Lenten Humility

Well Henry, Clare, and I made our first attempt at attending church service solo.(I say service as it was not a Mass--just in case you raised an eyebrow :p )

It wasn't fun :(

We arrived on time and even a bit early as Karl was singing with the Schola for the service--so we got blocked off a section of the pew and settled in. Henry had other plans, however. Between running after him as he tried to crawl under the pews, around the pews to genuflect over and over, stopping him from testing the strength of the kneelers, and trying to keep the new missalettes in their new condition, I was an exhausted mama and the service had not yet begun! Clare was sleeping during this, so at least I had both hands to coax the son back into the pew. But as soon as the service started--she woke up! Henry began screeching "Dare, Dare!" (as he calls her) over and over in his extra loud voice, while Clare is getting more and more aggitated, and Henry more and more rambunctious. I couldn't nurse her because Henry would try to escape, but she needed to nurse or she wouldn't stop crying!

I gathered up the kiddos and the diaper bag and retreated to the foyer as the cry room was filled to capacity. I couldn't contain Henry and nurse at the same time, so Henry skipped and ran around the foyer and gave hugs to all the other littles. Cute, but not the time or place. Ugh.

Was it pure foolishness on my part to try to bring both of them by myself? Others have done it before me...haven't they???

SUGGESTIONS PLEASE!!!

I just can't do that again. The cry room would be better, but anytime someone leaves or goes to the bathroom--there too is Henry. He has no fear of leaving my side, and will run out of the cry room and straight out the exit doors if given the opportunity. Having my sling would have helped somewhat...maybe...

Shrove Tuesday

Sometime during my college years, I learned of the custom of eating Pancakes the day before Lent begins. The logic behind the tradition is to use all your rich foods (eggs, sugars, fats) in preparation for Lent, when those things should be used sparingly-if at all.

So in keeping with that tradition:

But that's where the similarity to the tradition ends, as we were already out of eggs and I had to go to the store to purchase more! I further broke from the spirit of the day by purchasing ice cream and cookies/candy toppings!!! Oh well, maybe next year we'll follow the tradition more closely, but the milkshake Karl made with that contraband sure was tasty!

PS On a somewhat unrelated note: I was completely taken aback by a screaming fit that Henry pulled at our checkout when the aforementioned candy was taken from his possession. Question: How do you discipline in public places? The screaming stopped when the cashier returned the candy to him. Though I was really so shocked at his behavior I didn't know how to respond. We've always been able to communicate so well between his signing and speaking, that tantrums of that sort are a distinct rarity. He resumed the tantrum at the car when I wouldn't return the candy to him [he had voluntarily relinquished control when we got to the car.] and I had no problem laying down the law there--it was the public nature of the screaming fit that left me speechless. I welcome your insights and experience ;)