Wednesday, October 28, 2009

The Impossible Challenge

Chase's new Primary Teacher (his name is a mystery...we have tried asking around but nobody knows?) issued a challenge to his class two weeks ago. For every Article of Faith that the kids memorized he would reward them with a candy bar.

I am sure he was thinking that the kids would come back with a handful memorized tops. But Chase seeing an opportunity to boost the contents of his "candy storage" (I need to post about that) asked, "what if we memorize all 13?" His teacher said, "no problem, 13 candy bars!" They only had a week though.

So Chase came home from Church and told us about his goal for the week. I totally thought that it would be impossible. He only knew two to start with and there are some really hard ones - right... But trying to be unnaturally optimistic I gave him an encouraging you can do it - but it will be really hard, sure it's possible - but it will be a lot of work, I know you can - but you'll have to dedicate a lot of time to it...kind of speech.

All week Chase carried around his Article of Faith card (as seen above). It went to school, on errands and I found it on his bed every night when I went to tuck him in. We tried learning some of the primary hymns to help (not a big fan of those songs - they are seriously atonal). I helped him learn some of them line by line. But it was all Chase. He worked on them constantly all week.

And on Sunday, he was ready. All thirteen swimming around in his head. He was so excited to recite them for his teacher. Apparently his classmates and teacher were pretty surprised.

And so was I. But I shouldn't have been. This is Chase, my son. When he is motivated and determined there is no stopping him. He is a boy with a mission. And when Chase wants something - nothing is impossible!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

You mean to tell me that Chase really did learn all 13 AOF!!!!No-way, that is the most amazing thing ever, I am totally impressed.
Good work Chase, You are one really totally cool guy.
Love you
Grandma D

The Roberts Rollercoaster RIde said...

I hope my son is just like yours!

Sarah said...

So did he get the 13 candy bars? Full size or Halloween size?

(You know me, gotta get to the important stuff . . . )

Honeycombs said...

I am excited to hear about this "candy stash" he sounds like a kid after my own heart. Who said not to use food as a motivator?

Jennifer said...

They were full fledge, real sized, super yummy, a dollar a piece candy bars! Maybe I should send him a check...

Dr. Awesome said...

Good for Chase. I only have 6 of thirteen. I also have until whenever I have my conference with the bishop to memorize the other 7. That will probably be in about 2 or 3 weeks. I wish I got a candy bar for every one I memorized.


Micah,

Nicole said...

Wow! I love chocolate- but I'm not that dedicated...

Awesome picture, by the way.

Anonymous said...

Wow Chase, all 13?? Great job.
Tucson Grandpa.

Heather said...

Good for Chase! I agree with you on those songs. They really don't work musically but they sure help with memorizing. I can't hear an A of F without singing those songs in my head.