Stephen's first day in Nursery!

Since Stephen turned 18 months old last week, he is now legal to enter the Church nursery.  We have been looking forward to this day.  Our strategy was to have Daddy take him in and get him to feel comfortable and then leave.  It worked well.  We only peeked in on him twice.  We made sure he didn't see us.  I just think it's so cute how parents want to make sure their kiddos are safe and happy in a new place.  I must tell you that I was concerned about the nursery leaders that were there just a few weeks before Stephen was to go in.  They were all young Moms with their own babies in the nursery and one was very pregnant.  They were worn out.  I put a plug in to our RS pres (since I'm her first counselor), that it would be wonderful to have "Grandma aged" sisters serving there.  They love little children.  I always remember Sister Wadsworth serving in the 6th ward nursery.  She LOVED her calling because she LOVED the little ones.  She always had great activites and music going on.  Mom and I enjoyed going in to do music time when we were the primary chorister and pianist together.  

So, our RS pres passed this info on to the Primary pres and lo and behold, two weeks before Stephen was to enter nursery, two Grandma aged sisters were called to serve these precious children.  When I saw these sisters stand when they were called to their callings in sacrament mtg., a great peace came over me.  I felt as if I could stand and sustain them with all of my heart.  I KNEW they were called of the Lord.  I felt strongly that Heavenly Father knew my concerns and that he provided a way for me to feel good about sending Stephen to nursery.  I knew he would be protected. loved and well taught.  I told one of the nursery leaders of my experience when they were called.  We shared a hug and a few tears.  I think our children's teachers need to know how much we appreciate them.  I decided to make a little 'survival kit' for Stephen's nursery leaders to give them at the end of his first day yesterday.  I wrote them a card of how grateful we were that they accepted their callings and how we feel about it.  I also put a lot of "pick me up" candy in a cute bag to keep them going on Sundays.  Make sure and take time to appreciate someone who has taught you or your children.  It makes a huge impact!
Here is Stephen with his first butterfly crown from nursery.  I had to give him a snack in order to capture the picture. : )  He did not want to wear this for too long.  His teacher made all the kids one and taught them about being grateful for butterflies.  How cute!
ha! ha! Mommy...I got it off.  Nursery is so much fun, I just prefer not to wear my butterfly crown.
How about snack time instead?  I think my favorite part of nursery so far is snack time!  Bring on the goldfish!
I have to remind my teacher how to spell my name (see my crown), but I do love her (them) so much.  They smile all the time and make me feel happy inside.  I think I'm gonna like it here.