The last time I went to Mutual it was called M.I.A. (Mutual Improvement Association)and I wore a dress. In opening exercises, all of the boys and girls (we weren't called young men and young women) stood together and recited the theme for the year. Then we sang hymns, had a couple of talks and went to our individual classes for lessons. "Fun" was the occasional dramatic production, speech festival, dance festival or the organized Church basketball leagues. Fast forward to Wednesday night...We had a meeting to plan our activities for the next three months. This is in addition to the already-scheduled roller skating party and beach party that will be on August 19th and 23rd. As I visited with my sweet little Beehives I quickly learned three things:
- Twelve and thirteen year olds are really random in their thinking. (Um, no...I don't think we can go on a 100 mile bike ride.)
- Some twelve and thirteen year old girls are frighteningly boy-crazy.
- I have been away from the parenting game a very long time.
We have made some spendid plans, I think. We managed to make everything fit into some kind of "value experience," and yet still be FUN!!! The planning is the easy part. The harder part for me will be adjusting my attitude. I tend to think that kids already have too much 
fun and that what they should really be doing is getting up early and working hard all day, taking occasional breaks to read the scriptures. I know that this makes me sound like an old person, and rightfully so. I am, by a good fifteen years, the oldest of the seven women called to work with the young women in our ward. I expect that at the skating party they will figure that out.
Wish me luck.
You are so cute. The YW are lucky to have an "elderly person" like you in their midst.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was 12 or 13 ANYONE over 30 was ancient! I am sure you will do fine. Be careful rollerskating though, you don't need to break anymore bones.
ReplyDeleteI think you will have fun. Girls that age are great fun once you get over the shock.
ReplyDeleteLast Wed. night Matthew (age 17) had a rare opportunity to choose between going to the ward "joint activity" (Susie always mimicked smoking maryjane when she said that) or cleaning out his mother's van. It was a "no brainer" for him as the activity was Salsa Lessons.
Chip said he would go with him, but only if Harvey would go along and let him lead!
Good luck with your new calling. I know you will do great. It's a little intimidating but you do good at everything you try! That is one thing I admire about you. Look on the bright side they probablly all speak english (kind of)!
ReplyDeleteYou have my dream calling. Just let me know if you want to trade me any time soon. I'm the Primary chorister...
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