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teachingmyown Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 20 2005 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Jan 20 2009 at 9:33pm | IP Logged
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Go ahead and tell me if I am. I am debating going to the March for Life in DC on Thursday. The idea is already a little overwhelming with my eight kids plus two nieces who are visiting for the week. I am such a homebody and planning a day out like this does stress me.
On top of that, my biggest worry is the weather. It may get up to 47 degrees, but the "Real Feel" is only going to be in the 30's! I was outside today for about ten minutes, all bundled up, and was so cold I wanted to cry. So, being out there for three or four hours, with my little ones, just seems too much.
Of course, part of me is saying that it is worth the sacrifice, but a big part of me is all in favor of wimping out.
What would you do?
__________________ In Christ,
Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
Remembering Today
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missionfamily Forum All-Star
Joined: April 10 2007 Location: Louisiana
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Posted: Jan 20 2009 at 9:45pm | IP Logged
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I would put on EWTN, make a spiritual bouquet for the unborn, and say a rosary together as a family. And rejoice in knowing that you live close enough that you cnn skip this year and not miss the opportunity all together. Maybe next year it'll be warmer! Let yourself off the hook, Molly dear, you deserve it.
__________________ Colleen
dh Greg
mom to Quinn,Gabriel, Brendan,Evan, Kolbe, and sweet St. Bryce
Footprints on the Fridge
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helene Forum Pro
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Posted: Jan 20 2009 at 9:47pm | IP Logged
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Ack! Maybe I'm a wimp, too, but I would be scared to death I would lose a child in those crowds in that cold! Stay home and pray. I think you are a HERO for even having considered it.
__________________ Happy Mom to five girls (20,17,13,11and 4) and five boys (19, 15, 10, 8 and 6)
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Sarah Forum All-Star
Joined: Aug 17 2005 Location: N/A
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Posted: Jan 20 2009 at 9:48pm | IP Logged
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In my humble opinion, it sounds like its too much with all those little people.
These things are for people in another stage of life. And those that do pull it off with littles are super adventurous and brave.I know a lady who brought her little ones to the March but she had four teenaged girls with her and some almost teens. Her older kids outnumbered the little ones.
I don't think you're wimpy. You're wise to think it through!
Stay home and offer some sacrifice for thyr Marchers.It would perhaps be more valuable!?
__________________ Six boys ages 16, 14, 11, 7, 5, 2 and one girl age 9
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LisaR Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2005 Location: N/A
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Posted: Jan 20 2009 at 10:22pm | IP Logged
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I'm not the one to ask, because I am really really wanting to go. I wish I could virtually appear, and either help you, or take all the kids for you!! remember, IL just went through -25 degrees ACTUAL temp, so again, I'm off what is cold these days. The kids jumped for joy when we woke up to 8 degrees the other morning!!
I know you can make it meaningful no matter what you decide!
__________________ Lisa
dh Tim '92
Joseph 17
Paul 14
Thomas 11
Dominic 8
Maria Gianna 5
Isaac Vincent 9/21/10! and...
many little saints in heaven!
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JodieLyn Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 06 2006 Location: Oregon
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Posted: Jan 20 2009 at 10:29pm | IP Logged
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Well, most people think I'm nuts for how much I do by myself with my kids and there is NO WAY I'd do that with all my kids without at least another 2-3 adults to help out.
__________________ Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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Mary Chris Forum All-Star
Joined: Jan 27 2005 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Jan 21 2009 at 6:35am | IP Logged
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Molly,
I told this to another friend in a situation like yours, "If you were on a field trip with a school, you would not chaperone more than 3-4 children. And they would all be the same age." Ten children, in that huge crowd, by myself, I would not do it. My ds 11 and I got seperated from our group last year, and I knew my dd 13 was fine (she was with Irene) I still felt a little wigged out.
Take Colleen's advice.
__________________ Blessings, Mary Chris Beardsley
mom to MacKenzie3/95, Carter 12/97 Ronan 3/00 and wife to Jim since 1/92
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LisaR Forum All-Star
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Posted: Jan 21 2009 at 8:04am | IP Logged
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PS- I've only been to the March in DC once, so I'm thinking of it very fuzzily.
If I could not bring a stroller, and my 12 and 15 y/o's to help, I would definately not be going!!!
__________________ Lisa
dh Tim '92
Joseph 17
Paul 14
Thomas 11
Dominic 8
Maria Gianna 5
Isaac Vincent 9/21/10! and...
many little saints in heaven!
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Aggie gal Forum Pro
Joined: Aug 02 2007 Location: Illinois
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Posted: Jan 21 2009 at 8:30am | IP Logged
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Hello my dear friend!
We ended up going to the March last year on the parish bus which was great. We brought our stroller and snacks (with plenty of water) in back packs. Charlie was on our bus to boot! I know my kids will never forget it, that's for sure-- they still talk about it.
I think if you have Charlie's help, and you have S. and B. who could also lend a hand if needed, it might not be too bad. I don't know how old your nieces are tho..
Also if you go with the parish; folks will lend a hand if needed-- and there were bathrooms on the bus. Oh, and also last year there were plenty of folks that came last minute that had not signed up for a spot on the bus, and there was plenty of room.
Not sure how long it's been since you've been to the March and I know Charlie might be out of the house not be around next year to go with you all. (things to ponder)
We almost made the drive down this year from NJ, but A and P are sick.
So, long story short: Yes, I'd go, but I'm not in your shoes my little friend, and I certainly don't think it's wimpy for you not to go.
__________________ Amy
Married to Rob, Momma to Patrick (17), Braden (14), Nathan (11), Benjamin (10), Aurea (8), Peter (6), Rosie (3) and Baby Blaise
Eight is GR8
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Lara Sauer Forum All-Star
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Posted: Jan 21 2009 at 9:20am | IP Logged
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Moll,
I am not taking my 8 children...although I am sending the oldest two boys to the Youth Rally at the Verizon/MCI Center (whatever they are calling it this year!) My 11 year old daughter is taking the bus with the parish...if you are looking for an activity to do, you could always join us at QofA for our post march chili/chili dog dinner. We are having a speaker this year after the dinner as well!
Oh, and back to your original question...if you're a wimp then so am I!!!
Peace and friendship...
Sara
BTW, I wasn't joking about having you join us...dinner is at 4:30 and the speaker will begin talking at 5:45...actually, anyone who is close to Queen of Apostles in Alexandria is welcome to come to the talk. The speaker is Jane Brennan and she wrote a book called Motherhood Interrupted. I'd include a link if I had the vaguest notion how!
__________________ You can take the girl out of Wisconsin, but you can't take the Wisconsin out of the girl!
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teachingmyown Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 20 2005 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Jan 21 2009 at 9:27am | IP Logged
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Thanks for your support ladies. Even you Amy!
I do have a 17 yr old ds, and dd13 and ds11 to help. I guess it is doable. But my others are 9, 7, 5, 2 and 13 months, plus my 13 yr old and 9 yr old nieces whom I consider a liability rather than an asset.
We are on the waiting list for our parish bus. So, maybe I can plan to go and see if we get seats or not (kind of hard being on a waiting list when you have 11 people in your party). Is that leaving it in God's hands?
I am just really not look forward to breastfeeding in 40 degree weather! Burrrr!
__________________ In Christ,
Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
Remembering Today
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teachingmyown Forum All-Star
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Posted: Jan 21 2009 at 9:38am | IP Logged
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Sara,
We were posting at the same time. I am so glad to hear that you aren't taking the whole crew! Really, I thought of you as I was debating. I just figured you'd be out there, new baby and all, and then I REALLY felt like a wimp! Of course, I then comforted myself by saying you're from Wisconsin so the cold wouldn't bother you.
I would love to come up, but my mil is coming into town some time tomorrow. I hate the idea of my parents marching in the cold and was considering sending my older kids with them. Oh, too much to consider. Ugh.
__________________ In Christ,
Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
Remembering Today
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Fuzzy Forum Pro
Joined: March 07 2007 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Jan 21 2009 at 11:03am | IP Logged
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Molly, I am feeling the same as you, and I only have 3! 5 and under, nonetheless, but I am feeling totally wimpy. We are all sick here as well, and that is a contributing factor for me to say no go.
You are NOT being wimpy! That sounds like too much, and I think the Lord will give you your own things to offer up during the day, if you stay home. My mother always said that sometimes you have to offer up the thing you really want to do, and in doing that, God will give you another sacrifice to make as well.
...I'm not sure that came out right , but I think you know what I mean?
__________________ Fuzzy
Mom to DS 12, DD 10, DS 7, and DS 4, and DD 1!
Fuzzy Memories
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teachingmyown Forum All-Star
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Posted: Jan 21 2009 at 12:08pm | IP Logged
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Fuzzy, thank you. I do know just what you mean. I always have to examine my motives about things like this. I get really caught up in whether it is something I "want" to do but shouldn't or, as in this case, something maybe I don't "want" to do so I am coming up with excuses.
I am not feeling great so that might just be the deciding factor. I just hope I am not getting sick, again.
__________________ In Christ,
Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
Remembering Today
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Cheryl Forum All-Star
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Posted: Jan 21 2009 at 12:20pm | IP Logged
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I would stay home.
__________________ Cheryl
Wife to Bob ('97)
Mom to Matthew 13, Joseph 11, Sarah 10, Rachel 6, Hannah almost 4 and Mary 1
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Jen L. Forum All-Star
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Posted: Jan 21 2009 at 12:42pm | IP Logged
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Remember when it's cold the ones in the stroller will be even colder as they aren't moving.
Maybe you could go to Mass? And/Or say a Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet as a family?
Hope you stay healthy!
__________________ Jen
dh Klete,ds (8/95),dd (12/97), dd (11/00), and ^2^ in heaven
"...the best state in which to glorify God is our actual state; the best grace is that of the moment..." St. Peter Eymard
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LisaR Forum All-Star
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Posted: Jan 21 2009 at 12:51pm | IP Logged
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ok, here's a different spin:
in Malcolm Gladwell's book "Blink" he reports that a huge percentage of the time (I think it was over 90%) your first decision is your best, and right decision.
that what you decided in the first 3 seconds is actually the more rational decision than prolonged discerning.
So, what was your very first decision?
I also do try to think about do the benefits outweigh the risks, and would I regret going more, or not going more??
can you tell I'm a bit of a sociologist??
and, if you have not read Malcolm Gladwell, I highly recommend all of his books!!
__________________ Lisa
dh Tim '92
Joseph 17
Paul 14
Thomas 11
Dominic 8
Maria Gianna 5
Isaac Vincent 9/21/10! and...
many little saints in heaven!
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JennGM Forum Moderator
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Posted: Jan 21 2009 at 1:31pm | IP Logged
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Jen L. wrote:
Remember when it's cold the ones in the stroller will be even colder as they aren't moving.
Maybe you could go to Mass? And/Or say a Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet as a family? |
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That's what we're doing -- making some extra sacrifices and prayers, but we're staying home. Molly, I'm a total wimp, and I have less little ones than you. We've been sick and I'm just not up to braving the cold.
__________________ Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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mary theresa Forum All-Star
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Posted: Jan 21 2009 at 1:41pm | IP Logged
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teachingmyown wrote:
I always have to examine my motives about things like this. I get really caught up in whether it is something I "want" to do but shouldn't or, as in this case, something maybe I don't "want" to do so I am coming up with excuses.
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Me too!
I'm just a couple miles from DC and theoretically it would be "easy" for me just to get on the Metro with my double stroller and go. But I don't want to go alone. And I don't want to be breastfeeding/taking toddler to the bathroom, etc. on the March. It's cold, it's during naptime, my daughter would have to skip her Atrium. But then there's the BABIES! And it's hard to feel like any "excuse" is big enough. . .
Nonetheless I think I am just going to say the rosary, go to Mass -- which is a sacrifice in and of itself for me at this point -- and give up the food that i like.
I hope God will understand.
__________________ Mary Theresa
mother to 3 little girls --March '06, Dec '07 and Jan '10
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teachingmyown Forum All-Star
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Posted: Jan 21 2009 at 1:42pm | IP Logged
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My first instinct was to not go.
Our parish school will be having a Rosary service during the March. Perhaps we will do that.
Thanks everyone! As you can see, I am so bad at making decisions! Why couldn't they have passed Roe V Wade in the Spring?
__________________ In Christ,
Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
Remembering Today
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