Wishful Thinking

What does any mama want from her children?  Well, I started asking this of myself recently and I've decided that I'd like a few things.  Here are just a few:

* I'd like our children to be independent.  Not just tie your own shoes independence, but a true independence that is the envy of others.  Like the  "Wow, your kids do that all by themselves...?! That's so amazing" kind of independence.  I feel like we are on a daily trek towards this and, honestly, I'm feeling VERY far behind on this one. Each day seems like we move only an inch at a time.

* A FULL day of no fighting with each other.  There used to be a time, they were much younger (maybe they didn't really know each other existed), when they played perfectly together.  Why does this seem impossible these days?  One second they play as though they would rather cut their arms off than be separated from each other and the next, they could kill each other with their death glares and unkind words.  My heart becomes exhausted in listening to them and feeling the attacks.  It's unbearable.

* To learn the 1st time we have asked or taught them a lesson.  How many times must we say to "chew with your mouth closed" or "don't pick up the cat"?  Some lessons are hard ones to learn, like falling and bonking your head, yet again, after you've been asked to sit on your bottom on the couch.  Others are ones that just feel embarrassing when out in public, like "don't scratch yourself in your private area while we're at the grocery store, especially near fresh fruit. Yes, it's real folks.  This, I must say, can be a very frustrating part of parenthood.

* A feeling of thankfulness.  For what we have, where we get to visit, what we get to eat, etc.  We are constantly having conversations of how to be appreciative of what we have and not to be greedy.  Being a parent is walking a fine line, because you want to give them wonderful experiences, a happy life full of love and fulfillment, and all their basic needs.  However, you also want to make sure they are grateful for what they have and share with others when THEY notice that someone is going without.  The part where they recognize and they make efforts can be difficult. 

Okay, so that's my wish list, for now.  I can tell you that in the middle of writing this blog, I took a break for a few hours and chatted with the kids about a few things.  One conversation was with Gavin and I asked him what he planned to do with his birthday money.  He said he wanted to buy something for his sister (what would equal the full amount of what he has).  He noticed she didn't have something and wants to get it for her.  Maybe my wishes will come true!?!...just maybe.

Be Creative!

Everyone agrees that being creative is good, right?  Thinking outside of the box is a desire to have and, even better, with the mind of a child so that it's really original.  So, let me share a few tidbits that might get your creative mind thinking a little differently!

 

Have you ever wondered what was in your food?  Most of us ask the usual stuff like, "Is there red food dye in this?" or "Please tell me there are no GMOs right?" Well, have you ever considered something really out of the ordinary?  Maybe we should broaden our thinking a little bit about our food intake.  For example, Sophia recently asked what salmon was made of.  We responded that it was just salmon.  She replied, "Hamsters?"  Now, that REALLY had us thinking...COULD there be hamsters in salmon? Sure does make you think, right?  Very creative.

 

What about your toilet paper rolls or just any old piece of paper rolled up into a cylinder?  Most of us might think to recycle it to create new paper products.  Sophia's answer was to create a food feeder for her invisible bird friend, Merck.  I mean, why not?  Makes sense to me!

 

 

Or perhaps you're really into someone with whom you work or hang out.  Many of you might ask that person to go on a date or befriend them in a way that allows you to spend more time.  Sophia was very clever in learning the word "captivate" within her recent princess books.  She's decided that she'll captivate from afar and declare boyfriends, but NEVER tell them, because that would be "embarrassing."  I must say I prefer this idea as a mama.

 

Lastly, what about those of you who like to make crafts and get all creative in those craft rooms and work spaces?  I'm sure you've given some art a try, maybe some creative juices have been flowing with you and you've come up with some real originals.  However, I'm sure this one has never popped in your mind...a rhinoceros headband, for the person who wants to be a rhinoceros when they don't want to be a person. This one blows my mind with creativity.  I hate to say it, but I'm sure your ideas are no where near this one. 

 

 

That's just it.  In all of these little life segments with her, I've come to realize that she is just sooooo creative.  Her mind thinks of really great and unusual ways to live life to the fullest.  In this world of rules and regulations, school and schedules, I'd like to think that she'll walk away 20 years from now with these same great ideas.  I hope so at least.  I hope she won't be stifled.  I hope she'll feel supported and admired for her creativity. 

 

So, if she offers you a great idea, one that is beyond your wildest imagination, take it and run with it.  You might just realize that she's pretty amazing, because I know I do.  

Getting My Blinders On!

What do people say of me and my family when we're not around?

 

For example, what did the lady say that sat and watched my children flip open birthday cards full of crazy sounds and songs as they laughed hysterically in the middle of Rite Aid?  Does she say, "Wow, those kids can appreciate a great card when they see one, especially the one with the dancing tango cat!" OR does she say, "Can't she keep those kids quiet?! This is a pharmacy store for gosh sake!"  I'm not sure.  I couldn't quite tell, but it sure did look like she had a snotty look.

 

Or, what about the nurse who was at the doctor's office, trying to get Sophia to listen to the beep in the machine to pass her hearing test?  Where Sophia was crying, because really...it wasn't about the hearing test, but the upcoming vaccination she knew she'd be getting.  Might she say, "That lady should have taken her in the car and given her a spank." OR does she mutter, "I wouldn't want to do this either, poor kid."  I'm not sure, again.  She gave us a disapproving glare and told us we might have to reschedule.

 

Maybe the time when I was sobbing in my car, in the shopping mall parking lot, as I took in information about, yet another, issue to deal with as a mama.  When I looked over in the car next to me I noticed a man looking over.  What might he be thinking?  "Geez, another sappy woman crying in her car, what a mess."  Or perhaps it might have been, "That mama might have a lot to deal with today.  Maybe I should buy her a mocha-caramel latte from the nearest Starbucks to help her feel better."  ...I'm pretty sure it wasn't the last one, but a girl likes to dream. 

 

So many situations like this arise where I wonder what others are thinking and what kind of an impact we're making in our community and in our little part of the world.  But, I do know that we take each day at a time.  We're judged by God and He enlightens us everyday with our new section of our life path.  Sometimes we stumble a little or don't follow a road sign, but we're always trying to do our best.  I guess that's when I realize that I don't always have to worry about what others think. We are going to just enjoy life with our blinders on and love the ride! I may even purchase a set of these...

 

My focus is on God and He will give me the strength I need to stay focused on Him and His path. The rest of it is just in my peripheral and I'm okay with that.



She's What?!?! 5 years old?!

I'm constantly blown away by this kind-hearted soul. 

 



 

Yes, it has been 5, yes 5, glorious years with this beauty.  She certainly adds a lot of joy to our lives and she ALWAYS makes our lives exciting! Either with her smiles, jokes, or overall love for others, we've realized that we're blessed by having her as part of our family.  Say, "cheese!"  Being 5 is going to be so easy!  



From the Mouths of Babes

Important Quotes To Remember:

* "Princess songs make you cry, because they are so lovable."  -Gavin

* "I love bald heads, just because."  -Sophia

* "Are you going to the circus?" -Sophia

* "I am going to give you a big kiss, (deep breath in), I'm going in!" -Sophia

* "I love mini coopers and Bobs."  -Sophia

 

Super Mama...to the rescue!

Today I was told, by my son, that I have "amazing super powers" as he laid down on the floor looking at me in amazement, shaking his head in awe.  Ummmm, yep.  It's true.  I am "Super Mama!"  I didn't know all of my super glow was shining through so heavily, but I guess it was going to come out at some point. 

 

I might not be able to lift a car with one hand at this very moment, but pump a little adrenaline in me when someone messes with my baby cubs and I'll move a mountain.  Now, most of the time, you'll see me at my best movements...bowel movements.  That is honestly how I was discovered this evening. 

 

"Gavin, I think you might have to go to the bathroom, you're stinkin' up the place.  Seriously, like rotten food or something.  Please get in there and go,"  I say. 

 

"No, I'm fine.  I DON'T have to go!" (after an hour of this wretched stench leakage), Gavin replies. 

 

"Really, this is bad Gavin.  No, really.  I can't stand it anymore.  You need to go in and go potty and take care of business.  I think your bottom is screaming silently for help in there,"  I beg.

 

(Going on 2 hours) "Mama, why don't you just trust me?  I'm telling you I don't have to go.  Why don't you just believe me?,"  Gavin retorts.

 

"It's time.  I just know Gavin.  I know you better than I know myself.  I'm your mama and I know when you have to go to the bathroom.  Believe me, you NEED to go,"  I say, hoping that he will hear my plea.

 

"Ok, I'll go and try,"  he sighs. (after I started counting down...ridiculousness, but it was necessary)

 

 ...cue elevator music...10 minutes later. (I'm sure you can infer what transpires during this allotted time)

 

Gavin lays down on the ground in the kitchen and states, very clearly I must say proudly, "Mama, you have amazing super powers.  You knew I had to go to the bathroom before I even knew I had to go. You have more super powers than me."  Super mama to the rescue!

 

BUT, I have to admit that I DID have a little help getting to this point.  I'm a hard-working, floundering mama just like every mama I know out there.  I just have an AMAZING team of supporters and rally members who give to me one of the most important gifts of all...wisdom.  At that moment, right after he said those words, I immediately credited those before me who have helped in guiding Todd and I as parents.  Those who have supported us with hugs, through our tears in all of our years as parents and together, and who have challenged us to keep forging ahead for the sake of our family.  Words of wisdom have helped in leading the way. 

 

So, although it was a life altering bowel movement for our son, I can't take all the credit.  I'll pass this cheer over to the grandparents, but I WILL continue to refer to myself as "Super Mama" in the 3rd person for all of you who talk with me in the future.  hahahaha! That's just how I roll...up, up and AWAY!!!!!!!!!

Go Dog Go is a BAD Influence

As we kiss Gavin goodnight, he looks at us very seriously and states that he has a problem.  Todd and I are wondering what kind of deep discussion is about to happen and whether this is a worthwhile endeavor to have right before bed.  Then in all seriousness, Gavin says, "Go Dog Go has been teaching my animals how to jump off the bed." 

 

Go Dog Go is a stuffed animal, from Kohls, given to him by my aunt and uncle when we went to Florida.  Apparently he is the ring leader of some sort of bed club mob that gathers together after Gavin closes his eyes for rest.  This has been concluded because most, if not all, of his animals are on the floor when Gavin wakes up.  The only thing that seems logical is that Go Dog Go is convincing the other animals to jump to their death. 

 

I'm not sure about you, but I think this is a problem.  We have a no bullying rule at our house and Go Dog Go needs to realize that we have zero tolerance.  Needless to say, we'll be having a conversation with this "over-board bed pushing monster" to deal with this situation. Just look at him...

...a common criminal.