The Sunbean is a Sunbeam

Most of you probably know where we get the nickname 'Sunbean'.  There is an LDS children's song with the lyrics "Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam".  When the Sunbean was small, she would sing 'sunbean' instead.

Yesterday, it became official.  She's a real Sunbeam now.  When a child is 3 on January 1st, they start going to Sunday School, and the class is called 'Sunbeams'.  She's not in preschool yet, so this is her first foray into organized education.

I really thought she'd march right in without any problems, but she was actually pretty hesitant.  There were a few tears shed, but thankfully her favorite teacher was there to save the day.

I teach the 10-year-old Sunday School class, so I saw her about midway through, and she was doing great.  When I picked her up after church was over, this is what she had to say, "Primary was fun!!  At first I was sad, but then I got happy.  And I got a book and stamps and snacks."

So the Sunbean is a Sunbeam.  And growing up so fast.

Family Home Evening

When it comes to living the gospel, there are so many things that we are so bad at.  But one thing we've really been enjoying lately is Family Home Evening.  Basically, we set aside one evening a week to spend as a family.  We typically sing some songs, have a quick lesson, and then play a game or make a craft.  Oh, and treats.  Always treats.

The Sunbean has really been getting into FHE the past few months, and it is so cute.  She gets so excited on Mondays, and loves to help me think of a game or craft.  Her favorite treat is to put some chocolate chips in muffin cups for everyone.  Love that girly.

Yesterday, we made some little pinecone Christmas trees.  They absolutely didn't turn out cute at all, but it was fun to craft with my family.

I just wanted to take a minute to remember this little moment.  Lately I've been feeling like time is zipping by...I know that all too soon I'll be wishing for these crazy days of laundry and messy faces and sticky floors.

Primarily Wonderful

I heard from a little bird that I was officially released on Sunday as the Primary President.  We've moved, so I wasn't there.  I'd been unofficially released of my duties before we moved, but I couldn't be released until they found a replacement.  She'll be outstanding.

But I wanted to take the time to mention my experience in Primary.

Just over two years ago was, essentially, my first day in Primary.  It was also my first day as Primary President.  I can't explain the feeling of complete inadequacy I felt when I accepted this calling.  Why I would be chosen to lead and teach the children of our ward was beyond my comprehension.

Very few things in my life have led me to fervent prayer as much as Primary.  Many tears were shed the past two years as I searched for the best way to serve the young children.

I've been humbled by the knowledge, desire, and testimony of these children countless times.  They've taught me how to teach my own children.

I'm sure we'll have new callings to focus on soon, and I'll learn new lessons and strengthen my testimony in other ways.  I'm excited to move on, and thankful for the blessings that came into our lives because of my time as Primary President.

For now, I'm enjoying the free time.

Household Happenings

• We went back to the lake again this week.  I guess that's what summer is all about.
• This week we need to make a major life decision about MacGyver's {future} job.  Seriously so stressful.  I'm thankful we can pray about it and receive some guidance, but it's still weighing heavily on both our minds.  We need to decide by Friday, so this weekend we'll be celebrating either way.  I just want this week to be over.
• Little Dude is so big.  Like, 6-12 month clothes.  He's not yet 3 months.
• I got my hair done last week.  It was so great.  It was also the first time I'd been more than one room away from baby boy.  We both survived.
• Sunday was Ward Conference.  It was so great.  I loved the meeting beforehand, and got some good inspiration for Primary.
• The Sunbean loves Wonder Pets.  Therefore, I love Wonder Pets.  In fact, this blog post was brought to you by the Wonder Pets.
• All I can think about is bullet point #2.
• Today we're delivering Primary treats, doing laundry, and cleaning the floors.  You're jealous of my life.

Happy Hump Day!

Quick Thank-You Gift

You know how sometimes someone does something that totally saves the day?

That happened to me on Sunday.  You see, I'm the Primary President {read:  in charge of roughly 50 of the under-12 crowd}.  You know I just had a baby, so I've been out of commission for a few weeks.  Well, on Sunday, one of my counselors had a family function to attend and couldn't teach the lesson.  The other had just gotten home from Girls' Camp {one week of rain + teenagers + camping + no sleep}.  I could not, in good conscious, call and ask her to teach.  So I called in the Stake Primary Pres, and she agreed to teach {and did a fabulous job, of course}.

I needed to thank her, and I knew I wanted a tasty treat to be involved somehow.  Because, you know, when you don't go to the store on Sundays, tasty treats become a hot commodity.

I saw something similar to this on Make It and Love It.  But I went the lazy just-had-a-baby route and bought a chinese takeout container at Hobby Lobby, some candy at the Dollar Store, and whipped up a little flag on Photoshop.

But I thought someone else might need a You-Totally-Saved-The-Day gift, so I thought I'd share.

Happy Monday.

Grateful Sunday

Today I'm most thankful for my Savior.  It feels so strange to be sitting at home instead of being at church today.  Regardless of my location, I'm thankful that I know the true meaning of this Sunday.  Here is the testimony of the living prophet:

 

I'm also thankful for my sweet family.  It was so nice to spend a quiet morning at home.

 

I'm thankful for my counselors in Primary.  I was so looking forward to teaching sharing time today, and had (what I perceived to be) a wonderful Easter lesson planned.  Planned, as in, I actually prepared it more than a week in advance.  That alone should tell you that I was really looking forward to it.  I just had to make a few quick texts, and I had two great counselors and a fantastic chorister taking care of business.  Thanks, guys.

 

Again, I'm thankful for the blessings of the atonement and the resurrection.  In the words of one of my favorite Primary songs:

 

"On resurrection morning, I'll take my body bright

And in celestial glory, forever live in light."

 

Happy Easter to you.

Grateful Sunday

  Soloman Farm Park

• I'm sick.  I'm not grateful to have pneumonia, per say, but I'm thankful for a husband who takes care of me.  I'm thankful that I'm at home and not in the hospital.  And I'm thankful that thus far, it's just me who is afflicted.
• On that note, pleaseohpleaseohplease, Universe, heal me by Tuesday so I can have a healthy vacation to Florida!
• I'm thankful for the thunderstorm that just made our power momentarily flicker off.  I love me some inclement weather.
• I'm thankful for tax returns.  Stay tuned for our exciting plans for ours...
• I love Mrs. Meyer's cleaning products.  They just smell so....clean.  And they actually work, which is not always the case for 'natural' products.
• I'm thankful for crockpots.  It's the only way to go when church is 1-4.  Or, if you're like me, 11-4:30ish.  Coming home to a hot meal really makes the day so much better.
• I'm thankful for the Starbucks hot cocoa mix that I got for Valentine's Day.  Not as good as the real thing, but perfect when I'm jonesin' for a Starbucks at home.  Like right now.

Mary's Lullaby

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave me to me...a totally easy and free advent calendar, the best Christmas movie ever made, quick gift card cozies, our Christmas tree, a sweet Christmas memory, the story behind the shoes, and Mary's Lullaby.

My Primary children sang this today in sacrament meeting.  I responded with many tears.

Lullaby, lullaby, my little one.

Lullaby, my child so dear.

Thy precious life has just begun;

Thy mother holds thee near.

While Joseph watches through the night,

A star reflects thy radiant light.

Lullaby, lullaby, my little one.

Lullaby, my child so dear.

Thy gentle head shall wear a crown,

For thy Father is the King.

Thy tender hands, so tiny now,

Have blessings great to bring.

Let all creation join my song,

For peace and love this night are born.

Lullaby, lullaby, my little one.

Lullaby, my child so dear.

So sorry, I didn't save the sources of my photos.  A few are Greg Olsen.