Six In June

What I've learned, or re-learned, this month:

1. I have an unhealthy obsession with Pinterest. I'm fairly certain that this site holds the answers to the universe. In a crafty sorta way.

2. My hair is now the same length and similar style as when I was a senior in high school. This fact makes me all kinds of depressed.

3. It takes a large amount of courage to let your 16 year old step onto a plane, all by herself. More courage than this mother likes to have.

4. Child #2 announced to the family that she wants to be a Butt Model when she grows up. I don't even want to know why or how she has decided on this noble pursuit.

5. The next time I decide to run a red light, I need to double check that it's not in the exact same location (with a camera posted!) as the red light I ran the last time. Oh, and I need to make sure I intercept it at the mailbox. The Husband may be getting slightly irritated.

6. There are 8 weeks left of summer. Yes, I've counted. Don't even act surprised.

Day Twenty Two- Thinking About Directors

I gave birth to singers. I know I've said this before, but I'm still astonished by this fact. They sing. And they love it. They also work quite hard. I guess it's a good thing they're so passionate about it.

Just over a month ago, they both had final performances. And here I am, at the close of June, still thinking about them. Not really because of the singing itself, but more because of those who lead them.

I tend to see the world through eyes that take note of how my surroundings translate into written word. I know that sounds weird, it probably is. It's just the way my brain works, I guess.

And here's what my brain can't stop thinking about for the last month: 

We are all Directors

Every singer I've watched over the years, has kept their eyes on the Director. Always. Never wavering. They are guided, and they follow. Their direction is immediate because their eyes remain fixed. There are also moments when the Director steps away, fades to the side. Confident that these singers can be set free. And they never disappoint.

So, if we're all Directors, who is following us? Someone is. Probably a lot of someones. Some may live with you, others may only know you from afar. But we are all Leading. So where are we headed?

That answer is different for everyone. Direction takes on many different forms. Our paths and the way we choose to travel vary greatly. But, being a Director is a single-minded purpose. Whether you're directing a family, a classroom or a group of singers. Eyes are on you. Always. Never wavering.

Think about those you are Leading. Like me, it just may take you a month or two, or twelve, to decide. But Lead, you will. Every day. Just by being you.

So, be the best You.
And let them follow.

Day Eighteen- Recuperating

Last week I was at Girl's Camp. This is year 3 for me. I made a blood oath to only go once. That turned out well. Air conditioning and a real shower simply can not be appreciated enough. Even now, I walk outside and start to sweat, and I get a nervous tick. Camp songs echo in my brain and there isn't enough chocolate in the world to quiet that pain.

Child #2 stepped up her game this year. Even I was impressed. She decided to see how many cheese balls she could shove in her mouth at once. For the record, it's 21. And to make it even better? She spit them all back out and then proceeded to eat them. My mother pride could hardly stand it.

I think I need a nap.

Love and a Laugh on Father's Day

There aren't enough words to describe how I feel on this day. When I try to form my thoughts into a shape, I'm blank. My father means the world to me. Even that sentence doesn't feel powerful enough. Almost 6 years later, and I still can't bear to look at pictures of him. My sadness feels so heavy, it stops me from breathing. But then again, I guess I wouldn't feel that way if my love wasn't so overwhelming large. There are no words, my friends. No words at all.

So instead, I shall give you entertainment. Something this family excels at:

Child #1 started tying her hair into a bow under her chin. DURING church. You know, during that time you're supposed to be reverent. Child #2 decided to take a picture with her dad's phone. And guess what happened...wait for it...the camera flashed. Oh yes, a flash and a snapshot while we worship. 20 minutes later, M&Ms were being passed out to all the fathers and the bow/hair tying child lobbed a pack of candy over 4 pews (filled with people) to reach her dad. It was an epic day at church.

I hope your Father's Day is filled with memories and laughter. It's kindof the perfect combination.

Day Eight- Just Because

1. Yes, she is dressed as a lilac flower. Her name in the skit is, Lazy Lilac. Never a more fitting title.

2. She NEVER lets me take her picture. This was a moment of extraordinary generosity.

3. She's going to kill me for letting the world see this. Is it weird that makes me happy?

Happy Friday. Find time to enjoy the lilacs.

Day Six- Inspections

The transition to summer is always a little stop-and-go. You're so used to the go-go-go life, that the option to now stop comes as a surprise. We move a little slower these six days in. It's nice. Well, mostly.

Child #1 hit the house with my car. Technically she "scratched along the side of it". According to her, "she didn't see the house". Ah, OK. Because, it's so tiny, it's easy to miss. According to her dad, "she never pays attention when she drives!" But he later admitted that he had no room to criticize because he drove a tractor into a ditch when he was a teenager (because he decided to lunge for his dog who was attempting to flee out the window). This family is so full of crazy, it's comical.

Child #2 has resorted to leaving her used Q-Tips on the couch. As a present for me. I told her I'm going to wring her neck if she does it again. Guess what? She did it again. I guess my threats don't carry enough weight.

I've decided Child #3 isn't old enough to be a menace. She still likes her parents. So, I've proclaimed her The Favorite. I'm thinking of having a crown made for her. A really big one.

And, just in case you're curious--The Summer Rules are proving to be quite the stoke of genius. I haven't collected any cash yet, and I've only had to issue a few warnings. There may just be hope for this summer, yet.

Day One- The Rules

This ain't my first rodeo. I've done a summer or two, or a thousand. So I know what's coming. I know what to expect and I know what will drive me crazy. Teenager #1 has already demanded to know where I'm going, because she needs the car. As she starts to argue with me about the use of the car I pay for, I squint my eyes and give her the demon stare while I'm thinking, "Why on earth did I ever teach you to speak?"

I've decided to try and squash a few (or none ) of the problems before they even start, so I made a list of Summer Rules. They are currently posted in the kitchen, right on the fridge, where I know they will see them.

Just in case you can't read the tiny print, here you go:

SUMMER RULES

1. No one is allowed out of their bed before 8:00 am.

2. If your name is Samantha, you may not sleep past 11:30 am.

3. If, and when, you are bored, it is not my problem. Do not complain to me or follow me around. Feel free to Google: Fun Things To Do That Won’t Bug My Mother.

4. There is a 2 hour limit for sitting on the couch and watching TV. If you exceed this limit, I will set your hair on fire to get you to move.

5. You may scream the word, “Mom!”, once per day. Any instance after that and you will be charged $1 and forced to memorize a scripture verse.

6. If you use the kitchen, for ANY reason, you are responsible to clean up your mess. Dishes must placed in the dishwasher, not in the sink. If needed, a demonstration on where and how to actually use the dishwasher, is available.

7. My Mothering Shift ends at 7:35 pm. Any complaints, questions or whining after that must be directed to the man you call ‘Dad’.

8. Any sibling squabbles must be settled amongst yourselves. If you fight or punch each other, do it quietly.

 

All rules subject to change, based upon my mood.

Feel free to test my patience on obedience to the Rules. Bring it. I’ve got all summer.

Useless Information

I have no idea why I feel the need to share personal information today, but I do. Maybe it's because my brain is exhausted and it hurts to think too deeply. So naturally, I'm thinking about myself. That speaks volumes.

1. I'm obsessed with puzzles. Have been for some time. I've tried to psycho-analyze my new obsession. Is it because puzzles are logical and every piece has a place? Maybe. But it's probably more along the lines of, 'if-I-work-on-a-puzzle-I-can-avoid-all-the-crap-I-should-be-doing'. Yep. That sounds about right.

2. I dust my washer and dryer. Yes, yes I do. Every Tuesday after kid laundry. Please don't think I'm joking.

3. In the first half of my life, I was a dancer. You know, before I started having kids and crying all the time. For my first 20 years, I can't remember a time when I wasn't dancing. I once wore a bra so stacked with padding, my own parents couldn't recognize me. True story.

4. I'm an unconventional parent. I've come to terms with it. I think. My kids hardly ever do chores. I have been known to serve cookie dough for dinner. EVERY topic is an open conversation, especially if it's inappropriate.

5. The only parental goal I have is--I hope they don't end up in jail. If I set low expectations, I just might end up pleasantly surprised. It's a win-win.

6. I don't like odd numbers. I know I've discussed this before, but I find it worth mentioning again. Because really, this is one of the Top 10 things that makes me super weird. I am currently an even number in age. This brings peace to my soul. Really. My birthdays when I turn an odd number? Not a pretty sight.

7. Child #2 has discovered MASH. She has MASHed all the members of the family and her favorite school/choir teacher.

Apparently, I'm going to live in a mansion with 3 kids, while I'm married to Todd (I was really hoping for Vin Diesel, but whatever). I'll be a nerdy construction worker that drives a smart car, has a pet rat and no money. What a lovely future to look forward to. I think it's time to buy a new puzzle.