The DDA Trouble Free Zone Part 8

[babytrees]

Before I go to bed, I wanted to perhaps point out the other side to this statement. This is NOT a flame, but just another point of view. What I'm going to say isn't true for all of those families who aren't helping out, but it might be for some. It is DEFINITELY true for me.

We pay for VBS at our church and it costs us $75. I volunteer at church throughout the year. I teach Children's Choir every week Aug through the end of May, John and I teach Sunday School 2 Sundays per month, and we are always willing to pitch in wherever needed. I've worked the past 2 years all week at VBS teaching the music. Well, this year I'm not doing ANYTHING. No baking, so pre-set up, no helping at all, and I'll have 3 kids enrolled. I do not feel guilty at all. I definitely Volunteer at our church and put in time to nurture and teach the kids during the school year. So this summer I'm taking a break. It literally is my only week where I have some time to myself. With no family in the State and babysitting prices so outrageous, we don't have help. So I'm going to enjoy my week off while they are in VBS.

Just thought I'd shed some light on another view point. And, yes, I know many of those parents don't volunteer at all EVER, but some may volunteer in other areas that you're not aware of.

I do this too!!

But now that Cassidy is old enough she loves to volunteer and is a great help to my work church's Children's Director. VBS is free here and $5 for the shirt, they pay for the volunteers shirts.
At my Worship church we volunteer as much as we can but VBS is not an option as it would be a half hour commute each way. If we could do VBS at both we would.

Of course there are so many parents who don't volunteer at all and don't I know it from PTO and Girl Scout stuff.

Kate-
Thanks for doing what you are doing in shaping so many kids spiritual lives!!

 

[UP Disney]

I am in the same position as Denise...I am not doing ANYTHING for VBS this year. I have worked very hard at many things (including running VBS for a couple of years) I can remember thinking similar thoughts in the past "providing a baby sitting services, etc" The Pastor of the Church informed me that "it is not up to the lay people to worry about what other people do or not do, and that we should feel good about sharing the word of God with the children, even with the children who's parent's may not be up to our perceived standard" I thought a lot about what he said...and I think it was a good point...sometimes we all forget why we are involved in Church....

Very good point Kristine. Thanks for reminding me. One of the main reasons that I volunteer for Girl Scouts was because I wanted to be there for the kids whose parents aren't. I still would complain alot to my friends about the parents that wouldn't help out. I need to remind me of myself of your pastor's point when I find myself complaining!

 

[julia & nicks mom]

I am in the same position as Denise...I am not doing ANYTHING for VBS this year. I have worked very hard at many things (including running VBS for a couple of years) I can remember thinking similar thoughts in the past "providing a baby sitting services, etc" The Pastor of the Church informed me that "it is not up to the lay people to worry about what other people do or not do, and that we should feel good about sharing the word of God with the children, even with the children who's parent's may not be up to our perceived standard" I thought a lot about what he said...and I think it was a good point...sometimes we all forget why we are involved in Church....

While I see his point -

I don't see my preist up with me at 11:30 at night trying to figure out how to allocate the volunteers and figuring out who to call b/c I know who always does everything to help b/c I know they won't say no!!!!!! which is why so many of us always get sucked in way over our heads!!!!!

 

[babytrees]

$75?!!?!?!?!!? I wouldn't volunteer either!!!

Ours is $15 includes a t-shirt and a fairly heavy snack each day! We rely very heavily on volunteers to do our baking and help prepare our crafts.

I understand that at some point people get burnt out - but since I am involved in the 3 biggest volunteer programs in a leadership position - I pretty much know who is involved and who isn't - and I know who uses us for babysitting!!!

Denise- I know there are definately circumstances where people just can't do it - and I completely understand that!

BTW - This year we have 2 sets of triplets in our 1st grade class!!!

Two sets of triplets!!
That's amazing!!

 

[KristineN]

I am OK...Jonathan graduates on Sunday (the same day that Kirsten turns 7) so I am running around like crazy...I can't wait for next week to end. These end of the year activities are killing me!

Bill is good (thanks for asking) The moms are, let's just say fine (for the moment).

****s are back to normal..I think Bill misses it though!!

Wow, what a good comment and boy does it make me re-evaluate my thoughts during the year when I'm volunteering all the time and others aren't... Thanks, Kirstine!

BTW, good to see you posting! How are you? How's Bill? Hope your moms are doing better. Hugs to you! And are your ****s still blue?

 

[babytrees]

Quick drive by posting - no sleep for me tonight, but this time tomorrow, I'll be in Kauai!!

Wanted to say "aloha" to everyone, and to let you know that Andy arrived safely. Just did a quick post over on the Adventure thread - afraid no pics tonight, but I promise to update in the next couple of days.

Teresa - thanks for loaning him to me - I promise to take good care of him! (And Vicki and Paula - thanks for making sure he got to me in time!)

Hope everyone is well!!!

Sounds like a ton of fun!!

Andy is a lightweight!! Make sure he doesn't drink too many Mai Tai's!!

 

[UP Disney]

Well, I'm off to bed! Hopefully, the very loud frog outside my bedroom window (remind me why we wanted a small waterfall and pond there again???!!!!) is quieter tonight. Any ideas on how to quiet him down besides fried frog legs?

 

[babytrees]

While I see his point -

I don't see my preist up with me at 11:30 at night trying to figure out how to allocate the volunteers and figuring out who to call b/c I know who always does everything to help b/c I know they won't say no!!!!!! which is why so many of us always get sucked in way over our heads!!!!!

And that is also why we rejoiced when we weren't the last ones out of the building after the sock hop!!
The ones who don't do anything count on us who can't say no.....I have even heard "Well I thought you had it all covered" Um no that's why there is signs all over asking for more volunteers. Geesh!!

 

[triplefigs]

I am OK...Jonathan graduates on Sunday (the same day that Kirsten turns 7) so I am running around like crazy...I can't wait for next week to end. These end of the year activities are killing me!

Bill is good (thanks for asking) The moms are, let's just say fine (for the moment).

****s are back to normal..I think Bill misses it though!!

Well, Congrats to Jonathan on GRADUATION!!!!!!!!!!!! WTG!!!

And Happy Birthday to Kirsten.

Sounds like another busy week for you. Just don't go dying other parts of your body any pretty colors before this weekend. Tell Bill he'll have to wait...

 

[babytrees]

Well, I'm off to bed! Hopefully, the very loud frog outside my bedroom window (remind me why we wanted a small waterfall and pond there again???!!!!) is quieter tonight. Any ideas on how to quiet him down besides fried frog legs?

Blech!!

 

[babytrees]

Congradulations to Jonathon!!


Happy Birthday to Kirsten!!



Prayers and Pixie Dust to Jen for your test and the other stuff that's stressing you out!!

 

[KristineN]

Well,

First let me say, I have been there...

BUT...again you have to remember what the primary focus of VBS/Church etc is...again, to Share the Word of God with the children. If the volunteers all feel "like they are sucked in" where's the joy in the event for them? and why continue to volunteer for something that you are mad at parents about? It would seem time, talents and dedication would be better utilized somewhere else...

While I see his point -

I don't see my preist up with me at 11:30 at night trying to figure out how to allocate the volunteers and figuring out who to call b/c I know who always does everything to help b/c I know they won't say no!!!!!! which is why so many of us always get sucked in way over our heads!!!!!

 

[babytrees]

Denise-

I love the fact you are changing your signature all the time. That way I can see your precious triplets in different pics.

Looks like you have plenty of knights in shining armor to protect you!!

 

[triplefigs]

Denise-

I love the fact you are changing your signature all the time. That way I can see your precious triplets in different pics.

Looks like you have plenty of knights in shining armor to protect you!!

Thanks. And I have so many good pictures from our trip. I get bored with it the same all the time. I like to shake it up!

 

[julia & nicks mom]

Guys I am sorry -

I was simply expressing a frustration that the same parents always seem to do everything and it would be nice to see other people step up sometimes to give those that do everything a break or at least ease their load

why do I do what I do - b/c I love being with the kids - I love that my kids beg to go to church with me and they are so excited for VBS b/c it is one of their favorite things in the world

I actually feel sorry for univolved parents b/c I think that they miss a lot of joy and fun

I guess I thought that expressing a frustration in here would be safe

 

[babytrees]

Guys I am sorry -

I was simply expressing a frustration that the same parents always seem to do everything and it would be nice to see other people step up sometimes to give those that do everything a break or at least ease their load

why do I do what I do - b/c I love being with the kids - I love that my kids beg to go to church with me and they are so excited for VBS b/c it is one of their favorite things in the world

I actually feel sorry for univolved parents b/c I think that they miss a lot of joy and fun
I guess I thought that expressing a frustration in here would be safe

You are safe here....guess we all are going through some guilt for not being as involved or too involved in our kid's lives. Sorry.

I too think the uninvolved parents are missing out!! I get to spend time with their kiddos and have so much fun with them!!

 

[KristineN]

I am sorry you don't feel safe (which you certainly should)

But, I feel safe enough to say...that it was merely my intent to bring up the fact the none of us really knows whats going on in another person's life that wouldn't allow them to volunteer or participate in an event to the level that WE feel they should...and to be grateful, and joyful that you feel passionate enough to give of your time and talents to the kids...because the kids...well, that's what it's all about, isn't it???

Off to stuff goodie bags....no more home made treats allowed in Kirsten's school (not that I feel like baking anyway )

Guys I am sorry -

I was simply expressing a frustration that the same parents always seem to do everything and it would be nice to see other people step up sometimes to give those that do everything a break or at least ease their load

why do I do what I do - b/c I love being with the kids - I love that my kids beg to go to church with me and they are so excited for VBS b/c it is one of their favorite things in the world

I actually feel sorry for univolved parents b/c I think that they miss a lot of joy and fun

I guess I thought that expressing a frustration in here would be safe

 

[Glynis]

Yes it is our first! I am excited, for the most part. I have to get through my test tomorrow, then I'll be moderately excited. We also have some stuff to take care of around here for moving, jobs, etc before we go that has me a little more stressed.... so it might take a bit longer to get REALLY excited for this one. But I'm pretty sure by Saturday afternoon when we're on our way, I'll be ecstatic!

Sending you tons of pixie dust for your test tomorrow!!! I'll be thinking of you!

 

[Eeyorecln]

He is still running a high fever this morning. I think he vomited because his temp was up, not because it is a stomach bug. As long as he has Motrin and Tylenol he seems better. 5 of the kids in his class are all having the same symptoms, so we're thinking they all caught something the last day of school. I just hope Rees doesn't get it cause we'd have to postpone surgery.

for all the figs.

 

[Eeyorecln]

Well, Becky's last final was yesterday. So I guess that means she is officially done being a junior and is now a senior. Only one year left with my baby at home!