I suppose many people who made New Year’s resolutions could be doubting their choices or even missing their goals.
That’s why I didn’t make any this year. It seems the ambitions to exercise more, be nicer, and eat healthier are rather unattainable when we set them before us as areas of obsession.
What I did find that sparked my curiosity is a list of statements one should read often so that maybe, just maybe, some of those thoughts will spew from the mouth when most needed.
The idea is to build up a child, to encourage and strengthen the little one. As I read over the list multiple times, though, I realized that age didn’t need to be a factor.
The basic premise is love, appreciation, acceptance, forgiveness, encouragement, and kindness. It is to learn the value of giving, the need to slow down, the joy of listening, and the hope of wishes. We all need to do better in these areas.
I applaud those who can spend January, February, March, and many more months on treadmills, at gyms, counting calories, and eating healthy. We should take care of our bodies. We should also seek to improve the lives of those around us.
Tell someone you love him or her. Let the person know that you will always possess that love.
Remind a friend of just how amazing he or she is. Share in the one-of-a-kind personality we each have. It isn’t just what we can do that makes us amazing, but who we are.
Know that crying is okay. It comes in moments of sadness, happiness, fear, and pride. Those of all ages can cry when angry, afraid or lonely.
Admit mistakes. Let those around you know that you can accept when you are wrong and that you will work to improve and fix the problems.
Forgive. None of us are perfect. We’ve all been hurt. Grudges only bring suffering to those who hold them.
Show pride in those who make good decisions and acknowledge that many choices are difficult to make. Especially encourage children when they make the right decision as it isn’t always easy to do. Many of us have knowingly made the wrong decisions as it seemed to be the easiest choice.
Understand that change is sometimes necessary. Allow others to have the freedom to alter choices.
Encourage kindness in others. Do something thoughtful and helpful for others as it will make you feel good inside.
Acknowledge good ideas and give credit. Show interest in how people arrived at their decisions.
Listen to others. Ask questions about them and what they have been doing and then listen to the answers. Have a conversation about someone besides yourself.
Talk about your hopes, your dreams, your wishes. Ask others about theirs. Believe that tomorrow will be brighter.
Surprise people. It can be with something very small. It can be for no occasion at all.
Stop rushing. Take time and watch as those around you begin to relax as well.
Let someone else choose the agenda for the day or even an activity to do.
And it never hurts to use manners and kind words when talking with others, to remind people that you miss them when they are gone, and to let friends and family know that you are willing to help them conquer whatever comes their way.
I wouldn’t be who I am today if so many people in my life over the years hadn’t followed these basic principles.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
A Simple Trip
It was a simple trip to the grocery store to get some eggs. I had bananas pleading by their darkening color for me to craft them into a baked masterpiece. At the same time, I had a four-year-old boy begging for banana bread.
As the boys played a new game on the computer and Todd watched a television show, I decided to take just about 20 minutes of time to go to the store for eggs and oil — ingredients I lacked to create this fruity delicacy.
I noticed snow fall, but it seemed minor in detail. I spent a bit longer in the store than expected, about 15 minutes total. While the trip to town seemed uneventful, little did I know what the ride home would become. The snow, now heavier, covered the roads. Quickly I realized that they deserved careful driving attention due to apparent slickness. With my hands locked into the 10 and 2 position, I began to drive home, reaching speeds of just 35 miles per hour at the most.
About a half mile from my house, I started to slide. First one way, then another. I tried to correct, but couldn’t stop. According to the very nice driver and his wife in the car behind me, I nicked a guardrail which sent me sliding to the opposite side of the road and into a ditch. I smashed into the hillside, rolled the vehicle and on the second trip around decided to stop on the roof.
I hung there for just a second, realizing I first needed to find the door handle (a little tricker when hanging upside down). I kicked open the door and then put my foot above me to catch myself before releasing the seat belt and falling on my head.
I crawled out unmarked, unharmed. Considering the shape of my vehicle, I can only thank God for that protection.
While happy to be okay, I was frustrated that my car that I have babied for six years and just paid off not even two months ago was now totalled.
Everyone who stopped to help me that night — from passersby to emergency personnel — were simply amazing. I can’t say thanks enough to them.
It was a slick night. Even the ambulance slid a few feet once stopping. And after the wrecker stopped, it also began to slide toward the ambulance. Todd (who some of my friends have nicknamed Rescue Todd for his efforts to always try and help others) did just what our friends would have expected him to do. He jumped in the passenger side of the wrecker, climbed across, and steered it away from the ambulance and then stopped it. I’m glad he came to the scene to check on me.
As for the eggs, a fireman brought me one he thought hadn’t cracked all over my car and me. It was still in the right shape, but leaking. The groceries suffered a much worse fate than did I. About an hour after I made it home, though, my godparents walked over to our house with eggs in tow. I had to smile.
Sometimes in life we become frustrated with people and the world around us. We begin to think that so many are only concerned about themselves and that few still care about others. An evening like this — one that was just to be a simple trip to the grocery store — demonstrated the kindness of others.
Those living across from the wreck scene even gathered up any remaining things that had flown from one of the many broken windows in my vehicle and brought them to me later in the week. Some pennies, a broken necklace, a beaded chain made by the boys, a few drawings Creed had created, Heath’s whistle — all things that could have easily been overlooked in the snow and mud. Jackie Perkins put a small note in the bag “found this, thought you might want it back.”
Wow! From volunteer firefighters to helpful neighbors to strangers passing by to those bearing eggs as gifts — my faith in people, while never gone, is definitely renewed.
As the boys played a new game on the computer and Todd watched a television show, I decided to take just about 20 minutes of time to go to the store for eggs and oil — ingredients I lacked to create this fruity delicacy.
I noticed snow fall, but it seemed minor in detail. I spent a bit longer in the store than expected, about 15 minutes total. While the trip to town seemed uneventful, little did I know what the ride home would become. The snow, now heavier, covered the roads. Quickly I realized that they deserved careful driving attention due to apparent slickness. With my hands locked into the 10 and 2 position, I began to drive home, reaching speeds of just 35 miles per hour at the most.
About a half mile from my house, I started to slide. First one way, then another. I tried to correct, but couldn’t stop. According to the very nice driver and his wife in the car behind me, I nicked a guardrail which sent me sliding to the opposite side of the road and into a ditch. I smashed into the hillside, rolled the vehicle and on the second trip around decided to stop on the roof.
I hung there for just a second, realizing I first needed to find the door handle (a little tricker when hanging upside down). I kicked open the door and then put my foot above me to catch myself before releasing the seat belt and falling on my head.
I crawled out unmarked, unharmed. Considering the shape of my vehicle, I can only thank God for that protection.
While happy to be okay, I was frustrated that my car that I have babied for six years and just paid off not even two months ago was now totalled.
Everyone who stopped to help me that night — from passersby to emergency personnel — were simply amazing. I can’t say thanks enough to them.
It was a slick night. Even the ambulance slid a few feet once stopping. And after the wrecker stopped, it also began to slide toward the ambulance. Todd (who some of my friends have nicknamed Rescue Todd for his efforts to always try and help others) did just what our friends would have expected him to do. He jumped in the passenger side of the wrecker, climbed across, and steered it away from the ambulance and then stopped it. I’m glad he came to the scene to check on me.
As for the eggs, a fireman brought me one he thought hadn’t cracked all over my car and me. It was still in the right shape, but leaking. The groceries suffered a much worse fate than did I. About an hour after I made it home, though, my godparents walked over to our house with eggs in tow. I had to smile.
Sometimes in life we become frustrated with people and the world around us. We begin to think that so many are only concerned about themselves and that few still care about others. An evening like this — one that was just to be a simple trip to the grocery store — demonstrated the kindness of others.
Those living across from the wreck scene even gathered up any remaining things that had flown from one of the many broken windows in my vehicle and brought them to me later in the week. Some pennies, a broken necklace, a beaded chain made by the boys, a few drawings Creed had created, Heath’s whistle — all things that could have easily been overlooked in the snow and mud. Jackie Perkins put a small note in the bag “found this, thought you might want it back.”
Wow! From volunteer firefighters to helpful neighbors to strangers passing by to those bearing eggs as gifts — my faith in people, while never gone, is definitely renewed.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Done ... Again
Finals are behind me. I wonder how many times I have said that? After all, I realize I am now in my ninth year of college. Hmmm.
This time, though, all that looms before me is an eight-hour comprehensive exam in May. Once I pass that, I begin the dissertation process.
I remember thinking a couple of different times during this program that I just wouldn’t make it. Sometimes I would sit down to write a 20+-page paper and contemplate becoming a drop out. (Just being honest.) Always, I continued on. My grades proved me wrong; I am capable.
For quite some time, a list of homework loomed before me. I completed project after project. I wrote paper after paper. Suddenly, I won’t have to think about homework.
I’ll miss parts of it. Not the tedious papers. But when you spend two and a half years with the same people, you begin to become close to them. Friends join in misery, after all.
My friend Mike agreed. In his most recent blog he noted, “While some assignments were daunting, some classes a waste of time, and some administrative changes a violation of rights; I know that all those experiences will soon be forgotten. Thoughts of the challenges associated with coursework will be replaced with the memories of evenings talking, laughing, giving and receiving encouragement, and celebrating with other members of the cohort. You’d be hard-pressed to find a member of the class who will not admit to learning more from the ‘students’ than the course itself.” (I use his comment without asking for his permission and after taking a law course that focused greatly on copyrights. Hmmm. Guess I’ll just use those press rights of saying that I quoted him and it will all be okay.)
I, too, will enjoy more time with my family, more opportunities to expend effort on less mind-straining activities. I guess I can go back to quilting, or fiddling, or possibly even spend more time with my ATV in the mud. Those new wheels and tires shouldn’t just be on there for the pretty factor. They need to be challenged. I think the boys will choose the last option, although they may find humor in my fiddling capabilities or lack thereof.
Yet, to think the work is done would be a moment of insanity. An eight-hour essay exam is something that will require much effort in the months preceding it. I must study as I never have before. The research that follows will be enjoyable, though the writing of a dissertation will be yet another challenge. I actually look forward to that part. (Remind me of this when I complain about it a year from now.)
In the meantime, I will celebrate this holiday season thrilled that I don’t have homework waiting to be done, and glad that I have made so many wonderful friends in the last two and a half years. They will be a blessing to me for many years to come.
This time, though, all that looms before me is an eight-hour comprehensive exam in May. Once I pass that, I begin the dissertation process.
I remember thinking a couple of different times during this program that I just wouldn’t make it. Sometimes I would sit down to write a 20+-page paper and contemplate becoming a drop out. (Just being honest.) Always, I continued on. My grades proved me wrong; I am capable.
For quite some time, a list of homework loomed before me. I completed project after project. I wrote paper after paper. Suddenly, I won’t have to think about homework.
I’ll miss parts of it. Not the tedious papers. But when you spend two and a half years with the same people, you begin to become close to them. Friends join in misery, after all.
My friend Mike agreed. In his most recent blog he noted, “While some assignments were daunting, some classes a waste of time, and some administrative changes a violation of rights; I know that all those experiences will soon be forgotten. Thoughts of the challenges associated with coursework will be replaced with the memories of evenings talking, laughing, giving and receiving encouragement, and celebrating with other members of the cohort. You’d be hard-pressed to find a member of the class who will not admit to learning more from the ‘students’ than the course itself.” (I use his comment without asking for his permission and after taking a law course that focused greatly on copyrights. Hmmm. Guess I’ll just use those press rights of saying that I quoted him and it will all be okay.)
I, too, will enjoy more time with my family, more opportunities to expend effort on less mind-straining activities. I guess I can go back to quilting, or fiddling, or possibly even spend more time with my ATV in the mud. Those new wheels and tires shouldn’t just be on there for the pretty factor. They need to be challenged. I think the boys will choose the last option, although they may find humor in my fiddling capabilities or lack thereof.
Yet, to think the work is done would be a moment of insanity. An eight-hour essay exam is something that will require much effort in the months preceding it. I must study as I never have before. The research that follows will be enjoyable, though the writing of a dissertation will be yet another challenge. I actually look forward to that part. (Remind me of this when I complain about it a year from now.)
In the meantime, I will celebrate this holiday season thrilled that I don’t have homework waiting to be done, and glad that I have made so many wonderful friends in the last two and a half years. They will be a blessing to me for many years to come.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
The Value of Giving
Creed asked for money the other day to buy some Christmas gifts at the elementary school’s holiday store. So, I gave him some. On the list, I marked a few names of people for whom he should buy gifts. Most importantly, his younger brother.
I also wrote a limit on the note as to how much he could spend on himself. The reason was simple: the idea is to buy gifts for other people and to experience the joy of giving, not to just buy for oneself. Even the note from the school mentioned the value of learning to give to others.
He came home that night with a trash bag of presents. Sure a few were for him, but that isn’t what excited him. He made fine purchases for his little brother, including a Batman figurine, balls, etc.
Creed far exceeded his list of people. His bag of presents included some for his cousins Stacey, Matthew, Jeremy and Aaron; his Aunt Kim and Uncle Bob; and several grandparents.
What impressed me most is the amount of effort he put into picking out presents. For Kim, as an example, Creed chose a Spiderman punching bag. After all, Kim spends a lot of time working out and walking these days. Creed thought she’d find this useful and fun. He choose a big, orange puffer worm for Uncle Bob since he believed that his great uncle liked orange.
He bought a new oven mitt and some dish towels for Mamaw Bobby. She definitely needed some. On the night that we stopped by her house, she pulled cookies out of the oven by grabbing the rack with a wooden ruler and using a dish rag. Probably not the safest choice. Creed smiled as his grandmother opened her gift and even used it a few moments later.
I don’t know all of the gifts he chose. Several went to his dad’s house. Others remain unopened as we haven’t seen those folks yet. What I do know is the value of the lesson. “This made my Christmas,” his Aunt Kim told him.
Why did he decide to buy them a gift? Because he saw something that made him think about them. It didn’t have to be an expensive purchase, it just required special attention.
A few days later, Creed asked for money to buy himself another pack of marbles at the holiday store. He said they only cost $1.00. So, I gave him $1.00. He looked quite distraught. After a few minutes, I asked him why he wasn’t happy since he would be able to get the marbles he wanted. His response? “Because I’ll only be able to buy something for myself and I can’t get Heath anything.”
That was enough for me. Sure, he was given more money to buy some extra gifts. He again made wonderful purchases showing much thought. Heath didn’t mind as he definitely benefitted from the experience.
While Creed did gain a bit of material items, he also learned the value of giving.
I also wrote a limit on the note as to how much he could spend on himself. The reason was simple: the idea is to buy gifts for other people and to experience the joy of giving, not to just buy for oneself. Even the note from the school mentioned the value of learning to give to others.
He came home that night with a trash bag of presents. Sure a few were for him, but that isn’t what excited him. He made fine purchases for his little brother, including a Batman figurine, balls, etc.
Creed far exceeded his list of people. His bag of presents included some for his cousins Stacey, Matthew, Jeremy and Aaron; his Aunt Kim and Uncle Bob; and several grandparents.
What impressed me most is the amount of effort he put into picking out presents. For Kim, as an example, Creed chose a Spiderman punching bag. After all, Kim spends a lot of time working out and walking these days. Creed thought she’d find this useful and fun. He choose a big, orange puffer worm for Uncle Bob since he believed that his great uncle liked orange.
He bought a new oven mitt and some dish towels for Mamaw Bobby. She definitely needed some. On the night that we stopped by her house, she pulled cookies out of the oven by grabbing the rack with a wooden ruler and using a dish rag. Probably not the safest choice. Creed smiled as his grandmother opened her gift and even used it a few moments later.
I don’t know all of the gifts he chose. Several went to his dad’s house. Others remain unopened as we haven’t seen those folks yet. What I do know is the value of the lesson. “This made my Christmas,” his Aunt Kim told him.
Why did he decide to buy them a gift? Because he saw something that made him think about them. It didn’t have to be an expensive purchase, it just required special attention.
A few days later, Creed asked for money to buy himself another pack of marbles at the holiday store. He said they only cost $1.00. So, I gave him $1.00. He looked quite distraught. After a few minutes, I asked him why he wasn’t happy since he would be able to get the marbles he wanted. His response? “Because I’ll only be able to buy something for myself and I can’t get Heath anything.”
That was enough for me. Sure, he was given more money to buy some extra gifts. He again made wonderful purchases showing much thought. Heath didn’t mind as he definitely benefitted from the experience.
While Creed did gain a bit of material items, he also learned the value of giving.
Monday, November 23, 2009
THANKFUL
Todd came into my life at a most unexpected time. He taught me how to have fun, gave me reasons to laugh, and showed me how to love unconditionally. For that, I am thankful.
Heath and Creed are blessings every day. That certainly doesn’t mean they are perfect. Luckily, none of us are. My boys are just that, boys. They are adventurous, spirited, curious, even a bit temperamental at times. At the same time they are caring, sweet, even cool. Just ask them about the latter. It is true that everything changes when one becomes a parent. I’m just thankful to have the experience and to be able to watch them grow and learn.
Aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, mothers, fathers, grandparents ... you know that old saying that you can’t choose your family? True, but we can learn to be accepting of one another and learn to appreciate our differences. Most of us refuse to admit that while we greatly enjoy our friends, the majority of friends change throughout the course of our lives. If your best friend from kindergarten is still your best friend 30 years later, that is rare. Friends may come and go, but family usually remains. Who was there when you went through that hard time not so long ago? Who will be there the next time one arises? Who is just a phone call away? Those people will give you a reason to be thankful.
Noodles have traditionally been my favorite food. The best kind are what I dubbed many years ago to be “funeral” noodles. Expect them to be homemade (or at least those really good frozen ones), and expect them to be comforting. Why else would they be served at times when families gather together in sorrow?
Knowing what it is to be blessed is a wonderful acknowledgment. I’ve learned a lot of man’s knowledge over the years. After my finals in a few weeks, I’ll only have comprehensive exams and a dissertation to do before I attain my doctorate in higher education. I say only as if that isn’t a lot of work still set before me. Yes, it is, but it also brings me to the point where the instruction that I need for now has been taught. The rest of my learning is up to me. I will now be able to guide my path. To be able to leave behind me homework assignments, required readings, quizzes, exams, and finals will be a blessing for sure.
Forgiving is one of the most difficult things we sometimes have to do, but it can also be the most rejuvenating and inspiring. If you feel like someone has done you wrong, you’re not alone. Actually, most everyone feels that way from time to time. We all get hurt; sometimes we are even the ones who hurt others either knowingly or unknowingly. I try to teach my sons how important forgiveness is when their play with one another exceeds the safe point and becomes rough. With my little wanna be wrestlers, ninjas, and X-men, undoubtedly someone eventually begins to cry. And while they get angry at each other more than anyone else, they are able to learn to forgive and go for another round later in the day. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all forgive so easily? I’m thankful for the example they set.
Understanding is a complex characteristic or quality. It is so multi-faceted. In life we all have a portion of understanding, but it is not like mashed potatoes and gravy where a bigger serving at the dinner table makes one more full. Understanding is gained year after year; so I guess each Thanksgiving meal one eats adds to their understanding and wisdom about life, about people, about relationships ... I’m thankful for that which I have gained and anxious for that which I can still glean.
Laughter is the best medicine ... I have heard it said so many times. It reminds me of that song from “Mary Poppins” about loving to laugh. As that example so clearly illustrated, laughter lifts you up, it lightens moods, it enhances feelings. Sometimes, it even makes your cheeks and belly hurt. I am so thankful for that kind of laughter.
Those are my reasons to be THANKFUL this holiday season. What are yours?
Heath and Creed are blessings every day. That certainly doesn’t mean they are perfect. Luckily, none of us are. My boys are just that, boys. They are adventurous, spirited, curious, even a bit temperamental at times. At the same time they are caring, sweet, even cool. Just ask them about the latter. It is true that everything changes when one becomes a parent. I’m just thankful to have the experience and to be able to watch them grow and learn.
Aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, mothers, fathers, grandparents ... you know that old saying that you can’t choose your family? True, but we can learn to be accepting of one another and learn to appreciate our differences. Most of us refuse to admit that while we greatly enjoy our friends, the majority of friends change throughout the course of our lives. If your best friend from kindergarten is still your best friend 30 years later, that is rare. Friends may come and go, but family usually remains. Who was there when you went through that hard time not so long ago? Who will be there the next time one arises? Who is just a phone call away? Those people will give you a reason to be thankful.
Noodles have traditionally been my favorite food. The best kind are what I dubbed many years ago to be “funeral” noodles. Expect them to be homemade (or at least those really good frozen ones), and expect them to be comforting. Why else would they be served at times when families gather together in sorrow?
Knowing what it is to be blessed is a wonderful acknowledgment. I’ve learned a lot of man’s knowledge over the years. After my finals in a few weeks, I’ll only have comprehensive exams and a dissertation to do before I attain my doctorate in higher education. I say only as if that isn’t a lot of work still set before me. Yes, it is, but it also brings me to the point where the instruction that I need for now has been taught. The rest of my learning is up to me. I will now be able to guide my path. To be able to leave behind me homework assignments, required readings, quizzes, exams, and finals will be a blessing for sure.
Forgiving is one of the most difficult things we sometimes have to do, but it can also be the most rejuvenating and inspiring. If you feel like someone has done you wrong, you’re not alone. Actually, most everyone feels that way from time to time. We all get hurt; sometimes we are even the ones who hurt others either knowingly or unknowingly. I try to teach my sons how important forgiveness is when their play with one another exceeds the safe point and becomes rough. With my little wanna be wrestlers, ninjas, and X-men, undoubtedly someone eventually begins to cry. And while they get angry at each other more than anyone else, they are able to learn to forgive and go for another round later in the day. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all forgive so easily? I’m thankful for the example they set.
Understanding is a complex characteristic or quality. It is so multi-faceted. In life we all have a portion of understanding, but it is not like mashed potatoes and gravy where a bigger serving at the dinner table makes one more full. Understanding is gained year after year; so I guess each Thanksgiving meal one eats adds to their understanding and wisdom about life, about people, about relationships ... I’m thankful for that which I have gained and anxious for that which I can still glean.
Laughter is the best medicine ... I have heard it said so many times. It reminds me of that song from “Mary Poppins” about loving to laugh. As that example so clearly illustrated, laughter lifts you up, it lightens moods, it enhances feelings. Sometimes, it even makes your cheeks and belly hurt. I am so thankful for that kind of laughter.
Those are my reasons to be THANKFUL this holiday season. What are yours?
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Rabbit Plea
It is definitely not the best time of year to be a turkey. Yet, in my home, I eat turkey almost daily either for a lunch treat or on a bagel for breakfast. So as the season of thankfulness approaches, I will note my thankfulness for the bird so celebrated at this time of year.
I asked my boys about Thanksgiving this year. Creed is more than willing to draw turkey after turkey to decorate for the upcoming dinner. And when he expels his list of gratefulness, my six year old is already acting very politically correct. He is thankful for his family, his friends, and all that he has. I am glad to hear that.
Heath has a different agenda. He uses his Thanksgiving list as a manipulation technique.
“I’m thankful for you to get me a rabbit,” he told me this morning.
He included his four-wheeler, the opportunity to sit on the new lawn mower, a chance to play in the woods, and the ability to throw sticks into the creek as the remainder of his gratefulness.
Then, he went back to this rabbit. We have never talked about rabbits before. But, since he had put the subject into the limelight, the discussion could ensue.
He told me he had never really been around rabbits much, but he had seen one on Winnie the Pooh. Of course, he doesn’t expect his rabbit to have a garden since it will most likely live in a cage.
And Heath believes it will be okay that his rabbit just has a cage life because he will play with it from time to time.
“And at night, when it is time to sleep, I will protect him so he doesn’t get scared,” he continued.
Funny ... he does know what to say to manipulate his mother.
“And I will feed him carrots and lettuce and maybe grass, and what else do rabbits like? They like water.”
In his lengthy plea, he noted that this rabbit will be named Starfire. Although a female super hero has that name, his rabbit will be a boy and it won’t have any powers, it will just possess an ability to eat many vegetables without complaining.
“And he’ll have fun playing with me,” Heath concluded.
He felt confident that he had made a good argument for a rabbit, so he ended with, “Will you pick Starfire up for me tonight?”
I convinced him that Easter is a better time of year to get pets like rabbits, not really at Thanksgiving time as it will have to be outside in the cold all winter. I think it worked. I guess I’ll know tomorrow if he asks about Starfire again.
My boys are a joy. They certainly give me a reason to be thankful all year long.
I asked my boys about Thanksgiving this year. Creed is more than willing to draw turkey after turkey to decorate for the upcoming dinner. And when he expels his list of gratefulness, my six year old is already acting very politically correct. He is thankful for his family, his friends, and all that he has. I am glad to hear that.
Heath has a different agenda. He uses his Thanksgiving list as a manipulation technique.
“I’m thankful for you to get me a rabbit,” he told me this morning.
He included his four-wheeler, the opportunity to sit on the new lawn mower, a chance to play in the woods, and the ability to throw sticks into the creek as the remainder of his gratefulness.
Then, he went back to this rabbit. We have never talked about rabbits before. But, since he had put the subject into the limelight, the discussion could ensue.
He told me he had never really been around rabbits much, but he had seen one on Winnie the Pooh. Of course, he doesn’t expect his rabbit to have a garden since it will most likely live in a cage.
And Heath believes it will be okay that his rabbit just has a cage life because he will play with it from time to time.
“And at night, when it is time to sleep, I will protect him so he doesn’t get scared,” he continued.
Funny ... he does know what to say to manipulate his mother.
“And I will feed him carrots and lettuce and maybe grass, and what else do rabbits like? They like water.”
In his lengthy plea, he noted that this rabbit will be named Starfire. Although a female super hero has that name, his rabbit will be a boy and it won’t have any powers, it will just possess an ability to eat many vegetables without complaining.
“And he’ll have fun playing with me,” Heath concluded.
He felt confident that he had made a good argument for a rabbit, so he ended with, “Will you pick Starfire up for me tonight?”
I convinced him that Easter is a better time of year to get pets like rabbits, not really at Thanksgiving time as it will have to be outside in the cold all winter. I think it worked. I guess I’ll know tomorrow if he asks about Starfire again.
My boys are a joy. They certainly give me a reason to be thankful all year long.
Monday, November 9, 2009
The New Vest
Creed had one request when it came time for school pictures this year. “Please, Mom, don’t make me wear a sweater vest. They just aren’t cool.”
Okay, so last year I dressed him in a sweater vest. He looked adorable. He didn’t mind.
This year I told him not to worry ... one sweater vest picture was enough.
Yet, he was curious to know when his younger brother would be required to have his sweater vest picture taken. After all, if he has one then his brother should as well.
Sounds reasonable ... but this wasn’t Heath’s year either. He didn’t seem to be in a sweater vest mood either.
As for their mother, I have two — both are black and one has a hoodie on it. It is definitely my favorite.
The boys are more argyle in nature.
When I walked into class the other day, I noticed a male student of twenty-something age wearing a sweater vest. The other males in the class admit they won’t don the apparel, but admitted that their classmate, Micah, seemed to be “pulling it off.” His response, “Every day is better when you wear a sweater vest.”
For him, it is a boost of confidence, a symbol of power and prestige.
As I looked over Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar stadium Saturday, a sweater vest caught my eye amidst the sea of blue and gold. It was worn by none other than Bill Stewart. I sent a text message to my friend, Kristen, on the other side of the stadium pointing out the vest. She said he obviously wasn’t owning it. After all, when one dons a sweater vest and truly owns it, then it is a good day. So says Micah.
For the Mountaineers, I worried. The game seemed to lack some of the pizzazz I expected.
Finally, though, the sweater vest attitude sacked in as Stewart was finally able to direct his players to perform (or at least slide by) to grasp a win. No one will want to write home about the game ... unless it is to comment on the sweater vest.
I noticed another sweater vest worn in church on Sunday. It wasn’t the first time I had seen Steve Lewis choosing this layer of clothing. He admitted to owning several. And, yes, he did find that it makes his day better.
Hmmm.
Apparently, sweater vests are making a comeback. I read on a fashion website that one of the most popular layering pieces this fall will be the vest. “Sweater vests should no longer be associated with something your grandpa would wear, because this fall they will be everywhere, in all shapes, lengths, colors, and patterns. With so many options available, it gets confusing to pick out the perfect items to pair with your vest,” the fashion diva noted.
Creed disagrees. His days are definitely better when he wears a “cool” shirt. His definition of “cool” would rather include Wolverine or Spiderman than argyle.
Maybe Creed will someday come to terms with the sweater vest as his classmates begin to wear them. Until then I might leave an empty space in his closet as a memorial to the sweater vest — that which transcends time and age and makes every day better.
Okay, so last year I dressed him in a sweater vest. He looked adorable. He didn’t mind.
This year I told him not to worry ... one sweater vest picture was enough.
Yet, he was curious to know when his younger brother would be required to have his sweater vest picture taken. After all, if he has one then his brother should as well.
Sounds reasonable ... but this wasn’t Heath’s year either. He didn’t seem to be in a sweater vest mood either.
As for their mother, I have two — both are black and one has a hoodie on it. It is definitely my favorite.
The boys are more argyle in nature.
When I walked into class the other day, I noticed a male student of twenty-something age wearing a sweater vest. The other males in the class admit they won’t don the apparel, but admitted that their classmate, Micah, seemed to be “pulling it off.” His response, “Every day is better when you wear a sweater vest.”
For him, it is a boost of confidence, a symbol of power and prestige.
As I looked over Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar stadium Saturday, a sweater vest caught my eye amidst the sea of blue and gold. It was worn by none other than Bill Stewart. I sent a text message to my friend, Kristen, on the other side of the stadium pointing out the vest. She said he obviously wasn’t owning it. After all, when one dons a sweater vest and truly owns it, then it is a good day. So says Micah.
For the Mountaineers, I worried. The game seemed to lack some of the pizzazz I expected.
Finally, though, the sweater vest attitude sacked in as Stewart was finally able to direct his players to perform (or at least slide by) to grasp a win. No one will want to write home about the game ... unless it is to comment on the sweater vest.
I noticed another sweater vest worn in church on Sunday. It wasn’t the first time I had seen Steve Lewis choosing this layer of clothing. He admitted to owning several. And, yes, he did find that it makes his day better.
Hmmm.
Apparently, sweater vests are making a comeback. I read on a fashion website that one of the most popular layering pieces this fall will be the vest. “Sweater vests should no longer be associated with something your grandpa would wear, because this fall they will be everywhere, in all shapes, lengths, colors, and patterns. With so many options available, it gets confusing to pick out the perfect items to pair with your vest,” the fashion diva noted.
Creed disagrees. His days are definitely better when he wears a “cool” shirt. His definition of “cool” would rather include Wolverine or Spiderman than argyle.
Maybe Creed will someday come to terms with the sweater vest as his classmates begin to wear them. Until then I might leave an empty space in his closet as a memorial to the sweater vest — that which transcends time and age and makes every day better.
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