The Squirmy Season

We had a fab trip to visit my parents' new place south of Denver.  We were able to purchase some relatively inexpensive plane flights there and back and traveling with the kids was really a piece of cake. The only minor problem was baby Mary who is just at a stage where she likes to squirm.  She's 12 months old and hasn't quite learned that it's not o.k. to scream when she doesn't get what she wants. What she wanted, as far as I could tell, was to pull the hair of the passenger in front of us and crawl up and down the aisle of the 737.

Today I noticed this blog post from Noel Piper asking how churches can help those of us in the baby days participate in the worship service.  It reminded me of my efforts to keep Mary content on the plane.  We have the same struggle during church.  When my babies are little I try to time their naps so that they sleep through the sermon.  This still works for Mary on Sunday mornings, but it doesn't work at other times (evening services) or plane flights.

(photo credit: Sarah)

The comments section of Noel Piper's blog post has tons of helpful suggestions for small children in church.  If you're looking for some ideas that might be a good place to start.  Our church also provides a booklet written by John and Noel Piper with lots of great ideas on the subject.  You can find it online here. 

We're committed to keeping our kids in our church worship service with us.  We want them to see the ministry of the Word as the most important thing we do each week - all of us.

Who's on 1st?

Ready to play ball!

Ruth and Paul loved watching big sis.

Ready position.

The excitement was too much for Mary.

Cupcakes!

Phillip is quite the baker.  Thanks Grandma Helen!  I have a feeling we'll need a new one when he goes off to college.  (But he can't have my KitchenAid!)

Phillip got a hair cut. Yes!

Here's some long overdue photos of Phillip - the man, the legend :-)

Before

After

 Can you tell his smile is slightly smaller in the "after" shot?

You can stop now

No more growing up now, Mary, please.

Dancing Dan

I saw Dancing Dan holding a sign and dancing this morning at 8:30am.  Yes, Christmas Eve.  He was working.  And guess what he was advertising?  Himself.  His sign said "Dancing Dan" and his phone number.  Guess Dan is looking for work.  On Christmas Eve.

Dan may be the hardest working guy in Sacramento.  He's the best sign dancer on the planet and does his job with enthusiasm, joy, commitment, and integrity.  If I ever had anything to sell, Dan would get my first advertising dollars.

Duran Central had an enlightening post this week about the recession in California and our need to be compassionate with those who are struggling to find work (the blog author and I had a bit of a back and forth in the comments).  In order to get my compassion I want to see you working at least as hard as Dan.

Mozart watch out!

Angels We Have Heard on High