Righteous, Dude.

As soon as Oscar started talking G encouraged him to participate in prayers.  I was impressed with how young a child can be and understand that he should clasp his hands together and say "amen" at the end.  His precious "amens," cued by the name of our Lord, became a source of pride and amusement during church as he joined the congregation in saying "amen" at the end of prayers and talks---and of a wee bit of embarrassment as, in the middle of the sacrament prayer, a lone, resounding "amen" came from our pew.  And it was very funny indeed as we watched General Conference last October.  Bless his little heart.  I'm not sure if he gets what "amen" means.  Or perhaps he really gets it:  he also states it very authoritatively when he closes a book, slams down the lid of the laptop, or wants me to stop talking.

Later he started doing shout-outs during prayer.  "More snow!"  Daddy would petition Heavenly Father for more snow, if it was right.  "Oscar play in it!"  "Daddy play in it!"  "Car play in it!"  G duly asked that we might all play in it.  Another favorite was "More bubbles!"  (G would sometimes bring those little packing pillows home from work for Oscar to pop.)  To my surprise, we got snow this year later than expected.  And bubbles abounded.  Could it be?  These days, unfortunately, we are hard pressed to get him to do anything other than run around wildly shouting at the top of his lungs during prayer time.  I guess there won't be any more snow.

Oscar was fascinated with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir during conference as well.  It was the only time he was transfixed by the proceedings.  He sang along.  It is also true that he will only sit still in sacrament meeting during the hymns.  He holds his book and sings like any other congregant.  Or at least like any other congregant who is tone deaf and doesn't know the words.  So he fits right in.  Singing time is also his favorite part of nursery, and he's really learning the songs (which will later play into his most precious display of religious inclination).

For virtually every family home evening, we bring out the gospel art book and look at the pictures.  Oscar identifies "prophets" in general, and "Prophet Monson," "Prophet Smith," and "Prophet Moroni" in particular.  Moroni is putting the "gold plates" into a "hole."  He also identifies "temples," and, of course, "Jesus."  When asked whom Jesus loves, he replies, "Oscar."  Awww.

It gets better.  When Oscar is in his high chair eating he often points to the picture above our table and says, "temple."  Once when he did this I said, "We love going to the temple."  He shyly used his hand to cover his eyes and beaming smile and said sweetly, "someday."  Isn't he the loveliest boy ever!

The picture above our table is of the Notre Dame cathedral.  Oops.