We are so thankful that we have a great place to stay. Comfort Inn Thousand Oaks. Not sure why the Thousand Oaks title--I wish there were 1000 oaks here. Some shade would be sweet! Every day has been over one hundred degrees here in the south. I met a sweet woman at the pool who told me all about her family reunion in "jew-lie". I also caught her and her husband doing a little kissing in the hot tub. They are in their 70s and from Little Rock. They are so kind and honest. I know this because they told me my kids were well-behaved. They also looked my kids in the eye and listened to them. I like it when folks do that. I also like it that after their little "somethun somethun" in the hot tub was interrupted by the ducks, they continued to sit by each other. I hope that Gary and I sit by each other in a hot tub when we are 70. I hope we get caught kissing too.
Sleeping in a hotel. Come on mamas and papas! Raise your hand and give me a witness. Hotels are awesome and I love staying in them--freshly made beds, clean towels, trash that disappears, unlimited toilet paper, and lemony smell. Good times. Being in a hotel with four children--more challenging. I'd like for them to all be tired at the same time and to all get up at the same time--preferably after 7:00.
We've had the same breakfast for four mornings. The staff are super sweet to us--we take up a significant amount of space. The great thing about the hotel breakfast is we know exactly what is available. The kids know what they like and we are very well prepared. They did discover the doughnuts yesterday morning. We were hoping they wouldn't see them at all--alas. No big deal. Doughnuts for the ducks! The pool opens at 9:00, so they'll work it off quickly.
The unique thing about breakfast in Branson are the visitors. Every morning we are visited by representatives from area shows. They come in all dressed up and with brochures. Garrison of course loves the brochures! He has quite the collection. Considering there are over 300 different ones in the lobby and he can take one every time we go out--(Shanda shaking her head)--Garrison is living his dream. Neil Diamond came this morning. Not the real one silly, but one of the four people actually authorized in the entire "You-knighted States" by the Neil Diamond estate. Can you believe it? We got to meet him and he chatted with our kids, admired their waffles, and gave us one brochure. One turned into four as every child wanted one. Noel liked his sparkly jacket. I liked his bad wig. It made me smile. Yesterday morning Lloyd came to visit and he plays the "ge-tar". He has a show "Tues-dee thru Sun-dee". He'd love to see us. Janice, who keeps the powdered eggs stocked and ready to eat dutifully said her line when asked by Lloyd. "Janice, what do you think?" "It's a good show."
Our van is bottoming out because it is filled with trading cards. Dad had quite the collection. Hopefully we'll make it home by tomorrow night. I'm looking forward to my own bed and being a Yankee.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
The day has come
We are in Branson. Normally, this is a great time for me. I love being here. This is a place that I had never visited until Gary's folks moved here. My memories are completely wrapped around them. THEY have a wonderful house. THEY take us to see various shows. THEY spoil our kids with shirts from Bass Pro Shop. THEY take us to wonderful restaurants where I don't have to prepare or clean up a thing. THEY play cards with us at night after the kids are in bed. THEY take us for rides on table rock lake. THEY bless us with their conversation, advice, and prayers.
THEY are not here anymore. Riding into Branson on Friday night was completely different. We ate with just our family at a McDonalds. We used to go right to the house for big hugs or we'd meet at a restaurant and enjoy lively conversation and a welcome respite from traveling. This time mom was wrapped up with my step-sisters (Larry's daughters) so we ate and went to our hotel. Different. We haven't been to the house yet. I'm not even sure how I'll react.
We usually jump up and hit the road on the first day. We would plan our week (shows, entertainment, restaurants etc.) on the first night. Mom would begin calling for tickets and we'd look forward to our special events. Yesterday was spent swimming, napping, and attending a lunch for all of the family who have come in for the funeral. I had just a few moments with mom. I did meet dad's brothers and a sister. It was erie to sit at the table and see Uncle Dwayne at the end. He looks so much like dad. I found myself staring at him. Dad's daughters too carry him. Their eyes. . . it it like looking at him.
Today is funeral day. Today I'll have to face it that he is gone. Today is a new normal. . . yet it is still the same in many ways. We had hotel waffles for breakfast. We drove down the strip last night and bought shoes at the Croc outlet. Our kids didn't sleep in. Normal.
The pool opens at 9:00 and the kids are pushing to go. I need to wrap this up. It will be a hard/good/sad/challenging/difficult/celebrative/wonderful day.
THEY are not here anymore. Riding into Branson on Friday night was completely different. We ate with just our family at a McDonalds. We used to go right to the house for big hugs or we'd meet at a restaurant and enjoy lively conversation and a welcome respite from traveling. This time mom was wrapped up with my step-sisters (Larry's daughters) so we ate and went to our hotel. Different. We haven't been to the house yet. I'm not even sure how I'll react.
We usually jump up and hit the road on the first day. We would plan our week (shows, entertainment, restaurants etc.) on the first night. Mom would begin calling for tickets and we'd look forward to our special events. Yesterday was spent swimming, napping, and attending a lunch for all of the family who have come in for the funeral. I had just a few moments with mom. I did meet dad's brothers and a sister. It was erie to sit at the table and see Uncle Dwayne at the end. He looks so much like dad. I found myself staring at him. Dad's daughters too carry him. Their eyes. . . it it like looking at him.
Today is funeral day. Today I'll have to face it that he is gone. Today is a new normal. . . yet it is still the same in many ways. We had hotel waffles for breakfast. We drove down the strip last night and bought shoes at the Croc outlet. Our kids didn't sleep in. Normal.
The pool opens at 9:00 and the kids are pushing to go. I need to wrap this up. It will be a hard/good/sad/challenging/difficult/celebrative/wonderful day.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Video viewing
I sat down at the computer this afternoon to dig up the photos from this week-end and post a little blog entry. We had a blast camping. Great. Loved it. Eager to go again. You get the idea.
I couldn't find the pictures. I did find our wedding video though. I began to watch and couldn't stop. It was our eighth anniversary yesterday. Love my man. I loved watching me look at him. I'm not sure what I would tell that beautiful young bride if I had the chance other than "You are making a wonderful decision."
Included with all the thoughts of that amazing day were those of my father-in-law. He was the pastor who married us. I listened to him. I watched him. I cried a little. He cried during the ceremony because he was just so happy for us. He told jokes. He gave us Words from the Lord. Now he is gone. We leave on Friday and head south to say good-bye to him.
Now I'm in a strange place. Watching one video has affected the rest of my day. I'm in love. I'm sad. I'm remembering and reflective. Wasn't planning on that. I have too much to do. I'll trust it was a wonderful God thing. Celebrating my marriage. Celebrating my Papa Petty.
I have a feeling that this whole week-end is going to be rather reflective and funny and sad and awkward and sometimes even funny. Two days after we get home we are off on another camping week. I'm not excited for the turn around, but I'm thinking now that it might be good. We are doing to be with our kids just hanging out and having fun together. It might be just what Dad would have prescribed.
I couldn't find the pictures. I did find our wedding video though. I began to watch and couldn't stop. It was our eighth anniversary yesterday. Love my man. I loved watching me look at him. I'm not sure what I would tell that beautiful young bride if I had the chance other than "You are making a wonderful decision."
Included with all the thoughts of that amazing day were those of my father-in-law. He was the pastor who married us. I listened to him. I watched him. I cried a little. He cried during the ceremony because he was just so happy for us. He told jokes. He gave us Words from the Lord. Now he is gone. We leave on Friday and head south to say good-bye to him.
Now I'm in a strange place. Watching one video has affected the rest of my day. I'm in love. I'm sad. I'm remembering and reflective. Wasn't planning on that. I have too much to do. I'll trust it was a wonderful God thing. Celebrating my marriage. Celebrating my Papa Petty.
I have a feeling that this whole week-end is going to be rather reflective and funny and sad and awkward and sometimes even funny. Two days after we get home we are off on another camping week. I'm not excited for the turn around, but I'm thinking now that it might be good. We are doing to be with our kids just hanging out and having fun together. It might be just what Dad would have prescribed.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Holy Moment
Every so often, God lets me be a part of a Holy Moment. It is a time when He is so very present. . . when every second feels significant, and one that I feel so honored to have been a part of. I bless Him that I was able to do that last night.
My friend Ellen is dying. I've blogged about her before. I'm not in a relationship with Ellen right now. She and I worked together at Camp Roger. In fact, I never considered her a good friend. When she began her fight against breast cancer a couple of years ago, I signed up to receive her Carepages updates. Boy have I been blessed by her. I've been encouraged. I've been humbled. I've been taught. I have found myself pleading her cause before the Lord. I'm not sure why this one has touched me so. Perhaps it is because we have kids who are the same age. Perhaps it is because I think about it being me. Perhaps the Holy Spirit just motivated me to take this on and to pray for her. She is a warrior let me tell ya! This girl has her eyes on her Lord and I really admire the choices she has made in regards to her journey.
She is currently on hospice care. Her time is short. Short. I received an e-mail saying that a group of us who worked with her at Camp Roger were going to meet at her house and serenade her. Serenade is a sacred time at Camp Roger that occurs on the last night of a camp session. After the kids are tucked into bed for the last time, the staff gathers on each hill and sings to them. I suspect that many of the campers are sleeping, but for those who are awake and for those of us who are singing it is a marvelous time of worship. Every serenade begins with I Love You Lord and ends with God Be With You Till We Meet Again.
So we stood in a semi-circle on her front lawn with our arms around each other. Ellen and her dear husband Jack sat in chairs facing us. We sang to our Father while we blessed Ellen. She sang along at times. We all cried. We sang phrases like:
Songs that I hadn't sung in years poured out of my heart. I was filled with the love of camp, with the love of my Lord, with thoughts of heaven. I was sitting in front of someone who will be meeting Christ soon. She will soon be in His arms. Though we are so sad there is also a yearning to be her and so very close to Him.
Last night I also heard some sad news about a friend who is making some really poor choices. My heart cried out for him and his family. The evil one is all around us: through sin and cancer and anger and heartache and and and. . . . God is still bigger. God is still amazing. God is still good. As Jack and Ellen sat together with tears streaming down their faces, I saw her face glow and I saw him watch her. At one point he picked up her hand and kissed it. I stopped singing. I was watching God work and was overwhelmed. A Holy Moment indeed.
My friend Ellen is dying. I've blogged about her before. I'm not in a relationship with Ellen right now. She and I worked together at Camp Roger. In fact, I never considered her a good friend. When she began her fight against breast cancer a couple of years ago, I signed up to receive her Carepages updates. Boy have I been blessed by her. I've been encouraged. I've been humbled. I've been taught. I have found myself pleading her cause before the Lord. I'm not sure why this one has touched me so. Perhaps it is because we have kids who are the same age. Perhaps it is because I think about it being me. Perhaps the Holy Spirit just motivated me to take this on and to pray for her. She is a warrior let me tell ya! This girl has her eyes on her Lord and I really admire the choices she has made in regards to her journey.
She is currently on hospice care. Her time is short. Short. I received an e-mail saying that a group of us who worked with her at Camp Roger were going to meet at her house and serenade her. Serenade is a sacred time at Camp Roger that occurs on the last night of a camp session. After the kids are tucked into bed for the last time, the staff gathers on each hill and sings to them. I suspect that many of the campers are sleeping, but for those who are awake and for those of us who are singing it is a marvelous time of worship. Every serenade begins with I Love You Lord and ends with God Be With You Till We Meet Again.
So we stood in a semi-circle on her front lawn with our arms around each other. Ellen and her dear husband Jack sat in chairs facing us. We sang to our Father while we blessed Ellen. She sang along at times. We all cried. We sang phrases like:
"For me to live is Jesus Christ. And to die would be so much better."
"Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine. Oh what a foretaste of Glory divine."
"You are my strength when I am weak. You are the treasure that I seek. You are my all in all."
"Nothing will I fear as long as you are near. Please be near me till the end."
"Through many dangers toils and snares I have already come. Twas grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home. Alleluia."
Songs that I hadn't sung in years poured out of my heart. I was filled with the love of camp, with the love of my Lord, with thoughts of heaven. I was sitting in front of someone who will be meeting Christ soon. She will soon be in His arms. Though we are so sad there is also a yearning to be her and so very close to Him.
Last night I also heard some sad news about a friend who is making some really poor choices. My heart cried out for him and his family. The evil one is all around us: through sin and cancer and anger and heartache and and and. . . . God is still bigger. God is still amazing. God is still good. As Jack and Ellen sat together with tears streaming down their faces, I saw her face glow and I saw him watch her. At one point he picked up her hand and kissed it. I stopped singing. I was watching God work and was overwhelmed. A Holy Moment indeed.
God be with you till we meet again.
By His council, guide, uphold you
With His sheath securely fold you
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again.
When life's perils thick confound you
Put His arms unfailing round you
God be with you till we meet again.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
quick
We are leaving on about 10 minutes. I said I had to go to the bathroom---I do, but I wanted to quick let you know that we are going camping. I packed this morning. Let's just say I know I have forgotten many many things. I had lots of helpers--and that is just being kind. They might not have underwear. I'm fine with that. I made a list complete with pictures of what they needed to put in their suitcases. We'll see if things got accomplished. The only thing I checked on was the swimsuit. YOU MUST HAVE A SWIMSUIT.
I also started Weight Watchers. I'm excited to try again. . . to cross the finish line. I'm a bit nervous how this will play out camping. Eating healthy and camping don't always go together--especially when there is campfire food and a potluck. Ugh! I'll give you a report when we return.
Gary is also working tomorrow. I'll have all the kids at the campground. Praying that this goes well.
Loves!
I also started Weight Watchers. I'm excited to try again. . . to cross the finish line. I'm a bit nervous how this will play out camping. Eating healthy and camping don't always go together--especially when there is campfire food and a potluck. Ugh! I'll give you a report when we return.
Gary is also working tomorrow. I'll have all the kids at the campground. Praying that this goes well.
Loves!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Homesick
I'm feeling a little homesick. Homesick for our church.
I missed this Sunday because we had a sick kiddo. Gary had to serve because he had to do sound. I also needed to serve by teaching the 3 year old children's worship. Thankfully all I needed to do was to post a request on facebook and there were three people offering to help me. I just love so many things about church. I look forward to it every week. I enjoy the worship, the preaching, and the amazing people. Church has become especially important to me because I am loving growing in the Lord. Plus, as a stay at home mama I really enjoying having a break from the kids as well as grown-ups to talk with. I've made some wonderful friends at church and just feel so overwhelming blessed.
I'm homesick because I'll also be missing the next three Sundays. Three. We'll be camping this coming week-end with some folks from church. We'll worship together at the campground. Then the following week-end, we'll be in Branson celebrating Papa Petty's life. I know that this will be wonderful and terribly difficult as well. The next Sunday will see us worshiping at the Conference Grounds.
A month without my home church. I'm so thankful that we have found a wonderful home at Holland Heights Church. You are more than welcome to visit anytime!
I missed this Sunday because we had a sick kiddo. Gary had to serve because he had to do sound. I also needed to serve by teaching the 3 year old children's worship. Thankfully all I needed to do was to post a request on facebook and there were three people offering to help me. I just love so many things about church. I look forward to it every week. I enjoy the worship, the preaching, and the amazing people. Church has become especially important to me because I am loving growing in the Lord. Plus, as a stay at home mama I really enjoying having a break from the kids as well as grown-ups to talk with. I've made some wonderful friends at church and just feel so overwhelming blessed.
I'm homesick because I'll also be missing the next three Sundays. Three. We'll be camping this coming week-end with some folks from church. We'll worship together at the campground. Then the following week-end, we'll be in Branson celebrating Papa Petty's life. I know that this will be wonderful and terribly difficult as well. The next Sunday will see us worshiping at the Conference Grounds.
A month without my home church. I'm so thankful that we have found a wonderful home at Holland Heights Church. You are more than welcome to visit anytime!
Friday, June 8, 2012
Kitchen counters
I love cooking in my kitchen. Cleaning up. . . not my favorite activity. The dishes are fine--I know where they go. I can find a home. It is all the other "stuff" that ends up on my kitchen counters. My kids seems to put all kinds of things on the counters. Right now there is a hair bow, a container of bubbles, a comb, a "special project", doggie, sunscreen, fake stick on snow white fingernails, 1/4 of a green pepper from Noel's play kitchen and six packages of sugar among the regulars on the counter. Things end up here.
Wednesday night Gary and I took the boys to a White Caps (minor league baseball) game. They had earned free tickets because of their reading. Our babysitter not only navigated two girls who gave her a run for her money (so sorry Katelyn!) but she also cleaned up our kitchen. The bread was in a different place, but it looked good there. The stones (kids earn for jobs, behavior, and character) were different as well--another positive change! I think I need to hire her to come over just to touch up my kitchen counters.
Why is this such a problem for me? Why are my counters littered? Here are my proposals.
1. I have four children who are regularly at home who leave stuff on the counter. Sometimes I get in a "place" and I announce that I will be throwing away anything on the counter that doesn't not belong in the kitchen. I do it too.
2. I have four children who are regularly at home who take my time. When I open the dishwasher, there is a little one who likes to help. I'm less likely to open the dishwasher door as her help isn't always helpful.
3. I have four children who are regularly at home who are messy. They also want to eat three times a day and appreciate snacks. And drinks.
4. My eyes change as the day goes on. After the kids go to bed, my kitchen doesn't look very messy. I often walk through and think "Cool." Then I come in the morning and think "What happened?!?" My morning eyes are the same eyes that see my kitchen when company is coming over. Suddenly--things are much dirtier and messier.
5. I'm not very good at organizing. Again my mom is shouting "Amen!" It just isn't my gift. Remember my babysitter? She has a gift for putting things in good places. So does my mom. And my sister. I'm good at laughing. (Just wanted to throw in a positive thing about myself.)
6. I don't like it. When I was teaching in Miami, God gave me a wonderful situation for a week. I was hurting for money and had prayed about it, trying to figure out what to do. A family of a student named Kaitlyn (should have named this post Kaitlyn!) called and said they were going out of town. Kaitlyn was a sophomore and though she didn't need babysitting, they thought she might do better if someone stayed with her, took her to school, blah blah blah. They thought she might have a party while they were gone. shhh. They also offered to pay me $35.00 a day to just be there. Yes! The first night we stopped at the grocery store and bought some food (I remember cookie dough) and went home. We cooked, hung out, slept and went to school. When we came home the next day the kitchen was spotless! We had not left it spotless. My dirty clothes from the night before were also clean and folded on my bed--including my underwear. I was mortified (about the underwear)---and perplexed and excited about the kitchen. Kaitlyn was not surprised however and told me about their housekeeper. This happened the next day as well. See, the housekeeper came EVERY DAY. I began to leave things just to see if she would take care of them. Yes she did. I never saw her, but loved the magic that happened inside of that home. I could cook to my heart,s content. I could take things out as much as I wanted. I could mess up the bed. I could get super dirty clothes---and everything would magically be fixed the next day. (As an aside: Kaitlyn later confessed to me that she was planning on getting a tattoo while her folks were gone. She didn't and I'm grateful. I also got to drive their super fancy and fast Audi. Dreamy.)
7. I'm not always sure where things go. I'm not sure if you have this problem, but I do. I have blogged about it before and would give you the little link in a different color here. . . except I don't know how to do that. Sigh.
8. I'd rather do other things sometimes.
Hi. My name is Shanda and it is perfectly o.k. that my kitchen counters have three lotions on them. I'm still a swell person.
Wednesday night Gary and I took the boys to a White Caps (minor league baseball) game. They had earned free tickets because of their reading. Our babysitter not only navigated two girls who gave her a run for her money (so sorry Katelyn!) but she also cleaned up our kitchen. The bread was in a different place, but it looked good there. The stones (kids earn for jobs, behavior, and character) were different as well--another positive change! I think I need to hire her to come over just to touch up my kitchen counters.
Why is this such a problem for me? Why are my counters littered? Here are my proposals.
1. I have four children who are regularly at home who leave stuff on the counter. Sometimes I get in a "place" and I announce that I will be throwing away anything on the counter that doesn't not belong in the kitchen. I do it too.
2. I have four children who are regularly at home who take my time. When I open the dishwasher, there is a little one who likes to help. I'm less likely to open the dishwasher door as her help isn't always helpful.
3. I have four children who are regularly at home who are messy. They also want to eat three times a day and appreciate snacks. And drinks.
4. My eyes change as the day goes on. After the kids go to bed, my kitchen doesn't look very messy. I often walk through and think "Cool." Then I come in the morning and think "What happened?!?" My morning eyes are the same eyes that see my kitchen when company is coming over. Suddenly--things are much dirtier and messier.
5. I'm not very good at organizing. Again my mom is shouting "Amen!" It just isn't my gift. Remember my babysitter? She has a gift for putting things in good places. So does my mom. And my sister. I'm good at laughing. (Just wanted to throw in a positive thing about myself.)
6. I don't like it. When I was teaching in Miami, God gave me a wonderful situation for a week. I was hurting for money and had prayed about it, trying to figure out what to do. A family of a student named Kaitlyn (should have named this post Kaitlyn!) called and said they were going out of town. Kaitlyn was a sophomore and though she didn't need babysitting, they thought she might do better if someone stayed with her, took her to school, blah blah blah. They thought she might have a party while they were gone. shhh. They also offered to pay me $35.00 a day to just be there. Yes! The first night we stopped at the grocery store and bought some food (I remember cookie dough) and went home. We cooked, hung out, slept and went to school. When we came home the next day the kitchen was spotless! We had not left it spotless. My dirty clothes from the night before were also clean and folded on my bed--including my underwear. I was mortified (about the underwear)---and perplexed and excited about the kitchen. Kaitlyn was not surprised however and told me about their housekeeper. This happened the next day as well. See, the housekeeper came EVERY DAY. I began to leave things just to see if she would take care of them. Yes she did. I never saw her, but loved the magic that happened inside of that home. I could cook to my heart,s content. I could take things out as much as I wanted. I could mess up the bed. I could get super dirty clothes---and everything would magically be fixed the next day. (As an aside: Kaitlyn later confessed to me that she was planning on getting a tattoo while her folks were gone. She didn't and I'm grateful. I also got to drive their super fancy and fast Audi. Dreamy.)
7. I'm not always sure where things go. I'm not sure if you have this problem, but I do. I have blogged about it before and would give you the little link in a different color here. . . except I don't know how to do that. Sigh.
8. I'd rather do other things sometimes.
Hi. My name is Shanda and it is perfectly o.k. that my kitchen counters have three lotions on them. I'm still a swell person.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Sour milk
Clean up at checkout 13.
Every week I take 4 children to Meijer (local grocery store). I do this because our family needs groceries--duh. When they ask me why they have to go with me I generally reply that "Dad and I have decided that we will feed you this week." I rarely go at night all by myself. Why? 1. I'm tired. 2. It is my time with Gary. I protect this pretty fiercely. Though there are many nights when we are apart (movie night for him, get-together with a friend or two, etc) we both enjoy our evenings of cuddling on the couch and talking or watching t.v. I like him. I like to be with him. Since getting groceries is something I can do with my kiddos, I'll do it during the day. 3. Meijer seems to be less busy in the morning.
Though so many things have happened to me while grocery shopping, today was a new one. While sitting in the cart, after she had tried to get out declaring she was making a "poo-poo pants", Penny reached over (this girl is quick!), grabbed the milk off of the belt, and promptly dropped it on the floor. The gallon burst. There is a lot of milk in a gallon, especially so when it is all over the floor. This of course was after she had taken a bite out of the peppers, opened three boxes of cereal while throwing bits of cardboard on the floor, sucked on several frozen packages, and thrown her baby Kimmy on the floor several times. She also had sung "I Love you Lord", given me kisses, and repeated everything I asked her to say. I'll take the bad if I get those kind of goods.
The cashier handed me several paper towels. I looked at her and tried not to laugh while I was continually apologizing and trying to answer three adorable ducks who asked questions and made comments like "How did that happen? Is that milk? Did Penny do that? You need to clean that up. How much does this gum cost? Can I spend my five cents? What can I get for five cents? This is a huge mess mom." The cashier said that the paper towels were for me, to clean myself up.
I hadn't realized that I had milk all over my pants and shirt. How funny that my last thought is cleaning myself up. When did that happen? I think that after six plus years of being a mama, I've come to expect that I'm dirty. Crumbs, spit up, muddy prints, shirts I've worn for three days, hair that might just have to make it one more day. . . I think I'm dirty most of the time.
I asked the three older ducks to sit on a bench. I apologized again. I gave knowing looks to folks that tried to get in line behind me and then saw the milk pond. The cashier turned off her light indicating she was now closed. Someone came to help with more paper towels and then shook his head as he headed off to get a mop. I told Penny we were not going to ride the penny pony today. I paid--over budget this week.
Now I'm realizing that my jeans smell a little like sour milk. I will not be able to wash them before we go out tonight to celebrate the boys reading (free tickets to at White Caps game!). Hey,it'll be o.k. We'll be outside. Plus, I think I'm always a bit stinky.
Every week I take 4 children to Meijer (local grocery store). I do this because our family needs groceries--duh. When they ask me why they have to go with me I generally reply that "Dad and I have decided that we will feed you this week." I rarely go at night all by myself. Why? 1. I'm tired. 2. It is my time with Gary. I protect this pretty fiercely. Though there are many nights when we are apart (movie night for him, get-together with a friend or two, etc) we both enjoy our evenings of cuddling on the couch and talking or watching t.v. I like him. I like to be with him. Since getting groceries is something I can do with my kiddos, I'll do it during the day. 3. Meijer seems to be less busy in the morning.
Though so many things have happened to me while grocery shopping, today was a new one. While sitting in the cart, after she had tried to get out declaring she was making a "poo-poo pants", Penny reached over (this girl is quick!), grabbed the milk off of the belt, and promptly dropped it on the floor. The gallon burst. There is a lot of milk in a gallon, especially so when it is all over the floor. This of course was after she had taken a bite out of the peppers, opened three boxes of cereal while throwing bits of cardboard on the floor, sucked on several frozen packages, and thrown her baby Kimmy on the floor several times. She also had sung "I Love you Lord", given me kisses, and repeated everything I asked her to say. I'll take the bad if I get those kind of goods.
The cashier handed me several paper towels. I looked at her and tried not to laugh while I was continually apologizing and trying to answer three adorable ducks who asked questions and made comments like "How did that happen? Is that milk? Did Penny do that? You need to clean that up. How much does this gum cost? Can I spend my five cents? What can I get for five cents? This is a huge mess mom." The cashier said that the paper towels were for me, to clean myself up.
I hadn't realized that I had milk all over my pants and shirt. How funny that my last thought is cleaning myself up. When did that happen? I think that after six plus years of being a mama, I've come to expect that I'm dirty. Crumbs, spit up, muddy prints, shirts I've worn for three days, hair that might just have to make it one more day. . . I think I'm dirty most of the time.
I asked the three older ducks to sit on a bench. I apologized again. I gave knowing looks to folks that tried to get in line behind me and then saw the milk pond. The cashier turned off her light indicating she was now closed. Someone came to help with more paper towels and then shook his head as he headed off to get a mop. I told Penny we were not going to ride the penny pony today. I paid--over budget this week.
Now I'm realizing that my jeans smell a little like sour milk. I will not be able to wash them before we go out tonight to celebrate the boys reading (free tickets to at White Caps game!). Hey,it'll be o.k. We'll be outside. Plus, I think I'm always a bit stinky.
Monday, June 4, 2012
How do I. . .
. . . teach my kids to think a little more of others and a little less of themselves?
Noel had a friend over this afternoon and although things went fine and turned out pretty good in the end, she was a little . . . "me" girl. She didn't want to listen to what her friend had to say. She didn't want to do what her friend wanted. It was all about her. I don't see this as much when she is with the boys--they don't take no guff from her! We chatted about it in the car. I corrected her a few times. . . but I also think she needs to learn that kids won't want to be with her if she is like this. To be fair--her friend exhibited some of the same traits. This is comforting for me to see.
I asked Garrison after supper tonight to walk to the kitchen, get the cookies, and bring one for everyone. Garrison walked to the kitchen and came back with a cookie just for him. He lost his cookie. After witnessing our little talk listening to mom and thinking about others, Noel proceeded to try and dig a cookie out from the bottom. UGH!
Simon has a wonderful way of sneaking past people to get to where he wants to be. He can slither past or even nudge folks aside in an effort to get ahead. He'll push people over! Yeah, there has been some discipline about that one.
Penny--ahem. She is two and full of herself and her needs and she'll let you know about it. She also doesn't seem to care about my needs. :)
So I'll just keep correcting. Celebrating when I see success. Talking about possible scenarios. Trying to model. Praying for my kids. Hoping that they don't see the selfish side of me because if I'm honest with myself--it is there. Yes I feel like I pour myself out for my hubby and kids. . . but sometimes selfishness rears it's green little head. I'm all for a break. I'm all for recharging myself. But I know the difference. I do.
Seems like I'm learning right along with the kids eh? Nice.
Noel had a friend over this afternoon and although things went fine and turned out pretty good in the end, she was a little . . . "me" girl. She didn't want to listen to what her friend had to say. She didn't want to do what her friend wanted. It was all about her. I don't see this as much when she is with the boys--they don't take no guff from her! We chatted about it in the car. I corrected her a few times. . . but I also think she needs to learn that kids won't want to be with her if she is like this. To be fair--her friend exhibited some of the same traits. This is comforting for me to see.
I asked Garrison after supper tonight to walk to the kitchen, get the cookies, and bring one for everyone. Garrison walked to the kitchen and came back with a cookie just for him. He lost his cookie. After witnessing our little talk listening to mom and thinking about others, Noel proceeded to try and dig a cookie out from the bottom. UGH!
Simon has a wonderful way of sneaking past people to get to where he wants to be. He can slither past or even nudge folks aside in an effort to get ahead. He'll push people over! Yeah, there has been some discipline about that one.
Penny--ahem. She is two and full of herself and her needs and she'll let you know about it. She also doesn't seem to care about my needs. :)
So I'll just keep correcting. Celebrating when I see success. Talking about possible scenarios. Trying to model. Praying for my kids. Hoping that they don't see the selfish side of me because if I'm honest with myself--it is there. Yes I feel like I pour myself out for my hubby and kids. . . but sometimes selfishness rears it's green little head. I'm all for a break. I'm all for recharging myself. But I know the difference. I do.
Seems like I'm learning right along with the kids eh? Nice.
Friday, June 1, 2012
"Hitting hand to forehead. . . over and over"
It happened. Since I've been a mom. . . well since my family and marriage class at Calvin College, I've been preparing for children that might not always. . . be the best ever. Professor Holsteg (God bless him) looked us in the eye one night and said "Some of you are going to have ugly babies. We've all seen them. There are ugly babies and you will be some of the parents. Get ready. Some of you will have juvenile delinquents. Your kid may end up in jail! Are you ready for that? Be ready."
I've thought about that often. I wanted to be ready. Gary and I have already talked through the possibilities of our children being a bully, getting caught cheating, getting arrested, getting or getting someone else pregnant, doing drugs. . . etc. Though I hope and pray that these things don't happen, I recognize that they do and they could happen in our family.
So today I received an e-mail from the boys' teacher. She wanted to discuss some things with me, things that can't be taken care of with e-mail. "Don't panic" she wrote. My first summons. I called Gary and went in covered by him in prayer. There are a few issues we need to address with the boys--they are trying to be silly in class and they don't quite have the filters they need. We are certainly going to address that. We will stand behind our teacher. You betcha. BUT as I was sitting and listening to Maestra Zondervan I suddenly felt like my mom. I experienced the very same thing that happened to her when my brother Kevin was in second grade. Garrison just did it sooner. He peed on the playground. During recess. In front of other kids. And a first grade teacher. And he wasn't sorry.
I'm shaking my head. I'm laughing a little. I'm wondering how we are going to get it through his head that his privates are indeed private. Peeing outside is something Garrison seems to like. So does his mama truth be told. We'll take care of it. We'll be serious when we address this issue. Hopefully this offence won't lead him toward prison. :)
I've thought about that often. I wanted to be ready. Gary and I have already talked through the possibilities of our children being a bully, getting caught cheating, getting arrested, getting or getting someone else pregnant, doing drugs. . . etc. Though I hope and pray that these things don't happen, I recognize that they do and they could happen in our family.
So today I received an e-mail from the boys' teacher. She wanted to discuss some things with me, things that can't be taken care of with e-mail. "Don't panic" she wrote. My first summons. I called Gary and went in covered by him in prayer. There are a few issues we need to address with the boys--they are trying to be silly in class and they don't quite have the filters they need. We are certainly going to address that. We will stand behind our teacher. You betcha. BUT as I was sitting and listening to Maestra Zondervan I suddenly felt like my mom. I experienced the very same thing that happened to her when my brother Kevin was in second grade. Garrison just did it sooner. He peed on the playground. During recess. In front of other kids. And a first grade teacher. And he wasn't sorry.
I'm shaking my head. I'm laughing a little. I'm wondering how we are going to get it through his head that his privates are indeed private. Peeing outside is something Garrison seems to like. So does his mama truth be told. We'll take care of it. We'll be serious when we address this issue. Hopefully this offence won't lead him toward prison. :)
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