Good Teachers.

On Sunday Jordan jumped in the van after church, "Mom, you know, when I'm kinda bad in primary Shaunie (amazing primary president!) just smiles at me. Like a nice smile. It's not like you, mom, huh." Thanks Jordan. And THANK YOU SHAUNIE! Carter then preceded to tell how Sister Stockett told a story about when she was little. She was camping and got lost. She prayed and her prayer "bounced all the way to her dad's ears" because of the Holy Ghost. Right after that her dad came to find her. I could tell that story stuck. It really stuck. I think I could write a book about all the great teachers that are in primary and all around us.

During a lesson she gave at Enrichment Night a couple of years ago (has it been that long?) my friend Misty (another extraordinary teacher!) made a statement: "It bugs me that Primary is called 'Primary'. It should be called, 'Secondary'. I am the mom and I am the 'primary' source of gospel teaching for my children". Don't worry--she was primary president at the time and Misty is not the type to write to the First Presidency and attempt to change the entire childrens' organization. But she was serious. And she is right. I love teaching my children and watching them recognize truth and learn new skills. I would never discharge that duty.

But oh. How nice it is to take a breather--actually really breath, sit for a moment, and relax and watch others work their magic on my kids.

Bad picture. But it's the only one I got. This was our piano recital last Friday. Elissa teaches Tyler and Jordan (and many others) piano. Amazing. Simply amazing. The patience that must take to teach such an important skill! The tedious task of instructing beginners I'm sure is not her favorite thing. Did I mention she's pregnant? But I am so grateful for her and I know others are, too.

The much awaited First Grade Egyptian Museum. Art. Songs. Performance. Decor. Food. Parts. Costume. Make-up. I was blown away by the production. The museum in this 1st Grade classroom opened it's doors at 9:00 am in the morning and went until 3:00 dismissal. Each class at school came for a tour. I was there for the 45 minute family time--only 45 minutes and all I could think was, "Why did I forget my Excedrin?" How do these teachers do it? AND do it so beautifully? Jordan was in heaven and of course learned a ton without me even lifting a finger.

I have to add these pics. Check out the collar. Glued on cavatappi, penne, fusilli, farfalle painted gold. Awesome.

And the Nile alligators--green painted egg cartons. How clever.

There. I needed to mention craftiness to maintain my Mormon Mommy blogger status. Spray painted pasta counts, right?

Saturday morning around 8:00 Tyler came in from playing outside. "I need dad's tools." Okay. Get them out of the closet. Why do you need them. "Oh, I'm going to take off Carter's training wheels and me and Jordan are gonna teach him to ride a two-wheeler." I waited. 20 minutes later they called me out. It was done. He was riding like a pro. No tears. No frustration. No "don't let go" 100 times down the rode. That was that. Big brothers did the teaching and I did the enjoying (and the photos).

Later that day. Dad came home from work for a few hours. And played catch--teaching the boys how to step and throw correctly. Yet another lesson for which I was only a silent bystander.

Tonight at dinner I listened as the boys taught Sarah her animal sounds and rewarded her with laughter when she tried so hard. Unfortunately the lesson went south when they started teaching her the in-house terminology for bodily noises. Oh well.

Two of my wonderful friends had babies today. Those little creatures don't know anything. Lucky for them they have good moms and dads to teach them. But, wow, there is so much to learn. And I am glad for all those who help me teach my little ones! Thank you.