Well hi there. I tell you, this packing business is serious. And the cleaning, well, it has begun (and somehow will end by Saturday morning, don't ask me how). Really and truly it all isn't so bad. It's the two active kiddos that want to be played with and held incessantly that makes it all so difficult. Good thing Jeremy's parents just drove into town. Debbie is on Ginny-holding duty all day tomorrow. No complaining allowed.
Well, that was a lengthy tangent because this post is NOT about packing or cleaning or moving. It's about the fact that today is Cinco de Mayo, also known as the day I came home from my mission SIX years ago.
You read that right. SIX!
I think I'm as shocked as you are. Except that at the same time, that mission feels like it happened a lifetime ago. Part of me really can't believe it's only six years ago. While the other part marvels that it was the equivalent of four missions ago (that's a year and half times four, in case you were confused). How did that happen?
If I had a scanner I would add some of my favorite mission pictures to this post (I can even still see the box I packed them in). But alas. Nothing is happier than blue skies and banana and mango trees in the background. Plus really and truly I have never been (and will hopefully never be again) so tan in my life as I was for the year and half I lived in Honduras. You should see it.
I had full intentions of writing a nostalgic post about that glorious time in my life. And the many many things I have learned in the past six years since then. But shoot, I tell you what, I am plum too tired to think that hard. All I can manage at the moment is this endless rambling. My appologies.
So I'll end with a happy Cinco de Mayo to you. And a happy six year anniversary to me.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
A final farwell
This is it, friends, the last week of our lives in Cedar City. Finals. Graduation. PACKING. A whole lot of cleaning. Moving. That's what my week looks like. (Along with the usual. Blocks. Books. And the newly acquired Sofie the Giraffe.)
Anyhow, it all feels pretty surreal. As in, are we really and truly packing up shop around here? Are we officially saying goodbye to all the cedar trees, the lone Main Street, Lin's Market, and the Shakespeare Festival? Not to mention all the lovely friends we have made. And Sadie and Drew-doo (cousins).
Looks like it.
My only question is: where did I get all this stuff? And along the same lines, how do I possibly have enough stuff to fill multiple bags and boxes to take to DI? We have been blessed, I tell you.
Well, Cedar City, I will miss you. Even all your blustery winds and long winters. We've had a good ole time the last three years. I'm glad that forever and always we'll stop in Cedar on our way to California and tell Raymond and Virginia, "this is where you were born!" along with all the associated memories.
But it's onward and upward, I supposed (speaking literally, of course). First onward--this summer we are moving in with Jeremy's parents in Blanding (basement living, here we come!) to enjoy all the amenities of living with the "grandparents." Can't argue with Debbie's famous cooking or a full-sized backyard! And then upward--we will move to SLC sometime in August. Still looking for an apartment and a new couch.
In the meantime, I keep packing. And contemplating the cleaning. And counting the minutes until Jeremy's LAST final is over (45 more minutes to go).
Wish us luck.
Anyhow, it all feels pretty surreal. As in, are we really and truly packing up shop around here? Are we officially saying goodbye to all the cedar trees, the lone Main Street, Lin's Market, and the Shakespeare Festival? Not to mention all the lovely friends we have made. And Sadie and Drew-doo (cousins).
Looks like it.
My only question is: where did I get all this stuff? And along the same lines, how do I possibly have enough stuff to fill multiple bags and boxes to take to DI? We have been blessed, I tell you.
Well, Cedar City, I will miss you. Even all your blustery winds and long winters. We've had a good ole time the last three years. I'm glad that forever and always we'll stop in Cedar on our way to California and tell Raymond and Virginia, "this is where you were born!" along with all the associated memories.
But it's onward and upward, I supposed (speaking literally, of course). First onward--this summer we are moving in with Jeremy's parents in Blanding (basement living, here we come!) to enjoy all the amenities of living with the "grandparents." Can't argue with Debbie's famous cooking or a full-sized backyard! And then upward--we will move to SLC sometime in August. Still looking for an apartment and a new couch.
In the meantime, I keep packing. And contemplating the cleaning. And counting the minutes until Jeremy's LAST final is over (45 more minutes to go).
Wish us luck.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Because I can do hard things
So yesterday, after writing that post about my total lack of picture-taking skills, I forced myself to take pictures. Because weaknesses can become strengths, right? Or at least I can swallow my pride and frustration with the whole thing and do it anyway.
And because this was too wonderful not to document.
So I believe I've mentioned before that my mother is a seamstress. She really and truly is phenomenal. Her sewing skills are not only vast, they are deep. She does many things. And she does them all well.
One of my favorite types of things she sews is heirloom children's clothing. Hand smocking. Piping. Lace. Pleats.So so darling. My childhood was littered with dresses sewn by my mother. To my fifth birthday party I wore a yellow smocked dress... with lace on the edge of the puff sleeves. I thought that lace was so elegant and pretty (even as a five year old). I vividly remember the year we all wore various styles of pale green dresses for Easter (and took pictures in Grandma and Grandpa Snowball's backyard). My first-day-of-school dress in first grade was a purple dress with a smocked pinafore. My favorite doll (also made my mom) had a matching dress (she still wears it). Second grade was a blue dress with a big red apple appliqued on the collar.
My memories of these and other dresses are so tender to me. They are associated with love and the devotion of my mother. I would give anything to have one or two of them back in my possession (anyone know what happened to them all? Mom? Are they in a box somewhere??).
So you can imagine how thrilled I was when my mom called to tell me she had just bought material to make Miss Virginia an Easter dress. Delighted. I held my breath in anticipation.
And oh. my. She did not disappoint. Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present (despite my poor photography skills) Ginny's Easter Dress.
(I love it so much I wanted to cry every time I looked at it on Ginny on Sunday. It is beautiful.)
(Can you tell she's been crying? I was frantic to get the pictures taken before Raymond woke up from his nap, however. I'm just grateful she's not screaming in these pictures.)
(If this last picture hadn't turned out blurry, it just might have been my favorite. I adore those big blue eyes and jowls.)
And because this was too wonderful not to document.
So I believe I've mentioned before that my mother is a seamstress. She really and truly is phenomenal. Her sewing skills are not only vast, they are deep. She does many things. And she does them all well.
One of my favorite types of things she sews is heirloom children's clothing. Hand smocking. Piping. Lace. Pleats.So so darling. My childhood was littered with dresses sewn by my mother. To my fifth birthday party I wore a yellow smocked dress... with lace on the edge of the puff sleeves. I thought that lace was so elegant and pretty (even as a five year old). I vividly remember the year we all wore various styles of pale green dresses for Easter (and took pictures in Grandma and Grandpa Snowball's backyard). My first-day-of-school dress in first grade was a purple dress with a smocked pinafore. My favorite doll (also made my mom) had a matching dress (she still wears it). Second grade was a blue dress with a big red apple appliqued on the collar.
My memories of these and other dresses are so tender to me. They are associated with love and the devotion of my mother. I would give anything to have one or two of them back in my possession (anyone know what happened to them all? Mom? Are they in a box somewhere??).
So you can imagine how thrilled I was when my mom called to tell me she had just bought material to make Miss Virginia an Easter dress. Delighted. I held my breath in anticipation.
And oh. my. She did not disappoint. Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present (despite my poor photography skills) Ginny's Easter Dress.
(I love it so much I wanted to cry every time I looked at it on Ginny on Sunday. It is beautiful.)
(Almost a smile. I'll get one with a real smile someday!)
Monday, April 25, 2011
My name is Carly Christiansen, and I am habitually bad at taking pictures.
I just can't seem to forgive myself for not being a picture-taker. It is a source of unending guilt for me. I constantly feel bad that I am simply NO GOOD at remembering or successfully taking pictures at important events or holidays. Not even to mention the quality of the photos when I do take them.
And honestly I curl up inside at the continual realization that I simply FAIL at this. Over and over. Holiday after holiday. Ordinary day after ordinary day. I am ashamed of myself. Embarrassed. And annoyed.
Seem melodramatic? Perhaps. But really and truly true. True that my inability to successfully record the everyday events of our lives constantly nags at me.
Picture taking, my friends, is not my gift, talent, or even capability. I do not aspire to it or really want anything to do with it. Try a new recipe? Sure! Experiment with my sewing machine? You bet! Read a new book? Any day! Take pictures? I can't even find my camera.
I have no desire to get a nice camera, learn about natural lighting, or have a camera in my hands during any given exciting moment. I really would be oh so happy with a magic picture fairy would show up and do these things for me. But I don't think it's likely.
I am honestly at a loss as to how to resolve this problem in my life. My desire to have pictures conflicting with my urges to take them, that is.
Sigh.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Who's child is this?
Raymond is a social butterfly.
Disclaimer: he can be very slow to warm up sometimes, especially in new places or situations, right after taking a nap, or around people he doesn't know. He will be a little introvert until he's comfortable... and then watch out!
Seriously though, this boy loves to be around kids his age. We were first to arrive at play group at the park today, so we just sort of did our thing for a while. Raymond wasn't too excited about the swings, the slide, or the dandelions (which he usually loves to find and pick). It was a little windy and chilly and overall blah.
And then Micah showed up. And WOW Mr. Social Butterfly came out of his cocoon. He was talking and running and ecstatic to do any and everything the park had to offer.
And the more kids that showed up, the more animated Raymond got. No one was more excited to go down that slide, more eager to run across the grass, more ready to dig in the dirt than Raymond.
I didn't think kids this age really "got" the whole friend thing. I thought they were still pretty independent players. And maybe so, but Raymond is much happier about it all when a few little guys his age are around.
Really and truly he thrives off social interaction.
And to be honest I can't for the life of me figure out where it came from. I was super shy as a child. Jeremy claims to have suffered from mega anxiety as a child when left to play at other kids houses. Nope, this is all 100% Raymond personality shining through. He has been this way from just about the time he could look over my shoulder and makes faces at people in church.
It makes me excited for a year from now when Ginny will be much more of a little playmate for him. I have high hopes that the two of them will love playing and being together. And maybe Ginny will meet some of his social needs... either that or I am going to have to be much more proactive about setting up play dates for the boy!
Disclaimer: he can be very slow to warm up sometimes, especially in new places or situations, right after taking a nap, or around people he doesn't know. He will be a little introvert until he's comfortable... and then watch out!
Seriously though, this boy loves to be around kids his age. We were first to arrive at play group at the park today, so we just sort of did our thing for a while. Raymond wasn't too excited about the swings, the slide, or the dandelions (which he usually loves to find and pick). It was a little windy and chilly and overall blah.
And then Micah showed up. And WOW Mr. Social Butterfly came out of his cocoon. He was talking and running and ecstatic to do any and everything the park had to offer.
And the more kids that showed up, the more animated Raymond got. No one was more excited to go down that slide, more eager to run across the grass, more ready to dig in the dirt than Raymond.
I didn't think kids this age really "got" the whole friend thing. I thought they were still pretty independent players. And maybe so, but Raymond is much happier about it all when a few little guys his age are around.
Really and truly he thrives off social interaction.
And to be honest I can't for the life of me figure out where it came from. I was super shy as a child. Jeremy claims to have suffered from mega anxiety as a child when left to play at other kids houses. Nope, this is all 100% Raymond personality shining through. He has been this way from just about the time he could look over my shoulder and makes faces at people in church.
It makes me excited for a year from now when Ginny will be much more of a little playmate for him. I have high hopes that the two of them will love playing and being together. And maybe Ginny will meet some of his social needs... either that or I am going to have to be much more proactive about setting up play dates for the boy!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The Count Down
I have been counting down to THIS WEEK for weeks now.
It's Easter week! Dying Eggs! Eating Jelly Beans!
My mom and dad and Paige are coming!
It's time to start packing!
My new glasses are coming!
As you can see, there are quite a few things I am utterly ecstatic about. Really and truly ecstatic. I thought this week really would never arrive. Clearly I lead a normally very boring life. Because none of these things are really all that exciting. My company will only be here for an hour or so as they travel up to Provo for some BYU baseball games. And who gets excited about packing? (Answer: this organization freak. There is true satisfaction in carefully and methodically filling up boxes)
But really and truly all these things have been giving me hightened feelings of anticipation for a long time. Many weeks.
The only bummer is that except for the packing (which I have thrown myself into with gusto), the next soonest thing to come true is Thursday. THURSDAY...
Sometimes I think I just might go crazy with anticipation!
It's Easter week! Dying Eggs! Eating Jelly Beans!
My mom and dad and Paige are coming!
It's time to start packing!
My new glasses are coming!
As you can see, there are quite a few things I am utterly ecstatic about. Really and truly ecstatic. I thought this week really would never arrive. Clearly I lead a normally very boring life. Because none of these things are really all that exciting. My company will only be here for an hour or so as they travel up to Provo for some BYU baseball games. And who gets excited about packing? (Answer: this organization freak. There is true satisfaction in carefully and methodically filling up boxes)
But really and truly all these things have been giving me hightened feelings of anticipation for a long time. Many weeks.
The only bummer is that except for the packing (which I have thrown myself into with gusto), the next soonest thing to come true is Thursday. THURSDAY...
Sometimes I think I just might go crazy with anticipation!
Friday, April 15, 2011
OH the possiblities
This morning my little sister Paige called me in a panic because she thought her freshman registration started this morning (at BYU, her soon-to-be new hangout). She was ubber super stressed about the whole scary process. (Registration, it turned out, isn't today after all.)
And since once upon a time I worked for Freshman Academy (now Freshman Mentoring), she called me first. Even though that was um, some ten years ago that I worked there. And I definitely don't know the ins or outs of freshman registration any more.
Anyhow, my total ignorance soon surfaced in our conversation as I was racking my brain to remember what American Heritage is all about.
Since Raymond was occupied watching his daily dose of Elmo on our computer (somebody shake me for ever letting that boy anywhere near that obnoxious fuzzy red monster), I couldn't get online and be really helpful to her. You know, figure out how Freshman Mentoring works and what the GE requirements are.
But have no fear, as soon as I miraculously got both of my children asleep (mornings walks work wonders for nap time) you better believe I was doing my sisterly duty and browsing through BYU's academics pages.
And I remembered anew just how much fun registering for classes can be. I don't think a single semester went by during my stay at the said BYU that I didn't get giddy over registration days. I mean giddy. I love me a new schedule of classes, full of hope and possibilities and learning.
And Paige, well she's just staring out. There are so many options. Floral Design! History of Jazz! Masterpieces of American Literature!
My heart skips a beat at the thrilling prospect of any or all of those classes! Gosh and golly, Paige, I am just so excited for you!! Can I come? Can you pack me in your laptop bag and let me sit in on a few? Because, man!, you are in for a treat.
And since once upon a time I worked for Freshman Academy (now Freshman Mentoring), she called me first. Even though that was um, some ten years ago that I worked there. And I definitely don't know the ins or outs of freshman registration any more.
Anyhow, my total ignorance soon surfaced in our conversation as I was racking my brain to remember what American Heritage is all about.
Since Raymond was occupied watching his daily dose of Elmo on our computer (somebody shake me for ever letting that boy anywhere near that obnoxious fuzzy red monster), I couldn't get online and be really helpful to her. You know, figure out how Freshman Mentoring works and what the GE requirements are.
But have no fear, as soon as I miraculously got both of my children asleep (mornings walks work wonders for nap time) you better believe I was doing my sisterly duty and browsing through BYU's academics pages.
And I remembered anew just how much fun registering for classes can be. I don't think a single semester went by during my stay at the said BYU that I didn't get giddy over registration days. I mean giddy. I love me a new schedule of classes, full of hope and possibilities and learning.
And Paige, well she's just staring out. There are so many options. Floral Design! History of Jazz! Masterpieces of American Literature!
My heart skips a beat at the thrilling prospect of any or all of those classes! Gosh and golly, Paige, I am just so excited for you!! Can I come? Can you pack me in your laptop bag and let me sit in on a few? Because, man!, you are in for a treat.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
It's been a while
Since some mirror pictures have graced this space. Today definitely wasn't my best photo-shoot (although that isn't stopping me from posting the results--proceed with caution), but it does showcase a few things I love:
1.Sweet Virginia with all her four and a half month grown-up-ness. She was desperately trying to see what was happening on the camera screen. Can you believe how big this cute girl is? She is super-dee-duper alert and active. She loves to get one-on-one attention, play with Raymond's pirate doll (as in, she adores this doll), go for walks in the increasing spring weather, and eat rice cereal (I know! I can't believe I caved and started already either. But she loves it, so I guess I'll forgive myself).
2. My Baby K'tan. I cannot sing the praises of this baby sling enough. I love, love, love it. And so does Ginny considering she likes to be totted around almost everywhere I go. (And um, yes. She does have a mullet. I keep debating whether or not to cut it. I will also admit that her hair seems to be growing in much more red than it was at birth. Or maybe all the dark hair is just falling out and leaving the few scattered red ones to fend for themselves? Only time will tell.)
3. And we couldn't leave Raymond John out of the mix. Only he wasn't very happy I wouldn't give him the camera. Sorry dude. (And yes, this boy's hair gets curlier and curlier. I love it with my whole heart.)
Sorry I didn't get a single good picture of either of my kiddos smiling. They do smile quite often, however. You'll just have to take my word for it.
1.Sweet Virginia with all her four and a half month grown-up-ness. She was desperately trying to see what was happening on the camera screen. Can you believe how big this cute girl is? She is super-dee-duper alert and active. She loves to get one-on-one attention, play with Raymond's pirate doll (as in, she adores this doll), go for walks in the increasing spring weather, and eat rice cereal (I know! I can't believe I caved and started already either. But she loves it, so I guess I'll forgive myself).
2. My Baby K'tan. I cannot sing the praises of this baby sling enough. I love, love, love it. And so does Ginny considering she likes to be totted around almost everywhere I go. (And um, yes. She does have a mullet. I keep debating whether or not to cut it. I will also admit that her hair seems to be growing in much more red than it was at birth. Or maybe all the dark hair is just falling out and leaving the few scattered red ones to fend for themselves? Only time will tell.)
3. And we couldn't leave Raymond John out of the mix. Only he wasn't very happy I wouldn't give him the camera. Sorry dude. (And yes, this boy's hair gets curlier and curlier. I love it with my whole heart.)
Sorry I didn't get a single good picture of either of my kiddos smiling. They do smile quite often, however. You'll just have to take my word for it.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
A very merry unbirthday...
...to ME!
Well, half birthday, actually. Today I am quite officially twenty eight and a half. Yea for benchmarks.
After I had already moved out of the house my mom started an impromptu tradition with some of my siblings still at home. On their half birthday she would pay for half of one item (up to $50) and they would pay the other half.
If such an offer were made to me today, I would get this skirt (in black) since pretty much none of my (non maternity) skirts can be comfortably zipped up yet. And I am so over either wearing maternity skirts or being uncomfortable on Sundays. Alas.
But wish-lists aside, I must say that I am happy today is a middle-mark day. I like stepping back and taking stock in where I am in life. Good things have happened in the last six months. Sweet Ginny of course. The law school decision is made. The last semester at SUU is just about ended.
And so much good is coming! Moving and then more moving. A trip to the zoo (my one undying request for moving to Salt Lake). Raymond turns two. Law school starts with a new rhythm and swing.
I am looking forward to all of it.
And I am looking forward to today and the little everyday gifts it has to offer. Baby kisses at the top of that list.
What is at the top of your wish-list? What are you looking forward to today?
As an unrelated note, I will confess that hardly a post is ever written in which I don't worry and wonder and stress over the idea that I might offend someone with what I write. Definitely not ever EVER my intention. I hope that yesterday's post did not in any way offend. I was simply outlining what our game plan is. I know everyone has to figure out what works best for them. I am a big believer in doing what works best for you, your family, your circumstances unapologetically.
Well, half birthday, actually. Today I am quite officially twenty eight and a half. Yea for benchmarks.
After I had already moved out of the house my mom started an impromptu tradition with some of my siblings still at home. On their half birthday she would pay for half of one item (up to $50) and they would pay the other half.
If such an offer were made to me today, I would get this skirt (in black) since pretty much none of my (non maternity) skirts can be comfortably zipped up yet. And I am so over either wearing maternity skirts or being uncomfortable on Sundays. Alas.
But wish-lists aside, I must say that I am happy today is a middle-mark day. I like stepping back and taking stock in where I am in life. Good things have happened in the last six months. Sweet Ginny of course. The law school decision is made. The last semester at SUU is just about ended.
And so much good is coming! Moving and then more moving. A trip to the zoo (my one undying request for moving to Salt Lake). Raymond turns two. Law school starts with a new rhythm and swing.
I am looking forward to all of it.
And I am looking forward to today and the little everyday gifts it has to offer. Baby kisses at the top of that list.
What is at the top of your wish-list? What are you looking forward to today?
As an unrelated note, I will confess that hardly a post is ever written in which I don't worry and wonder and stress over the idea that I might offend someone with what I write. Definitely not ever EVER my intention. I hope that yesterday's post did not in any way offend. I was simply outlining what our game plan is. I know everyone has to figure out what works best for them. I am a big believer in doing what works best for you, your family, your circumstances unapologetically.
Monday, April 11, 2011
It shouldn't be hard...
...to sit very still
And think about Jesus, his cross on the hill,
And all that he suffered and did for me;
It shouldn't be hard to sit quietly.
It shouldn't be hard even though I am small,
To think about Jesus, not hard at all.
Primary Song Book, pg 71
Key word here: shouldn't. Oh but it is, isn't it?
I have a friend who has asked me a few times how we keep Raymond reverent during sacrament meeting. I'm sure every single time I look at her surprised and incredulous... because I wasn't sure there were many specific things we were doing to make it happen. And besides that, I'm not sure I think Raymond is always very reverent. He loves to make faces at anyone and everyone sitting behind us (a true little charmer), he likes to try to get to the bench behind us by any means possible, he has been known to start vocalizing his frustration when he doesn't get what he wants immediately.
But by and large, I will say Raymond is a pretty calm little fellow, particularly in public or around people he doesn't know. This means that at Church he can be much more introverted than at home, and will fairly quietly observe everyone and everything around him.
And on top of all that, he and I read books together all day every day. We spend (literally) hours and hours looking at books together. Every day. Thus, when we get to church and his church bag is full of books to look at, he knows what to do. He is very used to that sort of entertainment.
But the question from my friend prompted an in-depth conversation between Jeremy and I on our philosophies about sacrament worship with kids. And while we are not perfect, we are idealist who work hard at putting their ideals into practice. It was interesting to put to words the things we have been almost subconsciously doing with Raymond. I thought I would share what we've learned in the past (almost!) two years.
Anyhow, what do you do to teach reverence to your little ones?
And think about Jesus, his cross on the hill,
And all that he suffered and did for me;
It shouldn't be hard to sit quietly.
It shouldn't be hard even though I am small,
To think about Jesus, not hard at all.
Primary Song Book, pg 71
Key word here: shouldn't. Oh but it is, isn't it?
I have a friend who has asked me a few times how we keep Raymond reverent during sacrament meeting. I'm sure every single time I look at her surprised and incredulous... because I wasn't sure there were many specific things we were doing to make it happen. And besides that, I'm not sure I think Raymond is always very reverent. He loves to make faces at anyone and everyone sitting behind us (a true little charmer), he likes to try to get to the bench behind us by any means possible, he has been known to start vocalizing his frustration when he doesn't get what he wants immediately.
But by and large, I will say Raymond is a pretty calm little fellow, particularly in public or around people he doesn't know. This means that at Church he can be much more introverted than at home, and will fairly quietly observe everyone and everything around him.
And on top of all that, he and I read books together all day every day. We spend (literally) hours and hours looking at books together. Every day. Thus, when we get to church and his church bag is full of books to look at, he knows what to do. He is very used to that sort of entertainment.
But the question from my friend prompted an in-depth conversation between Jeremy and I on our philosophies about sacrament worship with kids. And while we are not perfect, we are idealist who work hard at putting their ideals into practice. It was interesting to put to words the things we have been almost subconsciously doing with Raymond. I thought I would share what we've learned in the past (almost!) two years.
- We believe that the goal of sacrament meeting with kids is not to simply keep the children quiet so mom and dad can get something out of the meeting. I'll say it again: the goal is not to make them quiet. The goal for us is to teach reverence. And there is no better time and place to teach than than actually during the meeting. This means we are not stressed out about no longer being able to take notes, hear the whole talk, or otherwise be spiritually uplifted. I mean obviously we want those things to be possible, but know that in the grand scheme they won't always. And that's ok.
- We work hard to spend the meeting teaching Raymond reverence. We do that by involving him actively in what is going on. For his whole first year of life, Jeremy was in a bishopric and thus never helped with Raymond. When that ended, we shared the responsibility. Now Jeremy takes full custody of Raymond and I of Ginny. So for now, this applies mostly to Jeremy (since Ginny still likes to cry all during Sacrament meeting, I am either at the back of the chapel bouncing her in my arms or in the mother's lounge). Anyhow, Jeremy will sit Raymond on his lap and talk to him through most of the meeting. Pointing out and discussing what is going on during Sacrament, singing hymns and pointing at the words together, pointing out the bishop, and looking at books about Jesus.
- We are super ridiculously strict about what our kids are allowed to do during sacrament meeting. The point for us is we do not want to trap ourselves into behavior that will be inappropriate in the future. For example, he is not allowed to eat (he can drink water from his sippy cup, however). We don't do cheerios, raisins, or fruit snacks. He will not starve for an hour. This means we purposefully feed him right before we come. And before he went to nursery, he did get snacks during Sunday school and the third hour. Obviously I know that snacks work for keeping kids quiet, but there's nothing worse than watching seven, eight, twelve year olds eating their way through the meeting too. It's a bad habit we don't want to start. This goes for toys and games too. We are even getting stricter about coloring or drawing.
- We provide other appropriate materials to help him get through the long meeting. For Christmas this year my mom made and assembled church bags for all the grandkids. They are FANTASTIC. She bought quite a few books at Deseret book and we have a few others we rotate into the mix. Since Raymond likes reading books (mentioned earlier), this works great for him.When he sees the bag, he knows it's time to go to church.
- We teach as clearly as possible that being in the meeting is always better than being in the hall. Jeremy and I both work hard at making being in the meeting more "fun" than getting taken out. Obviously Ginny is too young to really learn this yet, but pretty soon, she will. We started very early with Raymond making the hall a no-good place to be. He gets held tightly in Jeremy's arms with no talking and very restricted movement. No walking in the halls. No looking at pictures. No talking to other people. While being in the meeting means he can move anywhere on our bench (we take a whole side bench). whisper with mom or dad about what's going on, look at other people, read his books. I can't even remember the last time we took Raymond out (unless it was to change his diaper). He knows he would rather be in the meeting.
- We are diligent about getting to church early. This might seem like a bad idea since it just prolongs the whole meeting, but it actually makes reverence better. Raymond is allowed to stand on the bench and watch people come in (he loves to do this). He shakes the bishopric's hands. He can eat the piece of candy the high counselor gives him (only before the meeting starts). The prelude music really does get him in church mode. It is a calm and quiet transition for him.
- At five after, if the speaker has not stopped speaking, we don't restrict or hold him back any more. (Well, obviously we wouldn't just let him scream or anything). But if the meeting goes long, we lighten up a little. And hope the speaker takes the hint!
- We believe nursery is inspired. Hooray for play time after all that reverence!!
Anyhow, what do you do to teach reverence to your little ones?
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