Today’s post is a THROWBACK to last October! It is one of my most viewed and most commented on blog posts for some reason! Enjoy!
SO first of all, Sunday Morning coming down is probably my favorite Johnny Cash song of like EVER. (also I did not have beer for breakfast like Johnny Cash did in the song)
Second of all, my Sunday was such a story it deserves an entire blog post dedicated to it. Actually, now that I’m typing it, should really be broken into two blog posts! Brace yourself for a LONG (entertaining) post!
So daylight savings time….with kids….SUCKS.
Gannon was a good boy, he slept in. Carver? Up and READY to go at 0530 am. I wanted Craig to be able to sleep in so I got up with Carver.
Carver dreads Sunday school. He is REALLY young (just turned three in September) but we are trying to get him used to going and trying new things without us being there to coddle him.
Day one of Sunday school Carver ended up SCREAMING under the table the entire time. We talked a lot about it and decided to give it a few weeks and try again.
I’ve been chatting about Carver’s behaviors with one of the members of the congregation who is helping us out with finding the best environment for him. She volunteered to go to Sunday School and stay with him as his helper so we can transition him into Sunday School better! How sweet is that? (Huge shoutout to you Jeanne 🙂 )
So we got Carver ready for Sunday school and we were already meeting resistance. The conversation on the way to Sunday school sounded like this:
Mommy: “No crying today Carver. You’re a big boy and you know I’m coming back to get you after class.”
Carver: “Me love to cry mommy!”
So we got to Sunday school LATE after driving out to the farm where my car died on my combine/date night/late night with Craig (more on that later) and Craig was able to jump start it. So that was a fun start to the day.
I walked Carver into Sunday school, I found him a spot next to his favorite friends from Grandma Joey’s house and he said, “BYE MOM!”
I was SHOCKED. Jeanne took over from there and I was off to the craft show in Waucoma to meet mom and Kelli for a little shopping!
Daylight savings means THREE THINGS: Extra hour of sleep, the craft show in Waucoma, KOLACHES and the Turkey Valley Music Boosters Supper (fried chicken!)
We picked up a few things (mostly kolaches), met with a vendor who used to go to mom’s daycare when she was super little to arrange some customization for mom’s Christmas present.
Kelli was there and if you’ve ever shopped with Kelli you know how long it can take. Here’s Gannon and I waiting for her in the lobby:
DO IT FOR THE BLOG!!!
So we got out to my car and it had died AGAIN!!! (for the second time in 24 hours!!) 🙁 So obviously that will need to be addressed sometime this week…
SO we all packed in the truck with mom and Kelli and the babies and headed to church.
We got to church, we went to get Gannon out of his car seat and he was SOAKED. UGH! So I went out to my car to get my diaper bag except….
MY CAR WAS DEAD BACK IN WAUCOMA!
SO I have nothing – not even a diaper. Thank goodness Kelli was with Georgia so I could at least borrow a diaper from her. The irony is that Gannon’s diaper wasn’t even wet. – he somehow peed out of his diaper all over his clothes…and it was super cold in church so wet pants were better than no pants. I wrapped his bottom half in the blanket and called it good. Mental note: DON’T FORGET THE DIAPER BAG!
So into church we go and it is always a struggle to get all of the kids rounded up into a church pew. Carver is 3, Gannon and Georgia are both 8 months old. Gannon is soaking wet and Carver is OVER church – he just got through an hour of Sunday school.
Friendly reminder: WE HAVE NO DIAPER BAG so nothing to entertain Carver OR Gannon. Carver has his cowboy boots which are the loudest pair of shoes known to man. Gannon is 22lbs now and is HEAVY but also wet so I hold him. Here’s how church went:
Carver dropped his quarters for offering about 3 times. They clanged on the pew followed by “MY QUARTERS!”
Carver says “Can we go home yet?” about how many more times.
Gannon squirms out of my arms, I can’t put him on the floor, I can’t pawn him off, now the blanket is too warm for him as I have his bottom half covered up so now he is sweaty.
Carver covers his ears and pronounces, “THAT’S TOO LOUD!” whenever we sing.
Carver clacks his boots on the pew about 6 more times.
Gannon has gotten a hold of the bookmarks in the hymns and is now eating them.
Carver announces he has to go potty.
Carver drops his quarters again and they go rolling under the pew.
Carver asked my mom “Where’s God?”
Carver asked my mom “How do I give my money to God?”
Carver literally SHAKES the bench of the two ladies sitting in front of us.
UGH. Guys. Church is HARD right now.
Today was all Saints day so we recognized those who have been baptized in the congregation in the past year and those who have passed away from our congregation in the past year.
The includes Gannon and my Dad. Seeing Dad’s name in the bulletin printed out under the deceased column is just something I didn’t think I’d see. What if I had shown myself that a year ago? No one would have thought he had crazy aggressive lung cancer growing inside of him at that moment.
So we decided to go visit Papa Moo at the cemetary after church. Carver left
“corn leaves” at his grave. We always leave something, (flowers that we pick, leaves, grass, corn husks) at the base of his stone and we see if it is there when we come back. Carver says “Papa moo took them!” It is a silly game. I don’t know if that is healthy for him to think that Papa Moo actually has the ability to come back but it is something fun for Carver.
After that we had a hang out day at mom’s for a little bit. I made lunch for everyone so they could try my Ramen Carbonara recipe:
We had a wonderful afternoon!
(a daylight savings time tradition)
Kelli showed me her new BAG! Remember this bag from my earlier blog post?
I’ve gotten messages from readers who have order them (about 25 readers bought one!) and they LOVE them – Kelli got a different version/design. It is SO cute!!! I almost like Kelli’s design better than mine! This would make an EXCELLENT gift for a nurse or teacher or mom or ANYONE who carries bags I guess! I love the side pockets for water bottles the best 🙂
HERE IS THE LINK if you want one! They have more designs now!
Click on the SHOP NOW button:
Or follow this link:
(you MAY have to dry the link on a desktop computer and if you are reading this as a member of my email list go to my actual website thepinkshoelaces.com and find it there!)
If you ever purchase any amazon products from MY link, I do get commission. If you buy, let’s just say, $150 worth of other stuff while you’re on Amazon by following my link, I also get commission on those things you purchase. It’s a way to support my blog and it is a way to score some great quality products. I just want to be honest with you guys. I would have raved about this product even if I didn’t make any money off of it.
We had a nice time at Grandma Joey’s house BUT!
The very best part of the day is that it was RAINING!
That means…..
Daddy came home from the combine!
Thanks for reading friends! Any suggestions on how to keep Carver and Gannon under control in church? I feel like I don’t get anything out of the service which is so sad. Especially because I know the boys aren’t getting anything out of it either… Leave a comment below or on social media!
As always please leave a LIKE if you’re coming from Facebook! It helps others see my blog posts!
Every young parent struggles with this! If you go often they eventually get used to the routine. When I see young parents bring their kids to church and the kids are making a fuss, I think,”at least they are bringing them to church”! I know it’s tough! Hang in there!
Your Sunday sounds like several of my typical Sunday’s when my children were small. They are full of life and inquisitive.
I purchased one of the Demoment bags the day you first posted about them. It is already filled with my sewing goodies. Finally, a bag perfect for my ”stuff”.
They have to get used to being in church..I bought same bag as Kelly and love it!
Thanks for the gentle nudge on the awesome bag! I ordered one of the new colors just now!,
I agree with the previous post. It will get better. I was reminded of those days as I read your post. (Including the car struggles)
But I also just read an article written by a priest. His comment was that if “we aren’t hear children, our church is dying”. That to me, said a lot.
Talk about going to church periodically. Make it an important part of your life.
Breathe….we have survived it before you and it will get easier. ?
My granddaughter, Emily, thought the pastor was Jesus. One Sunday, just as the sermon was over and all was quiet for a minute, she loudly asked ~ in her sweet 6 year old voice ~ “Grandma, why do we have to dress up to come to church, but Jesus always gets to wear his bathrobe?” Oh my, everyone within earshot of her was doing their best to keep the laughter down.
Yes the trials of church with little ones plus I played the organ!!!! One Sunday I had three on the organ bench with me as my husband was unable to be there!!!! They all sat perfectly still and no one touched a key!!!!!! But it does get better!!! Yesterday we sat with three of our grandchildren and my 5 year old grandson told me it was ok to talk as long as we whispered!!!!(which can be heard two pews ahead???) but we were in church!!!!! Remember Jesus said to bring the little children to him?
Just keep taking them to church, for better or worse! This is how they learn. As everyone has said, it will get better!
27 years ago this Christmas Eve, we spent much of the service out in the vestibule with our 1 month old and our 2 year old along with the parents of infant twins, their 2 year old and her mother. As people left the service, so many of them thanked us for bringing our babies to church and remarked how the crying babies were so appropriate for the night. “It made it so much more meaningful”. and “it’s been years since we had so many babies crying in church”. Advice? Just grin and bear it for the most part. Check for “busy bags” at church. Raid the church nursery or SS room for toys. Accept help when offered. Dollar bill instead of quarters. Sit in a less full area of the pews or around people you know will not mind. Sing hymns at home and try to teach Carver to sing along. Don’t take them out every time they whimper; they learn cause and effect so soon. AND LEAVE THE COWBOY BOOTS AT HOME!!! That may be a struggle but maybe a pair of rubber rain boots could substitute. I had a son who wore “Chrismafer Robin” boots (black rain boots) everywhere for months. Yes, to church. Yes, shopping and running errands. Yes, he even wore them to the beach. Yes, just grin and bear it.
I agree with the other readers just keep taking them to Sunday School and church. They’ll settle in to the routine and look forward to it. It’s a great joy for us older folks to see littles in church crying wiggles noise and all.
My kids always had nursery when I was in church when they were that age…good thing because I sang in choir!! How about a busy book for Carver that incorporated things from the Bible?? The ark with an animal or two that fit in pockets, zippers, buttons, snaps, pages that fold out to be bigger, yarn to braid, farm scenes with farm animals. If the book(s) were saved to only be played with in church, that may help keep his interest. Gannon…frozen teething ring…my imagination ran out, but here: https://wehavekids.com/parenting/BringingKidsandBabiestoChurchHowtoBringYourChildrentoChurchKeepThemCalmQuietDuringtheService, https://intentionalbygrace.com/7-busy-bags-to-engage-your-toddler-12-18-months/, http://www.ldsliving.com/5-Fabulous-Activities-Ways-to-Keep-Kids-Quiet-During-Sacrament-Meeting/s/73504, https://www.findingjoyinthejourney.net/10-ways-to-keep-kids-busy-in-church/
My suggestion? Keep leading from your heart. It takes “big love” and that’s something that is not in short supply in your family. Take care.
I have to agree with everyone. I’ve been there, done that, too! Hopefully the routine of it will sink in. I’ll always remember one comment that a dear friend made one Sunday in church. I had three little ones and was up and down and in and out several times and by the end of church was questioning if it was worth it. The dear friend said, ” Thank the dear Lord they can walk and talk!” That comment has stuck with me and I’ve repeated to other young mothers through the years. So…..This, too, shall pass. They grow up quickly, although while you’re in the moment, it’s day by day! enjoy every moment! You’re doing a great job, Mom!
Please keep going to church. My kids had children’s church until they were kindergarten age except for one Sunday each month when they were in the service with us. I brought books, crayons and coloring books for them to play with quietly on the floor. Some friends quit going to church saying it was too hard and they tried to begin again when their kids were about 5 or 6. Their kids never wanted to go to church and don’t go to this day which breaks their parents hearts. Persevere. It will be worth it. And though you may think you are bothering others at church you aren’t. I always look at moms like you with thanksgiving that you are doing the right thing for your child.
Echoing the other comments, keep taking the kids to church. Your heart wants to be there and the kids will adapt. I never had kids. When I hear kids in church, I’m not bothered at all.
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Hugs to you, sweet Mom!
I love your story! Our pastor says it is God who put the wiggle in our little ones!!
At my church a section of the back/last pew was taken out. The area was carpeted, rocking chairs and a couple of child sized chairs were set up, and a basket of toys is available. There is enough space that the children can sit on the floor to play. Zippered pencil bags of colored pencils and coloring pages are available for the older children. Children 4+ have the option to leave the service for about 30 minutes to attend Worship Workshop where they have their own projects, after a short children’s sermon within the adult service. Keeps the children from becoming bored and they get to make “Sunday” friends.
It will get better. I asked a friend what age her son started behaving in church and she was like fifth grade. FIFTH GRADE!!! My two sons didn’t take that long but there were many Sundays that I felt like going home.
I apologized to my priest once (the boys were really crawling up the walls that day) and he told me he and his brother were exactly the same way when they were little. In fact, his brother tells him that’s why he had to be a priest! He told me not to worry about it so I just did my best and tried to train them up right. They’re 12 and 14 now and they (mostly) behave in church. (Note: My brother was 15 the last time dad pulled him out for a spanking during church! But he is an extreme case.)
I brought a bag we called the Mass bag. It had a few quiet toys and books that could only be used at church and some small dry snacks that were easy to clean up. Hang in there! It will get better.
In situations like this I always tried to set it up so my son could succeed and not have to endure being yelled at during the service. So, when my son (a very active boy) couldn’t sit any longer in church, off he went with an adult to take a walk before things went downhill. After a short walk, we came back and tried it again. If he couldn’t sit, off we went again. Yes, you don’t get too much from the service, but he was able to be a “good boy” for the short time he could sit still. It helps to have family around to take the walks with him. Just create a situation where he can succeed and feel like he did a good job.
We found they if we sat in the front (as a Lutheran there is always room up front) where my two boys could see everything that was happening they were more engaged with everything happening and it held their attention.
Never regret rowdy kids in church. Teaching them about God with regular church attendance is so important. Others should be understanding. Your children are the hope of the world and so precious in the eyes of God. You will be blessed for showing up with your children even if you don’t feel like you are being uplifted. The most important thing is those sweet children will learn who God is and that He loves them and will be there for them! God bless you with your little ones!
Been there with six little ones!
the commenters above all have great suggestions. We took our 2 boys from birth til they left home. (and today are both strong Christian men raising their own families the same.) I took plenty of things for them to do/play quietly/snacks, etc for the sermon times after Sunday School was over. They learned what was expected of them from the repetition each Sunday. I tried to take things they had not seen during the week or things that were only brought for them to do during the service. One hit was a Quiet Book, made of fabric with each page having some activity for them to do. I still have it as a keepsake and have used it with grandchildren. Taking them and making it a pleasant experience is vital in their learning of God’s love and care in their future lives. Make it fun, not something they dread. I would pack their bag the night before which made Sunday morning less hectic and easier to get out the door. And I could think more clear about what might be good for that week.
Everything the Mom’s above have said. Yup. Here is the thing in regards to the part where you don’t know if YOU are getting anything out of it…. the Lord knows your heart and HE Will Bless Your “TRY.” Not even kidding. He will bless you for being there and doing your best in this season of your life. And He will certainly bless those around you that SEE you doing your best to raise your family up in the way they should go. Not even kidding. People will be encouraged by your example that you prob don’t even realize you’re setting.
Keep up the good work, Momma! We feel ya!
I toldmy kids they had a job to do in big church and that was to help others around them listen to the preacher. And when the big people stand, they needed to help and stand too. They could use their pens and pencils only during the sermon, NOT during prayers or Bible readings. As long as they kept any activity below the pew level – I could deal with it. A special candy for good days never hurts either.
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I love the idea of a busy book or even just a few toys that only come out at church. Just remember, “and this too shall pass.” That got my mother through three kids and has served me well, too.
Great blog post. Some tips i would like to contribute is that laptop memory has to be purchased if the computer can’t cope with everything you do by using it. One can add two random access memory boards of 1GB each, for instance, but not one of 1GB and one of 2GB. One should always check the maker’s documentation for the PC to be sure what type of ram is necessary.
I agree with everyone else here. So many good comments. My son was/is ADHD so your Sunday sounds like a lot of mine were as well. I made a busy blanket, had special quiet toys & activity books that were only able to be used or played with during church. We also “practiced” our manners during church. A special treat was also implemented after church every Sunday like a favorite restaurant or I’ve cream cone but only IF we had a good Sunday. Just keep at it honey we’ve all been in your shoes (boots lol) at some point in time. Our children are the futures of our churches.
Jeri