My husband broke his toe this week in a rambunctious brawl with the boys. (Sometimes I think he is worse than the kids — the instigator.)
Taking his plight into consideration, I decided to go where I never thought I would go … where I never thought I could go … and that’s making a date with the Lawn-Boy.
Now in some circumstances, when you have a real young man that takes care of the yard, this might not be such a bad situation. Unfortunately, for us, we don’t.
Yes, I mowed the entire yard — all by myself. I have never even started up a push mower in my entire life. It may have taken me twice as long, and there may have been moments when on-looking neighbors were laughing at me, but I made it through — our steep backyard and all.
What can I say? I realize now I’ve been a kept woman. I went straight from having a dad who mowed the lawn to being married, and therefore, having a husband to do the dirty work for me.
It was Miss Scarlet, with the candlestick, in the Library.
Remember that game? Clue (Cluedo outside the U.S.) was invented in England in 1944. It was the original who-done-it game; collect bits of information to find out who committed the crime.
I’ve been reminded of fond memories of playing this beloved board game as I have been playing my own, modern-day form of the game with my children as of late.
Trying to get any information out of two little boys requires quite the investigation and interrogation. And even then, you are left wondering if the information provided holds any truth at all?
Nobody wants to confess to anything at my house. Who hit whom first? Who made a mess in the bathroom? Who wrote on the wall? Who started it?
Wasn’t me. Couldn’t be!
So, I did well. I made it through the entire day, keeping myself extra busy … and I didn’t even cry. I’ll admit, I might have held back a tear or two, but I’m brave, and I certainly didn’t want to make him worry even more.
Standing there in the gym, I now felt anxious. Where was he? I really just wanted to grab him and get out of this crowd. I let out a sigh of relief when I finally saw his teacher entering the gym with a little line of heads right behind her.
But the instant I saw him, my eyes suddenly swelled with tears. I could no longer hold them back, and a few gently rolled down my cheeks. I wiped them away as quickly as I could, before anyone could see them … other people might see those tears and think I am one of those crazy, attached moms. You know the kind who’s holding on to the kid, as he says, “It’s OK mom, you can let go now.”
I’m certainly not one of THOSE moms.
Summer is my favorite season — it holds its own sort of magic with the hot days, muggy nights, family get-togethers and time on the water. Summer has truly become more than just a season for me; it’s a way of life.
But this year, things are changing. My oldest boy is starting school this week. Yes, the big Kindergarten … which everybody who’s anybody knows is quite the colossal deal these days. And, I can’t help but realize my summer will ending far too soon this year. Yes, it’s back to school, and the party is officially over.
Formal education requires structure, which means early to bed, early to rise … oh, and it’s time to buy those school supplies.
As I walked into the gymnasium at Russell Primary School for the Kindergarten orientation, I wasn’t prepared for what was inside. No, it wasn’t the crowd that caught my attention, or all the sounds of the enthusiastic children, or even the overwhelming feeling that my little boy is growing up and leaving me … but as I entered those doors, I was taken back. Twenty-six years later, school still smells exactly the same. How do they do that?
Suddenly I was a kid again walking through those doors. Memories of school days flooded into my head — things I simply had put out of my mind —the smells, the sounds, the cafeteria food … recess, favorite teachers and friends of long ago.
So, you’ve observed the house is looking a little dingy around the edges. Perhaps it’s time to do a little revive and refresh work. It will make the house look better, you feel better, and give you a new, fresh attitude about life.
You pick your colors, buy paint, grab the tools, and you are set.
It’s all been leading up to this moment. You pop open the fresh can of paint, and nothing but possibilities lie ahead. Yes, everything looks more promising at this point.
It’s kind of like when you take your old car out for a spin, and vacuum it out and wash it up. Suddenly, your beloved hooptie looks a little better; you might even be able to keep it around a bit longer. Cheers to another 100,000 miles. After all, everything looks better with a little TLC (and perhaps some elbow grease).
In life, we tend to take a lot of things for granted. We often breeze through our days thinking about the things we don’t have, instead of the things we do.
This came to my full attention on vacation when I had to share one restroom with my boys and husband. While this may not sound like a big deal, it became quite the ordeal as the week progressed. Let’s just say we had our own “bleachable” moments.
Not only did the boys make big messes with toothpaste and toilet paper, and the inability to hit the target, they also apparently have synchronized bathroom habits. It never failed when one boy (big or small) would go, the others would have to suddenly go as well. So everyone (not occupying the restroom) would jump around in the hallway waiting their turn … some did this better than others. Patience is a hard thing to learn.
There are four words every parent dreads hearing: “Are we there yet?”
Yes, those little words hold enough power to bring despair to your heart … especially when you are five minutes in to a 9-hour drive.
“No, not yet.”
“When will we be there?”
“Not soon enough,” you say again through gritted teeth under your breath.
Yes, nothing quite says summer like a good family road trip — setting out on the open highway for a change of scenery and new experiences.
But taking car trips across the country with your kids can be an adventure in and of itself. The screaming, the crying, the multiple rest area stops, dropped toys, and food fights … yes, it’s a time that brings everyone together … perhaps a little too together.
