![]() |
soaking up The Blues |
The Hippie family took off for the Great Lake fairly early yesterday morning. We spent hours on the beach splashing, floating, digging, soaking up too much sun, and in some cases-eating sand. I don't know about Meres. I mean, she would lay down on the sand, and then put her face right in it, and either lick it or just take a bite. Can someone have a sand deficiency? I don't know. But, her diapers are going to be unholy today.
![]() |
chewing on her balloon string |
![]() |
sharing sorbet |
![]() |
embrace the camera link up Pics with your kids is the goal-my photographer-aka Mr. Hippie- caught Freckles plus the top of N's head |
So, its Thursday, and I am evaluating "Giving up Good" or just "Giving Up."
I know, I have harped on this church thing a few times, but I am seriously at the end of my rope. And I don't know what to do.
To recap-my church meets in a very small building. It is actually a converted one room school house. What has been crammed into this building is two bathrooms, a kitchen, and an office/nursery. The leftover space is where we hold our meetings. The nursery is in a back corner, and measures about 10x10-if that. It contains a desk, a cabinet, a port-a-crib, two office style chairs, another chair, plus (currently) 3 boxes of dishes. I keep clearing things out, and others keep putting things back. But, does this sound like a "nursery?" I don't think so. It is not child proof nor child conducive. There are no toys. It is supposed to be one size fits all for nursing babies, sleeping babies, playing toddlers, crying babies, oh, and Sunday School too.
I'm not joking.
Here is my frustration...
I am bringing Meres to church. She just turned one. ONE. She is active. She is learning to walk and talk. But, for 3 hours every Sunday, she is supposed to sit quietly on my lap. Not talk, not move. Secondly, church takes place during nap time. Every week. Meres gets into a nap rhythm for the week. Whatever the pattern is-2 naps, 1 nap, mid-morning, whatever-naptime always falls during church time. And it always gets screwed up by church on Sunday, and we then have to find a new rhythm for the new week. So, in addition to an active, noisy baby, I am dealing with a tired baby.
What do I do with this tired, active, noisy baby? Do I take her in to the nursery where there are no toys for her to play with, but there is plenty of junk that I have to keep her out of? That means I don't hear anything that is going on at church. I am not singing or praying or hearing the Scripture being read. I am just watching my baby.
Do I try to keep her sitting quiet on my lap? Do I let her crawl around in our aisle, but pop up and down when she is venturing too far? (by the way, the more she is crawling around, the quieter she is-she just has the propensity for getting into books and such, that she shouldn't be into because she tries to eat them.)
Do I try to put this sleepy child down for a nap? Well, last week that was a disaster. She screamed and screamed. And, I can't blame her. Regulated to a foreign bed, in a strange place. Left by yourself. I'd scream too.
And, I gave up. I left church. I was done.
Is God pleased that I am at church, and my baby is screaming her heart out? But, at least we are there?
What worship is happening on my end? Not much. My attitude stinks. I am wound tighter than a top. Is this the best thing? Is it even a GOOD thing?
Someone told me recently that they didn't take their kids to church until they were three years old. I thought that was insightful. At three, they can be expected to sit for a while. To participate. At one I think it is a stretch.
My other problem with this whole scenario is far more selfish, but just as annoying. I spend most of two services in the nursery, and then I teach SS during the third period. So, when do I get fed? When do I get to worship?
Frankly, I found it far more peaceful when I got home on Sunday. I put Meres in her bed. (incidentally, I put a blanket on her, and gave her Wishbone-and she was asleep immediately. She didn't move. I had to wake her up over two hours later to pick up everyone else from church.) And I could read my Bible. I could enjoy the quiet. Soak up the peace. Let God speak to my heart.
![]() |
this is what I am talking about, she is out-out |
![]() |
LC with Uncle D |
![]() |
No-up from TX |
![]() |
playing with the bubble wands |
![]() |
the "twins" |
![]() |
some cousins digging in the sand |
![]() |
all the "Hippie" cousins save one. Miss you Jay. |
![]() |
they kept trading glasses, and Meres kept stealing N's. Which is consequently why they share hand, foot and mouth two weeks ago. |
*how about you, how do you deal with the whole church/baby thing? I'd love to hear your thoughts. I know I am not the only one facing this issue.
