Of course

Stefan pressed the limits this morning and thanks be to God for prelaid plans of dh magically appearing at the communion rail this morning. Not a flinch from dear 3 year old son. I personally was tired and spent and went home from Bible class to tackle life overwhelming. I needed that. Sigh. Ingrid is quietly napping her nose running self and a little progress has been made in the house. This is good. I am not so good at chit chat when I am overwhelmed. There will be many days to come for chit chat so losing one morning in Bible class to find the kitchen counter and feel less overwhelmed is a good thing.

Bedtime with the little people

This is not a topic which is extremely original but in our many trips to church it is glaringly obvious to me that some of my little people have some kinks to work out in their ability to sit still during the service or if they REALLY should be paying attention and participating, not just hanging around their mother's neck or drawing weird pictures. It occurred to me to spend some time at the end of day with them discussing some of these kinks with them. It is really the only time of the day when I have only their attention and I am a firm believer in not underestimating a child's ability to understand what is being explained to them.

Stefan, 3, has been in the habit of beating the pastor's hands off his head when given a blessing. This is what we discussed last night and there was a marked improvement in his behavior at the rail this morning. I simply explained what Pastor was doing to him and discussed why he shouldn't be beating him away. Then, I had a little chat with him about holy communion and how someday he can participate in that way. He listened. I intend to KEEP talking to him about this so he better understands what is happening. Why would I NOT talk to him? Because he is three? He is really quite bright and from other conversation he obviously knows what is happening in other cases so why not what is happening at church. I also figure that at bedtime before prayers is very good time to talk with him seeing as he can then fall asleep thinking about that.

Benjamin, 7, has just fallen into some bad habits during the service which weren't there when he was four. Of course I will chat that out with him. Bedtime has become 'work on your catechism' memory work with mom time too. I am sure it won't happen every night but it too seems an appropriate time to do so even he hears it earlier in the day. I struggle to find time with the little people but this is a way I would love to spend time with them.

If Stefan is drug out of the sanctuary screaming next week I will not see these thoughts as failure. Persevere! Ingrid gets some similar chats. Erik knew much of the Lord's Prayer at less than two so why can't Ingrid hear and understand too.

That is all.........

Knitting and other such

I have not blogged in a while but will attempt an update. I am watching Julie and Julia right at the moment, with the boys. Hmmmm......it is ok. I think I am annoyed they paired the younger actor from "The Devil Wears Prada" with Meryl Streep as husband and wife. A little weird. Will have to check Julia Child's real history to see if she married someone 20 years younger than her.

Knitting........I MUST finish a project. There is a little dress I desperately want to finish for Ingrid before the next baby is born. If I knew it was a boy or girl, I would finish a few other projects which the new little tyke could use. Hopefully my someday grandchildren will get something completed from me. I also have a baby afghan I would love to finish as it is very cute. Focusing is not my forte the last few years in this department.

I am otherwise dreaming of the garden and perhaps getting my fantasy of raised beds fulfilled and I will splurge for the plastic to prevent the weeds and maybe have something attractive to greet people when they come through the gate.

School is struggling along and helping my older kids especially to keep their focus and complete their math and science while the sun is warming things up and tempting everyone to give up, is a challenge. Keeping up is a little wearying but am trying. I think my main role is keeping the little people out of their hair as much as possible so maybe they can focus.

My bees are all dead so need to figure that all out but the kind of bees that come in 'packages' are not the same size as my hive equipment so again.........problem solving. I think I will put off writing an email about that one till tomorrow. Putting that much effort into an email about bees needs a good night sleep and a cup of coffee.

Perhaps I will go buy a friend some flowers tomorrow. She could use some. Sigh. Chocolate might be a good plan too.