Small Child + Small Object + Small Nose

What is it about small objects that makes a small child want to put it into his small nose?

Mom tells me that when I was too little to talk, I put a curler sponge in my nose. She didn't see me do this. She didn't know anything was wrong until I started to stink. Gramma knew, because my Uncle Gene had stuck a bean up his nose when he was little.

I think just about everyone of my children has put something up their little noses. We've had a bit of carrot, Cheerios, a butterfly bead (more than once the same child put the same bead up her nose.) and now a popcorn kernel. We've managed to rescue the noses (or the small objects depending upon your point of view). Only once did we have to go to the hospital. The carrot will live in infamy.

You Haven't Changed a Bit

I missed the Theatre @ Southeastern reunion this weekend. I was a bit disappointed. I did want to be there. However, there was a part of me a bit anxious.

"You haven't changed a bit." That is the standard line. That's what you say to convey that the other person looks great. It's nice to see you. It's a compliment. Except that I want to have changed. I sincerely hope that I am not as self-centered, reckless and stupid as I was in my early 20s. I hope that I have gained some wisdom, some self-control. But these are changes from the inside. There is that small part that would like to think that I still look good. If not, oh well. It's all vanity anyway.

It's Raining Again, But I Still Feel Good

It has been raining, again. It's been raining for weeks. I can't quite remember the last time I saw the sun in a clear blue sky. I don't mind the rain. We need it. I don't mind the slightly cooler temperatures. It is appropriate for the time of year. I do miss the sun. No, I miss the sky. I miss that big, blue Texas sky. The sky that stretches forever. That sky that feels like possibilities.

My eyes miss that sky, but after today I feel that I have a bit of it inside. Today, my oldest son shared his testimony in sacrament meeting. Speaking in front of a crowd, even a friendly one, can be daunting for one of any age. He handled himself so well. He spoke clearly. His testimony was short and simple. Perfect. For just a moment, I was able to imagine that he actually did listen to me from time to time.

I love my family. My children can be so frustrating one moment and then completely delightful the next. They are lovely, lively little people. I always want to do my best for them. I often fall short. I will keep trying and I will keep hoping. Eventually, I will have it all figured out.

Goodies

I believe Sarah is becoming reconciled to the fact that someday we are going to eat the chickens. She named one of them Goodies. She even said that it might be OK the eat Goodies or even Watermelon. She cried the first time I told her that we were going to eat Watermelon. So, the named chickens are: Watermelon, Sunflower and Goodies. I still can't tell them apart, but Sarah seems to know who is who.

Sunshine (one of the cats) caught a mouse last night.

"Ew! Ew! Sunshine caught a mouse!" squealed Hannah. Sure enough, a very pleased kitty cat was batting around a small, expired mouse.

"Is she going to eat it?" Hannah asked.

"Probably." I reply. And she did. Mostly. There was half a mouse on the porch this morning. It seemed to be the right size.