeams (Sunday School for kids 3-12).  I almost had 3 kids in nursery- that's a real accomplishment I'd say!

A girl can never have too many bows right?  I didn't let her wear all of them to church.

 Jan 1st rolls around and both twins have booger noses so Matt stayed home with them while Charlotte shocked us by being a model Sunbeam.  She loved it!  She loved her teacher- she loved loudly singing off key- she sat quietly and raised her hand (for the most part)- she went to class great!  Who knew our little over-anxious girl would love primary so much?  I almost hate to even say it for fear she'll do a 180 and hate it.  I was sure she'd miss the snacks and toys and her beloved nursery teachers.  I really talked it up- we met her teacher, I showed her where her class was etc.  We sang "Jesus Wants me For a Sunbeam"  I'm so proud of her.  Her teacher even told me she was and I quote, "an angel."  I'm going to remember that for when she isn't quite so angelic for me!

If Charlotte does it Abby has to do it of course.

Jan 8th same story- twins have perpetual boogers- Charlotte goes and loves it even with a substitute teacher.  So finally January 15th, while Matt is in Alabama for work, I bravely haul all 3 kids to church by myself and pray they'll go to their classes so I can help out in the primary (my calling- it's like a job our bishop asks us to do).  Miraculously they all do great!  I walk them in the nursery find them a chair and a toy and walk out.  I check on them through the window in the door like a perfect helicopter parent but I never see them have any problems.  I guess Abby fussed a little and wanted held.  One kid tried to take something from Abby, so Olly pushed him  and told him "No!".  The other kid was a lot bigger and older than him, so I don't feel too awful.  I'll admit I'm a little proud of him sticking up for his sister.  The novelty might wear off eventually but I think they love this idea of toys, singing, a lesson, and snacks at church instead of sitting with mom and dad.  It's so nice to feel like I can actually help at church instead of everyone having to help me.  I'm not nearly as exhausted at the end either.  Awww nursery is a wonderful thing!