Sunday Stories

Just a few anecdotes from the past hour or so:

-The girls attempted to carry blankets out the back door, which is against the rules. No blankets outside. As I reminded Megan of this, she scowled at me, a very deep, menacing scowl from beneath the blanket and frankly informed me: "No, it's a jacket" and then stubbornly set a foot outside. I managed to stifle most of my giggles as I walked over to take the blanket away. She has the worlds cutest scowl. She'll tilt her head down and her eyebrows practically touch her nose while she glares at you, complete with fully, pouty mouth.

-Some lawn equipment started up a few houses away while the girls played outside. The unusual noise scared them and they both came running for the back door to get inside, but just before stepping inside, Cadence decided the noise was only a goat. When questioned further, she informed me it was a goat getting a shower and stuck to that story every time the noise started up again. Who am I to argue against such a persuasive argument?

-The primary chorister gave us a CD with all the songs for the primary program in the fall. I put it in to play the songs. Currently, the hymn "Choose the Right" is one of Cadence's favorite songs. She knows the first two verses, only in part because we sing the song frequently throughout the week. Unexpectedly, Cadence began singing along with the CD, even when I did not. Of the seven songs on the CD, she knows three of them almost perfectly and can sing them with only a little encouragement from me. Now to work on the other four. :-)

This is not from today, but I'll share the story anyway:

-Last Sunday was Cadence's first talk in primary. I was a little upset to realize I would miss it, since they moved me to senior primary last week as a teacher. James coached her through it and I'm told she did marvelously, at least as well as a 3 year old with a microphone can be expected to do. She gave a talk on prophets and apostles.

I am really enjoying my new primary class. I was teaching the 4-year-olds, which was enjoyable, but I really, truly enjoy the 7 year olds I am now working with. They're the ones that are going to be baptized this year. We even had our lesson on baptism this week and I loved it. They're a great group of kids and I'm sure I'm going to enjoy being their teacher. Only two weeks in and I think they're amazing and one of the funnest ages I've been able to teach (and that's saying something, because I think I've taught pretty much every age primary has to offer at this point!)

Playing Pretend

Listened to Cadence playing pretend with two stuffed bears. The bears were having an argument similar to the one Cadence, Megan and I often have. Ever since I told Cadence she was a girl, we've often had moments where we argue over whether she's a girl or a dog or a chair or a balloon. She insists she's a girl and I'll offer other suggestions, which she'll giggle at and protest. So, the bears were arguing over this, then made up with a kiss and a hug and wandered off for another adventure.

Whenever she's on a slide, it's not uncommon for her to lay at the bottom, reaching for the top and crying "help, Megan, help me!"

And then earlier this morning, I watched them play pretend together. Megan pretended to cry, Cadence ran over to her and said "I found you! It's okay!" and then Megan stood up and hugged her and said "I missed you". Cadence said it back. Then Megan walked away, crouched and pretended to cry all over again.

Very cute. They tend to reenact/pretend to be familiar characters. Sometimes they pretend to be me. Sometimes they pretend to be characters from their favorite shows (currently "Phineas & Ferb"). Other times, I don't have a clue what they're pretending to be, but it's still cute.

Coloring (Mommy Brag)

Cadence's artistic skills continue to advance. While not perfect, she does an outstanding job at coloring within the lines for someone that's only 3. Well, 3 years and 3 months old. I know some suggest that "free thinking coloring", with a plain white page, is "better". Cadence enjoys both equally. It's fun to watch her color. She gets so focused on the page in front of her and you can see the concentration.

So, there it is. I know it's not CRAZY advanced for a 3 year old, but I know it is above average, and I do love to brag about my kids. Of course, after i took pictures of Cadence, Megan wanted hers done. Cadence helped color Megan's, since she can't keep her crayons to herself.
I told Megan to smile while I took her picture. She refused to do so when the picture was facing me, but I got a cute one anyway.
And then she came in for a close-up.
Let's just face it, I have the cutest girls in the world. There's no competition. Though, I will admit some of you have some contenders for second place. First place, however, is taken.