That's so weird...or The Squirrel Story

I pondered posting this story last week under the title of, Thankful Thursday: Rakes Left Out in a Handy Place. But I decided this one was just too weird to post on TT. In fact, I decided I needed a little time to recoup from this one before writing about it, because I have to admit, it is one of the weirdest things I've ever experienced....and I still feel a little skittish about squirrels.

It happened last Thursday night that our whole family was walking home from a school program that my older two children participated in. (It was really cute by the way...Sophie danced so sweetly and Sam rocked out to the beat standing up on the risers...he was hilarious. I can't wait to get him on the drums :) Anyway, Sam, Sophie, Sarah and myself were walking down the sidewalk, nearly home. Luke (who had the keys in his pocket) and Ruby were lagging behind a couple houses back.

We came upon a neighbor walking his dog...a large dog. As we went to pass, a squirrel came out of nowhere right up to the dog. Normally you would think a dog would start barking and going after the little critter, but that did not happen. The dog backed off, nervously. At first we all kind of laughed, commenting on how we had never seen such a bold squirrel. Then the neighbor, getting nervous about this confrontation between dog and tree-rodent, took off for home. This is when the craziness started. Luke told me later that our neighbor had passed him and said something like, "I've never seen a dog so afraid of a girl" It wasn't until after this weird incident happened that he realized the man had said "squirrel" not "girl."

As our neighbor moved down the street, Luke was still far behind and had no idea what was going on. I shuffled the kids on to the front deck to wait for Luke to unlock the door. The squirrel followed us, jumped on the lattice work and started up the deck. At this point, we were all getting pretty freaked out. We made a break for the back yard. The squirrel chased us all the way back!! Okay, this is really weird, I thought. Since the doors were LOCKED and the keys were in LUKE'S POCKET and he had NO IDEA what was going on, I told the kids to climb up on the swing set platform and grabbed the aforementioned Handy-Rake to fend off this crazy squirrel.
Seriously, picture it....the squirrel is repeatedly coming after me, growling (yes, growling), and trying to get up to the kids, the kids are crying and yelling, I'm fending the critter off with a rake, flipping it into the air a couple of times, trying to retain my composure and comfort the kids. It was insane. My husband, by the way is inside, thinking we had gone out back to play for a while...he did not hear me calling...I was trying not to get the kids too worked up. Finally he comes to the back door to let our little dog out. I'm standing there with the rake, yelling "Get Oliver inside!!!" The kids are crying. The squirrel is attacking. At first Luke thinks I'm making a bigger deal out of the whole thing than necessary, then after a moment's reflection, he realizes...this squirrel is NUTS! (lol) He got the dog in and ran down to the rescue. While Luke took over Handy-Rake duties, I picked up each of the kids separately, running them into the house. When I went to take Sarah, the squirrel was under the back deck stairs, so I made a break for the front door...It took out CHASING us all the way! I put Sarah in and ran back...still chased by the squirrel! I'm thinking of course, "Rabid Squirrel!!!." Finally, we all got in.

We waited a while and Luke took Ollie out to piddle...Rake in hand. Animal Control was closed so I called them the next day and tried to explain this scenario. All I got was,
"That was a mother squirrel. She must have a nest nearby."
I tried again to emphasis the beyond-normal aggressiveness of this squirrel. Nothing...she was entirely unalarmed, uninterested.
"That's what mother's do," she said flatly.
"Ookay, thanks, bye."
Haven't seen the squirrel since...well at least, if we have it was much better behaved. Maybe it was just a really, really, really over-protective mother. We've all met one. I don't know...I'm just sayin'.

All I could think was, "RABIES!!"

It was weird...it was really weird.

Just for Joy

I'm not the kind of person who really enjoys shopping and rarely buy things on a whim, but I was at the Dollar Tree with my hubby the other day looking for a giant bubble wand and a gag gift when I ran in to this little guy.
I couldn't help but smile...he's just so darn jovial. Then I picked him up and instinctively gave his little plastic case a small squeeze...and found myself laughing out loud at the combination of the faint popping sound and the frolicking clown inside. So for a buck, I brought him home. My kids were as impressed with him as I was and have found endless delight in his popping case. Then the unmentionable happened...removed from his case, the little glass clown slipped from Sarah's fingers and broke. I felt a sudden twinge of irritation and the urge to scold her...remembering then that I had also purchased some super glue, I scooped up the clown and in moments our joy purchase was again standing atop his ball making us all smile. I've glued him once more since then, but we're all still smiling.

A lesson in impermanence...everything changes. Glass breaks. Joy can be found in simple things outside ourselves. But lasting joy? That comes from within.

The Picture Post :)

Back from Vacation

I'm ready for a vacation. We arrived home from our zippy Spring Break trip to Florida on Monday at about 2:30 am. The past week has been spent trying to recuperate, getting the kids back and forth to school, avoiding an everest-sized pile of laundry that I've been transferring repeatedly from floor to bed and back, wondering aimlessly around a big city trying to get to a doctor's appointment for my four-year-old, and blowing my nose raw. I keep asking myself, "Did we just go to Disney World?" Whoa...did I miss that or what?

Yes, we drove a long long way. We played in the water, visited Neverland (which Sophie proclaimed as a dream come true), explored Mickey's house and the Hundred Acre Woods, Ooohed and Aaahed at the parade and fireworks. We went on Safari at the Animal Kingdom where Samuel rode his first roller coaster. Then spent a day at Sea World. The shark exhibit was a hit with the older two and we all got a bang out of Clyde and Seamore (at the seal show.) I'm always in awe of the beluga whale exhibit...incredible. I have to admit though, the new Shamu show had me holding back tears a few times...a beautiful tribute to Mother Earth and our connection with all the creatures of our blue planet.

Then we drove back home. Home is good.

Thankful Thursday: Children's Motrin and Toddler Chatter

My kids have been sick this week. Poor Sophie started complaining about a headache Sunday night and has had a fever off and on since, followed by a flaming sore throat and earache. Sarah climbed up in my lap on Tuesday afternoon and said, "I think I have a fever." She was asleep within minutes in my arms. We went to the doctor yesterday...the throat swabs came back negative for strep throat, but I'd be surprised if the culture results told the same story. I am so thankful for Children's Motrin and Tylenol...I know my girls are too.

During weeks like this one, a bit of light-hearted humor does a lot for the soul. Ruby (19 mo.) is always willing to comply. Her toddler chatter is so funny. If you ask her what her name is right now she will always respond with a smile and "Googay." Yesterday she was nursing while I sat at the computer. She stopped and said, "No...no nurse." Pausing for a moment, then, "Okay...nurse," picking up where she left off. I'm thankful for toddler chatter...it's a sign that she's growing up, yes...and nursing my baby will not last much longer...a reminder to laugh and enjoy the fleeting time because baby is growing up.

Thankful Thursday on Friday Morning

Last night after getting the kids settled, I laid in bed thinking about gratitude. Even though I was just too exhausted to write my TT post, it was such a good feeling to fall asleep thinking about all the things to be thankful for in my day. I'm glad I fell asleep before I could write last night, because I woke up this morning still thinking about what I'm thankful for. The first sound I heard was my children's happy voices and the toy radio that plays backyardigans tunes. I could picture Ruby in the girls' room dancing to the music (she is in love with that radio). Sophie and Sarah were chattering about their plans for the day. Sarah is always thrilled to have Sophie home from school...a long weekend is like heaven to her. Samuel ran up the stairs all excited to let the girls know that he was the first one up (even after staying awake until midnight to finish the second Harry Potter book.) I took a deep cleansing breath, smiled and reached for my laptop...did I mention that my new computer is basically book-sized? It fits in my purse and has a keyboard that is pretty easy to maneuver with a little practice...also, it's pink.;) Sitting in my bed, I began to type this post. Ruby walked in carrying her Elmo cellphone...
"Ello? Ello?"
The phone was propped between her shoulder and ear. The call was for me, so I took it,
"Hello? Hi...oh you want to talk to Ruby? Just a minute. They want to talk to you, Ruby-Jewely."
"Ello? Ello? Oh by-by Bapa"
Is there really a better way to wake up?

This morning my life feels charmed. Now I'm sitting in my kitchen at my teeny-tiny desk with my laptop charging as I write, tapping my foot to Colby Caillat singing a Bubbly song. My girls are in time-out over a dispute about whether unicorns fly or not...a disagreement that culminated with a few slugs. Sarah's crying in the corner, whining, "It's taking a long time, Mommy."
I peak around the corner and say,"Sarah, you are not supposed to be talking. You are supposed to be thinking about how to treat your sister with love and kindness."
"I already did thaaaat."
"You did? Are you ready to make things right?"
"Yeeeessss."
Of course, "sorrys" and hugs follow.
"Sophie, do you think you can give your sister a little liberty to use her imagination to make her unicorn fly?"
"But unicorns don't fly."
"Don't you have a Pegasus somewhere that Sarah can use?"
Sarah, crying again, "My pants are backwards...and they won't stay uuuuuuup!"
"Ponies and pants, Ponies and pants!" I run upstairs to find the My Little Pony hat box and some pants that will cheer Sarah.

Everybody's happy now...I sweep up the Jewel and swing her around the kitchen accompanied by the i-pod bellowing "I'm Walking On Sunshine!" In return, I get filled to the brim with joyful toddler squeals and laughter. As I sit back down to write, Sophie runs in, "Mommy, look!" She proudly displays her newly acquired snapping skills. "Way to go, Sophie!" Ruby enters, "bowl, Mama, bowl."
"You want a banana, Rubes? Banana...naner, naner, naner!" (I'm singing now.) Ruby says, "Naner, naner, no no no." She wants chocolate chips. The i-pod now accompanies the moment, "...when you've only got a hundred years to live." How charmed is my life?

It's all in perspective, you know. My mornings aren't always like this. Well, they are, only I don't always see it this way. Today, I woke up thankful. I woke up awake...present to the moment.
Somedays all the noise and choas are overwhelming and I just want some peace...the joy is lost on me and everything seems like a drudgery. I miss it all...all the spirit and music mixed in with sibling arguments and whining. But today, I did not. Today, I chose...chose to be awake and thankful. And that made all the difference.

My Mom's Surprise

I don't think my Mom will mind me sharing that she is a perpetually young-at-heart sixty-eight year-old. My mom loves Disney World and roller coasters...Shes been to both Disney World and Disneyland at least once...and as many times (if not more) without children as with. Her enthusiasm for joy-chasing is refreshing. She often likens herself to Tigger, which I would fully agree with. You either, like Roo, go along for the ride, or like Rabbit, try to lose her in the woods. Which is okay, as long as you drop her in my woods. Trouble is, she's hard to lose. And after a while of walking by yourself, you realize how much you appreciate her bouncing. After all, Tigger's not Tigger without his bounce.

Mom just never forgot all the youthful joy in life. She still enjoys sitting up late singing all the songs from girl scout camp at Turkey Creek, where she spent so many summers known as "Little Turtle." I know, because I've sat up late singing with her...she remembers way more songs than I do. Did you know that "Seikooc" is 'cookies' spelled backwards? (That's pronounced See-ko-wok for all you un-kansas-non-girl-scouters.) And I know watching a good old clip of Shirely Temple or Fred Astaire tapping makes her want to jump up and do a few steps herself...she's still that little gal who taught tap-dance in the studio her dad built. She's also the mom of six kids and grandma to 29 grandchildren.

Mom not only plays the piano, but she also taught herself the accordian and loves the tambourine. In fact, she bought Sarah and me our own tambourines when we were young. I joined right in with Mom, standing in the pews beating my tambourine to "I'll Fly Away." Maybe that's where my love of percussion came from...I know Mom's influence was a big part of my love for music. I started playing the snare drum in the 5th grade. Later, Dad gave in and bought me an old drumset. Mom came to all our school band concerts, tape recorder in hand, to hear Sarah on the flute, me on percussion. I enjoyed the orchestra bells and marimba, but I loved playing the drums.

I passed my drums on to my younger brother then to my nephew after leaving for college. My nephew is way better than I ever was. I've played a drumset maybe once in the past 10-plus years, moving on to fiddling with the piano and guitar...a bit more *mature* instruments, especially for a mom and wife. But just like Mom's tapping, I can't help but get a little antsy inside when I hear some great drumming. I've always said drumming is like dancing. A few nights ago, I dreamt I was playing the drums...I was really good, way better than I ever was in real life. It was so fun...like August Rush banging on that guitar...pure joy.

Funny enough, my Mom called me yesterday. The conversation (if not exactly in this order) went something like this:

Mom: "I've been thinking about you. I keep checking my answering machine to see if you've called."
Me: "I've been thinking about you too, trying to put my calendar into my new computer. Are you really going to be 69 this year, Mom?
Mom: "Yes, 69 this year."
Me: "Wow...Guess what...your birthday is on Hannakuh."
Mom: "Hannakuh...hey, that's neat."
Mom: "I'm sitting here at the computer and I found a drumset that is usually $569.00 and is on clearance for $199.99. That's a good deal. It's the company that I buy my tambourines from."
Me: "That is a good deal."
Mom: "Would you like to have a drumset?"
Me (laughing): "Are you kidding, I'd love a drumset...Luke almost got me one for Christmas, but he wasn't sure where we'd put it."
Mom: "Do you have a place for one?"
Me (Still laughing): "If I had a drumset, you know I'd find a place for it...I think the foosball table would have to go."
Mom: "How would you feel if I got you one?"
Me: "I'd probably cry."
Mom: "They have a blue one and a red one...what color would you want?"
Me (again, laughing): "What? Are you for real? I guess the blue one."
Mom: "Oh, wait, the blue one is a hundred dollars more."
Me: "For two hundred dollars, who cares what color it is!"
Mom: "The red one's really pretty. Wait, I can email you this website."
Me: "I like the red one better!"
Mom: "Okay, I'm ordering it...they'll send it to your house. You'll have to play it for me over the phone when you get it and when I come up this summer."
Me: "This is so funny..." I relay the dream I had just a couple of nights before this conversation.
Mom: "Well, I've been thinking about you and your drums lately. I did really well on my last book fair and I have some extra money...I've been blessed and I just wanted to bless you."
Me: "Thank you, Mom...thank you, so much."

Sometimes when you grow up, you forget your bliss...those simple things that are so innately you...that bring you such joy. Every once in a while I'm reminded and I step out of the everyday "grown up" world that I've created around myself and I let myself go back to just being "me." Because that little gal banging on the tambourine, belting out "I'll Fly Away" is still me.

I've always been told that I'm a lot like my mom. It's true, I am. Next month, we're going to Disney World. I thought I'd send Luke on the roller coasters with the kids, but you know, I think I'd like a good roller coaster ride...I need a dose of Disney.

Thanks Mom, for keeping me young...I hope my kids will be able to see the same young heart in me someday when I turn 69.

Thankful Thursday: Growing Children

I'm not the only one growing up. Sarah and I visited one of the local elementary schools today for the kindergarten round-up. As we walked up to the school doors she said to me very seriously, "I'm a little nervous." Sarah won't be five until October, so I'm a little nervous, too...not that she won't do well...I'm confident that she's ready. It's just me...I'm not so sure that I'm ready to see her all growing up like that on me. We walked around the gym visiting each table, and I watched her interact with the teachers, gaining more and more confidence along the way. I could tell it was sinking in with her just like it was with me...however I feel about it, she's growing up.

Truthfully, I couldn't be more pleased. After all, that's the game plan. Couple has baby, holds and loves baby, baby grows up....shortened version, of course. I have been thinking about this, anyway. My children do not belong to me. They come through me, not from me. Yes, I am their mother, but before I recognize them as my children, I recognize them as radiant souls...on a journey of their own...with much wisdom to offer me, as well. None of us are perfected, but we have the honor of traveling together. I have the privilege of being their mother...of loving them in a way I love no others...of growing through the unique challenges only a mother can understand.

I'm thankful to be able to see my children grow, but also thankful to share their shaping with other beautiful, caring people whom I have come to trust and appreciate not only as teachers, but as friends.

When I Grow Up

Over the years I have discovered that only a few things bring me immense personal satisfaction and joy. I'm talking here about what Joseph Campbell refers to when he says "follow your bliss." For me that bliss is definitely in the creative area. Though I've enjoyed many avenues of self-expression through art, music, drama, nothing stirs me like the written word. I can't even really explain the feeling I get when I write something...create something with words...that I love. That is why I write. And why I look at everything I write as practice for when I grow up. I'm in no hurry...I'm just strolling along after my bliss. I'm getting to know me...which isn't so bad.

Thankful Thursday: 9 years

I just have to add that I am so thankful for 9 years with this guy. Being his mom has been a trip. He's the one I mark my mommy years with...my first baby and my one and only son. I could go on and on about how smart and sensitive this kid is and how proud I am of him. I'm just really glad to be on the receiving end of so much charm, wit, silliness and wisdom in the form of Sam. Happy Birthday, Samuel J.!