Favorite Sunday of the year...

...the children's primary program in sacrament meeting! While always a touching and entertaining program, this year was even more enjoyable than usual since I had no responsibilities with it other than sitting back and enjoying it!

After having seen the last few primary programs up close and personal, with all its associated stress and worry, I'm always amazed at how well it always comes together...no matter the little "hiccups" along the way. It's just hard to go wrong when you combine music, simple gospel truths, and cute innocent children.

There's always the kid who's too shy to say their part, the one who says it so fast that no one's quite sure what they really said, the ones that giggle their way through, and the one who sings a little too loudly (or in today's case, holds a note several seconds past everyone else). I think every ward has a similar sampling of kids and I love seeing this little glimpse into their personalities!

I was so proud of Cami, Emma, and Adam who practiced their parts a million times over...writing them out, quizzing each other, and in Cami's case even highlighting her different sections in color codes. They even got Ellie into the spirit of it and helped her make up her own part, "I am thankful for my sisters and brothers." ...only one more year Ellie. :)

I love this year's song, "If the Savior Stood Beside Me." The lyrics are quite profound and I've often stopped myself in the middle of a contentious moment and found myself thinking, "If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do?" or "say the things I say?" How grateful I am that my kids are learning these powerful concepts in their youth.

I've often thought that being the primary music leader would be one of the most challenging callings in the church. It's being "on" for two whole hours every Sunday...first the junior primary, then the nursery, then the senior primary...each group needing their own unique method of learning the songs. Add in the hours of preparation they spend each week and the exhaustion they must feel after each Sunday, and I hereby extend my sincere gratitude for every music leader who labors to teach these squirmy, energetic children the simple truths of the gospel in music!

I know everyone in the primary is relieved that today is over, but I for one am starting my countdown for next year's favorite Sunday...only 51 more weeks!