One of the phrases, 'Jesus healed, the leper' well Aria insisted on singing 'Leopard' and would emphasize the D at the end. So we had a little lesson about what a leper is and so when I related it to the song, that the word is actually leper, she turned to me and said 'ok mom, but I'm still going to say Leopard.' funny girl, but she did stop singing the D shortly after that.
Well it so happens that Siena this same month has been going through some anxiety issues. Long story but the week leading up to it I knew there was no way she would get up in front of our congregation and sing with everyone else. Aria is my little singer and lately has no fear so I wasn't worried about her. But because they had been practicing it over and over I really wanted Siena to get up there and sing as well. So I did what any mother would do...I bribed them. Tell me I'm not the only mother that bribes her children?. So I told them if they got up and sang the song that when they sat back down I had a few candies and a cookie for them.
They had the whole primary come early that day and practice. Aria got right up there but didn't sing a word. Siena cried every time I tried to walk her up there. At the very end of practice she got up there and stood and was fine. But neither of them sang. I was totally ok with that. I just wanted them to feel like they had participated after singing the song so much all month.
So when it was time to get up there, I walked them both up there and I told Siena I would just sit on the front row. I also told Aria that she needed to sing loud because she loves this song so much. So the music starts and oh my gosh it was the cutest thing to see them up there singing. Siena smiled, waved to her dad when she spotted him and even sang the chorus. I was soo proud of her because I knew how nervous she was and to not only stand up there but also smile and sing! Aria though stole the show. She sang sooo loud. She sang just about louder then the rest of the primary together. She was so loud. I asked Shane if he could hear her back where he was and he said 'oh yes, I'm positive everyone heard her.'
So here's the best part...the kids are all done singing, the piano is playing the little closing bars and Aria, while the piano is still playing looks right at me and pretty loudly says 'Mom...treat! I want my treat.' The first few rows all started laughing. I'm pretty sure my face was bright red as we all headed back to our seats. So yes now everyone knows I bribe my children. They got their treats and it all turned out just great.
It's been 2 weeks since they sang the song and they are still singing it. It's the cutest thing to see your children sing, especially ones that are so meaningful.
PS Not to be out done, but they sang for Mother's day and this time I walked them up and went and sat back down with Shane and Jaron. Right as the music was about to start Siena decided to yell back to where I was sitting 'Mom, I have to go Potty.' When I shook my head no (cuz it's a nervous thing she does, she didn't really have to go.) she said it again. So she came and sat back down with me while Aria stood up there, but didn't sing cuz we had been gone the previous 2 weeks and she didn't really know the song. So that's 2 for 2 of making the audience laugh during sacrament primary songs!
