Mothers' Day Memories

I've been dreaming of this day for four years. I waited through pregnancy, infancy, then into nursery. Now, finally, my day had come. Elena was old enough to sing with the primary kids on Mother's Day. I've been listening to her sing the songs Sister Rendon had picked out for two weeks--in the car, in the bathroom, eating cereal, helping Joseph--and she knows the words really well. We got everyone dressed and to church on time so that she wouldn't miss it. And then, when the primary children got called up to the front, she wouldn't go. No matter how I urged, begged or pleaded, she just wouldn't go. I was so upset I had to go to the little mother's room in the bathroom and I just cried for the rest of Sacrament Meeting. I know how unpredictable kids are, and I probably should have prepared myself earlier, but the thought that she didn't want to sing for me when I've been looking forward to it for so long broke my heart.

On the other hand, Elena's been in panties full-time for exactly one year, and the hinges on the bathroom stalls at church got switched this week? last week? so the doors swing out (and I can fit inside, now!!!). No matter how huge the little thing seem, sometimes it's important to step back and remember that they are little things. Mommy's new goal is to relax and let my kids be small children, not miniature adults, and allow them the appropriate amount of emotional maturity while I teach them about others' feelings.