I took my two boys over to Dollar Tree to buy some Red Hot Cinnamon Candies. I buy around 10 bags at a time so that I don't have to keep coming back each time I want to make a batch of Cinnamon Popcorn. It is so delicious, that 10 bags run out in no time. I also happened to find some wall decals that will match the flannel tie comforters I am making for all the girls for Christmas. Practical yet thoughtful gifts is my thinking right now because money is tight with two house payments--- but that can be be a whole other post.
As I was standing at the checkout, I saw dog costumes on the rack. I thought, "My girls would get a kick out these," and picked out two, one for each of our dogs. Then I started to think about how as a mom, I am always on the lookout for something that my kids might enjoy. Not always does it have to be tangible, sometimes it is simply taking them to a school where I know they will love climbing the trees, but this time it happened to be. It brings me pleasure, just like I am sure it still brings my own mother pleasure. Today she called to let me know that she is taking two days of off work to come spend the night at our house next week when Dennis has his surgery. She knows that John and I can manage between the two of us, yet she was looking for a way that she can come and show all of us how much she loves us. I am one very blessed daughter. She not only will help me with the kids, errands, and cooking, but she will also help me with the blankets if we get the time.
As I was putting Dennis into his carseat and buckled the belt up under his neck, he let out a hold your breath, give it all you got cry--- I had accidentally pinched his cheek in the buckle. If ever there was a moment when I felt like a horrible mom, it was then. I as usual, put my face up to his and rubbed his cheek with mine and whispered, "I love you," as I kissed his owie, and you know what--- it worked. And I sat there and stared at my son in awe----- when did he go and learn to accept my comforting touch? It's like one day I was still not enough to comfort my little boy, and the next I am totally enough. Silly me, cried in the car.
"Mom, why are crying? I will share my Sugar Babies with you," Jonny comforted me. "Awww, it's not that Jonny. You can share them with your brothers and sisters later."
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I have to admit that I find myself being judgemental of the world. I am so guilty of this---- yet I do not know how to stop the thoughts. In our neighborhood, a few people are having the front of their house rocked----- I thought their house looked very nice before they went and did that. In my mind I look at the rocked entrances and equate it to thousands of dollars--- what a waste. That money could have fed 100 starving people in Africa for a week, helped get a homeless family into an apartment, or could have gone towards the adoption of a child. I look at our modest Halloween decorations and then look at those in our neighborhood who have gone all out--- my kids think those people are rich--- UGH! No silly kids, we are the rich ones----- because I have you and you and you and you.
Speaking of material things, I was sitting at the kitchen table with my kids this morning. Rachel was sharing her birthday list with me for the 50th time. "I just really want a cell phone Mom. My friends have cellphones."
"Rachel I don't even have a cell phone."
"Yeah, but Dad does."
"Dad has a cell phone because his work gave it to him."
"I will find a way to get one then, and I will pay for it myself," Rachel told me matter-of-factly.
Some of the other kids played into the discussion and chimed in how they really wanted one too.
"If you guys want what your friends have so bad and think I am not being fair, then why don't you go and live with them and have them buy you a cell phone and then I will get rid of my big van and buy the little sports car I have been dreaming of for so long but haven't been able to get because I have to drive all of you around. That way we can all be happy, right?" Of course this was totally said in a joking manner all the while with a smile on my face.
"Your joking Mom. We know how much you love your van and would miss all of us."
"You are so right Anna. You guys are way more important to me than a cell phone, or a sports car, or fancy Halloween decorations."
Rachel dropped the cell phone conversation--- I think I have talked her into adding shoes and clothes to her birthday list--- oh and of course Jelly Bellys!
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Maybe some of you remember this boy that I was trying to help find a new family for? I am sure you guys do because I still get emails asking about how things are going for all of them. Well, today is the big day for him. Today he is going to be placed with his new family. Just like all of the other families that I help, they are going through a very painful and emotional time. They have allowed me to share their blog because they found it very beneficial to read others who had also allowed me to share their blog. If you stop by their blog, please leave some encouraging comments for this family. I have gotten to know them quite well over the last month and a half and their family is amazing. I have no doubt that they gave it their all and I am lifting them all up in prayer as this big day unfolds. Please join me today in prayer for both the placing family and the new family and most of all for Daniel who will have the biggest adjustment of all.
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Any day I am going to get a call saying that our insurance has approved Anna's prescription for Growth Hormone Treatment. We are in the home stretch of having her actually start them--- probably in the next two weeks. I read on a forum recently that someone's daughter grew 2 inches in five months! Wouldn't that be terrific for my little Anna?
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Last but not least, I wanted to share a wonderful story about a family who took me up on my challenge. Her post made me smile and cry----- it was that sweet! Thanks for taking the time to do a whole post on the challenge!
22 comments:
Great post! I sat here and cried. What a great mother you are! Your children are very lucky to have you!!
What a wonderful moment for you when your presence and actions comforted Dennis. You both crossed over the line. He must feel very secure and loved in his new forever home.
As for your daughter's wanting a cell phone.... It's hard for kids as they see some kids with something and it's only natural they want the same. You brought her back to reality and in such a good way. Does she go out and babysit? My daughter started at age 12 and did it through college and earned a lot of "extras" with her earnings. From Day One, half of her earned money went into her bank account to be used towards college expenses. When she wanted a Mac computer (back in the late 80's) when she was 16, she earned the money with a summer job. I believe that kids need to learn that things just don't "appear".
That is great that your mom will be there to help when Dennis has his surgery. Her help and morale support will be so welcome for all of you. I imagine your in-laws will also be helping out as they seem to live not too far from you (you're fortunate).
When is the surgery and how long will Dennis be in the hospital?
My ex restored an MG Midget for me and had it painted Porsche Red as I'd longed for one for years. He'd been through his sports car phase when he was out of college and a submarine officer so he understood my longing. I had it for about 5 or 6 years and only drove it from spring through October. Since I had one child, it worked for us. When I finally sold it, it was dead in the driveway and off it went on a flatbed. I was so glad to see it go as it was very unreliable and I couldn't go over 50 on the highway. It was also not a safe car in case of an accident.
I never went in for costly or lots of Halloween decorations but always do mums in the yard and a pumpkin. I gave up having a carved one once my daughter went off to college and this year I did not even buy one.
Thanks for sharing. You are truly a blessed person as God has given you a tremendous amount of light that leads so many people. I often tell my kids how rich we are as our Father has houses, lands and holds the power of the world in His hands.
Peace,
:)De
Thank you for sharing! You are an amazing person!!
Your sports car pep talk made me chuckle. Perfect response, mom! Oh, I do the same thing with what I see as "wasteful" purchases. I don't know how many times I've thought our said, "That could buy ___ Russian adoptions." or "That would pay for three homestudies!"
What a wonderful moment with Dennis, brought about when least expected.
He loves his mama :)
I'm glad it's working out for the boy to have a new family. I pray God will heal the other family's hearts.
Our kids don't have cell phones either, and I didn't have one until last Christmas. Luckily we have boys so they don't seem to care too much that they don't have one.
Your story about Dennis and his being comforted by your love was touching. Your sweet little Johnny sounds so caring in his offering of candy to help you feel better.
Have you considered buying a cell phone for yourself that you pay for the minutes as you go? My elderly neighbor had one for emergencies. With being out on the road, it is wise to have a cell in case of an emergency. Once I bought a cell phone, I felt so much better in case I was out on the road and broke down, got a flat tire or was going to be late for an appointment.
Cinnamon Red Hots are the secret to my cinnamon applesauce and cinnamon pears...I like the popcorn idea!
I will have to share my response to your challenge another time,when the final outcome is known. I couldn't write him a letter, but I did agree to meet him at his request so he and his team could hear the whole story from me and my husband on how his actions and those of his partners have affected our lives.
i just love your perspective. I love how you adore your kiddos, savour the moment and encourage your readers without saying a word! You do have the heart of Jesus! You are so blessed! prayers for your family as you await the surgery and insurance etc!
bless his little heart...and you gave that sweet guy the best momma love and kisses...and it made him all better! how fun!
My son Noah is now 21 years old. (almost 22, how can that be???) He was on growth hormone from ages 11-14. In the first year he grew 3 inches, more than he'd grown in the previous THREE YEARS put together! Would you believe that Noah now stands 6'2"? I'll be praying for Anna, that you get good results from GHT. As for Dennis' surgery, you'll all be in my prayers. I've been through it enough times (Angela has had over 20 major surgeries) I know EXACTLY how hard it is to hand your child over to the anesthesiologist, knowing that when they come back to you, something about them will have changed for better. I'm thankful that for Dennis, this will be a positive change!
You are truly rich, and the beautiful part is that you know it. You are all so blessed to be together, and to have you leading them in the right direction by your example.
I love this post, Christine! And yes....we are indeed the rich ones....blessed immeasurably by our precious children!!!
I love hearing that you were be able to soothe Dennis. I remember when my girl first came home it was so sad she couldnt' be comforted. Even her cry sounded like an infant.
Whenever I'm tempted to judge other's expditures, I try to remember that others might want to judge mine. There are certainly people less fortunate than me (and most of us) who could have a few things to say. It helps, but it doesn't make it go entirely. :-)
Oh, I love this post. It's so true what you said, moms always want to make their kids happy, even grown kids. I know my mom does, still.
I just want to be a fly on your wall and take notes.
Christine..I have been reading your blog for a while now...I have never posted...but man..this one really hit my heart too..I have 2 adopted children of my own, I thank god everyday for them...Everytime I read your blog it just makes me see how precious they are more and more...You are an amazing person and mother...I'm sure I am not just saying this on behalf of myself, but you are an inspiration to me...as I am sure you are to many of us that read your amazing blog..Keep inspiring us all to be better people and moms...My hats off to you!!
Thanks..Kim M in Michigan
Christine, on the "I took your challenge" post--I took the challenge of writing 5 positive things to a friend that I had been having disagreements with. It has helped me to see her in a more positive light, and it also helped to put our relationship back on a better track. Thanks for the suggestion!
Carolyn
I feel for Rachel, I remember being a teen who wanted things! My parents refused - they didn't have the money and wouldn't have given it anyway. In order to be allowed to drive, I was required to have a job, and earn enough to pay for my own insurance and gas. I also had to maintain a B or higher GPA - for the insurance discount. I had to work so much, I never had that much time to get out with the car and get into as much trouble as I wanted to! I think we will do the same with our kids. Want a cell phone? Want a driver's license? Want trendy clothes? Ok. Let's go out and find you a job!
Hugs to all your sweet kids, and you :-) Thanks for reminding me of your yummy cinnamon popcorn!
This post was a great reminder of the precious little things in life that matter so much. It came at a good time as I have been stressed out :O Thanks!
Sveta looks adorable and so serious.... she means business. This is Sasha's favorite thing to do as well and will just "set up" shop and go to town... she usually has many conversations going on in the room with only one person.. fun to watch!
Have a great day!
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