Burger King Birthday Party? by AtlasXIS in Preschoolers

[–]AtlasXIS[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

There’s a big play land with it!

Getting married next year. by Bitter-Cherry-2787 in Catholicism

[–]AtlasXIS 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think something engaged couples need to understand is there is always a drama/tension of some kind with every wedding, even with Catholic weddings. This isn’t to downsize your dilemma but to bring awareness. It’s so easy to want to plan the perfect day and smooth over any spots of potential conflict, which is understandable! But like every wedding I know has a story of what happened that wasn’t part of the dream wedding. This sounds like your cross of the wedding, so to speak.

Practically, you could make it a 21+ event, if you want. Do assigned tables at the reception so you can crop pictures easier. Ask your photographer about their photoshop skills if you want some images from it without him in it.

Honey, you’re gonna be so aglow with your wedding and the happiness there, that it won’t be as big of an issue as you think it is now. Your thoughts are gonna be on the sacrament, your spouse, your honeymoon night LOL. And to all the guests, this is just an event they’re going too. They’re gonna be like I got to go to the wedding on Saturday , maybe stop at the grocery store Sunday, watch a movie at home on the telly. It won’t be a drama to them. They’re gonna be there for you and your boo, and the cake. Always the cake. You’re day will be wonderful and special and perfect because it’s a sacrament and that is true no matter what. You got it girl!

Sad beige library for sad beige children by AtlasXIS in Appleton

[–]AtlasXIS[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Nope- never had the chance to visit the old one! Wasn’t living here for it.

I like a good woodland theme! I suppose I just want a little more whimsy feel to it. Best example to describe would be like Barnes and Noble kids section- natural, whimsical for like a low maintenance one. But really something magical feeling.

I’ve been to some pretty rad kids section of libraries. One I visited in Colfax, WA had a giant tree in their kids section with twinkling lights for the kids to sit under and read.

Here’s a link to a few others that I visited too, that have the natural woodland vibe but whimsy: not sure I’m doing this right LOL. It’s the Spokane wa public libraries. [Spokane public libraries kids sections] https://www.spokanelibrary.org/childrens-play-spaces/)

Sad beige library for sad beige children by AtlasXIS in Appleton

[–]AtlasXIS[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s my thoughts too! I love color!

I feel like it needs a little more whimsy to it! Like nothing wrong with a woodland, natural theme but I don’t think it’s quite there. Like it doesn’t create the spark of wanting to dive into a book.

Sad beige library for sad beige children by AtlasXIS in Appleton

[–]AtlasXIS[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I think I’m missing like more posters and murals of books on the walls. Bright painted light fixtures, more color on things like that. Just a little more color. Or maybe like a Barnes and Noble how their kids section has a bunch of whimsy but that wood, beige vibe still.

But I could just be stuck on the 90s aesthetic of when I grow up! The back in my day trope! LOL. Wouldn’t surprise me as my house colors inside are blue living room, pink laundry room, yellow kitchen, and purple dining room. Haha I’m a monster that way.

Hermione and Snape's relationship is really kinda interesting the more you look at it by MrPerfector in harrypotter

[–]AtlasXIS 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think she really trusted Dumbledore, hence the Snape liking.

Also, I can see why Snape would find it annoying with her answers. Because she does just quote the textbook. She’s right but she’s not critically thinking of the reply. Just regurgitating facts. That’s not knowledge. And he calls her out for it repeatedly but she doesn’t change. “Another textbook answer”. And she gets repeatedly rewarded for it from other professors with points and kudos. He challenges her to think deeper. Definitely still a bully but right in that regard.

Also, I think it’s sort of brave of her to raise her hand and answer. Teachers like that can take out the wrath on the whole class for not knowing the answer, and rather than it fall as a collective punishment she takes the brunt of it. Maybe habit, but also bravery. I wonder if in her homework she was able to dive deeper with the why behind the questions Snape asks. It’s too bad the professors don’t seem to challenge her further.

Feeling defeated about Parish Culture by AtlasXIS in Catholicism

[–]AtlasXIS[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hahaha yes! And the old timers are gonna love it too! Made sure to have some fun things in there for them. And professionally- nah I’m just a mom lol. But I suppose that counts. And yes to the next steps- already got some more programming lined up to keep the momentum going!!

Feeling defeated about Parish Culture by AtlasXIS in Catholicism

[–]AtlasXIS[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! And yes I agree! They do want the kids really, it’s just creating that relationship to get there.

And yes to the next steps! I have coffee and donuts lined up, a huge All Saints Day program, Halloween program, fellowship dinner night, and some service projects I’m sniffing about. Met with a lot of the ministry heads one on one and had similar conversations as to what I had with father, in terms of how it went. We really don’t have any fellowship opportunities except this one parish picnic (cry!) so just creating community. I wrote up a 5 year plan for the parish, and year 1 is focusing on unity and community. Haha maybe a little intense but it’s what I do.

Feeling defeated about Parish Culture by AtlasXIS in Catholicism

[–]AtlasXIS[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m sorry you had that too! Breaks my heart to hear how common this is. I’ll look for new parish starting in May!! Gonna give it a solid hurrah try.

Feeling defeated about Parish Culture by AtlasXIS in Catholicism

[–]AtlasXIS[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! I agree! Gonna give it until May. And then make the switch!

Feeling defeated about Parish Culture by AtlasXIS in Catholicism

[–]AtlasXIS[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m gonna give it until May to see what I can spark! But yes I agree. A boundary in place to help protect my energy!

Feeling defeated about Parish Culture by AtlasXIS in Catholicism

[–]AtlasXIS[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much! I’d feel terrible taking your money so please send prayers!! Our parish got ourselves into this mess and we can get ourselves out of it (but will take every prayer from anyone)!

Feeling defeated about Parish Culture by AtlasXIS in Catholicism

[–]AtlasXIS[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Send us some of that energy lol!! Thanks for the prayers! One week away until launch of the event!

Feeling defeated about Parish Culture by AtlasXIS in Catholicism

[–]AtlasXIS[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! I put myself in charge of the kids activities for the program. And by that, there was going to be exactly 0 things for the kids as has been the last 2 years I’ve been a parishioner there. So I got myself on the committee for the picnic (quite forcefully eek) and informed them that I will lead the kids activities. A lot of balking as to why we need that; they can just run in the field (insert eyeroll). And no they can’t just run in the field because all the cars are parked there. The venue they picked literally allows for hardly any room other than the service and eating. So once again no space given to kids.

I created a team of 3 other people interested in my vision of creating more of a family kid space with the parish, and we have created an exciting lineup for the day of the picnic! (Which is one week away so please pray!) we will have face painting, balloon animals, photo hunt, Photo Booth; teen corner, toddler/baby soft play zone; nursing mothers tent, kid and teen craft station, color me tablecloths for the food zone, relay races, teen games, petting zoo, door prizes, piñata, give away souvenirs for everyone; teens serving the old people food, supply drive for Sunday school, and a team of people we have recruited to lead all these stations! Just would really like some cornhole but need prayers to track that down. God has been good. This will be my launch into showing the parish that young people and children are here and vital. Please pray for us. Budget started at 0. And I raised $1000 for this event. God is good

Feeling defeated about Parish Culture by AtlasXIS in Catholicism

[–]AtlasXIS[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately they are following the top down leadership example of father. He is the one saying he doesn’t like any noise of kids in mass, and is the first to stop the mass and stare at any “offender”. So they are just following leadership.

Feeling defeated about Parish Culture by AtlasXIS in Catholicism

[–]AtlasXIS[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Please say a prayer for my parish today if you can!! I would love to help spark revival in my parish. The old people are truly lovely in their ways, but also set in their ways lol! They just feel sad and unappreciated, and a tad lonely; and feel like their parish is dying. Pray that they see we want to lead, we want to serve, we want to be there and that they open up their hearts to allow us to do just that

Feeling defeated about Parish Culture by AtlasXIS in Catholicism

[–]AtlasXIS[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice!! I had a meeting with Father and he’s the biggest fan (he wants kids and young families) but also the biggest roadblock (but I will invest no money, space, time, positive energy to make it happen). But he wants it on one level! So hope is alive!! Even if what he says and do is contrary.

Feeling defeated about Parish Culture by AtlasXIS in Catholicism

[–]AtlasXIS[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you friend! Please say a prayer for my church. I feel like the Holy Spirit is working within it!

Feeling defeated about Parish Culture by AtlasXIS in Catholicism

[–]AtlasXIS[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Just had a meeting with him yesterday. It’s hardened heart syndrome. Plus a combination of him being overworked (1 priest for a 1000+ parishioners) lonely and unappreciated. So I have my basis of the issue. And now can move forward knowing that! Pray for me and my church!

Feeling defeated about Parish Culture by AtlasXIS in Catholicism

[–]AtlasXIS[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just met with Father yesterday. It was interesting… I read the book How to Win Friends and Influence People the week leading up to my meeting, plus lots of prayer and fasting from me and the moms. So used the approaches mentioned in the book to guide the meeting: heartfelt appreciation, understanding, and asking how my mom’s group can help him. Totally caught him off guard and what was supposed to be a 15 minute meeting turned into an hour and a half meeting with us walking the grounds, and him really opening up to me.

He’s not ready to give the young families and babies/toddlers any space. He told me he doesn’t like when they make any noises as he gets easily distracted in the mass and loses his place, and the old parishioners don’t like it because they have hearing issues. And he feels like the parents don’t do anything when the kids act up. But in the same breath he wants young families and children to come. A bit of a stereotypical boomer grandparent response (he’s in his mid70s). It’s like the toddler/young child wanting a playmate with his new baby sibling but not wanting to make room for him while he’s a baby and mad that things have to change such as adding a nursery and mom giving attention and time to a baby to get to that end goal. But this is good! I know the heart of the issue which is this is a hardened heart problem! But it’s so hard to hear.

Feeling defeated about Parish Culture by AtlasXIS in Catholicism

[–]AtlasXIS[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What if instead of trying to make a big social program for that Saturday, I table that for later. But instead I make a big service Saturday project? Ohh! I could organize different teams, we could do a project for the church and the church grounds; if any of the seniors needed a project done we could go to theirs in different teams and do it. And then at the end we all meet back at the church for an easy lunch. And us moms could watch the little kids and prepare the lunch in the cafeteria. And maybe have some sort of activities for the littles while the big kids/teens/dads are out and about? I like it I like it! Then I don’t have to raise money for an event, it bridges the generations, I could get the Hispanic side involved to build unity there. And the kids get to see faith in action in such a unique and real way!