If you are really perceptive and assumed from the title that I am the new sunbeam teacher...you are correct! Let's start this off with a little bit of honesty, shall we? We went calling-free in our new ward for 2 months. That was a shock all by itself because in the branch we just moved from, the bishop literally shakes his hand to introduce himself as he sets up a meeting to extend you call....sometimes two callings! You get scooped up pretty quick. While it was a little frustrating at first because I was so anxious to feel a sense of belonging here, I finally convinced myself to enjoy it while it lasted.
Corky and I were extended callings the same day. He was asked to be the Deacon's Quorum advisor and I was asked to be the Sunbeam teacher....Gracey's class. I accepted of course but our bishop asked if I had reservations. I simply said that I had been in the primary for so long, not to mention how it might be difficult to teach Gracey's class. I didn't mention that I had been praying for 2 months that of all the callings that I might get, I prayed to NOT get nursery or sunbeams. He then proceeded to tell me that as a bishopric they had been stewing over this particular calling for me for quite sometime and feel strongly that I should be in there. So I smiled, accepted and said "Apparently I have not learned all the lessons yet that I am supposed to!" The bishop left our house, I closed the door and began to cry. What's the big deal you ask? Well, normally it probably wouldn't be but for me it is. Although I feel that I am good with children that age, I don't particularly like it. I find it very frustrating to be with a bunch of 3-4 year olds that won't sit still, pick their nose, pull their gum out of their mouth, and growl at each other, all while I am trying to "teach" a simply lesson on loving one another.
I received this calling 2 weeks before I had to start actually teaching so I had plenty of time to ponder and think about what I can gain from this, or what I may have to offer. One day as I was blow-drying my hair, it occurred to me what that was. For quite sometime now, I have realized that I expect a lot out of Gracey. She is a very smart girl. So when I see her misbehaving or acting out, I get quite upset. I am not as patient as I would like to be and have been asking for help and guidance in my prayers on how I can be a more patient and loving mother. I fear that I will drive her away with my expectations and reactions. Like I said, I was blow-drying my hair when I had the thought that this calling is exactly what I need to learn to treat Gracey more like the 3 year old she is and not a 10 year old that should know better. I scanned the lessons for the Sunbeam class and the lessons are so simple. For example, they include "I am thankful for my eyes", "I am thankful for my ears","Music can make me Happy", etc. They are simple but brilliant.
Yesterday was my first day teaching. This class is by far the most restless class in all of primary and I got a lot of "good lucks" from fellow teachers. I took a lot of things that I learned from Ft. Irwin and applied them just yesterday. We took turns being line leaders instead of running (yes, they usually ran) to their classroom. I made them spit their gum out, and I made them put their papers under their chair. I hope that doesn't sound to "Hitler-ish" but I wanted to do what I could to teach them reverence. After those things were done, we had fun. I was laughing almost the entire time during class at the silly things these kids would say. Just one example was when I introduced myself I said that my name is "Sister Whipple." I asked them to repeat that and they did, with the exception of one girl who for some reasons couldn't pronounce it very well, it came out as "Slipper Nipple!" I waited to laugh out loud until I could tell Corky....we had a good laugh at that one.
After making it through the class, Corky and I were set apart. I must say that it was one of the most spiritual experiences I have had come from a blessing. The Bishopric was truly inspired with every word that came out and I had confirmation that, just as I thought, my children will be blessed because of me having this calling, among other statements made. By the end of the blessing, I was bawling like a baby and spiritually touched by the love that I felt.
I can't say that I will whole-heartily enjoy this calling, it will be a challenge, but I look forward to doing my best and learning the lessons that I am supposed to.
On another note..................
We had company this weekend.
Bailey and Skyler came for a visit...but of course I didn't take a single picture! We had a really good time together though. Emily had quite the "aunt bailey crush" and didn't want anything to do with me as long as Bailey was in the room!
Because I didn't take any pictures of Bailey and Skyler, I suppose I will play a little picture catch up and post pictures of the previous weekend when my mom, step dad, Markie, Reggie, and my Grandma Annie came to visit. That was a fun weekend too! We love having visitors!
We spent some time in downtown Kingman, playing on the old train, eating snow cones in the shade, and playing a little ball.
All dressed and ready to go to church. It was also Father's Day so we had to get one with the big daddy himself!
And visitors don't stop there! Tomorrow, Corky's mom, sister, and Grandma are coming for a few days to visit! I LOVE living so close to family!
