I am simply amazed by this little girl. I love the way she calls the special people in her life "my ___(insert name)___" and a love her delight at anything brand new. She is certainly a treasure.
Recently, I sat down with her for breakfast and I talked with her about our day and how it would unfold. This was a particularly busy day. We had a camping trip to plan for and a house to clean.
I told her we would need to clean all our stuff. She looked at me very seriously and said "We have a lot of stuff. I have a lot of stuff. Mommy has stuff, Daddy has stuff. Isaac and Aaron have stuff." All the while, her hands are going in giant circles sweeping around to show me all the stuff.
It suddenly struck me how much we take for granted concerning all our "stuffs". Eleven months ago, Sarah had no stuff. Her clothing and toys were all communal and therefore ownership was something very alien to her.
So now she has stuff and she is proud of her stuff. Often she wants more stuff and I admit that usually I give it to her just to see the pure delight on her face. I wonder, do the rest of us middle class Americans see our stuff for how amazing it is and revel in what we have. I usually spend my time wanting different stuff. But I should change that because I do have a lot of stuff - even when I start thinking that I don't.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Sometimes Inquisitive Kids Pay Off
About a month ago, I decided to take all my children to see Karate Kid. I have this thing about movie previews - I love them about as much as a the movie itself and therefore, I feel cheated if I walk in late to a movie. I was very pumped about seeing both the movie and the previews for whatever might be coming next.
So we all piled in the car at 6:50 pm and made our way through our road construction laden town and finally came to the theater at 7:10. There I discovered our movie had started 10 minutes before. Angst!
Now I had a battle in my mind, walk in 10 minutes late after the show was obviously in full swing, all the previews missed by a mile, or go to another theater. I whipped out my handy 3G phone and found another theater and another time. I convinced my kids to sit in a car a little longer and off we went to the Harbor in Rockwall - on a Thursday night - in the summer.
As I turned down the street to The Harbor I noticed lines and lines of cars EVERYWHERE. My first thought was: - "I wonder which incredibly wealthy family was having a major party" and then it occurred to me that it was Thursday night - at The Harbor - during the summer and that meant - Free Concert and a million people. It also meant no parking places, cars going every which way and a sea of people trying to fit themselves into a key hole sized lawn for a free concert. And All I wanted to do was take the kids to a movie.
Then I saw my oasis. Valet. I pulled up, handed my car over and all the kids piled out onto the pavement. I thought this was a very wise way to spend 10 dollars. No hassle. The only unfortunate consequence was Sarah not understanding why I had just handed my car keys to a total stranger. I wasn't sure I was going to get her out of the car for a minute. But when no one else seemed alarmed she relented her hold on the door frame and into the movie we went.
Two hours, three drinks, a package of candy and one giant popcorn container later - and we were back outside going to get my car. As we approached the valet hut, my heart sank.
Where did all these people come from. Literally over 200 people were smooshed into a 300 foot concrete radius with the Valet Hut as its center. I pushed myself and the three very grumpy, candy and soda spiked kiddoes to the front of the counter and looked at the frenzy of activity. Keys flew passed me and people ran back and forth grabbing tickets. Where was the line? Where was some help? And hHow was I going to manage this at 10:30 p.m., with three grumpy kids for what looked like at least an hour wait to just get my car back?!
That is when the inquisitive kid syndrome hit my older two boys. They had also been watching the busyness of the valet hut and were astonished by how it ran. They began to ask the valet guy questions. Incessant questions. Questions about the keys to all the cars. Questions about the valet guy. Questions about headlights, flashlights, and their uniforms. I tried to pull them away and get them to sit,but my heart wasn't in it.
After about two minutes the Valet guy told the boys to start looking for our keys ourselves. My boys went after the search with gusto! But the questions just didn't stop. Now the questions were: Do you see a Nissan key? Mom does it have a clicker on it like daddies? Is that it? Hey look at that one! We need a flashlight! and Sir, do you have a flashlight? The Valet guy looked at me and saw that I had one child hugging my waist while whining, plus two boys that were pretty sugared up. With an exhasperated sigh, he asked for my ticket. I happily handed him my valet ticket. He promptly found my keys and put them at the front of the line. I sheepishly smiled at him and thanked him while literally pulling my two boys from the Valet Hut.
15 muntes later, we were in our car and on the road home. Thank you inquisitive boys!
So we all piled in the car at 6:50 pm and made our way through our road construction laden town and finally came to the theater at 7:10. There I discovered our movie had started 10 minutes before. Angst!
Now I had a battle in my mind, walk in 10 minutes late after the show was obviously in full swing, all the previews missed by a mile, or go to another theater. I whipped out my handy 3G phone and found another theater and another time. I convinced my kids to sit in a car a little longer and off we went to the Harbor in Rockwall - on a Thursday night - in the summer.
As I turned down the street to The Harbor I noticed lines and lines of cars EVERYWHERE. My first thought was: - "I wonder which incredibly wealthy family was having a major party" and then it occurred to me that it was Thursday night - at The Harbor - during the summer and that meant - Free Concert and a million people. It also meant no parking places, cars going every which way and a sea of people trying to fit themselves into a key hole sized lawn for a free concert. And All I wanted to do was take the kids to a movie.
Then I saw my oasis. Valet. I pulled up, handed my car over and all the kids piled out onto the pavement. I thought this was a very wise way to spend 10 dollars. No hassle. The only unfortunate consequence was Sarah not understanding why I had just handed my car keys to a total stranger. I wasn't sure I was going to get her out of the car for a minute. But when no one else seemed alarmed she relented her hold on the door frame and into the movie we went.
Two hours, three drinks, a package of candy and one giant popcorn container later - and we were back outside going to get my car. As we approached the valet hut, my heart sank.
Where did all these people come from. Literally over 200 people were smooshed into a 300 foot concrete radius with the Valet Hut as its center. I pushed myself and the three very grumpy, candy and soda spiked kiddoes to the front of the counter and looked at the frenzy of activity. Keys flew passed me and people ran back and forth grabbing tickets. Where was the line? Where was some help? And hHow was I going to manage this at 10:30 p.m., with three grumpy kids for what looked like at least an hour wait to just get my car back?!
That is when the inquisitive kid syndrome hit my older two boys. They had also been watching the busyness of the valet hut and were astonished by how it ran. They began to ask the valet guy questions. Incessant questions. Questions about the keys to all the cars. Questions about the valet guy. Questions about headlights, flashlights, and their uniforms. I tried to pull them away and get them to sit,but my heart wasn't in it.
After about two minutes the Valet guy told the boys to start looking for our keys ourselves. My boys went after the search with gusto! But the questions just didn't stop. Now the questions were: Do you see a Nissan key? Mom does it have a clicker on it like daddies? Is that it? Hey look at that one! We need a flashlight! and Sir, do you have a flashlight? The Valet guy looked at me and saw that I had one child hugging my waist while whining, plus two boys that were pretty sugared up. With an exhasperated sigh, he asked for my ticket. I happily handed him my valet ticket. He promptly found my keys and put them at the front of the line. I sheepishly smiled at him and thanked him while literally pulling my two boys from the Valet Hut.
15 muntes later, we were in our car and on the road home. Thank you inquisitive boys!
Monday, July 12, 2010
The Pit Party
It is a tradition in Okeene, Oklahoma to attend the annual Pit Party. This is not a town function really, but the kind of easy going, whoever wants to come (and by the way- bring some food) affair that I have always dreamed small towns were made of.
So once a year, right after the 4th of July when fireworks are cheap in OK, people show up at the shale pit. It is set a few miles down a couple country roads. You wouldn't know how to get there unless someone told you and even then a city slicker could easily get lost if they missed the cattle guard in the road and then forgot to turn left at the second gate. (These were not the real directions, since I never drive there, but as a city slicker rely on my friends to take me)
This year, we got lucky to my standards and found ourselves eating and playing in the pasture above the pit. It was a lot less dusty and I didn't feel completely caked in red dirt afterward. The pasture did offer new challenges in that giant piles of cow pies were laying around everywhere - some fresh. When the cars started showing up, the cows moved on, but not before we all got to see a little bit of the herd including a calf and a pregnant cow. Sarah thought that was really cool. However, she was still oblivious to the down-home fun that was about to transpire.
Out of the back of a huge truck, black cats, sparklers and other types of poppers started flying into the hands of excited children and watchful adults. A prayer of safety was said over the group, and then the shooting began.
Dizzying sounds of popping fireworks with the occasional bellow of warning mixed with the squeal of delight reverberated around the pasture. The wind was blowing as it does in Ok. and so a few times, a firework would shoot into the air, go off and then we would be sprayed with debris. This was usually followed by figuring out who the culprit was and telling them to move on down the hill so ash wouldn't get in the hamburgers.
In all, it was a good time, as always. We watched the kids have fun, made small talk with our old friends and some new friends. And then, when all the fireworks have been used up and there wasn't one sparkler left for the kids to light, we all went home to happily hit the hay :)
So once a year, right after the 4th of July when fireworks are cheap in OK, people show up at the shale pit. It is set a few miles down a couple country roads. You wouldn't know how to get there unless someone told you and even then a city slicker could easily get lost if they missed the cattle guard in the road and then forgot to turn left at the second gate. (These were not the real directions, since I never drive there, but as a city slicker rely on my friends to take me)
This year, we got lucky to my standards and found ourselves eating and playing in the pasture above the pit. It was a lot less dusty and I didn't feel completely caked in red dirt afterward. The pasture did offer new challenges in that giant piles of cow pies were laying around everywhere - some fresh. When the cars started showing up, the cows moved on, but not before we all got to see a little bit of the herd including a calf and a pregnant cow. Sarah thought that was really cool. However, she was still oblivious to the down-home fun that was about to transpire.
Out of the back of a huge truck, black cats, sparklers and other types of poppers started flying into the hands of excited children and watchful adults. A prayer of safety was said over the group, and then the shooting began.
Dizzying sounds of popping fireworks with the occasional bellow of warning mixed with the squeal of delight reverberated around the pasture. The wind was blowing as it does in Ok. and so a few times, a firework would shoot into the air, go off and then we would be sprayed with debris. This was usually followed by figuring out who the culprit was and telling them to move on down the hill so ash wouldn't get in the hamburgers.
In all, it was a good time, as always. We watched the kids have fun, made small talk with our old friends and some new friends. And then, when all the fireworks have been used up and there wasn't one sparkler left for the kids to light, we all went home to happily hit the hay :)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The funniest Thing!
Ok, a slight confession to make in order to tell this story- I know that I am an old soul, but I really enjoy the O'Reilly Factor on t.v. I don't get to watch it often because the boys usually dominate the t.v. with cartoons and kid friendly movies. But last night, we only had a few minutes of down time before our evening walk and I decided to check in. So the kids and I sat down to view some current events.
On the screen sat O'Reilly, one of his Blonde commentators and the steadfast Combs. Of course a heavy discourse and charged discussion was folding out in front of us. It was heated. Hands were moving, voices raising, and body language showing great angst.
In the middle of all the revelry, my Aaron (the most hot headed of my children) turns to me and asks "Do these people know they are on television?" Yes, I answered. "Well, " He said, "Don't they know not to argue in public!"
I busted out laughing. I love the brains of my children.
On the screen sat O'Reilly, one of his Blonde commentators and the steadfast Combs. Of course a heavy discourse and charged discussion was folding out in front of us. It was heated. Hands were moving, voices raising, and body language showing great angst.
In the middle of all the revelry, my Aaron (the most hot headed of my children) turns to me and asks "Do these people know they are on television?" Yes, I answered. "Well, " He said, "Don't they know not to argue in public!"
I busted out laughing. I love the brains of my children.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Why do we have 4 bedrooms?
Okay, I know this might be a little unorthodox, but, more often than not, all three of my kiddos like to sleep in the same room.
Right now, I am listening to a little voice sing her own made up song. This sound is coming from Isaac's room. Nathan shushes our girl and commands silence only to be told by one of the boys that they like her singing.
Each night Nathan and I witness the same strange dance to see what room they will all choose and if our oldest will join in or decide that he is above the slumber party atmosphere. When the room is chosen, then beds have to be created. Pillows, blankets and bodies are all arranged depending on who gets the floor and who is stuck with the bed.
Finally, after many wiggles and multiple kisses, a song is sung to lure the group into slumber. However, it usually just prompts singing and requests for more songs. When lights go out, sleep enters the room gracefully wrapping all the children up. Most of the time, the littles ones end up cuddling together during the night or someone comes to find us and snuggle in the wee hours of the morning. I don't mind because I love their little heads tucked under my chin. I love their calm quiet breathing.
One day, I am sure all the children will decide the the privacy of their own room is way more cool than all piling up together. But that night is not tonight and I am grateful for the little voices that travel from their slumber party to my ears as I type this.
Right now, I am listening to a little voice sing her own made up song. This sound is coming from Isaac's room. Nathan shushes our girl and commands silence only to be told by one of the boys that they like her singing.
Each night Nathan and I witness the same strange dance to see what room they will all choose and if our oldest will join in or decide that he is above the slumber party atmosphere. When the room is chosen, then beds have to be created. Pillows, blankets and bodies are all arranged depending on who gets the floor and who is stuck with the bed.
Finally, after many wiggles and multiple kisses, a song is sung to lure the group into slumber. However, it usually just prompts singing and requests for more songs. When lights go out, sleep enters the room gracefully wrapping all the children up. Most of the time, the littles ones end up cuddling together during the night or someone comes to find us and snuggle in the wee hours of the morning. I don't mind because I love their little heads tucked under my chin. I love their calm quiet breathing.
One day, I am sure all the children will decide the the privacy of their own room is way more cool than all piling up together. But that night is not tonight and I am grateful for the little voices that travel from their slumber party to my ears as I type this.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Little Sayings
I have to admit that I crack up at the little conversation pieces that children come up with. The way language comes to them lends itself to just the cutest little things. I know this is not unique to my children. Even I changed English to fit my own needs as a child. When I was a kid I called those big green jumping bugs Hop Grassers and I still say that my stummy hurts sometimes.
Today I got a real laugh out of Sarah's response to the pop music I was singing along to in my personal "swagger wagon".
I still chuckle as I remember the words "Mommy! Please be quiet, I can't hear my book!"
Today I got a real laugh out of Sarah's response to the pop music I was singing along to in my personal "swagger wagon".
I still chuckle as I remember the words "Mommy! Please be quiet, I can't hear my book!"
Friday, June 11, 2010
School is out..It's Medical Visit Time!
School ended with a whirl of activity. Aaron was shuttled up to Oklahoma for a few days of fun with Grandparents Stevens on their microfarm, while Isaac immediately went to Camp Gap which is a Texas sized version of Falls Creek or Windemere (for those of you that know what that is).
I stayed home with Nathan who began teaching summer classes this week and Sarah who daily asked where her brothers were.
We have managed to get in one good afternoon of swimming, but most of the week was filled with Medical Tests to get Sarah on the path to wearing "big girl" underwear.
One of the many challenges of living with any form of Spina Bifida is the toll it takes on a persons ability to use the restroom in the usual way. Most people with SB will use self intermittant catheterizing to create the same ability that the rest of us do just because our bodies tell us to.
In order to get there with Sarah, we visited Children's Medical Center in Dallas twice to have a Urodynamic Test ( a pressure test) and a DMSA (a kidney function test). In the middle of all this, I thought we might as well schedule all our Dr. appts for her and we went to Scottish Rite for our six month evaluation. This was a littany of professionals who, over the span of 2.5 hours saw my little girl. All of this was exhausting for her and me!
However the end of this very long week has come, and a new chapter for Sarah has begun. We have been cathing her for two days now. She woke up this morning and asked immediately to get her underwear on and for me to help her. She is a strong girl with determination and much patience - Thankfully! Right now she just watches me cath her (which is way different than cathing a boy where all my expertise lies), but someday she will do it herself and be completely independent.
I thank God for modern medicine everyday and for the U.S. medical system which does not throw these children away as damaged, but knows that with a little help they can rule their lives and be as accomplished as anyone else!
I stayed home with Nathan who began teaching summer classes this week and Sarah who daily asked where her brothers were.
We have managed to get in one good afternoon of swimming, but most of the week was filled with Medical Tests to get Sarah on the path to wearing "big girl" underwear.
One of the many challenges of living with any form of Spina Bifida is the toll it takes on a persons ability to use the restroom in the usual way. Most people with SB will use self intermittant catheterizing to create the same ability that the rest of us do just because our bodies tell us to.
In order to get there with Sarah, we visited Children's Medical Center in Dallas twice to have a Urodynamic Test ( a pressure test) and a DMSA (a kidney function test). In the middle of all this, I thought we might as well schedule all our Dr. appts for her and we went to Scottish Rite for our six month evaluation. This was a littany of professionals who, over the span of 2.5 hours saw my little girl. All of this was exhausting for her and me!
However the end of this very long week has come, and a new chapter for Sarah has begun. We have been cathing her for two days now. She woke up this morning and asked immediately to get her underwear on and for me to help her. She is a strong girl with determination and much patience - Thankfully! Right now she just watches me cath her (which is way different than cathing a boy where all my expertise lies), but someday she will do it herself and be completely independent.
I thank God for modern medicine everyday and for the U.S. medical system which does not throw these children away as damaged, but knows that with a little help they can rule their lives and be as accomplished as anyone else!
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