Summer List #19

From the outside looking in, this was a picturesque moment. Notice I use the word MOMENT. Our Summer List includes a trip to our school's summer library. Today I forced them to go. I mean, really forced. Threaten harm, kind of force. Do you think that counts as a fun summer memory?

It has just been one of those summer days. The kind where everyone wakes up grouchy. The kind where every mouth that opens is arguing, whining or fighting with a sibling. Non. Stop. By 1:00 pm, I literally pushed them into the car and emptied them into the library. I then bought everyone a Sonic slush and came home and built a fort.
The MOMENT lasted for 45 minutes. Everyone was happy. We huddled beneath blankets and read books. We actually felt like a normal family. For a MOMENT. I really don't think normal families with normal kids, know how good they've got it.
Once the moment ended, it was gone. Fighting returned and teenagers told me, "that's not fair!" I simply looked at them and replied, "I don't care."

My girls will probably never remember this day. They will check off #19 on our List, and move on. But I will remember it. I'll hold it near the surface of my thoughts. Because, endless are the days where we are daily living, the kind of living that moves by unnoticed. But for a small moment today, we stopped running through life long enough to find joy in being together. Peace settled into the air around us and we seemed to capture all the essence of the word 'Family'. Just for a moment. But one that will hold a permanent spot within the lines of a summer checklist.

Early Celebrating

Is she excited about the sparklers?
Maybe she's mortified that someone would light a flame in this Texas heat and then make her hold onto it.
Or maybe, this is her look of joy. Can't you see it?

Good Mothering Requires Brain Cells

My last post was 4 days ago. At that time, I was an idiot. Fast forward 4 days, and I've gotten dumber. I didn't even think it was possible. But here I am, proof that I'm on a downward slide in intelligence.

In an effort to be "fun", I told the kids we were making carmel popcorn in the microwave. You place all ingredients in a paper bag, shake, cook, shake, eat. I thought that they would dive right in with excitement. But, I was wrong. The kids were a hard sell. They asked if they could just eat regular treats out of the pantry. I denied all requests and tried to force my fun upon them.

We started out by using an actual, real life popcorn machine. When I took it out of the box, the girls all asked, "What is that?" I had to explain that not all popcorn was cooked in a microwave sack. They were shocked.

After the popping was complete, I really kicked into high gear with my intelligence. I decided that the babies would find sheer joy in flying popcorn. I placed the machine in the front room and let it loose.

The first minute was tons 'o fun. Then, un-popped kernels started flying everywhere, and they were lava hot. One of the babies has a burn to prove it. And, you can only imagine what the clean up was like. Again, I remind you, I'm on a quick downward slope in the brain department.

Once all ingredients were combined in our large paper sack, the shaking began. I had to use my precious See's bag because you simply can't find spare, brown grocery sacks anymore.

The end result was delicious. I should know, because I ate half of it. The kids only took a miniature bite and then retrieved a treat from the pantry. My "fun" mothering skills failed yet again. At least this time they tasted yummy!

Brown Bag Carmel Corn
(this actually turns out more like Cracker Jacks)

3-4 quarts popped popcorn (tip: 1 quart equals 4 c.)
Place in a clean, brown grocery sack
Option: add peanuts or almonds

Place in a bowl:
1 c. brown sugar
1 stick butter
1/4 c. light corn syrup
1/2 t. salt
Microwave this for 1 minute, then stir.
Microwave 3 more minutes, then stir.

Add to bowl (will make it foam):
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. vanilla
Stir well.

Pour mixture over popcorn in the bag.
Fold over bag 2 times.
Shake.
Microwave 1 1/2 minutes.
Shake.
Microwave 1 minute.
Shake.
Pour onto a cookie sheet.

Best when served immediately.

The Days Discoveries

In no specific order, here are the things I discovered today:

1. If you live in Texas, you should not be required to sit outside during your child's swim lessons. Over the last 3 days, I've lost 4 pds. in water through my sweat.

2. Marker containers should be emptied more often than once a year.
Addie and her friends dumped out the contents of the marker bin onto the floor for easier access to coloring tools. At the bottom of the pile, I found a dried up cockroach shell. For reals. I can't decide if it died in there this summer or last.

3. I'm a moron. This seems to be a reoccurring discovery.
I catered to the children today. Tried to make them happy and enjoy a fun, summer day. I let a plethora of friends come over and made sure everyone was entertained. I applauded the cheer routine they assembled and I made different lunches according to what each individual wanted. I made banana bread for a snack and at one point, everyone was seated on the floor with their own individual bag of popcorn. Catered. To. The. Children. Every now and then, like once every 2 years, I put forth the effort to be an ideal mom. Today was the day.

But by 3:00 pm, I had a crying child and tattle telling friends. I grew weary and started to lose my 'good mother' focus. At this point, I was asking Child #2 (over the phone) to bring home her clothes (from my mom's house) so that I could wash them. Her response to me, (said with disgust in her voice), "You haven't washed my clothes yet!" I almost reached through the phone and popped her head right off. Right. Off.

The lesson I discovered today, is that I'm an idiot. In the way, way back of my subconscious, I actually thought (for a fraction of a second) that my kids are now old enough to actually appreciate the things I do. I'm a moron for thinking such things.

***

I'm hoping that tomorrow's discoveries include some sort of shopping. Alone.

Summer List #9 and #1

Paper Mache.
Yes, it was my idea and yes, people started to shake their hands and fling the glue mixture everywhere. I'm not even sure that our creations will dry in a place with 98% humidity.
Snowcones.
A MUST for any Summer List and a treat on a hot day.

Do you like the bruise in the center of Addie's forehead? The large one right between her eyes? She fell (again) and smacked her head on the wood section of the stairs. What was she doing before she fell, you ask? Walking. On flat ground.

That was definitely not on the Summer List.

Honor

I have no defining thoughts to place here today. No eloquent words come to mind. My thoughts are simply....quiet.

I have spent a majority of the day trying to avoid the very purpose it offers. I've stayed busy and tried not to let my mind wander into deep, troubled waters.

But now, in the calm evening, I can't keep them at bay. Thoughts of my father flood my vision. Is it possible to find pain within the folds of a happy memory? I think so.

How many Father's Days have I passed through in my lifetime? 39, to be exact. How many of those did I weigh the importance of the day and give it my full attention? I can't be sure. I took them for granted.

But now, this day holds more meaning than I can grasp. It feels bigger than the day itself.

For today, I shall honor. The amazing father of my children, and the father who took a part of me with him when he left.

I whisper my love to you.

Summer Night #16

In between the sibling fights, putting away groceries, and the pleading for people to pick up their crap, a perfect summer night unfolded. It was one of those nights where life seemed to settle into a cozy rhythm. I found myself soaking in the minutes, knowing that regular life would take over within the hour.

After we returned home from Karate Kid, the new slip n' slide was assembled. By this time of year in Texas, you can't really bare being outside for fear of being scorched. Tonight, as they played together and laughed, the temperature felt just a bit cooler.
Frosting played a large part in the perfect evening. It wouldn't really have been perfect at all if it hadn't included baked goods. The frosted cookies are to be handed out tomorrow at church. And, I'll have you know, Todd made the Father's Day cookies. Kinda poignant, don't you think?

If you look closely, you'll notice that I removed all the crispy, brown edges. I dipped each and every one (I shared a few) into that bowl of frosting. I'm pretty sure that heaven smells just like that bowl.

And, if frosted cookies weren't enough, the final lining of my evening's perfection came from this--
Chip's Ahoy WITH. REESE'S. CUPS! I know, I know, it almost takes your breath away. I literally gasped in the cookie isle at Walmart today. I'm serious. I took the box off the shelf and held it close to my heart while my mind whispered the words, "Someone finally used their genius brain cells to create a cookie that will improve the lives of all humanity." I might have to go out on a limb and suggest this invention for the Nobel Peace Prize.

An hour or so after my perfect summer night began, it all seemed to fade into normality. Showers had to be taken, dishes cleaned and slides put away. But somehow, these ordinary motions felt just a little easier to accomplish. Smiles seemed to remain and tired bodies lounged on the couch. A few arguments erupted and even tears from the youngest. Just a bit of normal sprinkled into an evening to remember.