Musings

If I had one thing I would change from my past, it would be to write that book my bestest friend and I were going to write. It was to have all the funny things we did together written indelibly for our children to read when we were long gone from this world; like the time we had the pop-up tent canvas spread on her floor for repairing at 10:00 p.m. and a big brown grass spider came tearing under the back door straight for us. Oh, the screams and hopping and jumping that went on. But, most importantly, our book was to have those precious, memorable things our children did and said. Like the mock wedding when five year old Sarah married five year old year Garrett and Warren was the "minister". I remember saying to each other many a time, "You have to write that in your book when we shared sweet moments we experienced with one child or another, or, when profound wisdom poured out of two year old lips. Of course, none of our fears or frustrations would have been allowed in our books. Only those memories of cuddles and lovies and accomplishments.

Ah, but the past is just that: past. I am fifty-seven years old now. My precious little ones are grown, some with their own challenging, growing, exciting youngsters. I'm still drawn to children, though not as apt to teach them as I am to learn from them now. My heart is often bound to theirs even if they aren't all decended from my genes. Little ones are pure. They can be pure delight, or pure trouble. But pure they are. And, memories are still being made; even today.

So, if I start my book today on this blog, who will care that it's missing the best part of my life?

Perhaps events of today will stir long forgotten details of yesterday to be recaptured here. Today though holds treasures to be kept forever too. Like when Finley crawled into my lap while I was reading my Bible this morning. "There's no pictures in this book", I told him. He did not care. No one can tell me the Spirit didn't move this two year old to sit with me and share a couple of holy moments. For, he lifted his little angel face to mine and it contained silent wisdom and exhortation just short of adoration that could only come from heaven itself. "...and a little child shall lead them." (The Bible, Isaiah 11:6)

A Poem About Twins

The heavens were excited, statistics were right.
"Gather round", the wisest of angels said, "Gods designed twins tonight".
It's quite a marvelous process as anybody knows...
Two separate souls beginning their lives, as his love just overflows.
Perhaps he'll make them just alike, or as different as can be.
But that's the way he wants it. He's planned it that way you see.
He must find a loving mom and a special dad...
For twins take special parents and the best just must be had.
So, your joy is mighty special, I'm sure you know it's true.
God knew you'd be these parents, and so, he sent you two.

Twins are twice as much fun! I will miss these precious little ones when they move. Ryder's melodic "oooohhhh" when he wants to give Josie a kiss, Josie cuddling up with me to watch a show, their eye contact and giggles, Ryder's adventurous nature, and Josie's princess demeanor. I'll even miss Ryder's hurt feelings when he has to have his diaper changed, and Josie's likewise when I can't pick her up too and she has to crawl to the bedroom. Mom and Dad are pretty special too; great parents in my opinion. I've learned as much from them as they from me.

Summer Paper Mache Pinata

Mr. Prunehead we called our fine art. Somewhere in the profusion of color Cole painted blue eyes. You see, when one begins a paper mache pinata outdoors, one should keep the project outdoors. We learned that the warm air inside Mr. Prunehead cooled when we brought him into the airconditioning to work on him. He promptly shriveled. But, no matter. He was our creation. We had only to name him suitably, paint him up artistically and all was well. And, isn't he beautiful?

Ooooooey gooooey fun. We painted on the glue, stuck on the paper then painted on another layer of glue. I note here that our balloon was rather large, and the children's attention span rather short. I would recommend doing a smaller project something such as the paper mache apple featured on education.com: http://www.education.com/activity/article/paper-mache-apple-teacher/

Let the fun begin. Cole and Cate picked out some candy to fill the pinata. But, while they were sleeping, the pinata fairy added party favors, a yoyo each, silly putty etc. etc. etc. (Just some ideas.) Do you think they'll remember Mr. Prunehead when they are eighteen? Maybe.

For paper mache recipes, check out How to Paper Mache at dltk-kids.com:

http://www.dltk-kids.com/type/how_to_paper_mache.htm

SUMMER FUN

SUMMER FUN

There's no time like summer for good, clean fun.

In July

by Evaleen Stein

Let us find a shady, wady,

Pretty little brook

Let us have some candy handy,

And a picture book.

There all day we'll stay and play,

And never mind the heat,

While the water gleaming, streaming,

Ripples round our feet.

And we'll gather curly pearly

Mussel shells while bright

Frightened minnows darting, parting,

Scurry out of sight.

What if, what if, - heigho! my oh! -

All the "ifs" were true,

And the little fishes wishes,

Now, what would you do?

Children are Like Roses

Children are like roses. They need nurturing, but we cannot unfold their petals and make them bloom. We can feed them, give them water, enjoy them, love them, impart our knowledge, show them our wisdom, influence them, but we cannot make them bloom. That miracle is in the hand of God.