Hello dear reader!
Today is October 2 and I had big plans to do one of those #31days undertakings where I post every single day this month on one theme, which would be awesome. But now it’s October 2 and we’re two days in and I’m already behind. Maybe I should take that as a sign that I shouldn’t try? I had big plans to get back to writing about community life… we shall see.
But First! A few things.
1. I really, really need a few of you to please (please) leave a question for me that I could answer on The Gist. What’s something you’d like to know from me? Or from Danielle or Carolee? That would be so great if you could come up with something that one of us could answer.
2. Tomorrow is a big deal in the baby situation of which I cannot speak but am still going to beg for your prayers and intercession. Please pray, is all I can say. Thank you! I hate to be vague, but I’m sure you understand.
3. Finally, this is just a little “woe is me”. Isabel had pictures at her little preschool today. When I was getting her ready this morning, I asked Paul how he thought I should fix her hair? I still haven’t gotten her a little trim just yet so when it’s down it still looks a bit “iffy” and I’m not loving pony tails for her, but whenever I pull it up in the little buns on her head she just shines.
Case in point:
So that’s how I fixed her hair this morning. Except when I picked her up this afternoon, her hair was in two limp ponytails just sort of hanging there on either side of her face. And her teacher told me that the photographer had decided to pull the hair out from the little buns thus allowing the hair to hang down into these long tendrils of pony and that’s how she got her picture took. Not quite the look I had hoped for. And really if that’s all I’ve got to complain about life’s not so bad I guess. But still, boo-hoo. Seriously.
And that’s all I’ve got to say about that.
Hmm. Seems a little presumptuous of the photographer. I’d have been at the very least bummed, if not downright irritated.
I’m definitely praying re: the baby situation.
Regarding The Gist — (and I haven’t seen all your episodes, so forgive me if this is duplicative) — what about something about keeping the Sabbath holy, especially when it comes to work? We do a horrible job of it in our house: home improvement projects, laundry, dishes all take our time on Sundays. And I think it will get even harder as my children get older, with homework, sports, and other commitments to consider. How do you and the other ladies of The Gist keep the Sabbath holy? And how do you hold fast to your strategies when the world pulls you this way and that?
I second this question! Such a struggle, especially with a newborn!
I love her look in the photo!
Three questions for the Gist Gals. 1. What do you do to take care of YOUR spiritual life? Whether it’s daily prayer, an annual retreat, etc. I’m especially interested in the answers of moms who don’t have much of a supportive community. 2. What is your favorite dessert? 3. Motherhood is a lot harder than I thought. Being open to life is much scarier than I thought. What advice to you have for moms who are just starting their families and feel pressure to conform to a “perfect Catholic family” mold?
First things first, I totally agree with Annie, what was the photog thinking? Isabel clearly did not do her own hair so the style was obviously how mom had planned it to be in the pic. I’m sure the photo will be adorable regardless.
Question: How do y’all monitor/limit/allow/earn tech time for the teens? I feel I’m allowing too much, but I just don’t know.
I would totally go for the picture make-up day, if that’s offered. These are her FIRST school pictures, fercryinoutloud (and I’m a home schooler). Pin a note to the back of her shirt that says “DON’T MESS with the hair!” Grrrrr to that photographer.
Oh my. I would have been very upset about a photographer who did that to my little child. Seriously overstepped the boundaries, in my opinion, of appropriate touching and so on: just not their place to mess with my child’s hairdo. **blink**
Am continuing to pray for for all concerned in the baby’s life.
How about talking about your different schooling choices and why they work for your families? We are always struggling in that department around here. Maybe you already discused it…?
I have never heard of a photographer changing the hairstyle.!
NFP. How do you stay faithful when the tough gets going?
How do you make time to exercise and generally take care of you with lots of littles?
Hi Rachel – I love your blog! You’re little girl is adorable – I’m sure the pictures will turn out just fine
A question I’ve had on my heart lately is: how do I be a good friend? I feel so stretched with work/home/children/etc – that I feel drained at the end of the day when I finally have time to pick up the phone or write an email. It’s easy to get together with my close friends (and those that I enjoy), but more difficult to set up the lunches/playdates/phone calls with people that really need a friend and are struggling with something. I’m always confused about what I should/shouldn’t say – how I should offer support – how to let them know I care, etc. HELP!
I would love to know more about kids and church. How to get them to behave? I have 5 and under.
Also, how to get them to start understanding the importance of church and respect. I feel sometimes like its more a threat or that they feel like its one more chore. I want church to be something that they at lease realize is important and special. The details can come later if needed.
Boo on that photographer!! I would say something. And get a make-up photo. How dare they mess with a kid’s hair?! Praying, praying, praying for tomorrow.
For The Gist (which I can FINALLY get on Roku..!) – something to do with teenage boys. Maybe something about balance of them wanting more freedom, and how we can allow some as parents, while still maintaining some structure, rules, discipline, etc. I’m there with two (one just got his driver’s license and bought his own car with $$ he’s saved since he was 11). It’s so different from when my oldest (who is a girl) was a teenager.
Love your blog, and the Gist!!!
Question for all of the ladies, but especially Danielle, (because we are homeschooling the 2 oldest right now)
I would love ideas on how to keep a very active, demanding, can’t keep him out of trouble almost 18 month old busy, so I can make dinner or teach a math lesson without A. huge messes, or B. lots of screaming….
Photog: Oh, I would have been *so* annoyed! Glad you can take it in stride in the end.
Baby situation: Praying.
The Gist: Just brainstorming here. If you haven’t already, you could talk about virtual friendships? You and Danielle have been close for a while–just not geographically so, right? So, is that a hard thing to achieve / let unfold, or does it just happen out of circumstances?
For the Gist – Teenage Boys! There are so many challenging,surprising (to me) and strange things about this age for boys, I wouldn’t know where to start, but I bet you do!
About the hair: she’s darling. You’re so lucky she has hair! My daughter at that age had barely enough for a tiny pony. (She’s 17 now and has hair. It’s all ok.)
I second the teenage boy topic! Quite the challenge!
For The Gist: how do you “fill your bucket” when you feel worn down by life? Are there prayers, other spiritual practices, etc. that are effective in remembering the blessings in your life when the going gets tough?
Baby situation: have been and will continue to pray.
Oh my, that child is adorable. And her shirt! SO CUTE. I am not one for shopping and fashion but I have a 12-day-old daughter and everyone seems to think that the fun thing about girls is dressing them up. A look like Isabel’s above helps me understand why!
Will pray for the baby. And I also would like to know about activities you’ve found helpful for your boys at preschool age. I don’t want to pressure my 3 yo son too much academically, but I could use some ideas for giving him something potentially educational (and engaging!) to do with himself. Especially as winter approaches. He seems to resist most of my “activity” ideas and I can’t read him books ALL day.