"If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." - Ronald Reagan

Sunday, April 19, 2009

When the Sunbeams hate you...

For those of you not familiar with the LDS faith and the names of it's Sunday School classes for children, you might think that I am referring to actual beams of lights from the sun and their apparent aversion to me. Nope. Mormon kids aged 3 to 4 years old are called Sunbeams. And since my beloved Boy is one of these, I occasionally get asked to teach his class when the assigned teachers are unavailable. Normally, it's fine and I enjoy it. Normally, the kids have a good time and even learn a little about Jesus. Normally, I don't spend the rest of the afternoon fighting back tears as I scour my many hiding places for more chocolate.

The Man says I shouldn't let it bother me. Then again, he is a man. He is also emotionally stable and has a healthy sense of self-esteem. But when a small child spends the better part of an hour muttering an endless - albeit creative - list of reasons why he doesn't like you, it tends to wear you down. I even brought candy! What kid's devotion isn't easily purchased by candy?

I'm just glad that when his parents picked him up from class they didn't ask how he was or I might have burst into tears and clung to his mother, asking her to tell me I am nice or funny or pretty - anything to make up for what her son said.

I'd write more but I think I'll go make some brownies...

18 comments:

Kristina P. said...

Oh, Jessica, how is that even possible! I'm sure you were wonderful.

This is why child labor should be legal. You know.

Bonnie the Boss said...

Jessica, you are nice and funny. At least it wasn't your own child. My only daughter dosn't even like me. That is a real self esteem builder.

Amanda said...

You are nice, FUNNY, and pretty:) Who will you believe? Me or a 3 year old boy??????

Mary~Momathon said...

Maybe they can move that kid to the Dense Fog class.

Shauna said...

Guess what... I teach the sunbeams EVERY week and I hear you! I think you are awesome and pretty and wonderful :) Big Warm HUGS :)

Jan said...

Jesus wants you for a sunbeam teacher. To shine on them each week :)

You are great.

Me (aka Danielle) said...

Would it make you feel better if I told you that you are funny, charming, witty and my very favorite Jessica G in the whole wide world? NO? I have twix and snickers...now what do you say?

Emma said...

You are wonderful Jessica. Stupid little kid, he probably does it to his own mother and makes her cry. You are beautiful woman with the funniest sense of humor.

Jessica said...

What?! Does he not know who you are? If he was old enough to read your blog, he would know better. Teaching can be rough.

Just SO said...

Me thinks the child needs some therapy. How could anyone not like you?

Diane said...

Sunbeams are so totally overrated...that kid probably doesn't even know how to blog! What A loser! Bake him some brownies with zucchini hidden in them. That'll teach him!

Michelle said...

anyone willing to teach sunbeams is a hero in my eyes! my daughter is a sunbeam, but doesn't always shine :)

our very small ward has a HUGE sunbeam class this year--it makes up more than half of our jr. primary--with 14 of them (& 2 sets of twins)

I am the choirister--try teaching songs (& hymns to that group!)
)

Jo said...

I taught Sunbeams and Star A for 9 years. I think they liked me, but I don't remember much, so perhaps I have just erased it from memory. What a little card he is, I can't believe he found even one reason to not like you, much less a list. Creative doesn't cover it, I must insist he was totally lying!

Jillybean said...

I can't imagine any reason why he wouldn't like you. The kid must be crazy.

I taught the Sunbeams for two years. The first class was fine, but the second year, I'm pretty sure 6 out of the 7 kids in my class didn't like me.

Rupper Family said...

I could hear my son screaming bloody murder in sharing time from the chapel yesterday, no joke. Apparently his teacher made him moved seats and he let her know he didn't like it. (He has separation anxiety and they moved him away from his sis) I sent Daddy to confirm because I check out at church, I take Sundays off!

Just think about the two hours that kids' Mom enjoyed without him, she probably needed it badly if he treats another adult like that! And the kid, he probably needed you to give him the ol' stink eye and eat his candy right in front of him! Try that next time!

Robyn said...

You are so funny! I was hoping that they really called you in there for reals, you are the permenant sub! But if it makes you feel better, I have had some kids hurt my feel bads before too! No worries! You rock!

Mary said...

This was my VERY FIRST calling after I was married and in a new ward...and why I NEVER want to work with them again! I dread that class more than Relief Society (I just got the irony...I hate going to "relief" society..hahahaha)

Kids can be so cruel without even knowing it. Don't worry, you are loved by adults!!!

Unknown said...

YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL...FUNNY...PETTY...LOVELY...CREATIVE...WONDERFUL MOTHER...I don't think I'll ever make up for it! I'm truly mortified...and have cried a lot of tears...that I'm not sure even chocolate will make up for...you just never expect your own child to be the one being the mean one. We're going to have so many talks about respect and manners...he's not going to know there's anything else to talk about....but manners...respect...and appreciation. I agree with one of those comments...you should have eaten the candy in front of him and given him the ol' stink eye! If only sorry was enough. But I'm sorry. Love you.

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