Steppin' Up

Our little girl is growing up. Not only has she made great strides in her mental and physical growth since we came home 16 months ago, she is now into the next step of her walk of faith. Sunday, our church had their annual Steppin' Up celebration during church. This is where the kids parade into the sanctuary with different colored balloons to represent their different aged classes and they move to their new class.

Well, this year Meighan was old enough to move from nursery to Preschool A (based on her birthdate). She got to carry an orange balloon and most of the kids in this class had a parent to carry them or walk them in. After the parade and a song with the congregation, they all went to their new class. The teacher, Miss Marlo, immediately got out Playdoh for the kids to play with. Meighan was a little apprehensive about touching it but I worked a little bit in my hand to show her what to do with it. She eventually sat down on a chair and I eventually slipped out of the room to join Tony in the service. Afterwards, we went to get her (and show Tony where the room is) and I think she hadn't moved from that chair and one of the helpers was playing with her with the Playdoh! Others of the kids were down playing with toys, etc., but Meighan hadn't moved! She liked the Playdoh! She did wonderful!

I, however, had my little "mom moment" and teared up a little while walking into the sanctuary with her -- knowing that this is a "next step" for her. I'm also a little disappointed that she will be in Sunday School and not sitting with us most of the time. She has come with us to the service most of the time and she's done pretty well. I wanted her to know how to sit in church (as much as a toddler sits!)

So, after Sunday School and church, they had a big celebration out on the front lawn with 3 bouncy houses (something Meighan just LOVES!), carnival games with little prizes, face painting, balloon artists, vinyl sign makers and a meal consisting of hamburgers/hot dogs, chips, drinks and ice cream bars. It was kinda hot that day but at least it wasn't rainy. Quite a nice day for something like that.

So now Meighan will get to spend time with some kids her own age (and maybe start talking more?) and we will actually get to listen to the sermon. There's good and bad things to having Sunday School during the worship service.