Keeping Littles Quiet in Church

I've been really lucky over the years...

I've raised some really good eaters.

I've received compliments on my kids' behavior...

I've even been told I should have more kids.

While we definitely have our issues and struggles, I really am pleased with my children's behavior.

One place this is also true?  Church.  I currently have a 6yo, 5yo, and a 1yo.  In the past two years, I've had to "take someone out" only a handful of times.  Once, my littlest fell, bumped her head, and started crying rather loudly.  All the others?  Those would all be "I need to go potty!" moments- something I try to avoid by having them go right before we leave but, well, it still happens.

It's not magic.  I only have a handful of tricks I employ to make this happen and I'm happy to share them:

Prepare them ahead of time

This is my number one bit of advice: prepare your children for where you're going and what is expected.  I keep it very simple- "We're going to God's house and we all want to be on our best behavior, right?"  I also review expectations through silly questions like "Which can we play with in church... a book or a drum?  When can you make noise- when we're singing or when the priest is talking?"  The kids giggle sometimes when I do this, but it keeps the ideas fresh for them.

Pack your support gear

I don't believe in schlepping a tote bag full of entertainment for children to church each week.  I also don't expect my children to stay silent and perfect through the entire mass without any kind of help.  I favor Bible puzzle books or coloring books and children's Bibles.  Books, stuffed animals, stickers, and dolls are all good choices.  Not such great choices?  Toys with flashing lights, "noisy toys", weapon-like toys, and, in most cases, toys with wheels-- they get away from children too easily.  And, for the record?  I've seen all those latter mentioned toys in church... it doesn't usually end well.

Reserve your reinforcements

I do NOT hand out puzzle books upon taking a seat.  No sir, no ma'am.  I fully expect my children to sing hymns with us and sit quietly through readings.  What I don't expect at these ages?  That they'll sit silently through the whole sermon.  Sermons can be lengthy- and lofty- and that's hard for littles.  This is when I pull out the books for them.

Take a stance on snacks

My preschoolers and beyond do not need snacks in church.  Newborns need to be nursed or given a bottle if they're hungry, in my opinion.  It's those toddlers who can go either way.  We attend 8:30am mass and my littlest often sleeps until about 8:00 am.  Since we live twenty minutes away from the church, this means she doesn't have time for breakfast.  I could either wake her up earlier or pack something.  I choose to throw Cheerios and raisins in a cup to go.  She sits quietly on a kneeler and eats during the service.  When we attended Christmas Eve mass at 4:00 pm?  No snack.  It just depends how it works out.  Unless your church has a rule, there are no laws about this... but I think it's best to figure out what works and be consistent.

If your child can text, he can also sit still

Electronic gadgets?  Have no place in church.  Be a good example and keep yours off and tucked away too.

Don't be afraid to leave... or stay

Happily babbling toddlers or sporadically fussy newborns do not bother most people and you shouldn't feel like you have to be running out the door every time your child makes a peep.  I truly try not to don't worry too much about the opinions of people who are judging me for having- gasp!- children there with me.  You simply can't guarantee perfect silence at all moments from little ones.  That being said, you should also be prepared to take your child/children out if they become truly disruptive.  Yelling children.  Ongoing crying.  Throwing, kicking, tantrum-throwing.  These all necessitate a quick exit.

Remember why you're there

You are, presumably, in church to worship.  You are not there to win awards for "best-behaved child".  You are also not accomplishing much if you wind up frustrated, angry, and short-tempered.   And so, lastly, always remember Matthew 19:14:

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

linked to WFMW

My Favorite Pan

Okay, here's the thing...  as much as I can appreciate a well-seasoned cast iron skillet, I'm just going to come right out and admit to you all that I am a big fan of a non-stick pan.  It's the simple truth.  I love to cook and I hate to clean so it should come as no surprise that I can appreciate a pan that comes clean in a flash.

BUT.

I am leery of the materials used to coat most non-stick pans.  Used while in excellent shape and at low temperatures, I probably do not need to be freaking out.  But I don't always cook at low temps.  And, let's be frank here, that coating eventually starts chipping away.  Is this really something I'm eager to be feeding my children?

Here's my solution:

The Green Earth Frying Pan



I adore this pan.  I can cook with as much or as little fat as I want and food slides right off.  Soaking?  What's soaking?  It cleans in a snap.

Here are some of the features, according to Amazon:

1. Utilizes an ultra-safe ceramic coating derived from nature which is 100% PTFE and PFOA free.
2. Delivers unprecedented non-stick performance without releasing harmful fumes or toxins at high temperatures.
3. Features a scratch-resistant 100 ceramic coating as found in nature (no heavy metals or chemicals) that is super easy to clean.
4. Made out of durable heavy-gauge pure aluminum with no heavy metals or harmful chemicals.
5. Boasts a comfortable heat resistant Bakelight handle, and a magnetized induction stove safe base for rapid head transfer.

I like the idea of a non-stick pan with little to no risk of chemical exposure!  I'm glad I found this handy dandy pan of mine


Have you ever cooked with a ceramic pan?  What are your thoughts about non-stick cookware?  

linked to TILT


(Heads up:  Affiliate link used in this post.  Thank you!)

Feed Reader?

Okay, now don't fall over or anything, but I have to tell you something...

I've never used a feed reader.

I've also never subscribed to a blog.

Shocking, isn't it?  I've been blogging for close to three years and reading (and commenting on!) blogs for even longer and, well, I've yet to explore using a reader.

So today?  I'm asking for your help!

• How do I get started?  
• Are there reader options?  (I don't even know!)  
• Is this going to simplify my life or create another time suck?  
• How many blogs do you recommend having on a feed reader?

Help a girl out!  Please?

Linking up to the backwards edition of WFMW

image credit

Keeping My Diamond Sparkly

Here's one maintenance routine I'm actually really good about:

I get my engagement ring checked every six months. (How sad is it that my record for dental maintenance isn't nearly as good? *ahem*)

I have good incentive to do so; my husband purchased the coverage so that if anything happens- even the diamond falling out- they will fix it, no charge, as long as I've had my "checks". Fair enough.

I love how sparkly my diamond always looks after those check-ups too! I like to try to keep it bright and shiny in between times too. This isn't always easy given the fact that I pretty much take it off, um, NEVER.

My secret weapon?



An old, clean mascara wand. With a little mild soap, it's perfect for getting in all those little cracks and crevices! Just a few minutes here and there and my ring looks (almost) as sparkly as it did up there in that pic... on the day it first graced my finger.

Linked to WFMW

10 Things I Bought For Less Than $10 (total)

I live in New England. We're known for a few things here... beautiful foliage, snowy winters, a whole slew of Ivy League schools, and, oh yeah, a high cost of living.

I won't lie. Even though I grew up here, I was seriously concerned when I moved back here from the Midwest. How would this impact my grocery budget? Would I have to make huge changes?

Answer? No.

Groceries DO cost more here. Produce can be outrageous. That's why it's nice to have some tricks. And, rest assured, I didn't have to go nag or bargain with anyone to get these prices. (I tip my hat to those of you who haggle with the best of 'em but, me? No thank you...)

Here are ten things I picked up on Saturday for a total of $9.01...

1. 5 lb organic carrots ($1.99)
   
2. 3 lb organic apples ($2.04)
   
3. 1 head organic lettuce ($.99)
   
4. 2 mangoes ($.99)
   
5. 3 lb grapes ($1.50)
   
6. 6 lb bananas ($1.40)
   
7. 6 limes, 5 lemons, and 6 navel oranges ($1.83)
   
8. 2 lb strawberries ($1.37)
   
9. 3 broccoli crowns ($1.08)
   
10. 5 lb green bell peppers ($2.92)

How on earth did I score those prices? I shopped the "discount produce rack" which is, oddly enough, located next to the lobster tank in my store. Honestly, I've only encountered anyone else shopping there twice in all my trips. Could be because it's hard to find.

In case you're doing the math, those things actually add up to just over $16. By scanning my own groceries as I shopped, I saved about two dollars. I also had a $4 off any produce purchase of $15 or more coupon from a previous trip. Many grocery stores like to entice you to spend more money the next time with these coupons. Most, I just cast aside, but coupons for fruits and veggies are rare!

I didn't even know that rack was there for the first few months we lived here. I resigned myself to having to rely heavily on canned and frozen veggies since fresh were often cost-prohibitive. Now? As long as I keep an open mind, I can almost always fill our fridge (and some of our freezer!) with fresh fruits and veggies.

Wondering what's wrong with them? Sometimes, I have no idea. The lettuce had one brown edge on an outer leaf. The bananas were spotty. Two carrots were poking out of the bag. The grapes were in large part "loose" and no longer attached to their vine. The apples and citrus were absolutely gorgeous.

I do try to deal with my discount produce fairly quickly. If we're not going to eat it right away, I prepare it for freezing. Things like citrus, carrots, and potatoes (I often score fingerlings for less than a dollar a box!) give you more wiggle room.

In a state not known for great local deals, I save a ton by shopping off the discount produce rack. And that makes me- and my wallet- very, very happy.

When it's not gardening season, how do you save money on produce?

Linked to Top Ten {Tuesday}

Housekeeping Shortcuts

Let me make this very clear and simple:

I love to cook and bake. I do NOT love to clean.

But here are a couple little things I've found that make it easier for me to at least keep it together:

1. Don't sort the laundry. Unless something is brand new, I don't worry about colors bleeding. I just wash it all in cold.
2. Or DO sort laundry, but in a way that makes life easier for you. I wash the kids' clothes together in one load and my husband's and my things in another. This makes the sorting and putting away easier for me.
3. When you need to wash your hands, wash a dish. Any time I need to wash my hands while cooking, I wash something. Two birds, one stone, people.
   
4. Keep the vacuum out. Is this tacky? Probably, but it works for me. Unless I'm having company over, I leave the vacuum tucked in a handy corner, already plugged in.
5. Bake yummy things... you'd be amazed how much dust people will overlook if the whole place smells like brownies...

Are you a reluctant housekeeper? What's your favorite quick tip?