Sixteen years later……..
My baby girl and I will go out shopping for sweet little dancing shoes. We will skip up a sunny sidewalk in town to the seamstress shop and pick up her beautiful dress; a long, mint green gown, newly hemmed for her small stature. She will talk of lipstick, jewelry, nail polish, and love.
…….she will be going to Prom.
I am currently sitting on the couch fully dressed and ready to go to yet another Children’s Hospital appointment with Sarah Joy in regards to her kidney. I have my robe on over my clothes because I am freezing. It’s 46 degrees outside with a very strong and persistent wind. In other words, it feels like a rather blustery day, today. I will take the robe off before I pick Sarah up from school, hopefully, and put on a winter coat.
I am exhausted. I am thinking about all the things that my family has planned for the next month: prom for Grace, Senior banquet for Grace (who is dating a senior) and Ethan (my senior son), baccalaureate, graduation, field trips, concerts, a church picnic and baptism at which my son Caleb will be baptized, graduation party for Ethan, Rich has two business trips, and all this along with the little league games that happen several times a week and the little surprises that life throws at us now and then…..and I am exhausted. Did I mention I am tired?
I keep thinking: “Do one thing mindfully at a time with as much love and care as possible.” This is easier said than done. Especially the “mindfully one thing at a time” part.
I also keep thinking “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
And lastly, I keep thinking “I want to sleep, but at least I’m not crying or anxious.”
This morning I found nine fiesta bowls, three plates, a bunch of paper plates, and four mugs in the basement, left there by Ethan, Grace, Caleb, Kylie, Zak, David, Caleb, and Zach. (all teenagers) Seriously? What I have to say is this: “There is to be no more eating downstairs, my dear children.”
The other day (when it wasn’t 46 degrees), David and his friends played in the stream. It’s funny because of of them is named Michael, and since we already have a Michael here all the time, we differentiate them by calling the younger one “up the road Michael”. (Because he lives… up the road.)
I was attempting a photo of the hanging baskets which are so pretty, but you can’t really see them very well. Thankfully, the house, garage, and lawns are pretty tidy at this point and there won’t be much to do to prepare outside for the picnic and party. I’ve been doing a lot of gardening, which is probably why I’m so tired. My body is trying to get back into the swing of things after a long winter.
David could not find a golf tee so used a pencil. Genius (although it took about five minutes to get the ball to balance).
Entrance to the trails (we call one the Dam trail and one the Adventure trail) by our house.
starflower
Fringed Polygala
“this exquisite, orchid-like wildflower resembles a tiny airplane without a tail.”
Lady slippers, almost ready to bloom
violets
The largest wintergreen berry I ever saw. And then I ate it.
make a wish!
I picked a small bouquet of violets, buttercups, bluets, and Kentucky bluegrass.
There is something quite calming about looking through the grass for just the right flower, bending, picking, adding it to the bouquet and then doing it over again and again until you’re done.
And this little bird…a very dark photo….which is a hazard of shooting in manual mode but then seeing something you have to photograph before it flies away so you don’t think to change your settings and then the picture is either blown out or too dark. However, I can identify the bird as an…..OVENBIRD. Thanks to my Merlin ID app on my phone (indispensable!!) “Secretive warbler that lacks vibrant colors, but compensates with its enormous voice.”
Yep, that’s right. I got a photo of a secretive bird! I do feel proud.
*****
Well that about does it for this blog post and thank you all very much for listening. As a writer of blogs and journals, I do feel better after a good scratch of the pencil or tip tap on the computer keys!
“If you’re completely exhausted
and don’t know how
you’re going to keep giving this much of yourself
day after day
you’re probably a good parent.”
Bunmi Laditan
Sometimes life is very crappy.
But, I think you will agree,
that much of it is
very dear.
Mother’s Day, 2016 began with my husband waking me up from a very sound sleep, with two small sons on either side of him. They had made me breakfast to eat in bed. As soon as they exited the room, leaving me to struggle awake and try to open my mouth wide enough to bite into a huge bagel egg sandwich, my Mom texted me “Happy Mothers Day!” When I was done eating, I called her and we had a nice little chat. By that time, Grace and Sarah were awake and snuggled on each side of me.
So the day began with love.
Rich left to go to church with four of the boys. I stayed home to take Ethan and Grace to school so they could prepare for their final performance of Mary Poppins. Sarah insisted on staying with me, even though it would mean she would see the play three entire times over the weekend. We dropped Ethan and Grace off four hours before show time, and then drove in the rain to the grocery story to get flowers and snacks for them to take to the cast party.
As I was putting things away, I received a text asking me if I would like to go back to the school because there was a “Character Tea Party” being held in the cafeteria which Grace thought I would enjoy. Sarah had just started eating her special soup that she chose at the store to have for lunch (it was 11:00 am) but when I told her the message she put the lid back on. “I can just put this in the fridge for later,” she explained, which I thought was so sweet. Sarah was all set to run right back out the door which encouraged me to go ahead and text Grace, “I’m on my way.”
We had a nice tea party at a pretty blue and white table with Jenna and her mom and aunt. Sarah liked the cucumbers and pickles and her tea cup full of lemonade. We were also served jam sandwiches and several other tasty bite-sized foods and treats. Grace, as Mrs. Brill, sat with us and kept saying, “I’m so happy, Mom, I’m so so happy. Happy Mother’s Day.” Grace herself was the highlight of the tea for me, and I hold her sparkling eyes and joy in my heart even now. Ethan and Caleb were there, too, begging for food from our plates. We were able to see and meet Mary Poppins and Burt, and the other characters, too. Sarah blushed several shades of pink when Burt spoke to her.
We attended the 2pm performance, me and my little friend Sarah, along with my sister and her family, and Isaac and Cassandra.
It was a wonderful production and I will post photos of the play, very soon.
Sarah fell asleep in the backseat while I drove the kids to their cast party. Back home, I got into bed with Sarah and read a book with her snuggled up next to me. David came in and out of the room to visit, too. I have such comfortable children. The afternoon passed by so quickly. Soon it was the end of the day and I was on the couch with Rich when Emily and Jacob arrived with a mother’s card for me with SIXTEEN signatures on it. It was such a surprise and I will treasure it always. Jacob had his siblings sign it, plus Emily and eight of their dearest friends, who are at our house so often that they are rather like part of the family and my children, too. (Thank you all!!!!!) Jacob, Ethan, Grace, David, Caleb, Seth, Sarah, PLUS Caleb T, Zak, Zach, Allie, Emily, Emily, Tessa, Michael, Cody. God bless you.
From what I understand, Jacob had driven all over the place gathering up the signatures.
They also gave me two broody chicken figurines, which make me smile. Sarah said, “Where are their FEET?” and I explained that when a hen is sitting on eggs they tuck their feet all up underneath them so they cannot be seen.
In fact, we currently have two broody hens in the chicken coop nesting boxes and no amount of common sense conversation is making them understand that they are sitting on eggs which will never become chicks. One of the hens has even plucked all her feathers off her “underside” so as to warm the eggs better. Every time I go in I remove any eggs from under her, receiving several sharp peck on the hand for my efforts. But the warmth she can generate is wonderful.
*****
(Some) of the mothers in my life; Grandma (holding my son David) Great Grandma, and mom.
Thirteen years ago.
I honor and love you.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23.
I know without a shadow of doubt that motherhood is my calling.
I remember as a teen all I wanted to be “when I grew up” was a mother.
Women can be and do so many things. For me, for now, being a stay at home mom is what makes me feel the most content and satisfied. For others, a feeling of utter contentment occurs as they perform their own particular gifts. Although I am open and prayerful to doing more, (librarian?volunteer?photographer?dentist?) for now I have no other yearning or interest for anything else other than mothering these seven children of mine and tending our house and home. Eventually these years will be over and I trust that God will lead me toward a new way of living. I look forward to the future.
What was in my heart and soul as I mixed up bread dough with Sarah?
Joy that made me reach for the camera. Love as I saw how big she was getting and yet she is still small enough to live in the moment. Peace in the safety and security of knowing all my family was home. The sun was shining, *all was well* (never taken for granted, because someone could skin a knee at any moment). Gratitude to God for giving us our daily bread–bread for our stomachs AND our souls.
Making bread is a very humble pursuit. Our ancestors baked bread daily and it became an endless chore for them. It’s a treat for me, I bake bread when I want to, not because I need to, but the connection I feel with the ages makes the process satisfying. Such humble ingredients; yeast, water, milk, butter, salt, and flour.
Whatever has happened before will happen again. Whatever has been done before will be done again. There is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9
The Bible says truthfully there is nothing new under the sun. Motherhood. Baking bread. These things have always been and always will be, as long as the sun and moon endure. But these humble acts are our prayer of praise to Him as He opens our hearts and makes them tender toward all our blessings.
“Meaning can be found in relation to Him, thus making life here tolerable, even delightful, and making ultimate existence possible, through Jesus Christ. All those things that make life here so weary and boring can have new meaning, when you understand who God is, what Christ did and you connect yourself to the genuineness of being a child of God.” ~Warren Berkley
“Crack it a little harder and use BOTH your thumbs to open the egg– like a door!”
She did it with enthusiasm for each time.
We admired the deep yellow of our good eggs.
“That one is a lighter yellow.” she noticed.
She loves the feel of sinking her hand into cool, soft, flour.
Surrounded by smiles and color.
Making homemade bread.
Mainly she wanted, more than anything, to eat the dough.
She absolutely loves bread dough.
I love her.
Letting it rise in a big big bowl. Learning about patience.
David wandered through to tell me that he found a special way to wash his hair in order to make it grow faster (he wants long hair). You use eggs. Rub them in the hair and let it stay in it for an hour. Then rinse and condition with coconut oil.
This information solved The Mystery of why the coconut oil kept appearing out of the kitchen cupboard. I enthusiastically felt his hair and it was amazingly soft.
He also said that rubbing your scalp induces faster hair growth.
Motherhood. Full of gripping facts and experiences.
Goldilocks! said the nineteen year old as he walked by.
Braids! said the sixteen year old as she walked by.
Art in the kitchen.
Children underfoot.
Teens in the other room laughing, talking, making music.
Gratitude in my heart.
Painting with egg.
It’s finally done, dance!
….slicing, buttering, placing it in their hands, watching them come back for more….
Home is the art of life….Home is where we feel at ease, where we belong, where we create surroundings that reflect our tastes and pleasures…making a home is a form of creativity open to everyone. ~Terence Conrah
Take steps to practice joy in your daily life, and it will expand naturally. Let joy fill your heart, and your heart will gladden your health. Dr. Mao Shing Ni
“I practiced joy that day as I baked bread. The children were with me, we used up eggs, the smell was wonderful, the braids of dough were fun to form, they baked up large and golden, and the taste was fantastic. It was a joy to slice, butter, serve and give to my loved ones. Feeding others is a gift to the giver.”
Braided Egg Bread from allrecipes.com
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast (if you buy in bulk this is 4 1/2 tsp of yeast)
1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
2 cups hot milk
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup water
5 eggs
11 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg
2 tablespoons sesame seeds (I didn’t have these)
Proof yeast and 1/2 cup warm water in a large mixing bowl.
Combine hot milk, sugar, butter, salt, and 1/2 cup water in a medium bowl. Cool to 110 degrees.
In small bowl, slightly beat 5 eggs, then add to cooled milk mixture. Add milk mixture to yeast mixture. Add 2 cups flour and beat until smooth. Slowly add remaining flour until it forms a stiff dough. Knead on a floured board for 10 minutes (5 minutes with a bread hook). Place in a large glass or plastic bowl lightly greased. Turn dough over to grease both sides. Cover and let rise in a warm, dark place until doubled in volume, approximately 60 minutes.
Punch down, cover, and let rise again until double, approximately 30 minutes.
Punch again, and form into three parts. Form each part into a 20-inch roll. Braid rolls on a large, greased cookie sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled.
Lightly beat remaining egg and brush loaf. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake in preheated 350 degree F (175 degrees C) oven for about 55 minutes until nicely browned. May be made into two regular sized loaves. Reduce baking time slightly.
recipe source: allrecipes.com
Once again, never to be taken for granted, Rich and I and all seven of the children were together in our warm and cozy living room — to decorate our Christmas tree, purchased in town at the Fire Department for 30 dollars.
It was delightful chaos. Talking, bossing, laughing, non stop movement to and from the tree to the ornament boxes which were all along the couch.
Seven times we experienced the miracle of birth, births of our own flesh and blood, baby girls and boys from a man and woman whom God joined together as one. As the children grow and develop into their own individual selves, we are all the more thankful for each and every moment with them. They teach us so much, they remind us of what we have forgotten–that life is an adventure from sun up to sun down. Very little worries, seldom any cares, only exciting things to look forward to and absolute trust that Mom and Dad will love and nurture them.
From the oldest to the youngest, we are their Parents until death do us part. To support, guide, enjoy, and yes…even step away (but never too far away) in order to give space for them to make their own decisions in life. They will become stronger and independent, knowing that we are there to cheer them on their journey of living.
Firstborn Jacob’s 19th birthday is the last day of the month.
While the youngest, Sarah, is only five and a half.
Each child is a gift, so unique, so amazingly precious to me and to their Dad.
They have brought so much gladness and light into our lives.
As their Mother, their pains are my pains, their joys are my joys. Their love is my love. One of the most romantic things I have witnessed occurred last night and oh, last week at this time I would have never dreamed that my darling daughter would very soon have a loving, Christian boy humbly ask and receive the blessing of her very protective Dad to get to know her……….and my heart gives grateful praise even as I sneak upstairs to read their text messages after she goes to school. *sigh* soooooo sweet
taking off the hats
discussing the hat with Ethan the 17 year old.
still discussing the hat
I gave the hat back.
MERRY MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS
{this moment} ~ A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
“I know the One in whom I trust, and I am sure that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him…..”
“Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.”
“Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery.”
“The Lord says, I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer, I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with long life, and give them my salvation.”
Good morning, friends,
I have been absolutely exhausted this week, hence no blogging. I’m sure you can imagine all that entails being a mom of seven and wife of a busy hard worker. I love the life God gave me, but there are “crash days” when the responsibilities I have seem overwhelming and pressing. I don’t even like to write these things, because it seems like a complaint when God has given me blessing upon blessing and I am ashamed of my weakness (although HE delights in it for only then can He get the glory for supplying my need) How dare I cry and be sad? However, exhaustion is no respecter of persons and no matter who or where you are, it can hit and cripple for a time. And that is how it has been for me this week.
Well, that’s not exactly true, I certainly have NOT been crippled. I have done all the things I had to do. I’ve read chapters to my sick one, I’ve gone to the pediatrician twice, gotten medicines, drinks, teas, foods. I’ve gone to a soccer game with a smile on my face. I have a heart of love and longing to serve my family. I’ve held and snuggled warm children. I ordered vomit bags off amazon. Yes, all these things have happened when deep down what I really wanted was to spend a week on a beach in Hawaii.
But enough of me, I hate writing about myself sometimes because it seems so annoying and self-focused. Blah blah blah. Hey, but it’s all the truth as I see it and that’s all I want to do here on my blog, write about my honest life which is very much feelings-oriented to me (which is why I especially appreciate the logical people in my life that balance me out). And praise God I have eternal hope and salvation…..this current life is only the first page of what life is really going to be for me. There is so much to look forward to, amazing unspeakably glorious things.
I love you all. I’m so thankful for my Mom, husband, brothers, sister, friends and for all the verses words offered to me on FB when I wrote this week during a fit of crying on my part. God has given us each other to help us get through the tough times! There is so much to be thankful for and usually at least one thing that makes me sincerely laugh every day. (like this morning when Dave’s kitten proudly carried in a dead mouse that one of our other cats caught and left on the porch).
Here are the pictures from Ethan’s senior soccer night (last night). It was wonderful sitting on the bleachers next to my friend Caroline and watch our boys play. Our husbands were there with us, and Jacob and Emily brought Caleb and Sarah as well. The sky darkened into night and there was a time when the sky was so blue, as dazzling blue as sapphire fiestaware.
He only has three more games left and he’s determined to make them last out the season. They’ve been great soccer shoes and have served him well.
Warming up with his best friend, Zach, before the game. Oh, these two. It’s been a joy to watch them grow together. They are as close as brothers.
During drills and warms ups they did this exercise where you jump up and bump your teammate. Made us smile.
They called down the parents of the seniors for a short presentation. They called out names and each player was given a rose (to give to his parents).
After a team picture they played their game and won 1-0. I took him to the pizza place in town to celebrate with his friends and one of the other Dads brought him home afterwards.
We’re so proud of you, Ethan!
As soon as the children left for school yesterday, and I had a good start on the household chores, I looked outside and thought, “What a gorgeous fall morning.”
I decided to go out in it and sit with the hens to have my Bible study time. As soon as I opened my Bible, my favorite chicken hopped up on my knee to join me. You might notice that I thought it was October 6th at first. “This all seems familiar,” I thought, and then realized it was now the 7th. Already!
Hi Chicken!
I had a notebook with me and a pencil stuck in my ponytail. The pencil didn’t stay there long, because very soon there were good things to scribble down to save and think about. The air was fresh and cool, the sounds of contented hens charming.
I want and long to read the Bible every day. I have found that for me, the best way to do this is to use a “One Year Bible”. (click here to see the one I use) In this Bible, there is a reading for each day of the year. I’ve used it for several years now. There are times when I miss a few days, maybe even a week or more, but I have found that if I try to catch up I get overwhelmed. So, I always skip those days because very soon (next year) I WILL get to those verses again. There is a portion of Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. Even though it is a structured, assigned portion of reading, there are ALWAYS words and truths that my heart and soul needed to hear again and again–never boring or dry. I usually keep paper nearby so that I can write down the verses that spoke to me that day. You see, the Bible is ALIVE for those who believe and love it. The words within it are useful in so many ways, and for Christians, it is like medicine for the soul. It’s like a food-craving you might get for, say, chocolate. You find yourself thinking about the Word during the day and wanting it. And when you get it, you are filled and satisfied.
Yesterday, I wrote these things down in my notebook (verses in quotes, my thoughts *not* in quotes)
~”An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship.”
Always be honest in your questions and answers. Don’t “play games”, don’t pretend. Be sincere. It’s a beautiful way to live–so beautiful that your honest, truthful ways are just like friendship’s kisses.
~”This is what the Lord says: Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken.”
~”Your real life is hidden with Christ in God.”
~”Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshipping the things of this world.”
Teach the children about greed.
Greed-intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food. A selfish and excessive desire for more of something than is needed.
~”Christ is all that matters and He lives in all of us.”
~”Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all richness, fill your lives.”
This is a wonderful set of verses to apply to my FAMILY.
~”Despite God’s wonders, they refused to trust Him.” —The next time you have some difficulty trusting God, think of as many of His wonders as you possibly can.
*****
I had no idea there was an app on my iPhone that shows all the steps I take in one day. I make sure I have it in my pocket now when I take my walks….it’s fun to see just how much I walk in a day as I go about my business. My mom does the same thing with her phone, and she is the one who taught me about the app. It came already installed on my phone and dummy me never knew it until last weekend.
I had it in my pocket when I went for a walk yesterday all alone because my children all go to school now (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
I find myself MAKING REMARKS TO MYSELF OUT LOUD. I really need to stop because it’s starting to happen at the grocery store, too.
The birds are quite active at this time of year. This morning when I let out the dog I saw a cardinal and a blue jay right outside my house in the bushes. They were busy eating berries in the early morning sunshine. A blue jay scolded me yesterday from the treetops and I got this fun picture of it stretching to reach some food.
The colors of autumn dazzle the eye.
Adorable mushroom. I want to draw it. I like to imagine them slowly growing up through the sweet smelling leaves and eventually poking their heads up to the day.
Dappled sunlight in the woods.
Hickory nuts are dropping off the trees and oh how I wish I could get to them!! I want to climb and gather! But the tree is so very tall. I have an old schoolbook primer that has a story in it about a nutting party. (this blog post is similar) The neighborhood people would go gather nuts together. Why did that stop happening?? My mom and her family used to get nuts in the fall on their farm land. I need to ask her to tell me the stories again. I know of two hickory trees nearby. One is by the stream and one is up the road just a little ways on the right and it’s nuts drop on the edge of the street.
I walked toward the stream…..a golfball caught my eye so I went to pick it up and saw this sight-
“What in the world are they doing?”, I asked myself (out loud) and when I realized what was happening, I blushed deeply and hid my eyes.
A worm saw them and wriggled away fast.
Or was it me he was squirming from? Regardless, I once again spoke out loud, “That was a BIG worm!” I said.
I think I miss my children. I’m not used to having no one near.
It didn’t help that there were signs of them down by the stream.
I also found a sock.
This is not the sky, but a reflection of it in a still pool of water in the stream.
*****
Well, eventually the children DID come back home. I went for another little walk with David and Sarah. We collected acorns and more hickory nuts (just a couple). I wanted them all (greedy again?) David told me that HE could climb the tree. Humph.
I did all the talking I wanted to without feeling weird.
Soon it was time for Caleb and Seth to go to football practice. Grace had a variety show at the High School so we made an outing of it. Ethan, David, and Sarah came along as I dropped off the boys at the field. We had extra time so Ethan suggested the coffee shop downtown. Sarah had an apple juice and a bag of chips that she didn’t like (they had pepper on them.) David had a diet soda, Ethan and I had coffee. Ethan snap-chatted his friend who is a girl. (um)
We looked out the window and saw that in the park across the street a band was setting up. The concert was to start in 15 minutes and we still had time so Sarah and I went over to enjoy some great jazz music…
Is this quaint or what?? I loved every moment…there were people all around us, and more gathered in as time went on. I would love to go again with Rich. People had their lawn chairs, picnic foods, sweaters and blankets to keep warm, and a musical spirit…toe tapping, a little dancing, smiles on the faces…it was great.
The boys played down by the water and railroad tracks and could still hear all the songs.
We may not have nutting parties but we do have outdoor concerts!
After a quick trip to the library we headed to the HS. Grace was in the color guard Flag routine (she’s on the far left on the floor). She’s been twirling the flag for just a few months and did very well. It was fun to see all the kids do their various routines…dance, music, and what have you. Sarah ate two chocolate candy bars while she watched and we didn’t get home until 9:00pm.
It was a wonderful night being filled up with my children again after a lonesome-like afternoon.
Tonight Rich comes home. He’s been gone since Monday. It’s a long weekend for the kids–no school tomorrow or Monday!
When I was a little girl, the same age as you, I went to school, too.
I started out in a Kindergarten class, just like you.
And do you know what?
My Mama made me a dress, she made it herself, a special little dress for me to wear to school.
“She did? Where is it?”
It’s right here, this is the very dress that I wore.
And do you know what?
Your sister Gracie wore this dress on her first day of school, too!
Let’s try it on you.
Oh Sarah, it looks so pretty!
Do you want to wear it for your first day of school, too? Just like Mama and Gracie?
“No.”
Why not?
“It’s itchy.”
It is? I can fix that. What if you wear this pair of soft shorts underneath? Is that better?
“Okay. Can I wear my new shoes?”
Yes.
Mama’s going to miss you but I know you’re going to have a fun day at your school.
I love you.
Yesterday I enjoyed a gift of a day with my three youngest children. Caleb was given a free pass to Six Flags for reading at school and I thought it would be nice to take him, Seth, and Sarah while their older brothers and sister were away at camp.
As I sit here on my couch, cross legged, in my pajamas, I’m filled with gratitude for this lovely life, through Christ alone, that I am experiencing. Each day is a gift.
Yes, there are tough days, yes there are lots of things I could complain about, yes I do complain and resort to survival sarcasm (sarcasm makes me laugh)…..for example….
The other night the boys had football practice and both of them needed help at the same time with their cleats, I was down on the floor in front of Seth, working on a stiff knot, while Caleb was saying Mom…Mom…Mom….I need some help here….Mom….
He could totally SEE what I was doing! The frustration welled within me and I cried, “I’ll help you when I’m done with your brother! Do you boys think I have four arms??”
Then I laughed all the way out the door because Caleb said in all seriousness. “Mom. You already said that. Years ago.”
I laughed because I didn’t remember saying it, and I laughed because he remembered everything. He said I wanted four arms: “One to hold Sarah, one to hold Seth, one to hold your cup of coffee, and one to hold your book.”
On the way to Six Flags Caleb wanted to listen to music. We like 93.1 (mix) but if it’s a song Caleb doesn’t approve of he switches it to 106.9 (K-LOVE, christian radio). In all that switching, his favorite song came on, “Best day of my Life” by American Authors. We sang loud.
On the way to Six Flags we passed Planned Parenthood and in the joy of taking a day off with my children, I imagined the souls of babies going up to heaven, my heart wept, I honked the horn encouragingly at the peaceful protestors who are typically there- this time it was two old ladies–simply standing on the sidewalk outside the office. I said my own words to Jesus–I don’t want to say judgmental things, I don’t want to get upset or angry. I’m sad, sad that our beloved women come to place where they believe abortion is the answer to a hard situation. And when they are at their lowest, saddest times, their babies are being “harvested”. It’s just incredibly wrong, a sadness deep down in my heart that will not go away that drives me to Jesus. And I believe He is listening and answering.
On the way to Six Flags we stopped to say a quick hello to Aunt Amanda, who was looking sharp at work, who hugged her niece and nephews and talked with them. As we left, I told the children, “Your Aunt Amanda is so sweet to you, she loves you so much and is always happy to see you.” I want them to know, she is always there for them.
On the way to Six Flags (can you tell we were running a little early?) we stopped at Barnes and Nobles ONLY because *I wanted an iced Caramel Macchiato* and figured they could look at books as I ordered. It was fun. My kids are being raised on coffee that I drink, and books for all.
THEN we were on our way to the gates. 25 dollars to park! 161 for tickets!
At these prices we going to stay all day long to get our money’s worth.
First up was the Merry-Go-Round and Sarah with her pigtails.
She was wearing one earring backwards because for some reason one of the holes is constantly shutting…I couldn’t get the earring in but from the back. I switched it around later (when she was getting dressed and her shirt pulled her earring out of her ear). If I could go back in time, I would never have gotten her ears pierced until she was much older, like I did with Grace.
By the way, selfie sticks are not allowed at Six Flags. I don’t have one, but thought the rule was interesting. So you can see my arm holding out the phone in my sunglasses. 😉
Caleb went on the bigger rides with Seth, who was mainly too small to go on them unless he was with an adult. It was a little hard to let them go off, just the two of them, these are my youngest children and in my mind not old enough. But they are. And they did great.
This is my favorite picture of the day. The two of them returning from an exciting ride.
We did some swimming, too. They swim almost every day so we didn’t stay long. They wanted to ride on the rides!
Seth was exploding with crazy-JOY. He expends twice as much energy as we do, I swear. One time he was dancing and did a happy twirl as we walked along and fell down right on the pavement. He showed me later his small scrape on his knee. “It wasn’t funny, Mom.”
The rides were shut down twice for weather issues. There were dark clouds in the sky. This ride opened and rain fell for about 10 minutes. It was nice, actually, to have the park cleared out of some of the people who gave up and went home…..we stayed…getting our money’s worth, don’t you know.
She was taking me to Frances. (FRANCE!LOL) “Mom, is Frances another planet?”
“No, but it is another country.”
“I’m going to take you to Frances!”
I was lucky to take the picture in the split second that Seth looked normal!
I bought them each a necklace that had their name on it.
Adorable kids who have to check all day long to see if they are big enough.
Caleb is my #5 child and feels more comfortable as a younger sibling. But I have to say, and brag a little, that this boy of mine was a huge help to me all day long. He led the way for us, knew the layout of the park quite naturally, and kept an eye on Seth and Sarah. He took Seth along on the rides that Sarah could not go on….and did it all with a great attitude.
Caleb was even brave enough to go on several rides alone. Like the Thunderbolt! He truly did miss his old siblings, though, and saved some of the scariest rides to go on with them someday.
Toward the evening, Sarah began getting blisters and carrying her sandals, which is why they are on her arms in this “muscle” picture of my little superheroes. 🙂
By the way, Seth lost his shorts when he changed into his swimming trunks, they got left behind someplace. He wore his trunks the rest of the time.
I had to buy myself flip flops because my sneakers were soaked on the water-raft ride.
What’s kind of sad is he has no clue who these creatures are.
“A Bunny and a Skunk” is what he said when I asked him.
Sarah went on a few challenging, faster rides and I had to bribe her once. I hated to do it, but she was crying and saying “I HAVE TO GO TO THE BATHROOM” just as we were at the front of the line. And by that time I knew it was her coping mechanism and not true. She had already survived the ride once and wanted to go on it again, but just at the last second she panicked. I wasn’t going to let her. So I told her I would get her “a big lollipop” when it was over. She cried and had to go to the bathroom again at the Scrambler but we didn’t bribe her. We just said she would be fine and she was. She would cry until the ride started and then laugh the entire time. Silly Brave Sarah. She’s living life her way.
The boys rode the Pandemonium. “This is where I lost my hat last year” ~Caleb
My gentle-souled son.
Seth was leaping through this photo-attempt but we got it!
We left the park at 8:45 and headed home. My little kids have proved to me that they are strong— and capable of having an entire day of nonstop fun without melt downs from exhaustion! This is a milestone for my family.
I had to stop and get gas on the way home. It was 9:30 by the time we pulled in the driveway and as soon as I got out of the car I ran to the chicken coop using the flashlight on my phone. Thankfully, the chickens were all safe inside with no raccoons eating them, so I shut the windows and doors tightly and walked back to the house with two eggs in my pocket…..we had peanut butter sandwiches before bed, with promises of nice warm baths…tomorrow.
This morning I had a text message from my husband, telling me that our son David was saved at camp yesterday. “my heart gives grateful praise”
Today should be a quieter day. We’re going to have those baths, and watch a couple of movies.
Caleb is snuggling with the dog and I’m petting a rabbit. Seth is still asleep! And it’s after 8! Now I know what to do to make his sleep extra–take him to Six flags for the day!
Happy Wednesday, friends!
Good to be Home 