Cheerios In The Chapel

The LDS church is probably one of the only churches that I've ever attended that allowed children to eat snacks during church (without sneaking). My husband and I had been married for a while (according to mormon standards) before we started our family. Which gave us time to figure out all the latest in best baby snacks. As we witnessed all the failures and successes some of our friends were having in the pursuit of finding the best baby snacks. Unlike my friends my decision was based on something more concrete. My decision was baised on the snacks that I liked the most... What? Don't judge me!

When my husband and I started I was ready. I had the baby, I had the diaper bag, I had the snacks, I was excited and prepared! Within a hour of being at church I realized that babies don't eat, anything!! They drink, dang it! I didn't really think about that. I did find out that as a mother I was entitled to snacks. Yeah! So I continued to pack snacks for myself, I had to keep my health up so that I could nurse... Even though I wasn't really nursing... Don't judge me! It takes energy to make a bottle too. When my baby was finally old enough to process treats, was a happy day for me. I took Gummy Bears, Fruit Snacks, Teddy Grams, and of course Cheerios, all the treats that I loved and that she would grow to love.

My excitement was short lived when she rejected my treats and wanted to partake of Sister Browns (name changed to protect the innocent) instead. Sister Brown was an expert in the packing of snacks. She was the mother of 3 children, all of whom were perfect during Sacrament Meeting. I must admit that Sister Browns snacks did look scrumptious. She brought super sized Fruit Loops, and Cheerios, Super Sized! She had the cutest tupper - ware with perfectly packed dried fruit, and mini fruit snacks. I must say that I was impressed with Sister Browns creative display of snack packing. Yes I was impressed, and yes I was jealous!

My little one continued to look into my hand at my meager display of cheerios, while reaching for the treats that Sister Brown held out for her son. Sister Brown, (bless her heart) began to share the treats that were meant for her son with my child. I tried everything that Sunday during Sacrament, but nothing could distract my little one from this Relief Society Sister, her son, or her snacks.

I know that many would be grateful to have the help of a sister to keep there baby happy during Sacrament. However on this occasion that was not my testimony... Don't judge me! I decided that I needed to be better prepared in the future. So the following Sunday I was ready, I did 3 things different.
1. During the week we had taste test! I needed to know what she liked (just kidding, I said I did 3 things different because things sound better in 3's not 2's). :)
2.I found the exact same Super Sized Fruit Loops, Cheerios, and Mini Fruit Snacks. As for the dried fruit, I didn't have the skill (nor did I know anyone who did) to make it myself, 3 outta 4 ain't bad.
3. I sat in the furthest possible seat in the chapel from Sister Brown.

I can honestly say that over the years my attitude has really changed! It's amazing what 15 years and 8 children can do to a women and her way and or pattern of thinking. I not only willingly accept but have also learned to ask for help. I had even gotten to the point by the time I had my last child that I didn't even freak out (as much) when he would eat cheerios or other treats that had been licked by his little church buddies. I have to laugh when I think about the pressure that we as women put on ourselves. I'm sure that there are those times when we are judged by our peers and that never feels good. However, I know that in my case when I've seen myself through the eyes of others I've usually judge myself more harshly then they may have judged me. I often wonder if Sister Brown realized that she was the trend setter for baby dos and don'ts in my ward at that time.

Who are the trend setters in your life? What pressures have you placed on yourself in the past that now seems silly?

Sista Beehive