Release

Today I was released as the Primary President in our ward. I'm relieved, but at the same time, rather sad, since I am rather fond of all those adorable little kids.

I spent my last week in the nursery showing the new president the ropes and chilling out with the only kid who showed up this week. His name is Talmage, he's three, and he's awesome. He sports a faux-hawk that he's rather proud of, he chatters non-stop, and he's a brilliant conversationalist.

After he explained to me that he has new toothpaste at home, he immediately found the doll stroller to play with; not to put dolls in, but to put himself in. His mum just had a baby, so I think that is where this impulse came from. After we convinced him that the stoller and doll pacifier were not made for big boys, he played with play-do, learned to make a popping sound with his mouth and finger, and played catch with me (his version of "catch" is to catch whatever light toss I send his way, then throwing a torpedo at me with all his strength. It resembeld a one-sided game of dodgeball with a willing, dutiful sucker [that would be me] who kept giving the other team ammo).

After this, we had our lesson: Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love me. What did Talmage take away from this lesson? That Nephites ("What are Nephites? I want to be a Nephite!") do not wear shirts. (This is all courtesy of a picture of Jesus surrounded by Nephite children).

Then at snack time we discussed our Nilla wafer preferences. He prefers his dipped in water. He does not think that Nilla wafers in milk would taste good at all. Marshmallows are also tasty dipped in water. He also does not like Nilla wafers that are chipped or broken. Those were for me.

We read books for approximately 15 minutes while Talmage supplied all the sound effects. Even for bunnies. Bunnies make terrifying sounds. As do mice.

After he left and I handed over the keys to the new president I realized that this calling probably had very little do to with what I had to offer these children. I had so much fun playing with that three-year-old.