Well, being the great attentive mother that I am I took my kids for what has become our regular Friday afternoon visit to our local library this past Friday. My eldest always knows exactly what she wants - more books on the AR scale. (AR means "accelerated reader" and she and her sibs have to read books in their point range and then take computerized tests on them - they have a deadline and a certain number of books in each genre they have to read). So, she is always off searching those out. She has gotten older, smarter, but is still in alot of ways naive. Yes, we have had the "period" talk (especially since she is 11 - and she still blushes), and we have talked about how babies are made (but not too graphically), and how they are born.
Now my second child goes to the library to socialize, help the librarians, and color. She is nine and loving life. She has been told much of what her older sister knows, but not all - I haven't gone into as much detail - mainly because she hasn't asked. But, we have read the American Girl book all about girls - or whatever it is called - good, insightful book by the way.
Now my dear third child, being a boy and only five, I haven't really discussed anything except to answer questions he has pointedly asked. I do answer their questions honestly - that is one of the reasons my girls knew who Santa was at ages 6 and 5 - Tate hasn't asked, so I haven't volunteered. He HAS asked about babies. Not how they are made, but how the doctor gets them out of the mommies' tummy (only I didn't remember this, until this fateful trip).
So, at the library this past Friday I let him get a book about the human body. Cute little kid on the front with his ribs shown through an xray in multicolor. It got my attention and for sure got his. Nope - didn't read it, just glanced through it.
When you read it, it shows a fetus inside a womb and talks about the development of the baby and how the umbilical cord provides the food and oxygen the baby needs to survive while the baby is inside the mommy. The picture is extremely detailed and really cool I thought. Anyway, Boo is reading this to him in the back seat while we are driving an hour from my mom's house back to mine. All of a sudden Tate asks, "Momma, did the doctor have to cut you to get me out?" "No" I replied, "no cutting involved."
Tate: "Then how did I get out?"
Boo: (insert blush mentioned above) "Do we have to discuss this right now? You will learn about that later."
Me: "Well, Tate, when it is time the women's body..."(tate interrupts)
Tate: "Don't worry, I already know. {and very matter of factly proceeds forward with the following.} The doctors push on the mommy's tummy and the baby comes out the mommy's bottom."
And then there was silence for a few heartbeats in my car.
For me I was trying to formulate how to proceed and simultaneously wondering when we had previously had this discussion (because Boo is asking him, "where did you hear that?" Tate: "mom told me")
Boo on the other hand was trying to overcome her shock, maybe, or to figure out why her five year old brother knew more than her at that age - who knows.
So - I press on.
Me: "Tate, it is not exactly like that, but close. God gives only girls a special ability for their bodies to stretch when it is time for the baby to come out of their body."
Tate: "yeah, from their bottom"
Me: "riiiiight, but from a special spot only girls have - that is how God designed it."
Tate: "okay, what is it called? that place?"
Boo: "MOM - NO!!"(blush still going)
Me: "Boo, its okay. Tate, it is called a vagina and boys have outside privates called a penis"
Tate: "A what - a penis? And girls have what?"
Boo: "Mom?!"
Me:"A vagina - that is what girls have"
Tate: (bless his soul) "So where is mine?"
Boo: "OH MY GOSH, MOM!!! TATE! ONLY GIRLS HAVE THEM, NOT BOYS!!"
Me: "Boo, do not holler at him- Tate,she is right, only girls have vagina's, boys have penis' do you understand?"
Tate: "Yeah - I think so, Boo, finish the book, okay?"
And there it was the last of my children to have the knowledge that girls have vagina's and boys have penis' and where babies come from and how they get out.
I hope you all have as much fun as I have had with each individual child in the telling of the body parts and how they work and what can be touched and not touched and by whom. It has been very interesting. I am sure I will have to repeat alot as they get older - just to make sure most of the moral lessons have stuck. But really, if you think about it - explaining the "mechanics" of it all is really so much easier than capturing their hearts and making sure they understand why making babies is only for marriage and even sex is only for marriage and all that goes with it - and protecting their hearts, and respecting others. HAVE FUN!!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
The Adventures of George
As I sit here about to write this I wonder if he planned it. Was he waiting, planning, building up? Was he fattening up knowing he would have to survive on no food for who knew how long? How does his mind work?
This morning I woke my kids up like normal. They all did great - got up easily - mainly because they are all looking forward to their valentine parties at school (do you remember those days?). Anyway, I get them going and then hop in the shower. Next thing I hear is a knock on the door - my eldest coming to tell me the newest member - the baby of our family - George- is missing. Missing? How can he be missing, I ask? How can he get out? He was there last night - your dad was the one that fed him and checked on him - Yep, gone. The search began. We are looking for a needle in a haystack. One frog the size of my big toe in a house the size of ours - it's not huge, but it has many pitfalls for a small frog. So, we began in the kids rooms - keep in mind, he had to make it out of the water, through a small hole, off the dresser almost five feet up, and then off into whatever adventure he was seeking. We moved boxes, pillows, covers, jewelry, shoes, dolls, dressers, looked in the kitchen - down the hall, bathroom, my bedroom - but really didn't think he made it out of the girls' room.
I called my husband at work. I had to ask the worst question as I looked at our dog - Could he (my dog) have eaten George? My husband didn't think so, but then the dog has been known to eat cat poop so who knows. My husband, like me, didn't think there was a real chance George had made it out of the girls' room- so we decided to shut the door til that afternoon - we knew he was probably already dried up - it had been 8 hours since he was last seen after all and he requires water. Well, Little Man took this like we had shut the lid on the coffin. It was not a good scene. But we had been searching 30 min - four people - no George. So, we ate breakfast, finished getting dressed, and I prayed. I pleaded with God - "Please let us find George - preferably alive, but if he is dead, please still let him be found." I turn around and there he is. ALIVE!! Coming out from under my husband's dresser! Again - God was waiting on me. When will I ask? When will I depend on him for EVERYTHING? Even the George moments in my life. (Just like those South Beach moments in my life.)
It took teamwork, but my brave children were able to corral him and I held the container while they put him back in - I placed pantyhose over the top until we can fix him up a better aquarium this weekend. We will never know what all George experienced or encountered - or even if he is happy to be back in his habitat, but I know that George is a reminder that God is listening - to the tears of children, the cries of parents' hearts, and the purity of the request.
Thank you again, God.
This morning I woke my kids up like normal. They all did great - got up easily - mainly because they are all looking forward to their valentine parties at school (do you remember those days?). Anyway, I get them going and then hop in the shower. Next thing I hear is a knock on the door - my eldest coming to tell me the newest member - the baby of our family - George- is missing. Missing? How can he be missing, I ask? How can he get out? He was there last night - your dad was the one that fed him and checked on him - Yep, gone. The search began. We are looking for a needle in a haystack. One frog the size of my big toe in a house the size of ours - it's not huge, but it has many pitfalls for a small frog. So, we began in the kids rooms - keep in mind, he had to make it out of the water, through a small hole, off the dresser almost five feet up, and then off into whatever adventure he was seeking. We moved boxes, pillows, covers, jewelry, shoes, dolls, dressers, looked in the kitchen - down the hall, bathroom, my bedroom - but really didn't think he made it out of the girls' room.
I called my husband at work. I had to ask the worst question as I looked at our dog - Could he (my dog) have eaten George? My husband didn't think so, but then the dog has been known to eat cat poop so who knows. My husband, like me, didn't think there was a real chance George had made it out of the girls' room- so we decided to shut the door til that afternoon - we knew he was probably already dried up - it had been 8 hours since he was last seen after all and he requires water. Well, Little Man took this like we had shut the lid on the coffin. It was not a good scene. But we had been searching 30 min - four people - no George. So, we ate breakfast, finished getting dressed, and I prayed. I pleaded with God - "Please let us find George - preferably alive, but if he is dead, please still let him be found." I turn around and there he is. ALIVE!! Coming out from under my husband's dresser! Again - God was waiting on me. When will I ask? When will I depend on him for EVERYTHING? Even the George moments in my life. (Just like those South Beach moments in my life.)
It took teamwork, but my brave children were able to corral him and I held the container while they put him back in - I placed pantyhose over the top until we can fix him up a better aquarium this weekend. We will never know what all George experienced or encountered - or even if he is happy to be back in his habitat, but I know that George is a reminder that God is listening - to the tears of children, the cries of parents' hearts, and the purity of the request.
Thank you again, God.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
My Husband
I don't say enough about my wonderful husband. I want to now.
My husband is someone I very much look up to, that I am proud to say is mine - the spiritual leader in our home and such a sweet love to me. He would probably hate being described that way but it is true. He is not only those things but he is also a man- He works hard, protects his family at any cost, and always puts us first after God. I sometimes think he is too harsh, but that is the complement of a man and a woman. God made the man to be firm and tough and the woman to be soft and nurturing. Why do I try and get in the way of that? I love that my husband will not only fix whatever is broken around our house, but also willingly do the laundry. That is true love. When I am feeling less than perfect, he reminds me I am perfection to him. I roll my eyes on the outside, but inside my heart squeezes in thankfulness to God for giving me such a wonderful, perfect, complement to me and my personality.
He would be the second to tell you (I would be the first) that our relationship/marriage has not been a bed of lovely roses, but trials, tribulations, hard times, and much love. WOW! God has grown us so much and kept us together through so much. In doing so He has strengthened us individually and as a couple in our relationship with Him and each other.
So, just to let you know - my husband is perfection to me and I love him.
My husband is someone I very much look up to, that I am proud to say is mine - the spiritual leader in our home and such a sweet love to me. He would probably hate being described that way but it is true. He is not only those things but he is also a man- He works hard, protects his family at any cost, and always puts us first after God. I sometimes think he is too harsh, but that is the complement of a man and a woman. God made the man to be firm and tough and the woman to be soft and nurturing. Why do I try and get in the way of that? I love that my husband will not only fix whatever is broken around our house, but also willingly do the laundry. That is true love. When I am feeling less than perfect, he reminds me I am perfection to him. I roll my eyes on the outside, but inside my heart squeezes in thankfulness to God for giving me such a wonderful, perfect, complement to me and my personality.
He would be the second to tell you (I would be the first) that our relationship/marriage has not been a bed of lovely roses, but trials, tribulations, hard times, and much love. WOW! God has grown us so much and kept us together through so much. In doing so He has strengthened us individually and as a couple in our relationship with Him and each other.
So, just to let you know - my husband is perfection to me and I love him.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Precious Moments
Can I just tell you that I LOVE my children? I do. I love them so much!! Today, unlike any other day ever, we arrived at the bus stop an entire 12 minutes early. Now keep in mind, I am the person that always thinks there is one more thing I can do or fit in once I am ready, or I am the one yelling, "run to the car! I hear the bus!".
Not so on this fine rainy morning. It was great. Was there bickering between my children squeezing in? yes. Was there a time a bus came and stopped and none of us (except my first born) paid attention to the fact that it was not their bus, and attempted to get on it - with the driver and my eldest all saying, "WRONG BUS!!" as my five year old headed up the steps. (note to self: read the number in the future.) But even with all that I had such a great morning with them - I was even able to do my morning Bible reading out loud to them and my middle child, Moo, asked questions. Loved it! But the best part of my morning is when they get on the bus and Little Man scoots to the window and waves at me and then blows a kiss (I tell myself the other two don't do this because their seats are on the other side of the bus, but who knows). I know that kind of display will not last forever - already he doesn't ruuuuun to my bed and throw himself at me first thing in the morning anymore. Nope. Now, I am going to him to wake him up because he is sleeping later and later. Just like the girls. He also is no longer the first to welcome me at night when I get home from work, but that is okay - Donner still does.
So, I treasure these "precious moments". I love each of my children dearly and love the current stages they are in. I am just learning not to take for granted all the moments that are easily rushed through and pushed aside - like teaching my oldest how to choose a head of lettuce or why we warm the baking stone in the oven before adding the pizza, or how to cook her own homemade cinnamon toast - and helping her understand the little nuances in that like mixing the cinnamon and sugar before you put them on the bread to give it all a better more even flavor.
I am so glad God is allowing me to be a mom.
Not so on this fine rainy morning. It was great. Was there bickering between my children squeezing in? yes. Was there a time a bus came and stopped and none of us (except my first born) paid attention to the fact that it was not their bus, and attempted to get on it - with the driver and my eldest all saying, "WRONG BUS!!" as my five year old headed up the steps. (note to self: read the number in the future.) But even with all that I had such a great morning with them - I was even able to do my morning Bible reading out loud to them and my middle child, Moo, asked questions. Loved it! But the best part of my morning is when they get on the bus and Little Man scoots to the window and waves at me and then blows a kiss (I tell myself the other two don't do this because their seats are on the other side of the bus, but who knows). I know that kind of display will not last forever - already he doesn't ruuuuun to my bed and throw himself at me first thing in the morning anymore. Nope. Now, I am going to him to wake him up because he is sleeping later and later. Just like the girls. He also is no longer the first to welcome me at night when I get home from work, but that is okay - Donner still does.
So, I treasure these "precious moments". I love each of my children dearly and love the current stages they are in. I am just learning not to take for granted all the moments that are easily rushed through and pushed aside - like teaching my oldest how to choose a head of lettuce or why we warm the baking stone in the oven before adding the pizza, or how to cook her own homemade cinnamon toast - and helping her understand the little nuances in that like mixing the cinnamon and sugar before you put them on the bread to give it all a better more even flavor.
I am so glad God is allowing me to be a mom.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Thankful
Well, it is gone. Two days ago, among a series of tears and gritting of teeth, Little Man finally gave up his first tooth. It had to go. It was barely hanging on, the next tooth was growing in behind it, but even knowing that, he didn't want it to actually be pulled.
It was interesting to me as I sat in the floor holding him as I pried it out and talked to him - that I am like that. So scared most times of the unknown. That "first time" for anything and rather than listen to those that have traveled that road before me I would rather hang on to where I am by the last thread no matter what is pushing me out of, or along, the way. Then I find out, when I am finally forced to let go, that it really wasn't so bad, and the pride I have from moving on was worth the pain - and usually the view is better, too :D
So, I am thankful. Thankful for these small reminders. Thankful for relatively healthy kids. Thankful for God's continued patience and love for me - even when I sit kicking and screaming over something He knows is really the best for me - and in the end, I see it, too.
Just really, really thankful.
It was interesting to me as I sat in the floor holding him as I pried it out and talked to him - that I am like that. So scared most times of the unknown. That "first time" for anything and rather than listen to those that have traveled that road before me I would rather hang on to where I am by the last thread no matter what is pushing me out of, or along, the way. Then I find out, when I am finally forced to let go, that it really wasn't so bad, and the pride I have from moving on was worth the pain - and usually the view is better, too :D
So, I am thankful. Thankful for these small reminders. Thankful for relatively healthy kids. Thankful for God's continued patience and love for me - even when I sit kicking and screaming over something He knows is really the best for me - and in the end, I see it, too.
Just really, really thankful.
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