Why I am Not Too Worried About the Next Generation

Bryce won first place in a talent show at his school a few Fridays ago and I cried. I didn't cry because of his excellent performance, though he did rock the stage on that drum set.  I didn't cry when they announced his name as the winner of the high school division, though I was proud. My tears were because of something that the entire audience witnessed and became a part of - something beautiful and extraordinary.

The show had 23 performers in all. The middle school students performed first- playing the piano, strumming guitars, and singing.  About halfway through the middle school portion, a girl walked out alone onto the stage. We heard the first few piano chords of Adele’s “Hello,” but when it came time for her to sing, the girl’s voice was barely audible. She apologized and started over. Again, she struggled to find a beginning pitch. The audience cheered and urged her to start again, but after trying again, it was clear that she didn’t know what to do. The weight of all the eyes in the room were too heavy for her and she was frozen. The silent seconds ticked by slowly.  I knew this would not end well because I knew how this would have affected me at her age. How would she be able to ever face her peers again if she were to run off the stage? How would a teenage girl’s soul ever be able to recover from the defeat of this moment?

But then something beautiful happened. Bryce and the rest of the high school students who were sitting on the front row waiting to perform began to sing, “Hello, it’s me.  I was wondering if after all these years you'd like to meet...”

Then the row of students behind me began to join in the singing... “to go over everything...” 

The students in the audience kept singing and then yelled for her to lead them in the microphone. Another student who had already performed ran out on stage to stand beside her, put her hand on her shoulder, and encouraged her to sing. Her dad came up the steps and stood on the other side of her and placed his hand on her other shoulder. The entire audience sang the verse and chorus with her, and at the end the whole auditorium erupted into claps and whistles.  What had started as potential moment of humiliation and defeat for this girl, ended in a big smile and a moment of triumph. We had all witnessed an enchanted moment. It was a moment where everyone in the room stepped out of themselves for a minute and thought of the girl on stage and what she needed at that moment. Tears flowed, not out of sadness, but out of the magic of what we had all just witnessed. 

Sometimes I have worried about the next generation- are they too wrapped up in their phones and selfies?  Are they whiners and lazy because of the constant video games and television?  That night, they had all won my admiration and my heart. I am not so worried about this next generation now. I witnessed compassion, bravery, kindness, and love poured out for a fellow student. Isn't that what we all need in this life-people on each side of us, holding us up, telling us we can finish?  We all need to remind each other that we are capable and worthy and can rise above the ashes of our moments of defeat. I was more proud of my son for helping start that song than I was for him winning first place. Awards and certificates will collect dust & fade, but a heart full of love for others lasts forever.  

Stupid Mom Moments

Have you ever experienced a Stupid Mom Moment?  You know, one of those moments when you don’t think through a situation entirely and then when you realize your stupidity, it is too late. These are my recent stories:

Like many Stupid Mom stories, this begins with “I took the kids to Wal-Mart.”  I told them they could each get a pool noodle, which is about $1 each. We went and picked out noodles first. Beside the plain noodles were these noodles with faces and tails. The boys loved them and so I looked and the price said $2.88.  I thought, “That is a good deal.”  They picked out their favorites and we tried to stuff them in the buggy. They would not fit. So we let them hang out and tried to walk around the store, which turned out to be a huge problem because we could not fit down the aisles without hitting stuff/shoppers.  We had to go through every food aisle with these giant things. When people went by us, they were hit with noodles or the noodles snagged on their buggies.

Some people look annoyed, some people smiled, and some people gave me a “I am so sorry for you with those giant noodles hanging from your buggy and your kids doing circles in the aisle” look. I finally fixed them so their tails were in the buggy and their faces were beside me where I hold the handle. When we finally got to the check-out, we got behind “that person.” You know that person, the one with the coupons or special checks or no bar codes or something that takes FOREVER!!  After 10 minutes of waiting, we finally get our chance.  She scanned the giant noodles and I gave each of them to the boys to hold. The one plain noodle I got for Bryce wouldn’t scan after 5 attempts and then suddenly I BECAME “that person.”  The cashier asks how much it was. I said, “A dollar something. I know those other ones were $2.88 but I did not get a good look at the plain ones.”  The cashier looked at the ticket and said, “Those noodles were $12.88.” 

“WHAT? 12.88 each?” –me
“That will be $36.00!!!” –Preston chimes in, holding his noodle lovingly

I look and the little boys are riding their noodles and I see little hearts and rainbows floating above their heads. What do I do? We had gone through so much together already, those noodles and I.  But I cannot afford those noodles! A good mom cannot take the noodles without giving them a plain one to take its place. And I am holding up the line!!!! So I say “forget the plain noodle since we don’t know the price. I guess I will keep the other noodles.”

Oh, the pain of that purchase! Then when I got to the car, I realized these noodles will barely fit in the trunk of my van. What was I thinking?? Mega-noodles with faces and tails only being $2.88?!?!? And fitting in my van and we all living happily ever after!?!?!   Stupid Mom Moment!!

This other story is a of a time where I thought through the way something would be in my head and it didn't quite work out that way in real life. A few weeks ago, I went to the Georgia Military College Graduation.  I had to take Jude and Maddox because Clint was at a church manly-man thing with the bigger boys. I did not want to miss it because a good friend was graduating,  and so I took the chance in taking my little tornadoes.  I knew the graduation would be outside so I dressed the boys accordingly. I also knew they would get bored so I went by McDonald's and got them both Happy Meals and figured they would eat and then play with the toys.
Our friends invited us to a seat in the first row, which left the boys lots of room to sit in the grass in front of my chair and play. I thought I had done a good job planning until Maddox huffed and puffed and sneezed a great sneeze. His nose exploded with snot. It was thick and was hanging there, long and thick like clear silly putty. This was not something you could wipe with your hand or the underside of a shirt. I had nothing- not even napkins in the Happy Meal.  Fortunately there was a dad beside me with a baby and I said, “Quick. I need a wipe, PLEASE!”  He came to my rescue and that problem was resolved. And we lived happily ever after at graduation, right? Nope. My boys were not interested in the bluebird that was in their box. Instead, they decided to make a helmet out of their box. Jude stood up and started walking around & running into the other guests with the box over his face. What was I thinking bringing two little human tornadoes to a college graduation?!?!?  Next time, I will find a sitter or bring more napkins and crackers…. or sedatives.  
 

My Resume is Unimpressive

After 13 years of staying home and being a non-paycheck-working mom, I am trying to join the world of the get-a-paycheck-working mom. I have been digging up diplomas and trying to remember and list any accomplishments over the past decade or so. I did lots of important things and was in lots of clubs in high school and college. I directed musicals in my early teaching career.  But as I look back over the past 12 baby-bearing years, there are not too many things I can write on my resume that really seem “important” enough to look good on paper.  I struggle with not being able to put “mom” on my resume.  Why is there not a line for that?  I think I have done some pretty hard, note-worthy things being “just a mom.” 

In fact, there are some things I would LIKE to list on my resume that I feel are pretty darn big accomplishments, but I fear they won’t seem all that important to my prospective employers.

A few Stand-Out Accomplishments:

• Stayed at home with four boys over  a 12 1/2 year span and I am not completely insane
• I can change a diaper with my eyes closed in a matter of seconds
• Wrestled and helped put a calf in my minivan
• Picked up & buried a headless chicken carcass buzzing with big green flies
• Potty trained four boys (one of them was a truly a miracle)
• Carried possums and raccoons in the trunk of my minivan
• Taught my kids Reading, Math, Science, English, Bible, & Social Studies
• Went to war with a family of bats living in my garage and came away victorious
• Plan and organized schedules, food, clothes, & laundry  for a family of 6
• Can herd cows on foot, on a bicycle, or with my van
• Retrieved a Pull-up deeply embedded in a full toilet of poop without calling a plumber

By the world’s standards, my accomplishments are pretty unimportant. Sometimes even by my standards, I see myself the same way.  Am I making my mark on the world? Am I doing great things like they challenged me to do at my graduations?

 “Dream big dreams.”      “Your mountain is waiting, now be on your way.” 

The only mountain I have climbed lately is Mount Laundry, looming large and frightful on my love seat.  The only dream I have had recently is to be by myself in the bathroom without someone coming in to ask me a question or tattle.  The past decade has been full of breast feeding,  cheerios, laundry, dishes, diapers, potty training, endless lists,  supporting Clint’s career with the BHS band, and always some form of poop.

            Normal person- “Hi. So, what have you been up to?”

Me- “Oh, just scrubbed the entire bathroom today because after my kid pooped in the toilet, he thought it would be a good idea to “clean” his poop with the toilet bowl brush and spread it all over the toilet, the lid, and the walls.  So what about you?"

Normal person- Throws up in their mouth a little & runs away yelling, “Gotta get back to work!”

The truth is, when I look at myself and my accomplishments from the world’s standards, they will always fall short. I really don’t mind that I have not been forging my own path & winning awards in a "real" career.  I feel like I have done what God called me to do in this season of my life- raise some boys, love my husband, & teach some teenagers about God's love.  That has been my passion and the career I gladly chose.  Do I look down on others who have had a different career and have had plaques, promotions, and accomplishments? No. I am proud of them and their hard work and the credentials they have earned . I cannot compare my path to the paths of others because we have been called to wonderfully different things.

I saw this quote a few months ago and it is a reminder to me that in this part of my life, I have done, though not always well, what I felt God called me to do.

“The plain fact is that the world does not need more successful people, but it does desperately need more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of every kind. It needs people who live well in their places. It needs people of moral courage willing to join the fight to make the world habitable and humane. And these qualities have little to do with success as our culture has defined it.” – David Orr

I think I may make a few new lines on my resume for peacemaker, healer, restorer, storyteller, and lover.  I have truly learned a lot during the first "mom years" part my life.  It has been hard, beautiful, fun, difficult, joyous, challenging, wonderful, and adventure-filled. I am a little scared and a lot excited about what God has in store for me in this next leg of the journey. So although my paper resume is pretty unimpressive, on my real life resume, I think I am doing just fine.


Amy

God has not called me to be successful; He has called me to be faithful.

-Mother Teresa

Manny on a Fanny

Have you ever wondered how Santa knows who is naughty and who is nice? Manny on a Fanny is a very special tool that helps Santa know who to put on the Naughty and Nice list.

An excellent listener and even better observer, this scout mannequin head is the eyes and ears of Santa Claus. Taking in all the day-to-day activities around the house, no good deed goes unnoticed; Manny takes his job seriously.

 

Each night, after the family goes to bed, Manny calls Santa on his cell to make his daily report. Since mannequin heads like to play games, don't expect to find Manny in the same spot the next day! He may be hiding in the washing machine or taking a dip in the tub. You never know where that Manny may end up! 

 

On Christmas Eve, when Manny hears Santa's bells, he will give back his magically powered Santa hat until the next season, and become just a regular old mannequin head again.

 

Be on the look-out for new Manny updates & pictures. What could say, "Merry Christmas" more than a festive Manny on a Fanny?

 

Make Mine the Poo-Poo Platter- Now THAT'S a Bad Day!!

Warning: This post may include too much information. If you are sensitive to potty stories, stop reading now. Out of respect for all things good, I will not include any pictures with this post.

So this morning started like any other- the sun came up & Jude began yelling, "Can somebody get me outta my bed?!! It's always more of a demand than a question. He can actually get out of his toddler bed by himself, but he won't until someone opens his door. He then started yelling, "I need to tee-tee." I broke my own rule and let him use my toilet. (This is the one toilet in the house that is mine. I do not use the others in the house because there is always pee on the seat or the lid is up. No one is allowed to use my toilet but me and Clint).  I took off his Pull-up and sat in on the window sill. As I was flushing the toilet, my arm hit the Pull-up, it fell off the window sill right into the toilet during the last flushing suction. It disappeared out of sight.  I reached in my hand. It was gone.

Next, I did what I always do when I don't know what to do- I called Clint. He said it might have gone on down since it was smaller than a diaper and we would be able to tell in a few days (we have a septic tank). I was satisfied with that answer.

A little while later,  I "had to drop some kids off at the pool." I used my toilet. When I flushed it, it filled up to the rim. I knew then that the pull-up was down there stuck somewhere, clogging up the system. I called Clint. Of course, he laughed at me and scolded me saying, "Why did you poop in the toilet knowing that you had just flushed a Pull-up down it?"  I replied,  "I don't know. Maybe because I'm an idiot?"  I used the plunger as instructed- nothing. I said, "It stinks really bad."  Clint replied, "I am sure it does. I have not ever smelled any that didn't."  Comedian. Clint said we would have to call a plumber and he would have to probably unhook the toilet because the pull-up might be stuck where the toilet and pipe meet. So some man I have never met would have to come and see and dig through a toilet bowl full of my poop? And I would have to explain my idiotness to him? How utterly embarrassing!

I then got a plastic cup and began scooping the contents of the toilet into a little bucket. I told Clint I would pour it on his tomato bushes. He did not think that was funny. After carrying out 3 bucketfuls of filth and lots of gagging in between, I was at the bottom.  I was determined not to call a plumber. First, it would be costing our family a needless expense, all because of me. Second, I was determined that some stranger was not going to have to dig around in my poo. I kept this all in mind as I reached my arm up to my elbow into the innards of the toilet. It was then I felt it- the bulging Pull-up, stuck down there, taunting me.

I knew it was time for battle. I called Clint again. He wished me a strong stomach & said, "Be sure to get your phone far away from the toilet." Dang-it- he does know me so well!  I put the phone on the counter & began playing the song "Beautiful Things" as I mentally prepared myself.  I was ready. I took a breath, put on a bandanna, reached down and pulled. It did not move. One of the boys came in to the bathroom to tattle on another. I yelled, "Do not disturb me unless someone is bleeding profusely or the possibility of death is imminent!" I reached my hand in again. I gagged. Bryce came in, "Are you ok?"  Me- "No! I am not. I am digging around in my own poop! Now thank you very much for your concern. Go away!"

I reached in again. I got my pointer finger around the bottom of the pull-up and yanked. It moved a little. I breathed like they tell you to do when you are in labor. I pulled. It moved a little more. After a few minutes of pulling, gagging, & breathing, out came the full Pull-up. I rejoiced & gagged some more. I washed my arm with soap. Then washed it with vinegar for a full two minutes.  I used dish washing soap & scrubbed like I was going into surgery. I think my right arm is a shade lighter than my left because of all the skin I scrubbed of of it.

I called Clint. He was proud of my accomplishment & the money I saved our family.  I have fought the good fight today. I feel as if I can conquer anything- now onto Mount Laundry-More.

Amy

Legoland- A Picturementary

Since I have had a few people ask me about Legoland Atlanta, I thought I would just post the details  of our experience.  Our family went a week ago for Preston's birthday. These are my thoughts and observations.

We purchased our tickets online and the earliest time we could get for that day was  noon. After entering, they moved us into a holding area where there are some Lego bricks, scales, etc., and an employee told facts about Legos. Then the doors open and you stand in a line (it was short when we arrived) for a ride to get inside. They were not letting people with strollers get on the ride, they had to go around. The ride seats 4 and you have a laser gun to shoot Lego things as you move through. This was fun and the only drawback is that you can only ride it once. Preston was asking to ride it again but we couldn't since it only goes one way.

Things to do inside:

• Play area & slide (2-5 year olds)- This area had a big "sand box" full of big foam Lego blocks. The two little boys enjoyed this area and played there awhile.
• Mini-Land of Atlanta- This was a big room full of Atlanta famous places and attractions made entirely out of Legos. The boys all enjoyed this room. You could not touch anything, but there was lots to look at. Jude (almost 3 years old) even liked this room. We went in when we arrived and before we left. There was a lot to see.
• Ride- I cannot remember the name of it. It was a two-seater and went up and down depending on how fast you pedaled. You must be over 3 feet tall to ride and those 4 feet and under had to ride with a parent. The line took about 15 minutes. There were little Lego tables to play with towards the back of the line while the kids waited.
• Lego Master Builder Academy- new ones starts every 30 minutes. Kids get to go in (without adults) and build things around a 4-person Lego table. I don't know if they were given any instructions or not. When I asked Preston what the instructor said, he said, "Make whatever you want."  I took a picture of their creation, but of course, they had to leave it there.
• Build-a-Car Tracks- Kids could build a large or small Lego car and roll it on a big track. This was Jude's favorite thing.
• Girl Section- It was pink. Had some building tables. There was a Karaoke stage but no microphone to sing into. Kids could choose from a selection of annoying songs to sing along with. On stage. With no microphone. In my opinion, the girl section seemed like they just made it so they could say there was a girl section.
• Movie Theatre- I think there were 3 different movies. They rotated playing them every 20 minutes or so. The movie was 4D- you had 3D glasses and you got lightly sprayed with water, wind, and snow. The older boys liked it. There were a few parts that scared Jude but he scares easily anyway.
• Playground Area- Kids must have socks to play inside.  Adults are not allowed inside. Chick-Fil-A playground x 5. There is an employee who monitors the playground and when it reaches maximum capacity, she does not allow anymore children inside. A line forms. The employees clears the play area. Kids leaving can go to the back of the line and go back in. All the boys liked this area. Preston got tired of it more quickly than the others. Outside the playground area, there are a few stools scattered around for parents.
• Foam Pools- There are small foam pools full of Legos (about the size of the turtle sandboxes) scattered throughout the area. Kids can sit by them or in them and play.
• City Building Table- I wasn't sure what to call this area. It is a large table with a few building areas. The kids are supposed to build a Lego building that can withstand an earthquake. The kids build on a platform, then they can turn a knob and the whole platform will shake. Maddox (age 5) really liked this area.
• Cafe- Area that has tables and chairs and food. Nachos were $3. Sandwiches were $3. They had a meal deal for hotdogs (4 hotdogs, 4 sodas, 4 chips) for $15. There was a pizza meal deal (pizza, 4 sodas, 4 chips) for $15. I recommend eating before you go in. We did not buy food but we spent $15 on 3 Dasani waters. We ate at the Johnny Rockets which is right in front of the entrance then entered Legoland at 12 noon.
• Exit- You exit into the Lego store, of course!

Price

We purchased tickets online instead of at the door which saved us about $10 in all.

I am cheap, so to me, all kid's amusement activities are over-priced. We have 6 people in our family so the ticket prices add up. I would not go back every month but it would be worth it once a year since Preston loves Legos.

Baby Friendliness

To me, the area would be difficult to navigate with a big stroller. A small, umbrella stroller would be better. I did not see any nursing rooms.

Cleanliness

They get an A for cleanliness. The bathrooms were clean. They have a men's, women's, and one family bathroom. There were employees that walked around inside Legoland picking up trash as well as Legos. There were a few hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the area.

Security

It was a safe environment. Anyone can pay to come in, though, so keep in mind it could be a good place for a child predator. I would like it better if they would stamp your hands and then check them to make sure they match the parents when you are leaving.

Overall, Legoland was a good experience. The boys all had a great time. Here are a few pictures:

Amy

5 Years of Maddox

Maddox turned 5 years old yesterday. He came into the world in a rush at 12:51am- no doctor or nurse there to catch him. No pictures or videos snapping the moment. No family eagerly awaiting his arrival in the lobby. He came before any of us were ready for him.  His little body was blue and still. I held my breath. Time seemed to move so slowly...waiting to hear the welcome sound of his first cry. Nothing. I had never heard Clint yell at anyone before like he did the nurses. They frantically massaged his body and suctioned his mouth and nose.  Finally, he made a sneezing sound and then we heard the glorious sounds of his first cries!  The doctor arrived 7 minutes later.

Although he was in a rush to arrive, he has always been a  laid back and go-with-the flow kid.  Maddox is our child that was content in the arms of anyone.  He is goofy, tender, gentle, wild, and cuddly. He had a drool gland that seemed to work overtime and soak all of his clothes. He would crawl by holding his head down like a battering ram and then kick it into super-speed.  He still makes silly faces and loves to cook. It has been a joy seeing him grow, change, and still stay the same.

Proud to be Maddox's Mommy,
Amy

"It was on my fifth birthday that Papa put his hand on my shoulder and said, 'Remember, my son, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.'" -Sam Levenson