We definitely have llamas in Idaho. You’ll find them on farmland all over. They are farm animals, and pack animals.
But you won’t find any llamas in the Pocatello Zoo. Our local zoo is dedicated to species native to South East Idaho.
But even in Idaho, there is such a thing as poetic license.
A couple of weeks ago, I saw a baby lama and its mother in the hills south of Pocatello. 
So naturally, as we were driving home, I sang about a baby llama and its mama llama.
And by the time I got home, I had The Llama Song.
But there’s a reason I’m worried.
I wouldn’t bother clearing up the purpose of the Pocatello Zoo if I hadn’t already gotten into trouble because people have taken my songs seriously.
Back in 1976, my missionary companion, Sister Jensen, wasted a good amount of time looking for the toothpicks she assumed we had in our cupboard. Why did she assume we had toothpicks? Because I had written them into a song.
The song was about finding a package of Onion soup mix (which we did have in our cupboard) 
and lamenting that we had little more than that because our refrigerator was broken and the repairman still hadn’t come. We did have some seasonings you might expect in an apartment cupboard.
And we had some food sticks (a 70s fad food)
and some enchilada sauce mix, 
and some hardtack.
But no toothpicks.
So as early as 1976, I found myself apologizing for misleading a servant of God through my lyrics. She was not amused that I had rhymed “soup mix” with non-existent “toothpicks.”
The Refrigerator Song
Chewy chocolate food sticks
And a seasoning mix for enchiladas.
I can’t believe that all we’ve got is that.
Our refrigerator
Hasn’t worked for at least a week now.
Nothing to eat (of which to speak) now left.
Oregano leave and bullion cubes,
Vinegar and vanilla,
Meat tenderizing marinade, and monosodium glutamate.
Half of a cracker on a plate.
Wait! I found some hardtack
In the back of the cupboard near the toothpicks!
Here is a pack of onion soup mix, too.
I am so excited.
Once again, the Lord’s provided
Food for our lunch and life another day.
Sister, I think it’s your turn. Will you pray?
He loves his lilies in the field.
His eye is on the sparrow.
He knows the things we really need.
Faith, as a grain of mustard seed
Moves mountains. And yes, it even feeds
Missionaries.
Sister, in your prayer can
You remember the refrigerator repairman?
Ask if the Lord will please provide him, too.
But, until then, the onion soup will do.
oOo
So, before you hear The Llama Song, here is my disclaimer:
“There are no llamas in the Pocatello Zoo.”
The Llama Song
There was a baby llama
And a mama llama
And a papa llama, too.
And they said, “One day, we’re gonna make our way
To the Pocatello Zoo.”
So the mama llama said, “Come on, let’s go!”
Romping through the hills of Idaho
You’ll find the baby llama
And the mama llama
And the papa llama, too.
oOo
You can find more of my songs and children’s stories at MrsMiddlejoy.com.
Sue Scribbles 