March 16, 2008~
I just have to say that lately I've had a whole new respect for single parents. Lately, Andy's been working late into the night and early Sunday mornings so I've been single handedly responsible for getting both of the kids in their Sunday clothes and taking them to church. And I have to tell you that it is on the top of my "hardest things to do" list right after keeping the house clean and washing out stinky clothes. As it is everyone knows how great I am at getting anywhere on time, now I have to add two kids on top of that. By the time we even get out of the door both of the kids are screaming hysterically, Evelyn of course in the process of undressing or taking Preston's shoes off again, the kids having totally mismatched clothes with Preston's "back up outfit" already holding at least half a gallon of drool, and to top it off I end up with about 5 minutes to get myself ready. I will admit it isn't entirely the kids fault. I could certainly get up earlier and definitely have more prepared on Saturday instead of waiting but it just seems like no matter how much time I have or how much preparation I've done I still end up walking out the door at the same time each week, 20 minutes after church has already started. And then when I get to church it's a whole other story. I'm not a huge fan of sitting in the hallway because Evelyn ends up wandering the halls so I do my best to try to sit in Sacrament. The kids are both actually surprisingly good for about 10 minutes until Evelyn gets bored and her eyes start to wander and she realizes all the people and things around her to interact with. And I know it's just me being self conscious but it feels like everyone is staring at me and my kids are distracting the whole back section. To make things even worse the whole time I'm thinking about how bad of a job I did on Evelyn's hair and how embarrassing Preston's drool/ spit up covered shirt is. Things actually do get a lot better after sacrament meeting when Evelyn goes to Nursery. She has THE BEST nursery leaders ever and she loves going in there. She always gets a little timid right before I leave and I can tell she wants me to stay which is actually kind of sweet but right after I leave she seems to fit right in and enjoy herself. Sunday School and Relief Society are like a breath of fresh air after Sacrament and I've actually really loved the curriculum this year. As easy as it would have been to just stay home from church and say forget it I'm really glad that I went. It's definitely hard but it helps to know that it's the right place to be and that regardless of how hard it is, it is the right thing to do.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
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I feel the same way you do Amber!!! My kids rarely have any nice church clothes on (they have them, I just lack the forsight to prepare them in time)... their hair is crazy etc and then they won't stay quiet, won't stay seated, run around like sacrament is a playground, including but not limited to running up on the stand while people are giving their talks, screaming, "I want to bear my testimony!" And then there's a whole other issue with James disliking primary. (I know it's uber sucky to get the kids ready by yourself too... Devonn's home but he sleeps in then prepares his lesson, then complains about his shirt being wrinkly etc. He's nearly perfect every other day of the week though so I guess I'll grin and bear it lol). Someone at a stake conference said, "Don't be upset when you're children run around like tornadoes during sacrament, they're so full of the Spirit that it's hard for their little bodies to contain it." I find it difficult to find solace in that statement on Sunday though.
ReplyDeleteYou are definitely a brave Mommy! I have help every Sunday and we barely get there on time. Joshua does okay in his primary class but were struggling to get him to behave during sharing time. On top of that we have sacrament third hour and by then Aubrey is so hungry that I'm usually in the Mothers lounge feeding her. The worst part is that I can hear my own kids through the intercom speaker yelling or talking loudly to each other. Its not easy to get kids ready by yourself but I think you are doing a great job and no matter what you think I think that you are a great mother! Keep up the GREAT work! Oh I thought I would let you know that I had a friend that her daughter was a drooler like Preston and she would often keep a bib on her to keep her outfits from being soaked. Its easier to change a big than an outfit. Just an idea.
ReplyDeleteI understand your pain. Dan was in the Bishopric for 5 years and I had to get my kids ready alone. Also sit with them alone. I did have to get up earlier and I learned to get myself totally ready first, then get them up, feed them, and dress them right before we walked out the door. This worked out so much better for me. They stayed clean longer.
ReplyDeleteI know people who use bibs as well for their droolers. Keep a supply of bibs in the diaper bag.
Also, President Monson was in our Stake in Utah and he praised all those who brought their little children each week even though they were loud. I've remembered that through the years when the entire congregation can hear my children talking and crying.
It will get easier.
I understand. It is getting better, though. I try to set out all of our clothes the night before, as well as getting the diaper bag ready then too. They also get baths the night before. I also try to get up before them and dress and feed my self. I feed them, then dress them right before we leave.
ReplyDeleteI am not perfect at this,not even close, but I do try to do it as much as I can. I still often show up late, but it is getting better. Cecily's hair never seems to cooperate on Sundays either.
My nephew is a drooler as well, and he has a plethora of bibs and is always wearing one.
I know how you feel. Just be glad you are only a single mother of 2 kids not FIVE! I think you're doing a great job!
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain and my kids are big. I was very spoiled because Shelby would always get the boys ready while I was getting myself ready. But you would think after
ReplyDelete3+ years in the Bishopric I would get the hang of going solo!
No way!!
Don't forget, I will be saving you a seat on Sunday so I can help with Evelyn!
Or just dress them in their church clothes the night before. ::wink::
ReplyDeleteBeen there. YOu are such a good mom. Who needs Andy!
ReplyDeleteHello. This post is likeable, and your blog is very interesting, congratulations :-). I will add in my blogroll =). If possible gives a last there on my blog, it is about the Impressora e Multifuncional, I hope you enjoy. The address is http://impressora-multifuncional.blogspot.com. A hug.
ReplyDeleteI feel like a single mom everyday of the week except sundays. That's really tough. I've taken alaura a couple times when eric was sick...but other than that...I'm sure your'e doing a great job, and you will be blessed for it :)
ReplyDeleteps. it's the effort that counts. not what time you get there or just how many kids you have to get ready. it's just as hard with two kids as it is with 5 or 6.
ReplyDeleteBtw, do you guys wanna come have dinner and FHE at our house on Monday the 14th? That way I can go over some stuff with you before we leave that next weekend.
ReplyDeletekletmeknowbye