Charlie: "Dad, I love you. I would not trade you for anything."
Jason: "I love you and would not trade you for anything either."
Charlie: "If I had a different Dad I would love him too and I would not trade him. I sure am glad that I got you though!"
Swamp
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Uggghhh...
Well, I am officially out of the running for mother of the year. Saturday was Charlie's first off-shore fishing trip, and Jason and I made the grave mistake of thinking I could handle the calm seas at the Off Shore Reef and the Charleston 60...uggghhhhh...
I was fine until we made it past the jetties, but as soon as we hit the rolling waves my stomach hit a wall. For the next two hours (and/or 2 million years...depending on your perspective) I felt like I was trapped in that moment immediately before you get sick.
Apparently it had been so long since I'd been out in rough water (since I was pregnant with Charlie, actually) that Jason and I had both completely lost touch with reality. In addition to it being Charlie's first off-shore fishing trip, we took friends and their kids, so their was absolutely no turning back.
For about two hours (aka 2 million years) I was the absolutely worst host ever as I just stared off at the horizon wondering what on earth I had done to make Jason hate me so much and I how I could live with myself realizing that I hated him even more.
As we were circling over the sunken barges, (Yes! Circling in Rolling Waves!!!), and I contemplated suicide and/or murder, Robert got a bite and reeled in a nice black sea bass that all three kids took turns touching before they let him go.
Moments later, Jason noticed a tug on his line, and as soon as he mentioned it Charlie shouted "Fish On!!", raced to the rod and started reeling. He got the second black sea bass all the way into the boat on his own, but declined to touch this one since the first was slimy. All the while, two tremendous barracudas were circling the boat -- it was picture perfect.
Sadly, though, there is not a picture to be had. There wasn't enough money in the world to get me to stick my head underneath to find the camera or look at that tiny screen.
Finally (and yes, I know that is horrible, but I'm just being honest), sweet little Alice started to feel the waves, too and burst into tears. All I could think was that she was right, that was the only appropriate response, and I should have started crying long before.
As we turned and headed back in, the ride smoothed out since we were going with the waves and by the time we beached just across from Fort Sumter I was talking again and even ready for some lunch.
I am terribly sorry that I didn't get pictures of Charlie's first ocean fish, and a little bit sorry that I won't be able to help out with him on future expeditions, but to be honest, not that sorry about that. I've made Jason promise to never ask me to go out again, because I fear that I will stupidly agree thinking it will be better.
Of course, he did mention that even though Dramamine, Bonine and the bracelets have all failed for me, there is prescription nausea medication available. He then quickly agreed to not mention that again for at least a couple years -- when the horror of Saturday has worn off a little...
I was fine until we made it past the jetties, but as soon as we hit the rolling waves my stomach hit a wall. For the next two hours (and/or 2 million years...depending on your perspective) I felt like I was trapped in that moment immediately before you get sick.
Apparently it had been so long since I'd been out in rough water (since I was pregnant with Charlie, actually) that Jason and I had both completely lost touch with reality. In addition to it being Charlie's first off-shore fishing trip, we took friends and their kids, so their was absolutely no turning back.
For about two hours (aka 2 million years) I was the absolutely worst host ever as I just stared off at the horizon wondering what on earth I had done to make Jason hate me so much and I how I could live with myself realizing that I hated him even more.
As we were circling over the sunken barges, (Yes! Circling in Rolling Waves!!!), and I contemplated suicide and/or murder, Robert got a bite and reeled in a nice black sea bass that all three kids took turns touching before they let him go.
Moments later, Jason noticed a tug on his line, and as soon as he mentioned it Charlie shouted "Fish On!!", raced to the rod and started reeling. He got the second black sea bass all the way into the boat on his own, but declined to touch this one since the first was slimy. All the while, two tremendous barracudas were circling the boat -- it was picture perfect.
Sadly, though, there is not a picture to be had. There wasn't enough money in the world to get me to stick my head underneath to find the camera or look at that tiny screen.
Finally (and yes, I know that is horrible, but I'm just being honest), sweet little Alice started to feel the waves, too and burst into tears. All I could think was that she was right, that was the only appropriate response, and I should have started crying long before.
As we turned and headed back in, the ride smoothed out since we were going with the waves and by the time we beached just across from Fort Sumter I was talking again and even ready for some lunch.
I am terribly sorry that I didn't get pictures of Charlie's first ocean fish, and a little bit sorry that I won't be able to help out with him on future expeditions, but to be honest, not that sorry about that. I've made Jason promise to never ask me to go out again, because I fear that I will stupidly agree thinking it will be better.
Of course, he did mention that even though Dramamine, Bonine and the bracelets have all failed for me, there is prescription nausea medication available. He then quickly agreed to not mention that again for at least a couple years -- when the horror of Saturday has worn off a little...
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Just a moment...
Charlie: Why do you have to close your eyes when you pray?
Mommy: Well you don't have to, but sometimes it's a good idea so you can concentrate on God and not be distracted by what's around you.
Charlie: Oh. I didn't know that when I was a baby.
Mommy: As you grow up you're going to learn lots of new things.
Charlie: Yep. And when I grow up all the things you teach to me, I'll teach to my son.
Mommy: Well you don't have to, but sometimes it's a good idea so you can concentrate on God and not be distracted by what's around you.
Charlie: Oh. I didn't know that when I was a baby.
Mommy: As you grow up you're going to learn lots of new things.
Charlie: Yep. And when I grow up all the things you teach to me, I'll teach to my son.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Last Batter
Sometimes everything just falls into place to turn a common occurrence into a spectacular event...and Friday night was one of those times.
See, it all started Friday evening on the way to T-Ball. Charlie asked me to tell him a story and pretty much all of my stories star Curious George as a blatant stand-in for Charlie himself. In Friday's story George was the smallest member of his t-ball team and often feared that the other kids would laugh at him when he was up to bat because he sometimes missed the ball. When it was George's turn to bat he did miss the ball on his first swing and expected to hear laughter, but instead everyone was cheering for him. When he swung again, the ball went farther than it ever had and George scored a home run with all the ensuing fanfare...and everyone lived happily ever after.
Fast forward to the second inning, and Charlie had the coveted position of "last batter". New to me this year, but essentially, when the last batter is up the fielding team has to replace the ball on the tee to end the inning. Sometimes they also field the ball trying to get outs, but more often than not they just take it to the tee.
As happens in any sporting event, the crowd's attention waxes and wanes, but for some reason our whole section suddenly seemed to focus on the game as Charlie came up to bat, so he heard cheers other than just mom's and dad's as he warmed up.
After a brief chat with Coach TJ, Charlie swung and managed to smack the tee so the ball actually fell back towards him, but just like in our story, the cheers only got louder. So he scuffed his feet and swung again, and the ball truly did fly farther than it ever has before -- almost to the pitcher's mound, so Jason's and my cheers were definitely louder than usual.
Charlie started to pull up at first base, but Coach Bill told him to keep on going, so in what I consider the cutest running posture ever (head down, chin out and arms motionless down to the elbows, then swinging below) he powered on to second, then with encouragement on towards home with the crowd roaring and Coach Lopez actually swinging his arm around just like they do in the big leagues.
The look on Charlie's face as he slid into home amidst the cheers was a mixture of shock and pride, and I'm sure Jason's and mine were a mirror of the same -- along with tremendous gratitude.
It wasn't a playoff game, it wasn't the final inning, they don't keep score in t-ball and the ball had actually been on the tee since about second base, but I would argue that in the course of over 6000 years of Creation that moment was just as significant as any final play in any Olympics, World Series, Super Bowl or Final Four. No one could convince me that millions of dollars, lengthy contracts or fancy tropies bring more joy or build character better than a little boy trying his hardest and through the mercy and love of friends, family and strangers, exceeding his wildest dreams.
See, it all started Friday evening on the way to T-Ball. Charlie asked me to tell him a story and pretty much all of my stories star Curious George as a blatant stand-in for Charlie himself. In Friday's story George was the smallest member of his t-ball team and often feared that the other kids would laugh at him when he was up to bat because he sometimes missed the ball. When it was George's turn to bat he did miss the ball on his first swing and expected to hear laughter, but instead everyone was cheering for him. When he swung again, the ball went farther than it ever had and George scored a home run with all the ensuing fanfare...and everyone lived happily ever after.
Fast forward to the second inning, and Charlie had the coveted position of "last batter". New to me this year, but essentially, when the last batter is up the fielding team has to replace the ball on the tee to end the inning. Sometimes they also field the ball trying to get outs, but more often than not they just take it to the tee.
As happens in any sporting event, the crowd's attention waxes and wanes, but for some reason our whole section suddenly seemed to focus on the game as Charlie came up to bat, so he heard cheers other than just mom's and dad's as he warmed up.
After a brief chat with Coach TJ, Charlie swung and managed to smack the tee so the ball actually fell back towards him, but just like in our story, the cheers only got louder. So he scuffed his feet and swung again, and the ball truly did fly farther than it ever has before -- almost to the pitcher's mound, so Jason's and my cheers were definitely louder than usual.
Charlie started to pull up at first base, but Coach Bill told him to keep on going, so in what I consider the cutest running posture ever (head down, chin out and arms motionless down to the elbows, then swinging below) he powered on to second, then with encouragement on towards home with the crowd roaring and Coach Lopez actually swinging his arm around just like they do in the big leagues.
The look on Charlie's face as he slid into home amidst the cheers was a mixture of shock and pride, and I'm sure Jason's and mine were a mirror of the same -- along with tremendous gratitude.
It wasn't a playoff game, it wasn't the final inning, they don't keep score in t-ball and the ball had actually been on the tee since about second base, but I would argue that in the course of over 6000 years of Creation that moment was just as significant as any final play in any Olympics, World Series, Super Bowl or Final Four. No one could convince me that millions of dollars, lengthy contracts or fancy tropies bring more joy or build character better than a little boy trying his hardest and through the mercy and love of friends, family and strangers, exceeding his wildest dreams.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Sweet
It's no secret that our house is a wreck with random gadgets and gizmos all over the place...especially the dining room. On the way up to rest this afternoon Charlie and I just had the sweetest conversation...
Charlie: Mom, what's that tiger game?
Mom: What tiger game?...Oh, that? That's a cake pan.
Charlie: Can I have it?
Mom: Buddy, it's really just to bake in. I used it to make your sock monkey cake for your first birthday.
Charlie: Well, when I grow up can I give it to my wife?
Mom: Of course, Buddy.
Charlie: Or I could keep it and use it myself.
Mom: Yes, you could.
I really love this boy.
Charlie: Mom, what's that tiger game?
Mom: What tiger game?...Oh, that? That's a cake pan.
Charlie: Can I have it?
Mom: Buddy, it's really just to bake in. I used it to make your sock monkey cake for your first birthday.
Charlie: Well, when I grow up can I give it to my wife?
Mom: Of course, Buddy.
Charlie: Or I could keep it and use it myself.
Mom: Yes, you could.
I really love this boy.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
What to do...
when you find yourself whining about the blessings in your life?
Take a break and enjoy the spring with one of your favorite boys.
Take a break and enjoy the spring with one of your favorite boys.
Monday, May 13, 2013
It's hard...
I now have new-found respect for military wives and women whose husbands are transferred frequently. Being a good mom when moving is really hard -- and we're just moving from Summerville to West Ashley. I really don't know how these ladies that have to move cross country every couple of years keep their sanity or why anyone (us included) would choose to move without a really good reason (like saving the world, escaping a plague or something...)
I'm approximately two weeks into packing and by the looks of my house I have about two years left to go. Granted, I only pack for a couple hours per day in an effort to maintain a relationship with my son and prevent him from becoming a complete couch potato, but it's tough.
You start taping together one box and trying to figure out how to cram 48 coffee cups into it without breaking any and the next thing you know Curious George is over...
(Don't tell Jason, but I am finally realizing that he has a pretty legitimate argument when he says no one needs 6 complete sets of dishes -- even if one was her Grandma's, one is Christmas, one is her wedding china, etc...) Sadly, it appears all but a few odd plates will make it to the new house...you just never know when you might need extras...)
I am proud to say, though, that I'm finally throwing away half of the left over embossed napkins from our wedding and all of the wine labels we saved from the wine of the month club (I'm not sure what we really thought we'd do with them anyway...).
And to be honest, I'm debating chucking all our yearbooks. Seriously, what possible use could we ever have for 13 years of bad pictures? I haven't been able to commit to that one yet, though.
Ok, my break is over. Charlie negotiatied (yes...I know it's terrible, but he's really good at it and I'm feeling weak today) for an additional 10 minutes before nap because he is using a ski rope and ultimate frisbee to save lives from his swingset -- he's in the Coastguard today (his poor wife will ave to move A LOT). But it's already been 14 and a tired Charlie is a mean Charlie...
I'm assuming this goes without saying, but clearly if I'm struggling to find enough hours to be a good mother, there is precious little time to be a good blogger, so you'll have to forgive any extended silences (even you, Mom!).
I'm approximately two weeks into packing and by the looks of my house I have about two years left to go. Granted, I only pack for a couple hours per day in an effort to maintain a relationship with my son and prevent him from becoming a complete couch potato, but it's tough.
You start taping together one box and trying to figure out how to cram 48 coffee cups into it without breaking any and the next thing you know Curious George is over...
(Don't tell Jason, but I am finally realizing that he has a pretty legitimate argument when he says no one needs 6 complete sets of dishes -- even if one was her Grandma's, one is Christmas, one is her wedding china, etc...) Sadly, it appears all but a few odd plates will make it to the new house...you just never know when you might need extras...)
I am proud to say, though, that I'm finally throwing away half of the left over embossed napkins from our wedding and all of the wine labels we saved from the wine of the month club (I'm not sure what we really thought we'd do with them anyway...).
And to be honest, I'm debating chucking all our yearbooks. Seriously, what possible use could we ever have for 13 years of bad pictures? I haven't been able to commit to that one yet, though.
Ok, my break is over. Charlie negotiatied (yes...I know it's terrible, but he's really good at it and I'm feeling weak today) for an additional 10 minutes before nap because he is using a ski rope and ultimate frisbee to save lives from his swingset -- he's in the Coastguard today (his poor wife will ave to move A LOT). But it's already been 14 and a tired Charlie is a mean Charlie...
I'm assuming this goes without saying, but clearly if I'm struggling to find enough hours to be a good mother, there is precious little time to be a good blogger, so you'll have to forgive any extended silences (even you, Mom!).
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Peanuts
Since his second Halloween Jason and I have encouraged Charlie's interest in Charlie Brown, Snoopy and friends. I have always loved the Thanksgiving and Christmas specials, and since Charlie does, too, we've gathered many of the other specials.
Even though Jason and I find some of the shows a bit slow (Peanuts specials definitely have a slower pace than current kids shows...it's actually kind of refreshing), it is nice to sit down with Charlie and laugh at the same jokes we enjoyed 30 years ago (and not worry about questionable topics).
There are many, many blessings and wonders of being a mom...but laughter is definitely my favorite!
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