October 2, 2007

Puppy Love and More...

So, Oliver is in love with one of our neighbor's dogs. The dog's name is Zeus and he's not cute at all- black and kind of scraggly looking. But, everytime Oliver sees him (or even hears him or any other dog barking), he starts to do this little bark himself, which is more like a high-pitched, short squeal. We'll have to get a picture of the duo and you'll see what I mean.
Also, Christian taught Oliver his first "word" this weekend- "uh, oh." He does it with the right pitch and everything and whenever we say it, he repeats it right after us. I don't think he's grasped the meaning of it as of yet, but it's still pretty darn adorable. He's actually quite the talker. Sometimes he'll carry on an entire conversation, complete with voice inflection, excitement, and what seems like very real words, we just can't understand them.
I'm about three months into my very first calling in Primary- the nursery to be exact, and well, frankly, it's a real struggle. It's a mix between feeling like I am just not good with kids at all and REALLY not being good with kids at all. So, I've been in charge of the craft or activity this month and you want to talk about a calling "stretching" you- well this is it. Crafts probably take #2 on my list of least desirable activities. So, one week I brought in poster-board made crowns, the next I cut up some old rags to make bandanas, the next I traced their feet on a piece of paper and this last week topped them all with noise makers made out of two paper bowls stapled together with macaroni inside. I think the other leaders in there kind of pity me and they're always quick to jump in when they see how bad I am struggling. Ok, so is nursery this difficult for everyone? Probably not...
Christian, on the other hand, is an advisor in Young Men's- a pretty cake calling in comparison. Yes, he has to prepare lessons a couple times a month and go to mutual once a week, but since when did the young women's activities ever consist of swimming, rock climbing, scuba diving trips, playing sports, and other fun, adventorous things??? And, usually on Sundays they just end up story-telling for the entire lesson. I guess that's why guys have to go on missions- "to catch up to us women."
On a lighter note, my Mom's coming into town this weekend and I'm pretty excited. We're going to cruise around Albuquerque for a few days before heading up to Breckenridge, CO where we have rented a cabin with my sister's family and some friends. We'll keep you posted!

12 comments:

Andrea W. said...

Oh Rebecca, I feel your pain. Right after we were married I was called as Primary Chorister. I thought that would be a piece of cake because I'm somewhat musical and I like kids. I was horrible. I have no memory for lyrics, so I would be standing up there trying to peek at the words and then totally losing the kids. I was actually okay with Senior Primary kids, but Junior I was so rotten they finally called in another lady to work with the Junior Primary. Sad, huh?

Your crafts sound great! The great thing about nursery kids is it doesn't take much to excite them. Benny starts the week after conference! I wish you could be his nursery teacher!

Uh-oh was Benny's first word too. I LOVE that early talking stage. Sooo cute, can't wait to hear him in person someday!

Macy said...

I am right there with you, Rebecca. I was called into nursery right after Lucy was born, and it was the first calling I considered turning down. i didn't know anyone in the ward yet, and I had just had a baby. You know, it was hard for me for the exact same reasons you said. I love kids, well I love my own kids, and kids I know well, but you know I have to admit other kids can drive me nuts. Also , all the planning, crafting, etc was not my game either. My sisters are much better at that. Anyway, it didn't last long, and I actually did learn some things from it. I also got to be with my little Rex every week, and that was great. I totally relate though.

Oliver is so dang cute. It has been way too long, you guys!

Ryan@dontdodumbthings.com said...

Yeah, Nursery is definitely one of the callings you just have to gut out. I actually loved it when I was in there, but it comes with a real opportunity cost, not being able to get to attend meetings or get to know others better.

The amazing thing for me is that I've never ever been deemed cool enough to be in Young Mens. Pretty soon I'm going to be past the age for it, and then I'm consigned to High Priests Group Hell. Kook, if you have tips on how to be an awesome guy these days, let me know.

Jenn said...

Oliver sounds so cute. Kids are so much fun! I can just imagine his bark--or squeal as you called it. Collin is a pretty good dog too. He is always barking when he sees or hears dogs also. Too fun! Next time you guys are in Utah, we need to get the little guys together.

Anna said...

Fun to hear how the Bells are. Good work! I would definitely struggle with a nursery calling. Sounds like you're doing great activities though.

Jo said...

Rebecca, this is so great to get these little windows on your life. I love it!

Oliver does sound adorable, and I can't wait to see him!

About the nursery, you made me lol. I'm with Macy in that other peoples' kids can bug me. Not so with my grandkids though! And I actually think your crafts sounded very good and right on their level.

Eliza said...

Rebecca you kill me. Isn't it funny how we are called to a position that we feel is the last thing we are capable of doing. I guarantee your being too hard on yourself, thats the great thing about kids, they don't care that much about things. I'm sure they loved your crafts. I can't wait to see oliver,he sounds so stinking cute! and dis that he has a word already, abe's got some catching up to do.

Lol ry about young mens. i started laughing when I pictured RX 201 trying to talk to a 17 year old boy. but that is really not true, young people love you. it just put a funny picture in my mind.

Nate said...

Rebecca, it looks like Oliver will be bearing his testimony about his love for dogs in sacrament meetings too. Who can forget Chris' sincere, thoughtful, and heartfelt dog-imonies?

Andrea's experience in Primary reminded me of when our Primary Chorister asked a primary teacher to please mouth the words of the songs. The chorister felt that the teacher's off tune singing was making it hard for the kids to sing the right notes.

We're real excited to be able to read what you guys have been up to. Good work.

christian@dontdodumbthings.com said...

Big E, lol about RX trying to relate with a human 17 yr old.

Nate, lolol for dog-imonies. Classic.

Nate, Anna, Skew, and Jenn, it makes me happy to see you guys here. Do you guys have a blog?

Anna said...

I didn't put the two together until Nate's comment jarred my memory of Chris' "heartfelt dog-imonies." How funny! The neighbor girl didn't forget. I love to see kids turning into their parents, even if it is a stretch.

Logan said...

Do we have a blog? We've blogging since you were river doggin'. Check out the links on Jon Earl Way. You will find that even Dal has a blog. Actually we saw Layne and Jami's blog and we thought it looked like a fun thing to do.

Greg said...

Uh, oh! Mama doesn't like the nursery...I'm totally with you, Rebecca. It's so awkward to be with little ones when you don't know what to say or do. It seems stupid that they can make us feel stupid, but it's true. Some people just know what to say so naturally. It's weird that it can be so different with your own children--thank goodness.

Dog--imonies is one of the best of my lifetime, Nate. And it came from my very own insurance executive.