This year, Talullah has graduated to the next Sunday School class, so the girls are no longer in the same class on Sunday mornings. At our church Christmas program, Talullah got to stand up with her classmates as each one took a turn saying their letter (spelling out Christmas), along with a fairly long line that they had to memorize. I wasn't sure Talullah would be up for the task since she tends to be a bit shy. This little girl proved me wrong! She practiced her line every single day, reciting it to anyone who would listen. I wish I had memorized it so I could tell you what she said, but take my word for it. She was amazing. She was the very last S, and she walked up boldly and spoke directly into the microphone. Whew. I'm getting all teary eyed just remembering it.
Berlyn is typically not quite as timid. I really didn't worry too much about her joining in with the preschool class singing Away In A Manager. Wouldn't you know, as soon as I walked her into meet her class for a practice run before the show, my little girl froze up. She refused to cooperate. She threw a fit when I tried to put her gown on. There was no way I could get her to wear the head covering. She was supposed to play Mary, for crying out loud, and she wouldn't even look at the pretend baby Jesus, let alone hold it. Jantz took on the role of good dad and rocked the baby while they sang their practice run. Berlyn stood there scowling, sucking on her pointer finger. I was trying everything. I'll give you candy, if you'll please just participate. Berlyn... dad is here. Grammy and Grandpa and Nana and Papa came to watch you. We're going to be proud of you being a good girl up there. I hate to say I might have thrown a threat or two out there, but what's a mom to do?! Here's the little girl playing the mother of our sweet baby Jesus... Lord have mercy.
Finally, I told her that I would go up on the stage and stand with her. I would let her suck her finger as soon as we finished the song. And she could have a lollipop. Awful parenting, I know. Don't get all judgy. I walked up behind my daughter, and my word, I was in absolute awe. As soon as we stood in front of 300 plus people and the bright lights were shining in our faces, my darling little girl just came alive. She looked out into the sea of people with a smile on her beautiful face and sang the song, doing the hand motions as directed. She waved when she saw daddy taking pictures. After the song, I had to urge her off stage because she wanted to sit next to the manger with Jesus.
What a diva! The rest of the night I sat in my pew next to my husband with my mouth agape. We pulled it off. How could I have ever doubted my girls? I am such a proud, blessed mother.
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