Unexpected Joy

Before I became a mom, I new that I wanted to take my children to church each Sunday.  

My parents took me each Sunday, and while it wasn't the most fun thing to do, I am glad I did it.  My husband and I were both raised catholic and are raising our children catholic, too.  

I know, I know... the catholic church doesn't have the best reputation lately.  But, hey... just like any successful relationship... when the going gets tough, you don't bail.  And for the record (or for my future self) I don't care if our children choose to not be catholic some day.  I believe, being presented with a set of beliefs when you are growing up teaches you to respect something bigger than yourself and to be humble.  That's a GOOD thing.  And, I hope when they get older they learn about other beliefs and listen to their hearts to figure out if the catholic church is for them or not. That is the definition of being a grown-up isn't it?

OK... back to the present... When Abby was a little baby we would go to church each Sunday.  Then we would find excuses to skip church... So, we didn't go to church for a while.  Then George was born and the H1N1 flu was everywhere...  Bottom line:  I felt justified in my decision to skip church each week.  

But, not anymore...

I'm proud to say, that Abby and I have been going to church on a regular basis for some time now. 

Don't judge me!  

Seriously, some mothers are so wonderful and patient when their small children misbehave, but I'm not one of those mother's.  I become angry when Abby doesn't listen or has a fit.  I know she is a toddler learning everyday and I try to have patience but it is hard.  I expect perfection, because I remember the same being expected from me.  So, before church each Sunday morning, I give her a pep talk on being a good girl and myself a pep talk on remaining calm and to expect the worst.  I also place a tootsie roll on the kitchen table and explain to Abby that she can have it when we get home if she is a good girl during church ;-)  Ohhhhhh the power of chocolate!!!  The tootsie roll is extremely effective!

The first few weeks were rough... leaving church to have a 'talk' once or twice.  One week a random lady told me to "Hang in there", which almost reduced me to tears for some unknown reason.  I almost abandoned the entire effort a few times.  But, we persevered and have settled into a nice routine.  And without a doubt, it has been one my most unexpected joys of watching Abby grow up so far. 

She knows the sign of the cross and when she hears the priest say "In the name of the father, and the..." she stops playing with her toys and crosses herself.  She likes to hold the song book, sometimes upside down, and sing along.  She likes to join hands for the Lords Prayer and get on her tip toes for the last few lines when everyone raises their joined hands.  She LOVES to say 'Peace' and shake everyone's hands.  She folds her hands and walks to the front of the church for communion and only walks into the person in front of her in line a few times... because she is so busy looking around.  And she has taken on her Daddy's tradition of shaking the priests hand after church.  Last week we even went and had a donut after mass.

When we sit down to eat at home, she puts her hands together and says "Pay Mommy, Pay", which of course means: Let's pray Mommy.

It doesn't sound like much, but when I watch her and see it I know I am doing the right thing.  It has been a very fulfilling experience. 

I'm ready to add George into the mix, but I don't think he's ready for it yet.  I know some people let their kids George's age run around church or put them in the daycare, but that's not for us.  No Thank You.  But, don't worry, he'll be ready soon.  Until them I'm enjoying the one on one time with Abby.  

The only downer about all of this is that I always figured families would go to church together.  I didn't grow up near my grandparents or cousins, so my family didn't have the opportunity each week.  But, I guess I always assumed if my extended family lived close we would attend church together and each Sunday would be awesome because of that.  But, I guess that is another thing about growing up that stinks.  Reality.  We live near Grandparents and cousins and we all do our separate thing.  They are no more guilty than we are.  So, consider this an invitation.  St. Patricks, Brighton, 9:30 Sunday morning.  See you there?