My kids teach me a lot- all the time. And yesterday was no exception.
I woke up feeling bummed out. I tried to snap out of it, but sometimes the day just gets away from you before it even begins. I couldn’t find my smile.
And I wished that 2015 would just get here already. I was 100% done with 2014. Like a massive tidal wave, my mind was hit with one negative thought after another. This past year has not been easy.
I could feel myself tensing up as I remembered scary hospital times, countless doctor visits, repairs to the car, loved ones in crisis, misunderstandings, home repairs, Katie’s allergies, bills that need to be paid and family members that are struggling.
I wanted to sit down and cry. It’s been an overwhelming year filled with every emotion in the book.
As we drove into town to run errands, the kids could sense that I was not my normal self.
"What’s wrong, mom?" Emma asked.
"I’m ok," I tried to say casually, "just a little sad today."
"Why are you sad?" Katie asked. "It’s so pretty outside!"
I glanced back at her in the rearview mirror, and there she sat, big smile on her face, just gazing out at the scenery.
I thought about telling them everything I was thinking. About how I was feeling like we got the short end of the stick this year. That I couldn’t wait for it to be over so we could start with a blank slate.
But I couldn’t get the words out. Instead, I asked them a question- "What do you guys think about this past year? Was it a good year?"
This led to one of the best conversations we’ve ever had. And I got my smile back.
So, without further ado, here is what I learned from my kids about 2014. It wasn’t so bad after all.
1.We saw a miracle happen right before our eyes
My beautiful niece Zoe is alive. Just writing that sentence brings tears to my eyes. Every time I look at her sweet face, I whisper a prayer of thanks that God saved her. Yes, there were countless nights that we gathered and held onto each other and thought she might slip away from us. But she DIDN’T.
This experience taught my kids more than they’ll ever learn at school:
To never lose hope, to never give up, that it’s ok to sit and cry and hold onto each other, that sometimes you don’t need to talk at all, that a community of friends and family can come together in a powerful way, that miracles do happen, that there is a whole lot of hurting people out there, and that sometimes a hug is all someone needs.
Yes, it was scary. But it changed all of us forever.
2. We’re helping Katie get better one day at a time
This past year brought a lot of changes to our family in order to make Katie feel better. And everyone pitched in with their whole entire heart, because we love her to the moon and back. We all did an elimination diet, so she wouldn’t feel left out. Our kids helped rip out carpet and staples so we could put in new floors. We told our kids that our dog had to leave to make her better. My mom took him in and loved him for us for 6 whole months.
It was all really hard. There were many tears shed. But it’s WORKING.
3. Second chances do exist
After a failed Disneyland trip 2 years ago, we got a second chance this summer for a redo. Thanks to Disney and some free redo tickets, we were able to go again and create new memories that didn’t include throwing up in the hotel room the entire time.
Not everyone is out to get ya. There are a lot of good people out there.
4.We survived a two- week bout with Lice, and the stomach flu during a windstorm
My take on this is not as good as the kids, for obvious reasons. But as I listened to their take on it, I began to realize that Dave and I have become pretty awesome at this parenting thing. This year has made us tough as nails.
If you can keep your sanity after shaving your husband and sons heads to get lice out, you’re a rock star. If you can keep a smile after spending two weeks picking out nits from long hair, you are a rock star. If you can throw up to the glow of candlelight in the middle of the worst windstorm in years, you are a rock star. If you can catch puke that is running down the sliding glass door before it hits the floor, you are a rock star.
So yes it was bad and gross and disgusting. But we’re pretty freaking awesome for making it through in one piece.
5. I’m not going to die in my sleep now
Well, at least according to Ben. This year my doctor diagnosed me with mild depression, which took me by surprise in a HUGE way. I do think that he was right, but I also knew that there were underlying things that were making it worse. After many doctor visits, tests and sleep studies, I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea. Now I have a super-cool CPAP machine that I wear at night and sound like Darth Vader. Good news is the kids are still pretty spooked at how freaky I look, so they don’t come wake me up as much. Bad news is it’s not very sexy at all. Sorry, Dave.
But, even when I brought this up as a negative thing that happened this year, Ben just looked at me and said, "Well, mom, at least you’re not going to die in your sleep now."
Yes, that is a good thing
6. We are all a lot braver than we believe, stronger than we seem, and smarter than we think
As we thought back over the year, we began to realize how far we had come. All five of us have had bumps and bruises along the way, but none of us have given up. We all had to conquer fears.
Katie didn’t cry once at her last round of shots. Ben persevered with his reading and is almost up to grade level. Emma entered middle school, which takes a lot of bravery in itself. Dave faced many challenges head-on, including going to help out with the devastating Oso mudslide. These things take courage. They take us WAY out of our comfort zone. They’re not always fun. But they help us grow.
This year took me WAY out of my cozy little zone, as I began having speaking engagements. I don’t feel qualified to do this at all, but God doesn’t call the qualified, right?
7. Family is forever
The good, the bad, the ugly. None of us are perfect. It’s messy to be in a family. It’s also beautiful and amazing and wonderful. We’ve stuck together this year- through it all. And if that doesn’t make me smile, I don’t know what will.
As I glanced back at each of their faces in the rearview mirror, I thanked God for using them to change my perspective. Each one of them had only good things to say about our year together. It’s a crazy, imperfect life. But we have each other. We have a lot to be thankful for.
My wish for you all as you ring in 2015 tonight, is that you know how much you are loved. Life is and will never be perfect. Even if this past year has been filled with sorrow, I’m challenging you to pick out one good thing. Sometimes that’s all it takes. Even if you have to say, "Well, at least I’m not going to die in my sleep now," at least that’s a start.
Just know that you are beautiful, and you are loved. And you have AMAZING things to offer this world that no one else can.
I can't wait to see what 2015 brings.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Sunday, August 4, 2013
It's going to be so worth it
I don’t know about you, but sometimes on this roller coaster ride we call parenting, it’s very easy to focus on the negative things. It’s a very hard gig to say the least, and most of the time we’re just hanging on for dear life. We just want to make it through the day with everyone alive, limbs still in place, and sanity somewhat intact. Pure survival.
And even on the good days, we still have to feed everyone, apply bandages, referee fights, be a chauffer, wipe away tears, clip toenails, brush hair, sweep up broken glass, play catch, wipe bottoms, fix bike chains, fold clothes, check homework, wipe away tears, get slivers out, find lost toys, read books, clean up spilled milk, wash dirty socks and MANY other things.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed and focus on what’s going wrong. It’s easy to be frustrated with the kid who spilled the milk, the kid who broke the glass, the kid who didn’t do their homework. In moments of exhaustion, the negative thoughts quickly creep in. We start to feel like they NEVER listen, they constantly fight, they are ALWAYS making a mess.
My kids have been on summer break for 46 days now. I’ll just say that again: 46 days. I absolutely love them with every fiber of my being. That being said, I have days where I sneak out of the house and go sit by the chicken coop and cry my eyes out. Sometimes I wonder if I’m doing anything right. And I start to focus on the negative.
But then, by God’s infinite grace, he gives me a glimpse of something amazing. He helps me see beyond the day to day grind of wiping noses and cleaning toilets. He lets me see the wonderful people my children are becoming. He opens my eyes to the work He is already doing in them. As I witness these beautiful moments, I can almost hear Him whispering, “This crazy ride will be SO worth it.”
A couple days ago my neighbor lady Pat called me over to the fence. We don’t live next door to her on the street, but our backyards are up against each other. She’s an elderly lady and we’ve slowly gotten to know her over the past few years, exchanging Christmas cookies, vegetables and small talk.
But in the past few months, a surprising friendship has blossomed between my son Ben and Pat. He talks to her at the fence for long stretches of time, and they never run out of things to say. He is always getting starts off of her vegetables and keeps her updated on how they’re doing in our yard. She lets him and Emma come pick berries, and he takes her leaves of basil and tiny carrots from our garden.
I’m amazed at all of this, because he does it on his own. He knows her better than I do. One day he spent the whole morning building something. He was working hard but wouldn’t show me what it was. When it was finally done, he led me outside and there laying in the garage was a hand-painted sign that said “Pat’s garden“. When I told him how special it was he just shrugged and said, “She doesn’t have a sign so I made her one.” It now stands proudly in her front yard.
But the day she called me over to the fence she had tears in her eyes. She said, ‘I want to tell you something about Ben.”
I braced myself, because the kid has been known to break windows and throw his fair share of balls over the fence. But she went on to tell me this story:
I was floored by the timing of her story. It had been one of those ‘go-cry-it-out-by-the-chicken-coop’ kind of days. Ben especially had been picking at my one last nerve, and I had gotten pretty frustrated with him. And then God gives me this: A glimpse through another person’s eyes at what kind of man he is becoming. And I know that these hard days are worth every bit of sweat and tears.
Last weekend, when the kids were with my mom, I got a phone call from her. When I answered she said immediately, “I called to tell you that I caught your daughter doing something good.” I breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.
She had taken them to Walmart so they could each buy something special. Emma picked out a hair coloring kit that, unbeknownst to my mom, we had already told her she couldn’t get. My mom said she was really excited about it, and decided that was what she wanted. But about 4 aisles later, my mom noticed her mood change. She got quiet. She asked her what was wrong and Emma finally said, “I actually have to put this back, because my mom and dad said I couldn’t get it.”
Again, this was exactly what I needed to hear. Before my mom hung up she said, “It’s always great to catch your kids doing something good.” I couldn’t agree more. I love this quote by Mark Twain:
“It is curious that physical courage should be so common
in the world and moral courage so rare.”
So what I want to share with all of you is this: Your kids are AMAZING. Every single one of them. Most days they may drive you crazy, talk your ears off, draw on your walls, stay out past curfew, pee on the shower curtain, play their music too loud, have messy rooms, drink from the milk carton, and test you to your very last nerve. But it’s going to be SO worth it.
I know you’re tired, stressed and sometimes have no idea how you‘re going to make it through the day. Feel free to get some chickens so you can go cry with them if you need too. Or just cry in the shower like a normal person. But look past the daily grind. See past that temper tantrum. Slow down and really listen to what they’re saying. Catch your kids doing something good and tell them about it. Especially when you see it building their character.
We may not feel like what we’re doing is making a difference right now. We might feel like we're failing. But God sees the bigger picture. You are raising men and women who will be used by him in an infinite number of ways. It’s an amazingly important job.
Please share with me your stories. I know you’ve all ‘caught your kids doing something good.’ I would love to hear about them! In this world that focuses on the negative, we could all stand to hear some positive stories. Just like Anne Murray’s song says, “I sure could use a little good news today.”
And even on the good days, we still have to feed everyone, apply bandages, referee fights, be a chauffer, wipe away tears, clip toenails, brush hair, sweep up broken glass, play catch, wipe bottoms, fix bike chains, fold clothes, check homework, wipe away tears, get slivers out, find lost toys, read books, clean up spilled milk, wash dirty socks and MANY other things.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed and focus on what’s going wrong. It’s easy to be frustrated with the kid who spilled the milk, the kid who broke the glass, the kid who didn’t do their homework. In moments of exhaustion, the negative thoughts quickly creep in. We start to feel like they NEVER listen, they constantly fight, they are ALWAYS making a mess.
My kids have been on summer break for 46 days now. I’ll just say that again: 46 days. I absolutely love them with every fiber of my being. That being said, I have days where I sneak out of the house and go sit by the chicken coop and cry my eyes out. Sometimes I wonder if I’m doing anything right. And I start to focus on the negative.
But then, by God’s infinite grace, he gives me a glimpse of something amazing. He helps me see beyond the day to day grind of wiping noses and cleaning toilets. He lets me see the wonderful people my children are becoming. He opens my eyes to the work He is already doing in them. As I witness these beautiful moments, I can almost hear Him whispering, “This crazy ride will be SO worth it.”
A couple days ago my neighbor lady Pat called me over to the fence. We don’t live next door to her on the street, but our backyards are up against each other. She’s an elderly lady and we’ve slowly gotten to know her over the past few years, exchanging Christmas cookies, vegetables and small talk.
But in the past few months, a surprising friendship has blossomed between my son Ben and Pat. He talks to her at the fence for long stretches of time, and they never run out of things to say. He is always getting starts off of her vegetables and keeps her updated on how they’re doing in our yard. She lets him and Emma come pick berries, and he takes her leaves of basil and tiny carrots from our garden.
I’m amazed at all of this, because he does it on his own. He knows her better than I do. One day he spent the whole morning building something. He was working hard but wouldn’t show me what it was. When it was finally done, he led me outside and there laying in the garage was a hand-painted sign that said “Pat’s garden“. When I told him how special it was he just shrugged and said, “She doesn’t have a sign so I made her one.” It now stands proudly in her front yard.
But the day she called me over to the fence she had tears in her eyes. She said, ‘I want to tell you something about Ben.”
I braced myself, because the kid has been known to break windows and throw his fair share of balls over the fence. But she went on to tell me this story:
“You know how I told Emma and Ben that I would give them a quarter for every white butterfly they caught? Well, when I first told them that, Emma got really excited and told me she was saving up for a Kindle. I thought that was pretty neat and then they left to go try and catch some. Well, when they came back later with two butterflies, I handed the two quarters to Emma since she’s the oldest. She turned around and handed one of the quarters to Ben. Ben looked at it for a few seconds and then said, ‘you can have my quarter Emma, I want you to be able to buy your Kindle.’”
Then Pat went on to say “I just couldn’t believe that a 6 year old boy would give his sister some money just like that. And I just thought you should know that you’re doing something right with your kids.”I was floored by the timing of her story. It had been one of those ‘go-cry-it-out-by-the-chicken-coop’ kind of days. Ben especially had been picking at my one last nerve, and I had gotten pretty frustrated with him. And then God gives me this: A glimpse through another person’s eyes at what kind of man he is becoming. And I know that these hard days are worth every bit of sweat and tears.
Last weekend, when the kids were with my mom, I got a phone call from her. When I answered she said immediately, “I called to tell you that I caught your daughter doing something good.” I breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.
She had taken them to Walmart so they could each buy something special. Emma picked out a hair coloring kit that, unbeknownst to my mom, we had already told her she couldn’t get. My mom said she was really excited about it, and decided that was what she wanted. But about 4 aisles later, my mom noticed her mood change. She got quiet. She asked her what was wrong and Emma finally said, “I actually have to put this back, because my mom and dad said I couldn’t get it.”
Again, this was exactly what I needed to hear. Before my mom hung up she said, “It’s always great to catch your kids doing something good.” I couldn’t agree more. I love this quote by Mark Twain:
“It is curious that physical courage should be so common
in the world and moral courage so rare.”
So what I want to share with all of you is this: Your kids are AMAZING. Every single one of them. Most days they may drive you crazy, talk your ears off, draw on your walls, stay out past curfew, pee on the shower curtain, play their music too loud, have messy rooms, drink from the milk carton, and test you to your very last nerve. But it’s going to be SO worth it.
I know you’re tired, stressed and sometimes have no idea how you‘re going to make it through the day. Feel free to get some chickens so you can go cry with them if you need too. Or just cry in the shower like a normal person. But look past the daily grind. See past that temper tantrum. Slow down and really listen to what they’re saying. Catch your kids doing something good and tell them about it. Especially when you see it building their character.
We may not feel like what we’re doing is making a difference right now. We might feel like we're failing. But God sees the bigger picture. You are raising men and women who will be used by him in an infinite number of ways. It’s an amazingly important job.
Please share with me your stories. I know you’ve all ‘caught your kids doing something good.’ I would love to hear about them! In this world that focuses on the negative, we could all stand to hear some positive stories. Just like Anne Murray’s song says, “I sure could use a little good news today.”
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Memorial Day
The kids and I were down at my moms to celebrate Memorial Day. On Sunday, we loaded up cars with 8 kids and 5 adults to head out to see the Avenue of Flags at the Dallas cemetery. It takes my breath away every time, and I am always humbled at the tremendous sacrifice made by brave men and women. My dad has a flag flying there, and after pictures with it we always go walk up and visit the gravestones of my dad, grandpa and many others that have gone before us.
Yesterday as we walked through the cemetery telling stories and looking at flowers, Ben was very reflective. He was sad that some gravestones didn't have flowers, and spent a lot of time picking daisies to put on them so that they wouldn't be left out.
Ben and his cousins were following my mom around, taking everything in. As they stood looking at a gravestone, Ben turned to my mom and said, "It's sure gonna be a hard day when we lay you to rest here, Nana."
I'm sure this just warmed her heart. Once again I am putting a disclaimer on my kids- you just never know what they're gonna say at any given time. It's a good thing she has a great sense of humor and loves him a lot..
Here are a couple pictures we took...
Emma, Ben and Katie
The Bodine side grandkids by my dad's flag..
Jackson and Ben- best buds
Emma and little Molly Rose
Yesterday as we walked through the cemetery telling stories and looking at flowers, Ben was very reflective. He was sad that some gravestones didn't have flowers, and spent a lot of time picking daisies to put on them so that they wouldn't be left out.
Ben and his cousins were following my mom around, taking everything in. As they stood looking at a gravestone, Ben turned to my mom and said, "It's sure gonna be a hard day when we lay you to rest here, Nana."
I'm sure this just warmed her heart. Once again I am putting a disclaimer on my kids- you just never know what they're gonna say at any given time. It's a good thing she has a great sense of humor and loves him a lot..
Here are a couple pictures we took...
Emma, Ben and Katie
Jackson and Ben- best buds
Emma and little Molly Rose
A couple quotes from Kate the great
While walking through Sears last night, we passed a beautiful patio set complete with umbrella and a string of lights. Katie squealed with delight and said, “Oh, mommy, this is where I’m going to have my next birthday party! Please? Can I?”
Do you think Sears would mind if we rented out their patio set next to the escalators? It would make Katie really happy.
Me: “Kate, you need to go brush your teeth.”
Kate: “No thanks, I’m pretty bored of doing that.”
"Thank you God that I'm so pretty."-Katie Hughes
Ben and Katie were busy coloring at the table this morning while I sipped my coffee. This was our conversation:
Ben: “Wow, mom! Look at those eyeballs that Katie drew!”
Me: “I know, she’s getting a lot better- she practices a lot.:
Ben: “No she definitely learned it from me. I’ve pretty much been awesome at art projects my whole entire life.”
Katie (looking at Ben with awe and wonder) : “You are a really good drawer Ben.”
Ben: “Well, I’ve been drawing for 6 years and you’ve only been drawing for 3 years. So you’ll get better too.”
Katie: “Yeah!”
He better cherish these moments when his little sister thinks he’s amazing and can do nothing wrong…
Do you think Sears would mind if we rented out their patio set next to the escalators? It would make Katie really happy.
Me: “Kate, you need to go brush your teeth.”
Kate: “No thanks, I’m pretty bored of doing that.”
"Thank you God that I'm so pretty."-Katie Hughes
Ben and Katie were busy coloring at the table this morning while I sipped my coffee. This was our conversation:
Ben: “Wow, mom! Look at those eyeballs that Katie drew!”
Me: “I know, she’s getting a lot better- she practices a lot.:
Ben: “No she definitely learned it from me. I’ve pretty much been awesome at art projects my whole entire life.”
Katie (looking at Ben with awe and wonder) : “You are a really good drawer Ben.”
Ben: “Well, I’ve been drawing for 6 years and you’ve only been drawing for 3 years. So you’ll get better too.”
Katie: “Yeah!”
He better cherish these moments when his little sister thinks he’s amazing and can do nothing wrong…
Shades of red
I’m standing in the checkout line at Fred Meyer on a busy Friday afternoon. People are lined up behind me waiting as the checker rings up our groceries. Katie is sitting on the floor at my feet, complaining that she’s hungry. Ben is standing near the front of the basket singing “I just want to go home now” to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Emma has been talking non-stop about the characters she likes on Jessie, how much she likes learning about igneous rocks and why Hersheys is her favorite kind of chocolate.
I’m just trying to concentrate and keep the smile pasted on my face until we get to the car. The day has been LONG. I’m just pulling my wallet out of my purse to pay when Emma gasps and says, while pointing at my nose, “Mom- you have a red spot on your nose! It’s really big- I can’t believe I haven’t noticed it today.”
I’m pretty sure I saw at least 6 pairs of eyes turn in my direction and stare at my nose. It was like the scene out of a bad movie when all the background noise fades out, and the camera lens zooms in on the main characters face, waiting for a reaction.
I smiled even bigger and tried to blow it off. “Oh, I don’t know, I’ll look at it in the car, ok?” I said trying to give her a heated stare.
“But it looks like it hurts, what do you think it is? A huge bug bite?” Emma was definitely concerned, and talking in a not so quiet voice.
I’m just trying to concentrate and keep the smile pasted on my face until we get to the car. The day has been LONG. I’m just pulling my wallet out of my purse to pay when Emma gasps and says, while pointing at my nose, “Mom- you have a red spot on your nose! It’s really big- I can’t believe I haven’t noticed it today.”
I’m pretty sure I saw at least 6 pairs of eyes turn in my direction and stare at my nose. It was like the scene out of a bad movie when all the background noise fades out, and the camera lens zooms in on the main characters face, waiting for a reaction.
I smiled even bigger and tried to blow it off. “Oh, I don’t know, I’ll look at it in the car, ok?” I said trying to give her a heated stare.
“But it looks like it hurts, what do you think it is? A huge bug bite?” Emma was definitely concerned, and talking in a not so quiet voice.
“It’s not a bug bite- it’s FINE,” I whispered, feeling my face turn 4 shades of red. By now everyone was averting there eyes and looking very uncomfortable. I don’t blame them. She started to pick up on my freaky mom eyes but it was too late.
And then, at that moment, she realized what it was-and because common sense had already flown the coop, she covered her mouth and yelled, “Oh, it’s a big zit! Sorry mom!”
So am I. And so was the checker who had lots of them too. I swiped my card as fast as I could and avoided eye contact at all cost. When he handed me the receipt and said the standard, “Have a nice day, ma’am” I couldn’t help but shoot him the evil eye too. “Well,” he said, “at least it’s almost over, right?”
That’s true. I pushed my cart filled with groceries, 3 whiney kids, and my big huge ZIT right at of the store.
Baseball pictures
Ben has had a fun year of baseball, and only has a couple games left! He played Pee-Wee baseball this year, on a coach pitch team. He has improved so much this season..Here's a few pictures and then of course, I have to share a story....
The Friday night before Mother's Day Ben had a game. He struck out his first time up to bat. He shook it off and spent the next few minutes playing right field. When it was almost his turn to bat again, he came over to grab a quick drink of water. I jokingly said, "Hey, why don't you get an awesome hit this time for me for Mothers Day?" He stared me down and then said seriously, "OK, I will."
He walked back over and when it was his turn, he grabbed the biggest bat he could find. When he walked out to the plate the coach even said, "Ben, that bat is pretty big, maybe you should go get the black and yellow one- it's smaller." He just stood there with a look of determination. The kid wasn't changing his mind.
The coach pitched the ball to Ben, and I am not kidding you- he cranked that ball into left field, his best hit of the season. Happy Mothers Day to me! Here he is running to third, pretty happy with his hit, and probably happy that he didn't have to buy me anything!!
Astoria trip
We took a spur-of-the-moment trip to Astoria this past weekend. Very good for the soul just to get away even for just a couple days. The kids were SO excited. They even made up a song on the way there, that went like this - “Astoria, Astoria, the place where all your dreams come true.” They sang it over and over and OVER. Apparently they are easy to please.
We stayed overnight at a hotel on the Columbia River. The kids were glued to that window whenever we were in the room, watching the boats, sea lions, and runners who were exercising on the walking trail. Ben had brought his binoculars and basically stood perfectly still staring out of those things the whole time. He would make a good lighthouse keeper or undercover spy someday.
In the morning as we were packing up, Ben was still standing there at his post, binoculars glued to his eyes. All of the sudden he said excitedly “Check out that great booty out there!” Say what? Dave walked over with a look of confusion on his face. “What did you say?” He asked Ben, probably secretly afraid to know that answer.
“I see some awesome booties out the window!” Ben exclaimed again, never averting his gaze. Hmmmm…. This could be an interesting conversation. Dave wasn’t sure what to expect when he looked out the window, but much to his relief, there were no beautiful women in sight. Upon closer inspection, he realized Ben was staring out into the river. “What do you see again?” Dave asked. Ben replied, “I see booties, floating out there on the water- green ones!”
Ahhhhhhh…. Mystery solved- The boy sees Buoys. Not booties.
Big sigh of relief. I have not raised a peeping tom after all, just a boy that loves him some nautical excitement. Thank you Lord…
Pictures of our trip in the next post :)
We stayed overnight at a hotel on the Columbia River. The kids were glued to that window whenever we were in the room, watching the boats, sea lions, and runners who were exercising on the walking trail. Ben had brought his binoculars and basically stood perfectly still staring out of those things the whole time. He would make a good lighthouse keeper or undercover spy someday.
In the morning as we were packing up, Ben was still standing there at his post, binoculars glued to his eyes. All of the sudden he said excitedly “Check out that great booty out there!” Say what? Dave walked over with a look of confusion on his face. “What did you say?” He asked Ben, probably secretly afraid to know that answer.
“I see some awesome booties out the window!” Ben exclaimed again, never averting his gaze. Hmmmm…. This could be an interesting conversation. Dave wasn’t sure what to expect when he looked out the window, but much to his relief, there were no beautiful women in sight. Upon closer inspection, he realized Ben was staring out into the river. “What do you see again?” Dave asked. Ben replied, “I see booties, floating out there on the water- green ones!”
Ahhhhhhh…. Mystery solved- The boy sees Buoys. Not booties.
Big sigh of relief. I have not raised a peeping tom after all, just a boy that loves him some nautical excitement. Thank you Lord…
Pictures of our trip in the next post :)
Astoria Pictures
Dave and Em in front of the Peter Iredale
Miss Kate
Ben doesn't mess around when we go to the beach- he's dirty the WHOLE time..
We even got some swimming in!
Me and Emma
The kiddos at the Astoria Column
View from the top!
Dave and Ben and Indian Head beach
So excited to see starfish!
Totally busted
While Katie was climbing up into the car today, I snuck a few of her whoppers out of the box- I didn’t think she saw me. I tried to chew quietly as I buckled her into her carseat, so as not to incriminate myself. She was staring intently at me and I was avoiding eye contact at all cost. She finally said in a very serious tone, “Mommy, you are now on my naughty list for sneaking my whoppers.” She was shaking her head in disbelief and clutching her box of whoppers for dear life.
Busted. By a 3 year old.
Busted. By a 3 year old.
Flashback
So I had a flashback today as I sat in the bathroom. I had only been in there 30 seconds or so when I heard a knock on the door- “Mom, are you in there?” They had been watching a cartoon but apparently they heard the sound of the bathroom door close. And they found me- that fast. I was silent because I was mad. Mad that they couldn’t just leave me alone long enough so I could go to the bathroom BY MYSELF. Mad that I no longer had any personal space. Just plain mad.
They quit yelling and started whispering. “what’s she doing in there?” I heard Ben say. “Why did she lock the door?” Katie whisper-yelled, “I don’t know! Maybe lets yell again!”
I finally said in a low freaky kind of growling voice, “I am going to the bathroom, leave me ALONE!” Silence. For about 10 seconds. Then a comb was shoved under the bathroom door. Then a quarter. And some pennies. Lots of quiet giggling followed. Then some little fingers pushed a pretty purple bracelet under the door. “For you mom!” she yelled and then ran away laughing.
That’s when my flashback came- 3 little girls standing at a bathroom door trying to open the lock with the top of a pen cap, while my mom sat on the other side of the door feeling mad. And tired. And frustrated.
Unfortunately for her, we got that door open, and all yelled “Ta-da!” in perfect unison. Mom, for this I am so sorry. For all the countless times we wouldn’t let you go to the bathroom in the early 1980’s I am very sorry. I understand now how you felt and it’s just not cool at all.
I waited in the bathroom until I was sure they had gone back to their cartoon. But when I opened the door there they were, waiting for me to come out. “Hi mommy!” Katie yelled as she ran to give me a hug. “I need juice.” Ben chimed in, “Did you like the comb I sent you?”
It’s a good thing I love them with every fiber of my being. And I know you always felt the same. Happy Mothers Day a little early- thanks for putting up with me and my shenanigans. If it makes you feel any better, your grandkids are paying me back big-time. Love you...
They quit yelling and started whispering. “what’s she doing in there?” I heard Ben say. “Why did she lock the door?” Katie whisper-yelled, “I don’t know! Maybe lets yell again!”
I finally said in a low freaky kind of growling voice, “I am going to the bathroom, leave me ALONE!” Silence. For about 10 seconds. Then a comb was shoved under the bathroom door. Then a quarter. And some pennies. Lots of quiet giggling followed. Then some little fingers pushed a pretty purple bracelet under the door. “For you mom!” she yelled and then ran away laughing.
That’s when my flashback came- 3 little girls standing at a bathroom door trying to open the lock with the top of a pen cap, while my mom sat on the other side of the door feeling mad. And tired. And frustrated.
Unfortunately for her, we got that door open, and all yelled “Ta-da!” in perfect unison. Mom, for this I am so sorry. For all the countless times we wouldn’t let you go to the bathroom in the early 1980’s I am very sorry. I understand now how you felt and it’s just not cool at all.
I waited in the bathroom until I was sure they had gone back to their cartoon. But when I opened the door there they were, waiting for me to come out. “Hi mommy!” Katie yelled as she ran to give me a hug. “I need juice.” Ben chimed in, “Did you like the comb I sent you?”
It’s a good thing I love them with every fiber of my being. And I know you always felt the same. Happy Mothers Day a little early- thanks for putting up with me and my shenanigans. If it makes you feel any better, your grandkids are paying me back big-time. Love you...
Monday, May 6, 2013
Peaches the chicken
I want to tell you a story. A very true story that I have waited awhile to tell because we needed to get through a time of ‘mourning’ in our house. But now that life seems to be back to normal (if there’s such a thing as normal), I think I’m in the safe zone.
A few weeks ago, one of our chickens met an untimely death. Somewhat traumatic for all involved, but especially for a certain 6 year old boy. Now, my kids are not naïve to death. Unfortunately, we’ve faced it head-on a number of times, whether it be people we love or numerous animals that had become our friends. And they do realize (to some degree) that every time they eat a beloved chicken nugget or grilled chicken off the BBQ that those are, in fact, dead chickens.
But, when they become your friends, even a chicken’s passing is very hard to take. It did not die right away, and not 10 minutes had passed by and Ben had created a prayer sign-up sheet so we could all take shifts to pray for healing for Peaches. He also used color-coded markers to create a graph with sign-ups for bringing food and water. He is our problem solver and crisis manager.
Dave and I knew the chicken wouldn’t make it. But we did sign up for a shift on the prayer vigil- it was the right thing to do. The next morning, we explained that Peaches did not make it through the night. Emma and Katie seemed somewhat reflective, but then asked for Toaster Strudels and cartoons- obviously they were ok with the whole thing.
Ben immediately went and got another sheet of paper and began drawing pictures. “Are you ok, buddy?” We asked him, “What are you doing?”
“I’m planning Peaches funeral. We’ll have to have it tonight before baseball practice,“ he said with complete sincerity, “Will you be home in time to help me with the funeral, dad?” He looked up at Dave with his big brown eyes and pen poised ready to begin writing Dave’s duties for said funeral. Dave stared at him for a few seconds of uncomfortable silence- I’m assuming he was trying to choose his words carefully and remember what it felt like to be 6.
“I will be home in time,” Dave said seriously.
I forgot about the dead chicken. Until Ben got home from school and the planning commenced. By 5pm that night, he had everything ready- a table set up with a few flowers, some snacks and ice water, and he sat soberly in his black baseball pants and black underarmor shirt waiting for Dave to get home. Emma and Katie were running through the house playing hide and seek and Ben kept saying, “We need it quiet in here before the funeral.”
I was trying to occupy myself with making dinner, but it’s hard to feel sad about the chicken when you’re making chicken and rice for dinner. I maybe should have thought that one out a little better. Finally Dave got home and we all filed out into the backyard.
A hole had already been dug and Peaches lay wrapped in an old towel with just her head sticking out. Dave said, “Ben, why don’t you lay Peaches in the hole now.”
“Wait, dad,” he said quickly, “I need one more picture with her to remember her by.” He gently picked her up. Dave and I exchanged confused glances and I just shrugged my shoulders, mostly just wanting to get this over with. Dave pulled out his phone and said, “Ok, one picture.” I expected a picture with a somewhat somber tone, but Ben smiled his biggest smile while holding that dead chicken up in the air. I sincerely hope he doesn’t ask for that one to be framed.
Then, as he went to lay the chicken in the hole, he flipped it over and her other eye was wide open. “She’s ALIVE!” screamed Katie at the top of her lungs. Emma started jumping up and down yelling, “She’s not dead, Ben!” All chaos broke loose as Ben quickly set her on the ground to investigate. “Dad, her eye is open! I think she made it!” Darn freaky chicken eye. Dave quickly de-escalated the situation by explaining, once again, that the chicken was indeed dead.
We buried her and then stood around in awkward silence. I could tell the girls were bored with this whole situation, and we needed to move on. I was just about ready to say dinner was ready when Ben said, “Now we can each say a memory or a little prayer.” I could feel the giggles welling up inside me, but there was no way I was letting them out. Emma and Kate both said a little prayer, and I’m pretty sure Katie’s included, “Thank you God for this food” but I’m not entirely sure. I was just trying not to lose it. When Dave’s turn came, he just seriously said, “I’ll pass on this one”. Ben took a big deep breath and said, “Ok, I guess I’ll pray then.” He bowed his head down and this is what he said: “Thank you God for Peaches, she was a very fun chicken to play with. We will miss her and we are all heartbroken.”
I couldn’t stop it from coming. A giggle escaped my lips and I quickly put my hands to my face to muffle it. Ben looked up fast and I dipped my head down. He came over and grabbed my hand, “Now mom’s crying.” He said to Dave. Dave took off for the house and barely got the slider door closed before he started laughing. “Where’s dad going?” He asked seriously.
“I think Dad just needs some time alone,” I managed to say through my hands that were still covering my face.
Ben seemed satisfied that we were all feeling so much emotion. “The funeral is over now,” he said, “thank you for coming.”
We went about our business as usual the rest of the night. Dave and I waited till about 11pm that night to really laugh about the whole thing. And the question still remains- How long is too long to keep a picture of a dead chicken on your phone? In the weeks since this dramatic event, life has gone back to normal. And just so you know- we have a new chicken to take Peaches place, and her name is Little Chocolate Campfire. And don’t ask - I have no idea why that’s her name.
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