Sunday, August 31, 2008

Joke

I seriously think someone is just having a funny joke with my life. Nothing can just be easy right now. Nothing! Ryan was on call today and overnight tonight. It was a big thing for me - go to church by myself? For some people, better than me, it might not even be a question. But, our kids are never just good for a few hours at a time, and both of us are usually holding one trying to get them to sleep at some point. So, knowing I wouldn't probably get anything out of going to church with three little kids by myself and it might be total crying and misery, I decided to go for Cash's sake. He needs the interaction, and hopefully learn a little about Jesus while he's there too.

Well, of course we got there late. But, no joke, as soon as I step out of the car - tropical downpour. Thank you hurricane season. I am soaked. My diaper bag sitting in the stroller is soaked. I'm trying to figure out how to get everyone in, but taking one baby out, he gets soaked. The rain is blowing sideways, so the other one in the car is still getting pelted in the face and is soaked by the time I get him out. Everyone, is screaming, Cash included because he's even getting wet and windblown and freaked out. I don't even know what to do because it takes so long to load everyone up, and how do I even go sit in a seat totally drenched?

So I give up and put everyone back in the car. I start the car. I'm trying really hard not to cry. I don't know why I even bothered coming. Then I realize that the babies are starving and really need to eat, so I can't even take the 30 minutes to get back home.

So this time I leave the babies in the car, and run Cash into the church. He starts screaming when he gets to nursery (typical), and they're not really getting my situation, but I'm like, "Look, I really have two babies out in the car and can you just take him??" Then I ventured out and got the babies. Then I attempted to make some sense out of our soaking wetness (did I mention I was wearing a white skirt? Nice). It's really unpleasant to sit through church in wet underwear. The whole thing was so not fun.


I guess I should be reminded of a few months ago, when I was 37 weeks pregnant with the twins, Ryan was at work, it was snowy and probably another 0 degree Wisconsin Sunday. I can't even describe how uncomfortable I was. Carrying Cash out back through the snow and getting him in and out of the car was agonizing. But I went to church. Sitting was so uncomfortable and my back was killing. But I remember sitting in Sacrament meeting and the speakers were done, but the Bishop got up at the end, and just said he felt impressed to say that people could have had every excuse not to come today. The roads were bad, the weather was awful, but as he looked out at the congregation, he saw mom's with young kids, mother's who's husbands weren't members, mother's with multiple children to take care of while husbands were busy with other callings. And he knew that that those women in that congregation were all mother's who knew. That congregation was full of mother's who understood the gospel of Jesus Christ. Mother's who knew.

I probably didn't have such a great attitude today. Maybe next time I'll remember that moment that had been exactly what I needed at that time and remind myself of it again when I'm wondering why I even bother going to church.

21 comments:

Tanya said...

You are awesome! That all I have to say. I would never have attempted it.

Tania said...

Jen, bless you. I wish you lived closer to us so I could come and help you out.

Jane isn't twins - but the age diference is the same and J & J were my 3rd & 4th, and Rick works excruciating hours ..... I feel your pain. Just keep thinking this - it will GET BETTER. I thought I'd never have a good day again when Jane was little (taking Bek to seminary at 6 am in the snow, with all the little kids in the car after having woken them up, etc)

Really, the last year things have been getting better & better and the little one's are great friends and really play together a lot now.

Also, I did miss a lot of church that 1st year - just get cable and watch BYU TV - there'll be time for regular church attendance when the twins can go into nursery!

Hang in there - you're doing a great job!

H. said...

You are a trouper, Jen. You are a Mother Who Knows. I remember that moment now, when Bishop Wilson spoke, and I remember again how I felt then. It will be worth it, in the end. "They did not doubt their mothers knew it."

Kimi said...

I wouldn't go.

AnnaMarie said...

I remember Bishop saying that too...and you're just amazing, Jen. I have to make myself go, and I just have Katie. It will get easier!

Anonymous said...

I wish I had been there to help. You are mighty brave, and I love you. Keep up the good work. One day at a time.

cyhunsaker

Julie M. said...

You amaze me! I know we struggle to get there even with both of us to tackle our 3. I can't imagine! You are doing a great job, and I seriously admire you!!

Jenilee said...

Well said. I am looking at the next month of 3 out of the 4 Sundays with no husband to help. We will see how it goes.

Rachel said...

Oh Jen!!! I wish I were there!!! One Sunday I was walking to Church 8 months pregnant, about a 1 mile walk from the Subway, in the snow, no sidewalks shoveled, with a stroller (no, strollers don't stroll in the snow) carrying my 3-year old. I remember thinking, "Well, the pioneers had it worse..." Then I really got thinking. "No, I am not sure they DID have it worse!" How is THAT for being ungrateful for my forefathers!?

H. said...

Since I read your post last night, I just kept thinking about it. It made me think of an experience I had when through a series of unfortunate events I had no car, no car seats, no husband, and 2 kids to get to church. I was about to throw my hands up in the air and give up, when I remembered a conversation I had recently had with my old mission companion living now in the Netherlands. She said that she had to ride her bike to church 45 minutes each way, with 3 kids. So I decided to bike to church. It was raining, but I figured that it rains in the Netherlands too. I got to church muddy and wet and late, but we got there! And just like my friend's faith strengthened my faith, I know your faithful example is strengthening others' faith as well.

Sarah Starr Alleman Smith said...

dang.

Shannon said...

Jen, I know it's crap. Pray for someone to help before you go to church. This is hard for me to say knowing how hard it is for you. Those boys need to be in the habit of going to church. The process of learning how to act, behave in church begins now. It will get easier but it will be years, sorry, honey. You will be able to look back as I do know (it's harder for you though, you have 3) and be so happy those hard times are over. You will find someone at church to help you. It will become a routine for you and them.

Anonymous said...

Okay, now that I have a google identity, I am figuring this whole business out and I can post a comment. I will confess that I read your blog like some people read the morning paper, because it is just hilarious. And also because, come on, let's get real--this is life--and there is no sugar coating here, and that makes your blog so refreshing.

And didn't it put just a little smile on your face after that whole ridiculous Sunday ordeal was over to think about how you would go home and write it on your blog, and it would all sound pretty funny? :)

I also have to say one of my favorite past-posts was the picture of Cash with the earrings, in need of a "manny."

Anonymous said...

Sorry, thought it would show my last name. This is your cousin Angela Ure.

LuAnn said...

I thinking just how bad that must have been since your hair must have been a disaster and you didn't even mention it. What your bishop said really was touching...I might have to use that story in a talk someday if you don't mind.

Jen I said...

Thank you for appreciating that my hair alone would have been enough reason to leave.

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I feel your pain. Just keep thinking this - it will GET BETTER. I thought I'd never have a good day again when Jane was little (taking Bek to seminary at 6 am in the snow, with all the little kids in the car after having woken them up, etc)

Really, the last year things have been getting better & better and the little one's are great friends and really play together a lot now.

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