RE-Defining

Our Ward/Local Congregation will have it's annual Christmas Program this upcoming Sunday.  The Mr. and I are participating by singing in the choir.  Last Sunday after church, we practiced in the Chapel.  Before practice commenced, I talked to the kids about my expectations for their behavior during practice - the Mr. and I have a habit of doing this before church on Sunday or pretty much each time they enter the chapel.  The reminder goes something like this:  "How do you think we want you to sit? ... Do you think you should stay in the room? ... Are you allowed to run around? ... If you need to talk, how do you do it? ... etc. or blah, blah, blah."  The answers don't usually vary and the success rate, once age is factored in, is considerable ... 

So back to last Sunday.  When I sat down, I explained to my friend what my hopes were for the kiddies and I told her she could place her bets.  I didn't think it would last longer than 10 minutes, I think she gave them 5.  It lasted for 13 minutes - impressive, right?  It ended when, from my seat, I saw a little head bopping up and down as Little Miss jumped across a bench; at least I won the bet.  By the way, she was jumping on the bench, but at least she did so quietly.  B sat with his friends and colored.

About 1/2 way through the practice.  B runs up to tattle on his sister:

"Mom ... she's having FUN."

Me:  "Do you mean she's doing something she's not supposed to do?  Because you're allowed to have fun in church ..."

B:  Confused facial expression.

Apparently, we need to explain that sitting on a 6 foot long pew, staying in the room, not running around and whispering can be fun ... or something like that.  Hey, I thought 10 minutes was impressive ... the rest was entertaining and even [gasp!] FUN.