I had so many things to say about today. Nothing that will make my kids look very good though, and nothing that will make me feel less embarrassed, so I think I'm gonna just leave the details out. Let's just say it was an interesting day at church...... Not my favorite Sunday. I'm hoping that it wasn't a sign of how the next 10 Sundays are going to be (yes, that's how many more I have without Nate), but really I'm hoping it was just a fluke and we'll have better luck next week.
This morning I was thinking about something we learned in Sunday School class in our ward in Taylorsville. I don't remember the actual lesson, but someone made a comment about how hard it is to go to church when you have young kids and how it hardly feels worth it because you're constantly having to get up and go out in the halls, screaming kids, potty breaks, etc. And I always remember what Brother Mark Neilson (he was actually our home teacher too) said- he said, "The whole reason we come to church is to worship. We don't necessarily come to hear the talks and lessons, they can help, but we come to worship." He said that we are there to be there and in Lord's house and showing that committment.
Not long after I sat down in Sacrament Meeting today, I realized why I had been reminded of that lesson. (That's one of the few lessons that will come back to me every so often when I need it) Anyway- it was a good thing I had been reminded of it today because I don't know if I would have made it through church otherwise. But really, when I look back on the day- it was awful, but at least I was there. I hope I didn't make everyone in my ward crazy by staying there, but I am glad I didn't leave. I have "something in me" that won't let me leave church early anyway- and I really don't want to teach my kids that we leave church early, but it wouldn't surprise me if there were people that would have rathered I not stay. I also kept thinking about how Nate always says that we're here to GUIDE our children, not CONTROL them. That's a tough one at church since you have everyone there watching you "guide" your children out into the foyer, but anyway- it's good for me to remember that too.
So anyway. I guess it was kind of good for me to sit there and watch Bradley throw tantrums and lay on the floor in the middle of the hallway, because it gave me some time to think, and re-evaluate what I need to be doing to handle his little issues. I think there are a lot of things I could do differently, and I am going to start this week. And hopefully we can get things straightened out before next week. I love going to church, and I love teaching my kids that that is what is best, and so I just want to figure things out. If anyone has any good ideas for keeping kids happy at church.....send them my way......I used to feel like I knew what I was doing, and that Nate and I had things under control pretty much, but HA! looks like it was just Nate that did :) lol jk. Guess I just got too cocky......
This morning I was thinking about something we learned in Sunday School class in our ward in Taylorsville. I don't remember the actual lesson, but someone made a comment about how hard it is to go to church when you have young kids and how it hardly feels worth it because you're constantly having to get up and go out in the halls, screaming kids, potty breaks, etc. And I always remember what Brother Mark Neilson (he was actually our home teacher too) said- he said, "The whole reason we come to church is to worship. We don't necessarily come to hear the talks and lessons, they can help, but we come to worship." He said that we are there to be there and in Lord's house and showing that committment.
Not long after I sat down in Sacrament Meeting today, I realized why I had been reminded of that lesson. (That's one of the few lessons that will come back to me every so often when I need it) Anyway- it was a good thing I had been reminded of it today because I don't know if I would have made it through church otherwise. But really, when I look back on the day- it was awful, but at least I was there. I hope I didn't make everyone in my ward crazy by staying there, but I am glad I didn't leave. I have "something in me" that won't let me leave church early anyway- and I really don't want to teach my kids that we leave church early, but it wouldn't surprise me if there were people that would have rathered I not stay. I also kept thinking about how Nate always says that we're here to GUIDE our children, not CONTROL them. That's a tough one at church since you have everyone there watching you "guide" your children out into the foyer, but anyway- it's good for me to remember that too.
So anyway. I guess it was kind of good for me to sit there and watch Bradley throw tantrums and lay on the floor in the middle of the hallway, because it gave me some time to think, and re-evaluate what I need to be doing to handle his little issues. I think there are a lot of things I could do differently, and I am going to start this week. And hopefully we can get things straightened out before next week. I love going to church, and I love teaching my kids that that is what is best, and so I just want to figure things out. If anyone has any good ideas for keeping kids happy at church.....send them my way......I used to feel like I knew what I was doing, and that Nate and I had things under control pretty much, but HA! looks like it was just Nate that did :) lol jk. Guess I just got too cocky......
*****On a much more positive note- I want to thank Dad and Pam for saving the day!! What a blessing it was to have them pop in with dinner!!! Thank you SO MUCH!!! ********
AND ALSO CHARITY'S TALK WENT SO WELL!!!!! She did awesome! And I have to say what a pleasure it was to sit in the back and listen as she READ her talk all by herself- awwwww........
(sad that I actually still complain about the bad when there were such wonderful things that occurred.....I need to work on that!)
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9 comments:
I know!!!! I'm thinking Arbys.
I remember months ago when I was feeling the EXACT same way about taking my kids to church by myself. A little bird (aka you) told me that we will be blessed for going! If anything- go for the blessings! :) That sticks with me every single Sunday. So hang in there! You know you are gaining blessings because of your sacrifice and hard work!
You're so sweet Julie- that's the only reason I feel like I am going at this point :) Like I'm looking for a pay check at the end :) (not really, sorry if that sounded bad) But thanks for the reminder- I'm grateful for you and your example!!!
We all need to be there. The person thinking you should leave really needs to be there. So just worry about your cute family and don't worry about what everyone else thinks. You are your worst critic. I am not looking forward to this. next Sunday is my first alone. yikes. Try Seagull Book, they have those plastic things with beads inside, clear window, and little toys that you have to find in the beads. They are cute. Good luck.
Christa, relax! You did NOT embarrass yourself. We have all been there before. Sundays are hard and you have 5 very young children. There are going to be tough Sundays!! It's okay!
I'm sorry I wasn't more of a help to you though. My own kids were misbehaving and I didn't even see you slip out or I would have distracted Bradley before he could follow you. Next time, throw a gummy bear at me and signal that you need to leave. That's why you are sitting by us, remember, so we can help!
And, you are right. It's not about hearing everything that is being taught. It's about showing our dedication to Heavenly Father and I honestly think we mothers who are constantly battling with kids during church get extra special blessings. I'm just sure of it!
Hang in there! You are doing great and remember I AM ALWAYS HERE to help! You just have to let me know what you need and I'm there!
QUIT YOUR WHINING!!!! You should have been watching how Nate did it all those times but now that he is gone you are without the true adult in the family. I always told him that he had six kids but he never believed me.
Christa, I am just kidding. I know how hard it is and I only have 3 kids and Paulette does all the hard work. Hang in there and you will be blessed for your sacrifices. Let us know if you need anything.
thanks
Jared and Paulette
(I came over from reading Julie's website.) I have four children under the age of eight and I struggle with this all the time. I'm still experiementing with what works best, but I figure if I can at least get 1 thing out of my meetings I'm doing pretty dang good. And really when it comes down to it, it all boils down to us setting a good example for our children. Elder Holland recently said, "It seems to me that the Lord's commandment to us is not simply to bear children, it is to bear them with the idea that we will save them." If you're doing your best it has to be good enough.
I'm very thankful that I read your blog. Sundays have been such a struggle for me lately. I'm praying that things will get better and your words have given me a better insight. Thanks!
thanks everyone!! I so appreciate everyone's support....Jen- you were my life line yesterday- I don't know if you realize how much I appreciate just seeing you there in the hall much less during sacrament meeting- thanks for being so willing--I will figure things out eventually- hopefully!
What a day! I sympathize!! My husband left me for 12 weeks this spring and just trying to control my 2 year old made me crazy. The other days were o.k. but sundays were the worst! There were a couple I left crying... My advice is just ask for some help- maybe your mom or sister wouldnt mind sitting with you during sacrament or maybe an older family or couple in your ward who "misses" sitting with kids.
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