Monday, June 15, 2009





Aaahhh, Sundays. A day to sleep in, to not get dressed right away, to lounge around for a bit. Most of our Sundays are like that. Yesterday was not. I don't really know what happened (someone must have sat in someone alse's spot, or taken their toy, or horrors...they were blocking the tv) but as I was on the computer doing my "checking in", I heard it from above. To quote Dr. Seuss, "It started in low, then it started to grow..." So loud and horrible sounding, I wanted to curl up inside the kids' play tent and hide.


Daniel was doing most of the fighting this time and seemed the most angry so, in that moment, I decided today he was going to church with me and Shannon. He has been before but I have been weaning him into it slowly because he can't sit still for long. I decided today he really needed it. A good 'ole healthy dose of children's liturgy outta straighten him out.


Telling him this information must be done delicately to avoid further damage to an already difficult morning.

"Daniel, today you're coming with us to church."

"No! I hate church! It's so boooring."

I wait, then mention it again in a bit. "Dan, we need to start getting ready, we're going to Grandma's after too. Won't that be fun!"

This is the noise he makes "Grrraaarrrrgghh!" I'm not going!"

Okay, time to pull out the big guns and cheat a little. It must be worded correctly or else it leaves him a choice. Which he doesn't have. I pause and gather my thoughts. "Daniel, after mass we're going to Hegedorn's to get donuts. If you don't come, you won't get any."

I know this is a form of bribery, but at this point, I don't care.

He was quiet for awhile, carefully weighing the pros and cons of the situation. This was no easy decision. If he came willingly, then he has resigned to mommy's will and we all know that goes against the very nature of being a boy.

He came. After more coaxing and reminders of the goodies to come, he came. Without even a real tantrum. He was even good in church. Due of course, to the promise of those wonderful, artery-clogging, family-saving treats. Heck, these things are as good as Santa. Now what can I offer to get him to clean the house...
Today the kids prepared a wedding. Shannon officiated, Katie witnessed, and the picture is of Daniel kissing the bride. She (the bride) needed a little persuasion of the "fancy feast" variety to go through with it.

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