Summer vacation officially started here on Wednesday at 9:25 AM. Today is only Friday, and already I have face my first dilemma.
My children have been playing outside all day today. There really hasn't even been much fighting, which is music to my ears. Quiet music, but music, nonetheless. Then it happened. My two oldest came inside and said that the neighbor boy, who is one year older than my oldest, has been giving them the 'loser sign'. Really??? Didn't that go out in the 90's???
So, after about the 5th time, I decided I was going over to talk to his parents. That's right. I became the tattle-tale parent. Don't get me wrong, I think being the tattle-tale parent is often necessary in situations, but I never thought I would have to go this route.
Before I went I asked my kids if there was anything they needed to tell me. Josh confessed that he had given the sign back to this boy two times, so off to time-out he went. Our big family rule is 'treat people the way you want to be treated,' and I had even told them not to do it back to them. I told them to give him the 'whatever' sign, but I quickly recanted that. Told them I was wrong, and that this was not how Jesus would want us to behave.
When I rang the doorbell next door, the young man answered. When I asked for a parent, he knew he was in trouble. Sure, he and my kids have had issues in the past, but I never got involved. However, this time I decided to change my approach. For Pete's sake it is only the 2nd full day of summer vacation. His mom seemed appreciative, and she sent her son over to apologize. I made Josh apologize too, since he too was in the wrong. Then I said to all three of the kids that if we behave like bullies to each other this is going to be a long and miserable summer. I also said that as neighbors we should be working to get along and not doing hurtful things to each other.
I hated being THAT mom, the tattle-tale mom, but I hope in the long run the lesson was learned by everyone. How would you have handled the situation? If it does happen again, what can I do different? I am open to suggestions, so please do share. :-)
I have been off today. Grouchy, short-tempered, moody. Off. The problem is that I have been suppressing my feelings, which is just never a good thing. Five years ago today my father passed away, and I have wanted to pretend that today is just like any other day. It isn't.
Five years ago I had to say good-bye to a man that meant the world to me. A man that always seemed larger than life to me when growing up. You know the whole, "My dad can beat up your dad" argument. Well, my dad totally could have beat up your dad. Not that he would have. He was big and strong, and although he did have a bit of a temper in his younger years, I never actually saw him hurt anyone. But I always felt safe with my dad. Protected.
Tonight I finally let myself cry. Being left behind stinks! I still have much left to do on this Earth, since my three children are still young, but in an odd way I can't wait to get to Heaven. I can't wait to see my God that created this wonderful place or meet Jesus who gave his life for me (and you). After I have basked in their glory, I can't wait to see my family and friends that have gone before me. Especially my earthly father.
To ease my sorrow, I have made a list of happy memories. People may leave, possessions may break or burn or get lost, but memories will last forever. At least I hope they will.
Monday~Taco Salad with Fruit Cocktail
Tuesday~Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Green Beans
Wednesday~Baked BBQ Chicken, Rice and Corn
Thursday~Mustgoes
Friday~Cinnamon Breakfast Dinner Bake with Peaches
Saturday~Chili and Corn Bread
Sunday~Grilled Hamburgers and Oven Roasted Vegetables
Right now I am so thankful for my husband, which is a huge change from how I had been feeling a few weeks ago. His work schedule is hectic, and I had been feeling lonely and neglected. He is making an effort to help me feel less lonely and more loved. I am thankful that I can go to him, talk about what is bothering me, and have us work together to fix things.
I am also thankful for the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. I still have a long way to go in this book, but every night before bed I read several pages. I usually have to force myself to put it down and get some sleep. Ann has a writing style that I thoroughly enjoy. She paints such beautiful pictures with her words that make me smile.
Oh goodness, I am also super thankful that summer vacation is right around the corner. I need to sleep! For the first few days of break I plan to sleep and only sleep. No child will wake me. I will slumber, and they will survive and thrive on their own. (Let me dream!)
Most of all, I am thankful that we have a loving God who will forgive us of our sins. My sins are many. I am imperfect, and I treasure that forgiveness and long to do better.
Holy Moly! I am seriously on mommy overload right now. I picked the kids up from school at 2:30, and as I type this, it is now 5:46. Just over three hours with all three of my children and my head is spinning. Is that normal?
We had to run into Meghan's future preschool, we went through the drive-through of both the bank and McDonald's, and we went to my least favorite place to go with kids, Wal Mart. Oh, and we came home, put away groceries, made a quick dinner (Frito Chili Pie) and fed the dog. Can you say 'Busy, Busy!!'
In the last three hours I have said, "Knock it off!" more than once. I have also uttered the words, "No, you can not get that", "If you hit us with that cart, you will no longer push", as well as both "Hurry Up" and "Slow Down."
My mind feels like it is reeling, spinning, going faster than I can keep up. Aaarrrrgh!! Okay, I feel a little better having typed this. Somewhat calmer. Now I need to make sure Ali gets her softball uniform on, and I have to get her to her game on time 15 minutes early.
All in a days work. Someday my children will appreciate the craziness that I endured, and when that day comes, they will truly understand the depths of my love. At least I hope they will.
Monday~Frito Chili Pie and Strawberries
Tuesday~Pork Chops, Mac 'N Cheese, and Applesauce
Wednesday~Chili and Cornbread
Thursday~Mustgoes
Friday~Eating at the Ballpark...Ali & Josh both have games
Saturday~Cinnamon Breakfast Dinner Bake ;-)
Sunday~Cookout with our small group...I am bringing a Pasta Salad.
~Talk with your children about how inner beauty is far more important than outer beauty. Discuss ways that a person can be internally beautiful.
This is 'Teacher Appreciation Week,' and I feel that is something worthy of celebrating. Teachers do a lot for our kiddos! Receiving a little something from their students makes them feel appreciated, and it can also help them to get through the rest of the year with ease. Let's face it, burnout can happen to many teachers at this time of year. A little gift can be just the pick-me-up they need.
I decided that this year we would honor them on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Ali and Josh took bookmarks to their teachers today. We got them Ghirardelli candy bars for Wednesday. I admit that I have not figured out what we are going to give them on Friday.
There are many choices. Here are a few that are swirling around in my head:
Monday~California Cheddar Soup
Tuesday~Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes
Wednesday~Bacon & Swiss Quiche
Thursday~Tamale Pie
Friday~Mustgoes
Saturday~Pizza
Sunday~Grilled Steak and Baked Potato
.jpg)
