Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Talented Little Ones

Our ward primary did a "Primary's Got Talent Show" on Saturday. Each of the primary children was able to share a talent that they have. The primary planned for months, encouraging the children to share and not be scared. The presidency called me several times trying to nail down what our kiddos were going to do. Now, in defense, it really needed to be the kids choice, after all they were the ones who had to display their talent. On the other hand, who had to prepare, practice and encourage? That's right, the parents.... That said my little ones finally came up with what they wanted to share!
Domenic didn't know what he wanted to do. He has extreme social anxiety and would never want to sing or dance in front of a big crowd. He likes to shoot hoops, but never has attempted on a full court size basket. He was a tricky one. Not to say that the boy doesn't have talent, you should see some of the art and books that this little 6 year old can create! In the end we went with what he does best (that is what your talents are right!), Stacking and Collecting Pez. Yes, we took the whole kit and caboodle to the church, all 277 Pez that he is allowed to play with. We stacked and stacked, the kids were fascinated, the adults were astonished (some had no idea!), he was a Hit! Crowds gathered around to look at all the different kinds of dispensers that he had. They were so awed by his collection, and the fact that he can line them up domino style so well! Showcase what you're good at, and he did!
While it may not seem like Alexis was another hard case to crack, she was. She has an extreme talent for ice skating (as previously mentioned) but how do you display that at the church? She can sing, and has joined the ward choir and the school choir, but got a sudden case of stage fright! (p.s. we just learned that this little stinker with stage fright tried out for a solo in the school choir; about 40 members, most of whom wanted this particular solo and guess who won the honor?? That's right, my little stage fright stinker! Video of that will come at the end of March! Stay tuned!) In the end we went with her love and passion, photography. We displayed the photo she entered into the county fair and the 2nd place ribbon she received. As a last minute addition by her, we also brought one of the loom hats that she has made and the loom and yarn that she uses. We learned that day that Hogle Zoo's 2 Zebras both passed away this winter. Many people suggested entering the photo to them! Maybe we will!
Every parent is proud of the talents that their children posses. I know that I am! It was fun to see the wide range of talents that children choose to do for the talent show!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

The Book Reader

Alexis has a small bit of insomnia, yes even at her young little age. Thanks Mom! She has your genes to thank for that! But one way that she copes with it is to read books. Her school has a reading program that rewards kids for reading. This, and the fact that she simply loves to read, gives her motivation to sit up at night with a flashlight reading. I have found her reading at midnight before. "Just a little more mom, I am at a really good spot!"
The other night I came in to tuck in Skyler who was struggling to fall asleep and saw this:

She had fallen asleep while reading! The flashlight is held in one hand, propped up on her shoulder, and the book fell across her little nose! How Cute! I simply can't get mad at her, because I read late at night sometimes too! In fact, I get so into stories that I have had to stop reading because I just wasn't sleeping. Nights are the only time that I have to read. Someday I will start avidly reading again, but for now, Alexis is!