This 'N That

A few random gripes and smiles today, because that's all my stuffed-up head can handle.

Oh wait, that was gripe #1. Yes, the day the girls went back to school, I came down with a whopper of a cold. I had a crappy night's sleep last night, and I feel even worse today.

But on a positive note, I had a lovely time at tea with friends this morning. Good tea, treats, and conversation. And my parents even watched John so I could enjoy my sipping kid-free.

Unfortunately I don't think I'll be feeling better by tomorrow, which by the way, happens to be my birthday. Ugh. (35 is sounding a lot older than 34.)

The SMILE is that Ryan just emailed me and said he's taking the day off tomorrow to celebrate. He said the world is my (stuffy, sneezing) oyster. Hmmm, what to do, what to do.....

I came home to dog poo a little while ago. Someone needs to explain to Chester that it's not the gift I was hoping for.

On a brighter note, my sweet friend Amanda brought a scrumptious chocolate birthday cake to tea this morning. And Su fixed a wonderful African tea to go with it.

When I arrived at my mom's, my belly sloshing full of tea, I was told that my son has been spreading rumors about me. Yes, the cute 3 year old with a smile that lights up a room, told Grammy that "Mommy does BAD THINGS." GASP! When Grammy asked for more juicy details, she was told that "Mommy yelled at me." Ahem. Me? Yelling? Moving on......

And there you have it. The past 12 hours in full detail. I think I should keep countin' my blessings, cuz my little gripes aren't looking so bad. As a matter of fact, it's a pretty sneezy, I mean sunshiney day!

Unexpected Tears

After 11 years of being a mommy, I've been through a lot of firsts with my kids, like walking, talking, teeth, big bed, and first day of school.
Last night, in preparation for becoming the mom of a middle schooler, I had an unexpected first.

Emma layed all her clothes out, showered, dried her hair, gathered all her things, and recited her locker combination 10 more times. But after her shower, she decided that she needed to have her legs shaved before walking through the doors of middle school. Yes, this is a first. And nope, I wasn't really ready for it.

Have you ever shaved someone ELSE'S legs? It's kinda weird. Especially when it's your own kid. And especailly when I don't think I am old enough to have a kid who shaves her legs!!! (because it's all about me, right?)

I politely told Emma that I would help her shave once. (It's pain enough to shave my own legs, and I'm not reallly in the market to be shaving two pairs....)

My eyes got watery as I finished. So stupid, I know! Crying about a leg shaving ceremony.

This morning we were up at dark-o-clock. I fixed her breakfast, prayed with her, and sent her on her merry little middle school way. And I got teary again.

So I guess I learned a few things this week. 1) I do not like shaving other people's legs. And 2) My little girl is growing up. (sniff sniff sniff....)

What have YOU learned this week? To read more about what others have learned this week, go to What I Learned This Week at Musings of a Housewife.

Out of the Mouths (of kids...)

I had such a huge laugh yesterday, I just had to share!

Last night a friend was over with her 6 year old daughter, who I will call Sally. We were all sitting on the couch, and Clara was sitting and listening to all the conversation too. My friend was laughing at how she always tells her daughter that when she was born, she "shot out like a football." (Ok, ignore the TMI...)

She started telling a very quick birth story, and it went like this: "Right before she was ready to be delivered, I felt so sick. I kept telling the nurse that I had to throw up. The nurse told me to just get it over with. So I did. I threw up, and when I did, Sally shot right out."

We laughed together about it. Clara's eyes got real big. With her mouth hanging open, she asked, "Sally came out of your MOUTH???!!!"

Sorry, but that is just too funny!
Enjoy your weekend! :)

What Does That Make Me?

This morning, I drove my lucky little girls over to Grandma and Papa's house, so they could go to a waterpark together. On the way there, I heard them discussing the Jonas Brothers.

A recap of the conversation:
Clara: "Did you know Kevin Jonas might be engaged?" (really? says who??) "I mean, he's like 22 years old!"
Emma: "Oh my gosh. He's like old as dirt!"

Allllllll-righty then. So what does that make ME??

Well, I guess I learned this week that I'm even older than dirt. To read more about what others have learned this week, visit Musings of a Housewife!

When Worlds Collide

I went to get the mail today, just like any other day.
I walked up the steps, tossed the mail on the ottoman, and continued my online search for the perfect Vera Bradley purse for Emma to carry with her to Middle School next week.

I was getting aggravated because I wasn't finding what I was looking for. And the one I liked was a few dollars more than I preferred to spend. And for goodness sakes, what does an 11 year old need with an expensive pocketbook, anyway?? I found a cute one for only $35 dollars, but it wasn't the perfect color.
Sigh.

Then I opened the mail.

I had a letter, and I just love getting lettters. This one was from a little boy named Sam. He lives all the way across the world, in Uganda. I couldn't wait to read what he has to say.

You see, even though we've never met, he loves me. And my family. He tells us so every time he write to us. He prays for me. And he thanks me for everything I do for him. Every. Single. Time.

What breaks my heart is that I don't think I really do all that much for him. I write a check for $37 each month. I pray for him. And I occasionally send him a letter. Just $37 measly dollars - the amount that I would toss away so Emma can carry a purse she likes better than the multiple purses she already has.

I read Sam's letter today. He told me that he thanks God for me every day. He is joyful. He goes to school Monday through Friday, and on Saturday he goes to "the Centre." He said he loves that, because he always eats a good meal there. He wanted to know if I also live in a grass hut.

Was it even possible that just moments before, I'd been irritable over a purse?

He asked me to pray for him, because he would like wisdom.

Oh my, how I desperately need wisdom myself. So much more than this precious little boy could ever understand.

I long to hold him. To live just one day in his shoes.
To see the world through his eyes. To see my God the way that Sam sees Him.

I can put him out of my mind if I choose, for a time. Sometimes I do that, although I'm not proud to admit it. And then our worlds collide, and his reality unfolds before my very eyes through his letters.

I can never be the same. And I pray that God will continue to stir my heart, so that I never want to be blinded again.

I wonder some days if I am really the blessing to Sam, or if we are a part of each other's lives because God knew that I would need him.

If you don't already, would you consider sponsoring a child who desperately needs your help? It's so easy.... just go to www.Compassion.com

If you already sponsor a child, or if you've just decided to, tell me about it!