The bambino LOVES getting her photo taken. It is virtually impossible to get a candid image of her because she hears the camera turn on or focus, and she turns her head and smiles. She's done that to me even when we were in a coffee shop and she was busy concentrating on walking up a few stairs and I was on the other side of the room, still she heard my camera and looked up and smiled.
Of course, between Grammie and Grampie, Nana and Pa, Aunties Trina and EJ, and Auntie C, she kind of has her own personal cadre of paparazzi, we may have inadvertently encouraged the development of this camera-loving behavior. :)
And ironically, the one time she really did not want her picture taken was when they took a family portrait for the church directory. Breen and Patrick look absolutely lovely but the bambino is a complete grumpy gus in that photo, nothing they tried could get her to smile for it.
In any case, Patrick did a big and epic wedding this past weekend (groom is a fire chief, the extensive wedding party rode to the reception in a caravan of firetrucks), and as it was a family their whole family knew well, Breen and bambino went to the wedding and festivities too.
Apparently, the bambino became quite upset that she was not included in the official wedding photos - after all, everybody she knows loves taking her picture, and she loves having her picture taken, so clearly she should be in all these photos, and these silly people weren't letting her be in any of them! She got so upset, Breen finally had to take her out of the church and drive her around in the car until she fell asleep!
I'm cracking up imagining her inner monologue at that point: "Must stay awake. . .must be in pictures. . .but getting so. . .sleepy. . .car. . .you are. . .evil. . . .can't. . .fight. . . .the nap. . . . .any--zzzzzz"
Not to worry, bambino. This member of your entourage will see you soon enough, and I will more than make up for the lack of picture taking this past weekend. I'm sure I'll even let you run around with my camera again, because we both know you've had me wrapped around your little pinky since the day you were born. :)
Showing posts with label The Darndest Things. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Darndest Things. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
The Bambino Files
The short version: she is totally awesome.
Very determined little kid, very intent about practicing the new skills she is learning.
So during my visit she was all about climbing stairs. She had just figured out how to go up so she wanted to keep practicing, practicing, practicing that until she perfected it. And she wanted to go down like an adult would (holding on to an adult's hands, of course). We thought, "She's probably never seen a baby go down stairs before" so we modeled for her how to do it safely, on her bum. And she looked at us like, "That's interesting, now give me your hands so I can do this properly."
She is also finding her voice. Lots of practice with babbling sounds and other sound effects. She discovered Auntie C is a fun one to practice this with because I also love making all kinds of sound effects and will either mimic what the bambino does or supply the bambino a new sound to mimic. :)
She has a great sense of rhythm. She bounces to the beat if there is music on. One night after dinner, I made up a song about all the foods she likes to eat and I put a little rhythmic clap in there. After watching and listening for a couple minutes, she started clapping with me, not indiscriminately, but exactly with me, in the right place, right number of claps, right rhythm.
And she is walking. She did it for the first time when I was there, on Sunday after church, she walked by herself a few times that day and then wouldn't do it the rest of the week, regardless of our encouragement. But then a week after I got back to MN, she started doing it on a regular basis. And is apparently undeterred by impromptu baby gates, she will climb right over them.
As I said, the bambino is totally awesome!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Twitterpated
Last week I was in PA visiting Breen, Patrick, and the bambino. A lot of thoughts churning around in my head in relation to this visit, but for tonight, it's just about the bambino.
I think we've all been pretty smitten with her since the day she was born, but I also have to say, she gets more amazing by the day. I swear I witnessed synapses forming as she would intently work out how to do something she didn't yet know how to do. Absolutely incredible. And so much fun, she is a happy baby and a joy to be around.
And I'm in trouble because she has completely got my number. I got into town on Tuesday night, by Wednesday morning she had me figured out, knew how to get me to do whatever she wanted: carry her around, sing to her, make silly faces at her, feed her a bottle, change a poopy diaper. . .there is nothing I wouldn't do for this kid and she already knows it.
But seriously, could you say no to this adorable face?
Friday, July 23, 2010
The Magic Shush
If baby shushing were an Olympic sport, I think I could maybe medal in it.
I'm learning a LOT about babies since the bambino was born. One of the things I've learned: babies like white noise. They find it soothing and vaguely reminiscent of the various sounds they heard in the womb (mother's heart beating, lungs breathing, food digesting, blood coursing through veins, etc).
If you want to calm a cranky baby down, get up by their ear and "shhhhhhhhhhh" as loud and long as possible.
You see this in the video at the hospital, and you think "It can't possibly be that easy." But it works. Surprisingly quickly.
So the bambino's been having a rough couple of days and has been really cranky as a result. Other engagements kept me from this fun yesterday, but I spent most of today down visiting and making a batch of Ciccone sauce for dinner.
I was able to shush bambino down not once, but twice, while I was there. And I've apparently already mastered the art of making shush-like noise while I'm taking in a deep breath for the next shush.
That's right: I'm a circular-breathing baby whisperer.
I think I ought to add this mad new skill to my resume. ;)
Breen would be happy if I just made a recording of it before I move!
I'm learning a LOT about babies since the bambino was born. One of the things I've learned: babies like white noise. They find it soothing and vaguely reminiscent of the various sounds they heard in the womb (mother's heart beating, lungs breathing, food digesting, blood coursing through veins, etc).
If you want to calm a cranky baby down, get up by their ear and "shhhhhhhhhhh" as loud and long as possible.
You see this in the video at the hospital, and you think "It can't possibly be that easy." But it works. Surprisingly quickly.
So the bambino's been having a rough couple of days and has been really cranky as a result. Other engagements kept me from this fun yesterday, but I spent most of today down visiting and making a batch of Ciccone sauce for dinner.
I was able to shush bambino down not once, but twice, while I was there. And I've apparently already mastered the art of making shush-like noise while I'm taking in a deep breath for the next shush.
That's right: I'm a circular-breathing baby whisperer.
I think I ought to add this mad new skill to my resume. ;)
Breen would be happy if I just made a recording of it before I move!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
A Little Light at the End of the Tunnel
Uff da.
Last Sunday feels like it was a year ago. I am both physically and emotionally exhausted, and the events that have brought me to this state include but are not limited to:
- the hospital's annual memorial service for families who have lost children
- the death of a beloved matriarch of my congregation
- my own far-away grandma undergoing surgery to remove cancer
- finding out a far-away friend battling cancer is having a terrible time with the chemo
- the death of my friend Meg's father
and
- announcing my resignation to the congregation (I am starting a PhD this fall, back at Luther)
Meg's father's funeral was today, and though I didn't really know him, I went to support Meg, Andy, and the kids. Breen, Patrick, and I kept Olivia and Jack occupied during the visitation so their parents could talk to all the people who came to share their sympathy. Regular readers of this blog know these are incredibly imaginative kiddos, so you won't be surprised to hear that I spent part of the afternoon playing "paper, rock, scissors" with a stuffed bunny. It was Olivia's bunny, and since it had no digits at the end of its paws with which to form a paper, a rock, or a scissor, she would have to tell me what item the bunny had "chosen."
Man, who knew that stuffed bunnies were so wicked smart? Hers managed to beat me 90% of the time. :) We also played several hands of imaginary "Go Fish" (imaginary because we didn't have any cards on hand). . .both Olivia and the bunny beat me 90% of the time at that, too.
But I didn't mind. Losing imaginary card games to stuffed animals is actually not such a bad way to end a very long and difficult week. . .
Last Sunday feels like it was a year ago. I am both physically and emotionally exhausted, and the events that have brought me to this state include but are not limited to:
- the hospital's annual memorial service for families who have lost children
- the death of a beloved matriarch of my congregation
- my own far-away grandma undergoing surgery to remove cancer
- finding out a far-away friend battling cancer is having a terrible time with the chemo
- the death of my friend Meg's father
and
- announcing my resignation to the congregation (I am starting a PhD this fall, back at Luther)
Meg's father's funeral was today, and though I didn't really know him, I went to support Meg, Andy, and the kids. Breen, Patrick, and I kept Olivia and Jack occupied during the visitation so their parents could talk to all the people who came to share their sympathy. Regular readers of this blog know these are incredibly imaginative kiddos, so you won't be surprised to hear that I spent part of the afternoon playing "paper, rock, scissors" with a stuffed bunny. It was Olivia's bunny, and since it had no digits at the end of its paws with which to form a paper, a rock, or a scissor, she would have to tell me what item the bunny had "chosen."
Man, who knew that stuffed bunnies were so wicked smart? Hers managed to beat me 90% of the time. :) We also played several hands of imaginary "Go Fish" (imaginary because we didn't have any cards on hand). . .both Olivia and the bunny beat me 90% of the time at that, too.
But I didn't mind. Losing imaginary card games to stuffed animals is actually not such a bad way to end a very long and difficult week. . .
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Photography by Jack
We had a baby shower for Breen and Patrick on Sunday. My buddy Jack (3.5) kept asking if he could use my camera to take some pictures. I think I'm gonna start calling him Jack Pollock, because as you can see, he's in a very abstract period in his work these days. . .
Finally, a portrait of the artist as a young man:
Finally, a portrait of the artist as a young man:
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Sports News
First, WGN America, why do you torment me so? The Twins were playing the White Sox all weekend, and the only game you broadcast was today's, when I had other obligations and couldn't be home to watch.
Second, I have a new personal trainer. His name is Bryce. He is three and a half. His regimen is functional, if rather unorthodox.
He works your lower body by:
1. Jumping off of Pap and Grammie's front porch. This is a lot harder than it sounds - the porch is pretty high and the lawn slopes downhill - it's a big jump even for somebody my height. I only stuck the landing, like, once. My trainer did a lot of tuck and rolling.
2. Hopping from stone to stone on the edge of the garden.
3. Sprinting races across the back yard (this is also good cardio).
He works your upper body by:
1. The Flip, in which he grabs your hands, walks up your torso, and does a backflip.
2. The Running Catch, where he runs at you then jumps in the air, at which point you are to catch him and lift him further into the air (this works except for when he tries to add a long jump and lands two feet in front of you!).
3. The Spin. This can be done in three forms: the hold 'em by the hands full body extension, the grab 'em under the arms half body extension, and the throw 'em over the shoulder like a sack of potatoes reverse extension (this move also works on your balance).
Finally, he works your mind with:
1. Horseshoes
2. Hide and Seek
He's got great motivation skills. He gets you to do a zillion reps before you even notice it, all without yelling, bribing, begging, or cajoling you to keep going. You finish one activity in his workout plan, and he simply smiles sweetly and enthusiastically asks, "Can we do that again?" How can you say no to that?
Though, I do hope his Aunt Kristie works some back and shoulder stretches into the yoga session tomorrow night. . .I've got a feeling I'm going to need them. . . :)
'night,
C.
Second, I have a new personal trainer. His name is Bryce. He is three and a half. His regimen is functional, if rather unorthodox.
He works your lower body by:
1. Jumping off of Pap and Grammie's front porch. This is a lot harder than it sounds - the porch is pretty high and the lawn slopes downhill - it's a big jump even for somebody my height. I only stuck the landing, like, once. My trainer did a lot of tuck and rolling.
2. Hopping from stone to stone on the edge of the garden.
3. Sprinting races across the back yard (this is also good cardio).
He works your upper body by:
1. The Flip, in which he grabs your hands, walks up your torso, and does a backflip.
2. The Running Catch, where he runs at you then jumps in the air, at which point you are to catch him and lift him further into the air (this works except for when he tries to add a long jump and lands two feet in front of you!).
3. The Spin. This can be done in three forms: the hold 'em by the hands full body extension, the grab 'em under the arms half body extension, and the throw 'em over the shoulder like a sack of potatoes reverse extension (this move also works on your balance).
Finally, he works your mind with:
1. Horseshoes
2. Hide and Seek
He's got great motivation skills. He gets you to do a zillion reps before you even notice it, all without yelling, bribing, begging, or cajoling you to keep going. You finish one activity in his workout plan, and he simply smiles sweetly and enthusiastically asks, "Can we do that again?" How can you say no to that?
Though, I do hope his Aunt Kristie works some back and shoulder stretches into the yoga session tomorrow night. . .I've got a feeling I'm going to need them. . . :)
'night,
C.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Me and My Shadow
Alex was so adorably awesome yesterday. First, his parents told me that when they pulled into the parking lot, he asked them if he would see God in church today. That fit so well with the first reading, the call of Isaiah, that I ditched my planned children's sermon, and we just riffed on that statement and the story of Isaiah and where and how we see God today.
Then, during the announcements (which we do after the peace and before the offering), he walked up to me, so I asked "Do you want to help me make the announcements?" "Uh-huh." So I held his hand and he stood up front with me while I spoke. When announcements were done, he wanted to stick by me, and I'm all about creating space for children in worship, letting them share and engage in the ways that they are able, so during the offering he helped me set the table, and he also helped receive the offering (the ushers bring the bread and wine forward with the offering plates - normally the assisting minister takes the plates, and I take the bread and wine, but this day I gave Alex the basket of bread and I just took the chalice of wine).
Then he stood behind the altar with me for the communion liturgy - and he started to mimick my movements(!), from orans to hands folded in front of me, back to orans. This was too cute in itself and made me start to smile - though the assisting minster and I were the only ones who could see it, as Alex was fully behind the altar, which is taller than he is. Then, the best part - 2/3 of the way through the eucharistic prayer, he started to echo everything I said - so all of a sudden I heard the prayer coming back at me from 3 feet below! I almost lost it at that point, but paused for a brief second, smiled widely as I took a deep breath, then kept going.
Once again, he preached a better sermon than I did, using hardly any words. I spoke about call, trying to break out of the notion that "call" is language exclusively for pastors; emphasizing that just as there are a variety of gifts and a variety of members in the body, so too there are a variety of calls, and a variety of ways in which they come; pushing my parishioners to consider what their callings are. Alex was a living sermon, embodying the joy of doing what you feel called to do.
Apparently after worship, Alex told his parents that he wants "to be like Pastor C" when he grows up. Several of the adults also commented about him having "found his calling" as they came through the line after service. I don't know what God has in store for this little guy, but I do know at the ripe old age of 2, he's already preaching and teaching tremendous things to his sisters and brothers in faith.
And that's exactly why I'm so in favor of keeping kids in worship and creating space for them to be involved - you never know what they are going to do or say, but 95% of the time, they'll break open the whole experience in a profound way.
Then, during the announcements (which we do after the peace and before the offering), he walked up to me, so I asked "Do you want to help me make the announcements?" "Uh-huh." So I held his hand and he stood up front with me while I spoke. When announcements were done, he wanted to stick by me, and I'm all about creating space for children in worship, letting them share and engage in the ways that they are able, so during the offering he helped me set the table, and he also helped receive the offering (the ushers bring the bread and wine forward with the offering plates - normally the assisting minister takes the plates, and I take the bread and wine, but this day I gave Alex the basket of bread and I just took the chalice of wine).
Then he stood behind the altar with me for the communion liturgy - and he started to mimick my movements(!), from orans to hands folded in front of me, back to orans. This was too cute in itself and made me start to smile - though the assisting minster and I were the only ones who could see it, as Alex was fully behind the altar, which is taller than he is. Then, the best part - 2/3 of the way through the eucharistic prayer, he started to echo everything I said - so all of a sudden I heard the prayer coming back at me from 3 feet below! I almost lost it at that point, but paused for a brief second, smiled widely as I took a deep breath, then kept going.
Once again, he preached a better sermon than I did, using hardly any words. I spoke about call, trying to break out of the notion that "call" is language exclusively for pastors; emphasizing that just as there are a variety of gifts and a variety of members in the body, so too there are a variety of calls, and a variety of ways in which they come; pushing my parishioners to consider what their callings are. Alex was a living sermon, embodying the joy of doing what you feel called to do.
Apparently after worship, Alex told his parents that he wants "to be like Pastor C" when he grows up. Several of the adults also commented about him having "found his calling" as they came through the line after service. I don't know what God has in store for this little guy, but I do know at the ripe old age of 2, he's already preaching and teaching tremendous things to his sisters and brothers in faith.
And that's exactly why I'm so in favor of keeping kids in worship and creating space for them to be involved - you never know what they are going to do or say, but 95% of the time, they'll break open the whole experience in a profound way.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Everyone's a Critic
So yesterday Batman Jack and Batgirl Olivia busted through the wall of pillows that had been blocking the only way out of the ice cave in which they were trapped, only to be confronted with their nemesis, Blanketmaster. Blanketmaster is a nefarious fiend who covers his adversaries with a large magical blanket which makes them automatically fall into a deep sleep, even in the middle of the day!
But never fear, Batfans, for Batman and Batgirl bravely battled the Blanketmaster, wresting the magical blanket out of his hands and then using it against him, forcing him to fall asleep! While the Blanketmaster slumbered, Batman and Batgirl went to their lab and concocted a special potion and then fed it to him, freeing the Blanketmaster from his fiendish ways and restoring him to his original identity as mild-mannered Uncle Patrick.
Batman and Batgirl removed the magical blanket to awaken Uncle Patrick, who got up and moved to the couch thinking "This is the coolest comic book I've ever lived in!"
That is, until he sat down and Batgirl came up to him and said "This isn't a very good story."
Man, some imaginations are so demanding and hard to please! :)
But never fear, Batfans, for Batman and Batgirl bravely battled the Blanketmaster, wresting the magical blanket out of his hands and then using it against him, forcing him to fall asleep! While the Blanketmaster slumbered, Batman and Batgirl went to their lab and concocted a special potion and then fed it to him, freeing the Blanketmaster from his fiendish ways and restoring him to his original identity as mild-mannered Uncle Patrick.
Batman and Batgirl removed the magical blanket to awaken Uncle Patrick, who got up and moved to the couch thinking "This is the coolest comic book I've ever lived in!"
That is, until he sat down and Batgirl came up to him and said "This isn't a very good story."
Man, some imaginations are so demanding and hard to please! :)
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Cute Kid Stories (Future Rock Star Division)
Alex, of his own volition, started playing air guitar and air drums during the August youth service, imitating us "big kids" who were playing up front. :)
For last Sunday's service, we gave him a part. With a little prompting, he was able to lead us in the peace.
After we were done rehearsing Saturday, BJ let him noodle around on the trap set. He was in seventh heaven, and apparently told everyone he talked to afterwards "I played the drums!"
Sunday morning, every time BJ got up to play something else - the conga drum, the guitar - Alex was making a beeline for the drum kit! He was hilarious and ingenious, trying every which way to run around or through us to get to the big drums, putting shaky eggs or an Alex-sized conga in his hands only deterred him temporarily.
I think I know what he's getting for Christmas. . . :)
For last Sunday's service, we gave him a part. With a little prompting, he was able to lead us in the peace.
After we were done rehearsing Saturday, BJ let him noodle around on the trap set. He was in seventh heaven, and apparently told everyone he talked to afterwards "I played the drums!"
Sunday morning, every time BJ got up to play something else - the conga drum, the guitar - Alex was making a beeline for the drum kit! He was hilarious and ingenious, trying every which way to run around or through us to get to the big drums, putting shaky eggs or an Alex-sized conga in his hands only deterred him temporarily.
I think I know what he's getting for Christmas. . . :)
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Me and My Imaginary Friends
I've written before about the wild imagination of my young friend Olivia. I am happy to report she must have everything patched up with the princesses. I surmised this from yesterday's 4th of July picnic, where she happened to be the only child present. I think she was getting a little bit bored, and knowing that Auntie Catrina is always up for a game of tag, she asked if I wanted to play.
At first she wanted to play freeze tag, as we did the week before with Henry, Liam, and Jack, at Uncle Patrick's birthday party. Without the other kids there, I didn't think that was going to work - we had only a tagger and a taggee, no one to unfreeze whoever was tagged. So we were just playing regular tag, trading off being it, when about five minutes in, I seriously saw the lightbulb go off in her head, and she calls out "Catrina! I know how we can play freeze tag! My imaginary friends can unfreeze me!"
She was completely sincere, and I had to bite my tongue to keep from chuckling at the adorable earnestness of her thought. Instead I said, "Uh. . .ok. Wait, what happens if you freeze me? Can my imaginary friends unfreeze me?"
"Oh yeah, if you have some, sure!"
So, for the sake of freeze tag, I resurrected some old imaginary friends. And I can only assume, if Olivia's friends are willing to play along and help her at freeze tag, they've gotten their act together since last year. :)
At first she wanted to play freeze tag, as we did the week before with Henry, Liam, and Jack, at Uncle Patrick's birthday party. Without the other kids there, I didn't think that was going to work - we had only a tagger and a taggee, no one to unfreeze whoever was tagged. So we were just playing regular tag, trading off being it, when about five minutes in, I seriously saw the lightbulb go off in her head, and she calls out "Catrina! I know how we can play freeze tag! My imaginary friends can unfreeze me!"
She was completely sincere, and I had to bite my tongue to keep from chuckling at the adorable earnestness of her thought. Instead I said, "Uh. . .ok. Wait, what happens if you freeze me? Can my imaginary friends unfreeze me?"
"Oh yeah, if you have some, sure!"
So, for the sake of freeze tag, I resurrected some old imaginary friends. And I can only assume, if Olivia's friends are willing to play along and help her at freeze tag, they've gotten their act together since last year. :)
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
A Night Unlike Any Other Night
Maunday Thursday is one of my favorite services of the whole church year, it is such a bummer to me that more people don't come out for it. Especially this year, when I've been preaching a sermon series through all of Lent, basically running through the whole history of humanity's relationship with God from Genesis forward. The basic underlying tension in my telling of the old, old story has been God's continual desire to be our God, to delight in us and dwell with us in the world of shalom; against our continual rebellion and deep desire to be our own gods (in other words, the basic Lutheran understanding of Sin and Salvation).
This evening was part of the series, and it's not that someone still won't get something out of my Easter sermon (hopefully) without having been there tonight, but Easter would just be that much more powerful after this service, because tonight's sermon was about God through Jesus choosing us, even though we never choose him; about Jesus deciding to reconcile us to God and to one another even if it kills him [which it did]. It's all heading to Easter Sunday, of course, which I'll proclaim as God's validation of Jesus' choice for us and the ultimate triumph of God's life-giving will for the world over our self- and other-destroying wills and habits.
So, like I say, it's not that someone can't get something out of that message in itself, but it's all the more awesome having come face-to-face with your inner God betrayer/Barabbas-lover, which is part of what I was doing tonight.
But I digress, the real reason I wanted to write tonight was because our kids once again demonstrated why they are the best theologians of the church.
My children's sermon on Maunday Thursday is always to wash the children's feet. It's a custom I picked up from my internship supervisor, Jeff Russell. When I first started the tradition here, I think the kids were a little unsure about it, but they've since grown to love it. Most come up to the front with their socks and shoes already off, they are so excited for it.
Tonight we had a pretty big crew - I was close to running out of water and towels! And when I finished with the kids, for the first time I turned and offered for anyone in the congregation to come forward as well. None of them did, but then one of the kids said, "Pastor Catrina, can we wash your feet?" And I said sure. So I took off my socks and shoes and held my feet over the basin, and the kids gathered round and poured the water over them, then carefully wiped them dry with a clean towel.
I've always found it a humbling experience to have my feet washed in the context of worship. But this was probably the most humbling and most profound, to see how these little ones get it, and how they long to embody the serving love of Christ.
You know, in their baptisms, we adults all made promises to teach them the faith. But they sure have plenty to teach us as well. . .
On a final note, a blessed Passover to all my Jewish brothers and sisters, as you celebrate your own night unlike any other.
L'Chaim,
C.
This evening was part of the series, and it's not that someone still won't get something out of my Easter sermon (hopefully) without having been there tonight, but Easter would just be that much more powerful after this service, because tonight's sermon was about God through Jesus choosing us, even though we never choose him; about Jesus deciding to reconcile us to God and to one another even if it kills him [which it did]. It's all heading to Easter Sunday, of course, which I'll proclaim as God's validation of Jesus' choice for us and the ultimate triumph of God's life-giving will for the world over our self- and other-destroying wills and habits.
So, like I say, it's not that someone can't get something out of that message in itself, but it's all the more awesome having come face-to-face with your inner God betrayer/Barabbas-lover, which is part of what I was doing tonight.
But I digress, the real reason I wanted to write tonight was because our kids once again demonstrated why they are the best theologians of the church.
My children's sermon on Maunday Thursday is always to wash the children's feet. It's a custom I picked up from my internship supervisor, Jeff Russell. When I first started the tradition here, I think the kids were a little unsure about it, but they've since grown to love it. Most come up to the front with their socks and shoes already off, they are so excited for it.
Tonight we had a pretty big crew - I was close to running out of water and towels! And when I finished with the kids, for the first time I turned and offered for anyone in the congregation to come forward as well. None of them did, but then one of the kids said, "Pastor Catrina, can we wash your feet?" And I said sure. So I took off my socks and shoes and held my feet over the basin, and the kids gathered round and poured the water over them, then carefully wiped them dry with a clean towel.
I've always found it a humbling experience to have my feet washed in the context of worship. But this was probably the most humbling and most profound, to see how these little ones get it, and how they long to embody the serving love of Christ.
You know, in their baptisms, we adults all made promises to teach them the faith. But they sure have plenty to teach us as well. . .
On a final note, a blessed Passover to all my Jewish brothers and sisters, as you celebrate your own night unlike any other.
L'Chaim,
C.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Et Incarnatus Est
I continue to maintain that children are the best theologians in the church. Case in point:
Last week, being (liturgically) the Baptism of our Lord, my children's sermon was about baptism. The kids and I talked about what happened at Jesus' baptism, and what happened at their baptism, how God named them and claimed them, and how anytime they want to remember they are a child of God and God loves them, they can find some water, make the sign of the cross on their forehead and tell themselves "(Name), child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever." Then we went to the font to try it out.
Today, as 2 year old Jindrah was coming forward for the children's sermon, he stopped right at the font (which is in the aisle, in the midst of the congregation). His older brother grabbed his hand and tried to pull him forward, but he stood right there and started to reach up for the bowl. He wasn't quite tall enough to reach on his own, but an adult sitting nearby realized what he was trying to do, and picked him up so he could stick his hand in the water. When they set him back down, he smiled at me and made the sign of the cross on his forehead, then came forward to join the rest of the kids. I smiled and nodded as he was walking toward us and said "That's exactly right, Jindrah, child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever."
My children's sermon (and adult sermon, for that matter) today was about call, and with the kids I talked about the story of Samuel, and how God calls even young people like them to be servants of God's kingdom. Later in the service, when it was time for communion, Jindrah came running up the aisle, completely excited to help out (we use a common pouring chalice with individual little glasses, and the younger kids hold the trays from which folks take their clean glass and return their used glass). Today was his first time helping, and he just couldn't contain his joy at being a part of it all - he was the theology of my sermon incarnate, I kept thinking to myself, "Would that we all respond to God's call in such a way!"
Plus, he was adorable as all get out - the tray was a little too heavy for him (especially as it was filling with glasses), so his dad came up and helped him to hold it, which he didn't mind at all, he was happy to share the experience.
What's even cooler is that I'm not the only one who noticed all this. As I was greeting people after the service, one of the adults who came through the line (who is normally my biggest fan) said "Pastor, your sermon was excellent as usual, but that little boy is the one who really brought the gospel to me today." I smiled and nodded, because I couldn't agree more.
Last week, being (liturgically) the Baptism of our Lord, my children's sermon was about baptism. The kids and I talked about what happened at Jesus' baptism, and what happened at their baptism, how God named them and claimed them, and how anytime they want to remember they are a child of God and God loves them, they can find some water, make the sign of the cross on their forehead and tell themselves "(Name), child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever." Then we went to the font to try it out.
Today, as 2 year old Jindrah was coming forward for the children's sermon, he stopped right at the font (which is in the aisle, in the midst of the congregation). His older brother grabbed his hand and tried to pull him forward, but he stood right there and started to reach up for the bowl. He wasn't quite tall enough to reach on his own, but an adult sitting nearby realized what he was trying to do, and picked him up so he could stick his hand in the water. When they set him back down, he smiled at me and made the sign of the cross on his forehead, then came forward to join the rest of the kids. I smiled and nodded as he was walking toward us and said "That's exactly right, Jindrah, child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever."
My children's sermon (and adult sermon, for that matter) today was about call, and with the kids I talked about the story of Samuel, and how God calls even young people like them to be servants of God's kingdom. Later in the service, when it was time for communion, Jindrah came running up the aisle, completely excited to help out (we use a common pouring chalice with individual little glasses, and the younger kids hold the trays from which folks take their clean glass and return their used glass). Today was his first time helping, and he just couldn't contain his joy at being a part of it all - he was the theology of my sermon incarnate, I kept thinking to myself, "Would that we all respond to God's call in such a way!"
Plus, he was adorable as all get out - the tray was a little too heavy for him (especially as it was filling with glasses), so his dad came up and helped him to hold it, which he didn't mind at all, he was happy to share the experience.
What's even cooler is that I'm not the only one who noticed all this. As I was greeting people after the service, one of the adults who came through the line (who is normally my biggest fan) said "Pastor, your sermon was excellent as usual, but that little boy is the one who really brought the gospel to me today." I smiled and nodded, because I couldn't agree more.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Cute Kid Stories (Worship Division)
Molly (9 months) learned to crawl, and loves to go exploring and show off this new skill. Her family no sooner got to worship this morning than she was crawling under the pews to visit and play with the kids a couple rows behind them. Her mother warned me I might have to "return" her at some point during the service, in case she wandered her way up front to help me with the sermon!
Her dad held on to her, so it didn't happen. . .this time. :)
Alex (13 months) has figured out he can make all sorts of cool noises and echoes in our sanctuary and has been pretty vocal lately as a result. A couple weeks ago, right as I was getting into the home stretch of the proclamation in my sermon, he called out "Yeah!" and his timing couldn't have been more perfect - I actually broke with my script and looked up at him and said "That's exactly right, Alex, yeah! You got it! Yeah!"
Today, during the hymn of praise I could hear him making some noise, and when I looked over to him, he was waving furiously at me, and he smiled big and waved even faster when he saw that he grabbed my attention. It was too adorable, and was giving both his parents and I an acute case of the church giggles. I wanted to wave as enthusiastically back to him, but I knew the congregation couldn't see what was going on and would wonder what in the world I was doing. So I just did a little wave and kept singing through the chuckling, while they pulled out a sippy cup to occupy his hands.
They're not only cute, they're profound little theologians - unafraid to wander into new territory and make friends with new people, unafraid to use their voice and respond enthusiastically to the gospel - no wonder Jesus said we should all receive the kingdom as a little child. . .
Her dad held on to her, so it didn't happen. . .this time. :)
Alex (13 months) has figured out he can make all sorts of cool noises and echoes in our sanctuary and has been pretty vocal lately as a result. A couple weeks ago, right as I was getting into the home stretch of the proclamation in my sermon, he called out "Yeah!" and his timing couldn't have been more perfect - I actually broke with my script and looked up at him and said "That's exactly right, Alex, yeah! You got it! Yeah!"
Today, during the hymn of praise I could hear him making some noise, and when I looked over to him, he was waving furiously at me, and he smiled big and waved even faster when he saw that he grabbed my attention. It was too adorable, and was giving both his parents and I an acute case of the church giggles. I wanted to wave as enthusiastically back to him, but I knew the congregation couldn't see what was going on and would wonder what in the world I was doing. So I just did a little wave and kept singing through the chuckling, while they pulled out a sippy cup to occupy his hands.
They're not only cute, they're profound little theologians - unafraid to wander into new territory and make friends with new people, unafraid to use their voice and respond enthusiastically to the gospel - no wonder Jesus said we should all receive the kingdom as a little child. . .
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Cute Kid Stories (PK Division)
The last post was so serious, time to lighten things up around here.
Today the synod sponsored a picnic for clergy and families at our local Lutheran camp. Henry (3.5) and Liam (1.75) were there, and they had brought their swimming stuff in a backpack that Henry insisted on carrying. This backpack was only slightly shorter than Henry himself (when he put it on, it was seriously, like, 3 inches off the ground)! It was adorable watching him shuffle around with it on. I was walking next to him from the pool to the picnic pavillion, hearing a gentle "thwap, thwap, thwap" all the way as the bottom of the pack kept hitting the bottom of his legs. I finally looked over and said "Henry, I think your backpack is almost as tall as you are!" He just kept walking ("thwap, thwap, thwap") and casually looked at the pack behind him and said, definitively, "No it's not!" How can you argue with that?!
Also adorable is that he likes to "play communion" - he'll make a chalice and paten out of legos, then recite the words of institution - from memory - holding up the appropriate elements at the appropriate time, then "communing" his family at the appropriate time.
Olivia and Jack were not at the picnic, but they were visiting their Aunt Breen the last night of her bible school. Jack is not quite two and is not super verbal yet, so he hung out with Breen the whole time. She was teaching the kids about the post-resurrection appearance when Jesus gives the disciples the Holy Spirit and says "Peace be with you." As soon as she said those words, Jack jumped up out of her lap and started approaching another little girl with his hand out - he wanted to share the peace!
So that's the cute kid news from central PA this week, where all the PKs are definitely above average.
Peace,
C.
Today the synod sponsored a picnic for clergy and families at our local Lutheran camp. Henry (3.5) and Liam (1.75) were there, and they had brought their swimming stuff in a backpack that Henry insisted on carrying. This backpack was only slightly shorter than Henry himself (when he put it on, it was seriously, like, 3 inches off the ground)! It was adorable watching him shuffle around with it on. I was walking next to him from the pool to the picnic pavillion, hearing a gentle "thwap, thwap, thwap" all the way as the bottom of the pack kept hitting the bottom of his legs. I finally looked over and said "Henry, I think your backpack is almost as tall as you are!" He just kept walking ("thwap, thwap, thwap") and casually looked at the pack behind him and said, definitively, "No it's not!" How can you argue with that?!
Also adorable is that he likes to "play communion" - he'll make a chalice and paten out of legos, then recite the words of institution - from memory - holding up the appropriate elements at the appropriate time, then "communing" his family at the appropriate time.
Olivia and Jack were not at the picnic, but they were visiting their Aunt Breen the last night of her bible school. Jack is not quite two and is not super verbal yet, so he hung out with Breen the whole time. She was teaching the kids about the post-resurrection appearance when Jesus gives the disciples the Holy Spirit and says "Peace be with you." As soon as she said those words, Jack jumped up out of her lap and started approaching another little girl with his hand out - he wanted to share the peace!
So that's the cute kid news from central PA this week, where all the PKs are definitely above average.
Peace,
C.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Imaginations Gone Wild
Over the past few years, several All My Children alum ventured west to further their name or find their fortune in L.A. Tired of waiting for Hollywood to notice them, they're making their own mojo in a project called Imaginary Bitches. It's a funny little web series - sort of Harvey meets Mean Girls a la Sex and the City.
Tonight at a party, I learned my young friend Olivia (she's 4.5) is having some troubles with "IBs" herself. Several of the Disney princesses live at her house, but lately they've been really mean to her, to the point that she's had trouble going to sleep at night.
First, mom and dad tried the rational approach "Olivia, they're imaginary friends - they'll do whatever you want them to do." Well, that wasn't helping matters - she reported at breakfast the other day that the princesses wouldn't listen to her, they were still being mean. Dad asked "Do you want me to talk to them when we're done eating?" "Yeah."
So, they all "lined up" on the couch after breakfast. Dad looked at Olivia and asked "Is everyone present?" "Yeah." He proceeded to lecture them about the importance of respect and caring for other people and their feelings. He paused to let the message "sink in" and then looked to Olivia for a cue: "I can't hear what they're saying. Can you tell me?"
And in a complete "Duh!" tone of voice, she responded "Daddy, they're imaginary friends. . ."
The good news is, they've quit pestering her this week - apparently, they all decided it was time for a vacation to Florida, to visit their other friends at Disneyworld. One or two have come back already, but they are being nice. The rest will be away for at least a couple of weeks. . .!
Gotta love those wild imaginations! :)
Tonight at a party, I learned my young friend Olivia (she's 4.5) is having some troubles with "IBs" herself. Several of the Disney princesses live at her house, but lately they've been really mean to her, to the point that she's had trouble going to sleep at night.
First, mom and dad tried the rational approach "Olivia, they're imaginary friends - they'll do whatever you want them to do." Well, that wasn't helping matters - she reported at breakfast the other day that the princesses wouldn't listen to her, they were still being mean. Dad asked "Do you want me to talk to them when we're done eating?" "Yeah."
So, they all "lined up" on the couch after breakfast. Dad looked at Olivia and asked "Is everyone present?" "Yeah." He proceeded to lecture them about the importance of respect and caring for other people and their feelings. He paused to let the message "sink in" and then looked to Olivia for a cue: "I can't hear what they're saying. Can you tell me?"
And in a complete "Duh!" tone of voice, she responded "Daddy, they're imaginary friends. . ."
The good news is, they've quit pestering her this week - apparently, they all decided it was time for a vacation to Florida, to visit their other friends at Disneyworld. One or two have come back already, but they are being nice. The rest will be away for at least a couple of weeks. . .!
Gotta love those wild imaginations! :)
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