In primary today, Rachel’s friend Katie was spotlighted with Charlie T. Bear. Amiee was the one to introduce her.
“So, this is Katie,” she said, pronouncing Katie as KAY-dee.
“Her name’s not ‘Kay-dee,’” offered her indignant older brother, Tyler. “Her name’s Kay-TEE!”
Amiee was a little taken aback. “Oh, alright then,” she said, “Would you like me to say that over again. This is Kay-Tee, Tyler’s sister.”
He settled back in his chair, well-pleased that his efforts had elicited such a result.
It reminded me of another over-protective brother that I knew years ago when my little sister, Josie, was a new baby. Josie’s name is simply Josie. It isn’t short for Josephine. It’s Josie.
“Awww, look at little Josie,” people would peek at her and croon, pronouncing Josie as JOE-zee.
Patrick, five years her senior, would put his hands on his hips and glare up at them, announcing, “Her name’s not Jozie! It’s Josie Wuweeze Wayton!”
Poor kid couldn’t say his L’s but was always busy correcting people over a trivial s/z. It’s Josie Louise, of course, but when said Josie Wuweeze by such a loving, protective brother, it quickly because a nickname. For years we called her “Weezer.” Or at least, I did. She had many nicknames: Jo, JoBo, Jos, Weezer, Chicken Butt—and that’s just a smattering.
And since I find primary children so amusing, here are a few more stories (mostly which feature the Cummings children, who are most entertaining).
When Andrew was out of town we had a session of district conference, which meant two hours in the chapel without a break. Children were, with reason, getting antsy and acting up. We had sat on the back row and I was fortunate to have plopped down by Nacia who entertained Rachel for me so that I could actually pay attention. It was awesome.
Anyway, Rachel’s friend Rex acted up so his father took him out in the hall to cool down for a minute. He had to walk right past us to get out of the room, which is a little awkward in our makeshift chapel because there are pillars randomly placed in the middle of the room and we happened to be sitting directly behind one. So Rex and his dad skirted around the pillar and everyone’s legs and into the foyer.
A few minutes later, Rex started walking back in, being led by the hand by his dad. He turned to look at Rachel but his dad kept on full-speed ahead so Rex kept walking along behind him, still trying to make eye contact with Rachel. Guess who got walked right into that pillar? Rex.
His dad was so shocked when Rex started screaming again. He started, turned around, scooped Rex up, and rushed him out of the room before he disturbed the whole meeting.
Nacia and I were on the back row in a fit of laughter. It was the most hilarious thing I’ve seen in a long time and it took me quite a while to regain myself. Luckily I was hiding behind the pillar so I don’t think the speaker noticed. There’s nothing quite like slapstick comedy…
…unless you’re very quick-witted. Last we we were having a discussion of all the times Heavenly Father has introduced Jesus Christ to the world. We discussed when Jesus was baptized, and a few other instances, before bringing out a picture of the first vision to discuss.
“This is a picture of when Heavenly Father came…” Amiee started.
“To Joseph Smith!” Eli yelled, drowning out Amiee (who had said those exact same words), “Jinx! You owe me a soda!”’
Oh, wow. Words cannot describe how close I was to cracking up—I almost had to leave the room.
Today we were singing I Know That My Savior Loves Me; to help the children learn the words we made up actions to the lyrics. The chorus goes:
I know he lives!
I will follow faithfully.
My heart I give to him.
I know that my Savior loves me!
We point to our heads for “I know” and extend our arms to our sides for “he lives.” We make our fingers walk in the air, one set “following” the other for the second line, and then we put both hands over our heart and then lower them from there to be in front of us, like we’re holding something out to someone for “My heart I give to him.”
Most of the time the children do the actions very reverently because they can feel the spirit of the song, which is one of reverence. Today, however, Eli did this pumped up break-dance/robot-dance move and quite dramatically acted out ripping his heart out of his chest.
That kid is seriously so funny! It’s a little inappropriate for primary, sure, but he’s totally welcome to joke around at our house anytime—he’s great at entertaining youngsters!
Those are my cousins! And they're definitely hilarious. Can't get enough of them.
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