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On Sunday, when I wrote about our discouraging experiences with our toddler at Mass, I had no idea I was writing on an "it" topic. It was simply prompted by the previous night's Mass and not some greater blog movement, but it feels nice to be contributing to an up-and-up topic. (It almost instantly became one of my most commented on posts to date, despite the glut of similar content around the web.) The same day I wrote my post, Dr. Gregory Popcak wrote about the same topic. Largely in response to another blog post. Which was the response to yet another. And in case you haven't gotten enough of the topic (or you've become disenchanted by some of the nasty comments on those posts) here's an older post from the perspective of non-parent who welcomes the distractions of young children: Your Screaming Children are Distracting Me.
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A sweet, sweet blog reader emailed me last week about a possible job opportunity for David! He's had a few phone interviews and may be flying out to interview in person next month. So exciting!
We are traveling out of state next week to visit family. When we lived in Indiana we got to be very close with David's cousin and her two kids. The oldest is celebrating his First Communion and while we are there I'm hoping to see my friend's new baby (only days old now).
Why oh why do vacations have to be so stressful? We're dreading the plane with Lucia. (Your best toddler on a plane tips, please!) Writing lesson plans and preparing to be gone is so much more difficult than just teaching myself. And David is working two jobs (subbing and Starbucks) on the three days before we leave, giving us little time to get ready. Boo.
Want to write guest posts for me to publish while I'm gone? I'd love you to! Email me with your ideas (messywifeblessedlife@gmail.com).
Anything worth doing is worth doing badly.
-G.K. Chesterton
I was listening to Dr. Ray Guarendi on the Catholic radio station yesterday and someone called in asking for advice for reducing distractions while praying the rosary. That could have been me, but not only during the rosary, but also during Mass, etc., etc., etc. Anyway, Dr. Guarendi mentioned this quote by G.K. Chesterton and I thought it was pretty encouraging. I really don't know much about G.K. Chesterton other than the fact that I'm a terrible Catholic for not knowing anything about G.K. Chesterton, but every time I hear a quote by him, I like it. I'll read something by him someday.
David has been subbing at my school this week (and will be next week too). I love it! Driving to school together makes my mornings so much better (I am not a morning person). And teaching next door to a super cute teacher puts a pep in my step all day. I know many couples say they could never work together but I think we'd love it!
For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!
I get distracted while praying the Rosary too, and during Mass. I hate myself for getting distracted but most of the time I can't help it!
ReplyDeleteI noticed that about your Mass post too, and saw that article in the evening! I love that post by the non-parent. It's a good reminder even for the parent (read:me).
ReplyDeleteFor #4, check out Jenna's post over at callherhappy.com - it was from last week I think...
And finally, have fun! Will email you a couple ideas for a guest posts. Thanks for the opportunity!
That's so cool you were able to work together! I hope your trip goes well!
ReplyDeleteRe: Chesterton, I would start with the Father Brown series. He's like the Catholic Sherlock Holmes. :) You can get them as free audiobooks at Librivox.org!
ReplyDelete"The Apostle of Common Sense" by Dale Brown (published by Ignatius Press) is also an excellent "primer" on Chesterton, if you want to start with more of a broad overview of his works.
(I named my youngest son after Chesterton so I'm kinda a fangirl.) :P
Love that you teach together! Such fun! Oh my goodness, Mandi, I have been wanting to do a how-to-entertain-toddlers-on-the-plane post, but I don't think I ever did. Make sure you bring a ziplock bag in case there's a bad diaper and nowhere to put it (the trash receptacles can get full so fast on planes). For entertainment--lots of snacks. Pack a box of stuff...maybe a shoebox. Let her pull things out one by one without seeing everything at once. Even think about wrapping things in paper. Remember that every minute is a minute closer to getting there. You are trying to waste time. Do everything slowly. Don't give her a bag of pretzels. Give her one. At. A. Time. Have Daddy hide a toy behind him and have her keep guessing where it is. Spend every minute you can. Coloring books, aquadoodles, Water Wow can all be fun. Use anything on the plane as a toy. Ask for an extra plastic or paper cup and fill it with cheerios, then she can take them out one by one. This can go on for a long time. Your little one probably isn't old enough for sewing cards, but those are fun. Lap games can be good--we do Troy Trot and Pony Boy or sing Itsy Bitsy Spider or Pat a Cake. Lift-the-flap books can be good--and maybe one or two new things, even if they're small. I'll try to think of what else. We have flown home from China twice with toddlers, and survived. Oh, the other thing I'll say is that I thought waiting in airports was harder than the plane as far as keeping our little ones entertained. That's when I would use the iPad or electronics if you have them. We didn't. :)
ReplyDeleteYay! Let me know when y'all are coming to the area.
ReplyDeleteHaha, I almost said something to you about all the other articles and blog posts I have read recently about kids during Mass! It probably stands out more to me as a constant topic because I don't have kids? I don't know, but that is funny. Haley @ Carrots posted a couple links about it this week, too. Very hopeful for your husband's job pursuits!
ReplyDelete#4: Have her sucking on a bottle or nursing when you take off or land -- it will keep her ears from popping too much.
ReplyDeleteI didn't think about that! She doesn't use bottles anymore but I might have to dig one out just for that reason. Thanks for the advice, Jen.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, thanks so much (and you should make them into a post!)
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your trip. You'll have to let me know how it goes!
ReplyDeleteSounds good! Thanks for the suggestions, there is SO MUCH Chesterton out there!
ReplyDeleteI stare at loud babies too because I think they are so cute! I always worry that moms think I'm judging, but my own little one is a hellion, so hopefully they know I don't mind!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Emily. It's so fun for us to drive in together and have lunch together!
ReplyDeleteI'm checking out Jenna's post right now! Thanks for the suggestions, Rakhi.
ReplyDeleteDon't be too hard on yourself, as long as you are trying, you'll eventually improve, right?
ReplyDeleteMandi, we used lollipops for our boys since they weren't using bottles. It worked well because it was a rare treat, and you don't need them to suck for too long.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mandi! One day I will do that...maybe as an early summer post.
ReplyDeletecan she take liquids through a straw or something? also, you're allowed to bring liquids through security if it's specifically for miss lucia and there isn't any on the other side.
ReplyDeleteWe nursed around landing time, and she fell asleep! She was asleep for the whole landing. It was awesome!
ReplyDeleteI, like Mandi, am a bad Catholic who only knows Chesterton by name and not much else. But did you just say Catholic Sherlock Holmes? I LOVE Sherlock Holmes, so I think you just sold me. Thank you!!
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