Flying Solo

When I was in middle school, our stake put on a musical for standard's night. I sang a solo in it, which our ward bishop asked me to sing in church the following Sunday. I agreed, and with my Dad accompanying me, I walked the long walk to sing. About 1/3 of the way through the song, the air conditioner kicked on and blew my dad's pages off of the piano! My solo turned into an a capella number, and I sang for what seemed like an eternity - unaccompanied until my Dad could reassemble his pages and catch up with me. I think I pulled it off okay, but it was a nerve-wracking experience. Since then I have had countless opportunities to speak or perform in public, and it's a wonderful thing that we get to have that opportunity and practice in church starting at such a young age.


One of the many parenting milestones I have looked forward to as a mother is watching my kids participate in the primary program. There is something just wonderful about watching your own kids singing their little hearts out and sharing simple testimonies that warms my heart! Yesterday Boo took part in her first Sacrament meeting primary program. Each child in our primary was given a theme and got to write their own little talk. Boo's part said, "I know I am a child of God because we have pretty flowers and shady trees." We've been working on it for weeks at home. Even Yaks got in on the fun, as they would take turns pretending to say their part into the faucet of their play kitchen.


We invited Nana and Papa to come and watch, as well as tend the orphaned Yaks while the rest of us sat up on the stand. Thanks, Nana and Papa! The Sunbeams were up first, and I anxiously waited to see what Boo would do. One of her classmates burst into uncontrollable sobs, so I didn't have extremely high hopes that she would actually say her part unassisted. I couldn't see her face, but apparently, she stuck all four fingers in her mouth and stood there - mute. After several seconds, her part was spoken for her, and she proudly returned to her seat looking like she'd just delivered an inaugural address. She turned around and whispered, "Mom, did you see me?" I winked at her and gave her a thumbs-up. I was proud of her.

Great job, Boo! Maybe next year you'll be ready for a solo, eh?

Nana, Papa and Isaac were able to join us for dinner. Our menu was spaghetti and meatballs, rolls, corn, salad, apple crisp and ice cream - the perfect meal for 1-4:00 church. Following dinner we caught up on family blogs and pictures. We loved having them over!