a different perspective.........

My boy has a hard time sitting through church. Admittedly it is not his favorite time of the week, and one that he would cheerfully forgo if he thought he could swing it. The past Sunday he was leaning his head back on the pew in a comatose state. Didn't think he was listening to the words spoken, but he was quiet and was leaving his two sisters alone. Towards the end of the talk, he leans over to me "I sure would hate to be the last in that line." Confused, I gave him my best perplexed look. Rolling his eyes he said "you know that last and final judgement line....can you imagine the wait?" Caught off guard I started snickering. He was listening (obviously better that I) and he was thinking about it. Never have really pondered the length of the wait at judgement day before. Funny. "Do you think we will be able to just play while we wait for our turn?" he asked. Ah, the innocence. I assured him that would probably be the case and that the wait would be nothing like sitting through and entire hour of church!

filling my bucket

The other night I was on my way into the bathroom to take off my makeup and fall into bed. Tired, cranky, and a little down, I was ready to snarl at anyone with the misfortune to cross my path. School had started and really I have turned into a short order cook, taxi driver, homework police, and personal secretary to four children and one adult male. Gone were the days of carefree summer days. I didn't notice it at first, I was looking for new lines and grey hairs. There ate the corner of my mirror, written in white window marker was a note; "Guess who loves you mom, lots and lots?......I do, I do.....more than polka dots!"

That was it. That was all it took. Suddenly I didn't feel so tired, and I really didn't care so much about what I looked like. Nor was I still grumbling about the busy day ahead tomorrow. Amazing. I needed someone to put a little water in my bucket, and that simple silly little poem did just that!

I walk alone....

It has happened..... my preteen does not want to be seen with me in public.

Went to the mall last week with the four kids, couldn't help notice that the oldest spent a great amount of time walking ahead or lagging behind. Tried not to take offence as I remember those angst ridden days of teenagerhood. I watched as she met friends and would stop to chat, not really knowing what was expected of me. Do I forcefully introduce myself? Do I hover expectantly waiting to be introduced? Do I just worry about keeping my fourth child from wondering off and not worry about the teens who are doing a great job at ignoring my existence? Alas the path of parenthood is full of these twists and turns of which I am often surprised, saddened, joyful, and just plain confused! Of course I could just assume she was trying stay away from her two little sisters, both of whom display great enthusiasm for anything new (friends, food, clothes, sisters, etc.). Yes, that was probably the problem. I am still cool right? Right?

Swimming with sharks...

Was ceremoniously pushed into the pool today. I am quite shocked at how strong the children have become. My fingers tried to hold onto the rock wall, but I was no match for the ten year old. Had just enough time to yank off my outer shirt before I became airborne. Of course the ruckus didn't stop there, just because I was 'in' the pool didn't mean I had been properly dunked. Tried to get the husband to be my champion, but was thwarted by many arms and legs grabbing and pulling me under. The children could smell blood and the frenzy began. I lost count after going under at least 11 times. Have no idea why my presence in the pool sparks this behavior, as it happens each time I swim. Bret and I have turned into sneaky teenagers with shifty eyes and evasive answers. Our Goal??? To swim without a child clasped tightly to our back and screaming "dunk Mom!!". It is shockingly hard to avoid the children. Must make a mental note to work on upper arm strength, the children are bound to grow stronger and I refuse to go down without a fight.

GOOOOAAAAALLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Despite 100 degree weather my two oldest are loving soccer camp. Each morning I anxiously pack sandwiches, grapes, trail mix, and obsess over how much water to send. Each day has brought new notices of my failure to provide for my offspring. It can be anything from soggy sandwiches to carrots escaping their plastic bags, and of course the memorable day when they ran completely out of water. Have to admit that when I picked them up they were all looking rather wilted.

My son has blisters on his lips. Was unaware that the lips could get sunburned. Dashed to the store and found nothing that could soothe sunburned lips (bought many types of chap sticks and ointment anyway) and have wallowed in guilt for the past few days. Lucky for me, he is the least of the four children to complain. Have resolved to never be negligent in lip care again and have stocked the freezer full of popsicles to cool the burning.

The beginning.................

Starting something from the beginning is a very daunting task. The fear of doing something completely stupid is very paralyzing, but I will press onward and hope for my voice to become stronger with each new post.

I love beginnings. The feeling of excitement and all the wondrous possibilities that await on the horizon. An artist starting a fresh canvas or a runner at the starting line know that this could be that magical moment where the stars align and something rare is accomplished. Each time we try something new (or begin again!) we have the opportunity to discover a passion we never knew existed. So, with great hopes and dreams and a fair amount of trepidation I begin. Hurrah!