Think Before I Act

I offended someone in my ward today and it makes me extremely sad. This is my second time being called as the nursery leader and it seriously burns me out, sometimes to the point of tears. Last Sunday I had a melt down after church because it was a long day! Vili had to work that morning, as he does every other Sunday, so I had to get to church with the girls by myself. We got there on time and everything went smoothly during sacrament because Talanoa slept (huge miracle and blessing) minus the fact that Elina stole an extra sacrament water. Lol. We ended up in the foyer but made it through most of the meeting surprisingly.

Nursery was a nightmare during second hour. Mandy Funaki, my new assistant, volunteered to do the lesson but barely made it through because the kids were so rowdy. They kept making noises, banging on the tables, talking over her and were constantly being loud. Elina is one of the older ones but was being the naughtiest and I could barely control her let alone the entire nursery of 15 or so kids. Talanoa was attached to my hip and wouldn't let go of me the entire time so that didn't help. I had to put kids in time out too which is very rare. I got home and broke down! I was beat! I love my calling and all my nursery kids but this calling is extremely draining. I have to look after and care for 15 or so kids, 2 of them my own, for two hours while everyone else gets to enjoy Sunday School and Relief Society lessons in the company of other adults. I am envious and I need to repent.

Anyways, because of my melt down and the fact that we had several kids not of nursery age last week I decided to put a sign up on our door today that said "SUNSET 12TH NURSERY AGES 18 MONTHS-3 YEARS ONLY! THANK YOU!" Just like that in all caps. I put it up without thinking that I could hurt someone's feelings or make people feel singled out. I know it was the right thing to do to enforce the rules but definitely not the right time or in the right spirit. I need to work on being less impulsive and thinking things through more thoroughly before acting. My new note for next week will say something along these lines. "Nursery is a class designed for children 18 months-3 years old in hopes to better prepare them for primary. Children under the age of 18 months are more than welcome to come if accompanied by a parent. Thank you!" I hope they understand that I'm just trying to do what's best for us and for the kids we are responsible for in this calling.