First, but not the last

Gabe's first Primary Program

So, on mothers day (May 13, 2012) Gabe had the chance to sing in his first Primary Program! And oh was he excited. One of his primary leaders was sitting behind us and she was helping get Gabe excited and ready to go all the way up to the front of the chapel and sing. Let me paint a simple picture for you as I begin to unfold this experience. In our ward, there are usually 4+ rows of folding chairs that go into the basket ball court. We were sitting in row 3 of 4, from the podium, the back left. Well, when it was time for the children to go up front, Gabe quickly ran up front with all the other little people, and was standing in the front, from the podium, right corner. This put him at the furthest point from us that he could be, and close to the piano. Well, there he was, standing there with a huge smile on his face, ready to sing, and then it happened. The piano made some music. Gabe made an about face and pushed through the crowd and tried to play the piano too. One of the other primary leaders jumped up on stage, pulled him away from the piano, and held him on her lap for the whole program, which was luckily only one song, I think. The children singing did a great job. 

As they started to bounce down the stairs, to sit with their families, I'm going to guess that the primary leader who was still holding Gabe whispered something to the effect of: "the song is over, now it's time to go sit next to your mommy". Gabe, in his most polite and gentile manner responded with a loud, and direct "I don't want to sit next to my mommy!". This was followed by an equally loud howl and cry. If you have ever attended an LDS Primary Program, you know that everyone enjoys the short program, but we all are expecting, and waiting for that one kid who is the stand out, and usually makes everyone laugh. This year, it was Gabe. As he howled, the congregation started to chuckle, as did I. But was really made them laugh was when I stood up, on the second to last row, ran across the back, and down the isle, walking briskly through little people to pick up my crying son at the bottom of the stair he had just walked down. As I picked him up, I couldn't help but think this is funny, and I'm glad that this year was my son's turn. I hope that next year it goes to someone else. We walked around the hall ways, and then back to our seats, next to mommy, and Gabe did well the rest of the meeting. It was a great day, and after our meeting, I had several compliments, letting me know that Gabe stole the show, and he was their favorite part of the program. 

I love you Gabe! You make me smile, and you are my favorite Gabe!