A Child's View of Her President

Claire came home with a rhyme she learned at school today. Over, and over, and over, and over, and over she sang out (to the tune of "nah-nah-nah-boo-boo") "I'm the king of the castle, [so-and-so]'s a dirty rascal." She did it until I thought my ears would jump right off my head and cover my laser-beam eye balls.

"Don't sing that again, please!" (times 3, because she never listens after just one request)

As we are getting ready for our Bible story, she starts again.

"I'm the king of the castle,
Obama's a dirty rascal!"

Although I had threatened to administer the much-hated corporal punishment for singing that song again, her deep insight left me speechless, but laughing.

Yes, dear. Obama is a dirty rascal (thought, not spoken--we're working on respecting authority).

And, since I haven't posted a SK funny lately:

A picture may not always be worth a thousand words, but this one is worth a few chuckles.

Dental Hygiene with Claire

Claire is a master teeth-brusher. She is in charge of her own oral hygiene most mornings/nights. She does a great job (thanks to thorough instructions from her daddy who flosses twice a day--who does that, really?). She has made it to age 5 with no cavities, always a good report from the dentist.

Tonight, while brushing her teeth she educated the whole family on the importance of brushing your tongue.

C: "The nastiest part of your mouth is the back of your tongue."

Me: "How do you know?"

C: "It is dark and moist. I'd stay there if I were a germ."

Conversations with a 5 Year Old

Claire: Mama, what's a "jockey"?

Me: It's someone who races horses.

Claire: Ooooh! You mean a "joppy!" I know what that is!

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Me: I love you so much!

Claire: I love you more than you love me!

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Me: Claire, why did you get in trouble at school today?

Claire: Me and Nathan were arguing about whose ice cream was the tastiest.

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Claire: Will we take Hermie's (our hermit crab) cage up to Heaven, or just Hermie?

Me: I think just Hermie.

Claire: But how will he change his shell?

Me: I don't know.

Claire: Maybe we could look around and collect shells for him and put them in a bag. Then we could hold onto the bag until we go to Heaven so he will have some in Heaven.

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This is a sampling of my conversations with Claire today. I wish I could capture each one of her five-isms from every day. It's one of the perks to motherhood--an interactive comedic show.

Claire Turns FIVE!

roses from Daddy

the cake she decorated

Claire @ 5:

• favorite color--red
• favorite show--WordGirl and Imagination Movers
• loves to laugh
  
• she will say the same ridiculous thing over and over to get a laugh from her sister
• wears the same rainbow sandals every single day
• loves words, their meaning, their look, their sound
• does not get tired--ever
• learning to navigate her way on the computer
• loves candy bucket, Mama, Nathan
• wants to move to Chattanooga when she grows up
• gets in trouble at school for talking, laughing, making noises, not stopping when she's told
• reading 3 and 4 letter words
• still loves to cuddle
• wants to be a director, actor, or veterinarian
• loves horses, unicorns, dolphins, rainbows
  
• favorite toys: Barbie, books, My Little Pony, stickers, crayons, paper from my printer

And her Mama loves her more each day (most days). She is becoming this bubbly dreamer. Her eyes sparkle brighter than mine ever have, I am sure. I consider it an absolute blessing to be her mother.

Tired

Because I'm tired of looking at those goofy curtains that I see in real life when I pull up my blog to direct me to other people's lives when I'm tired of my own . . .

Because I'm physically tired and my eyes are open only because I drank a cup of coffee at 7 p.m., which I will regret in 7 hours when I try to roll out of bed to make a cake for our church potluck since I'm too tired to do it tonight. . .

Because there are more things than the fatigue making me tired. . .

Because these two sparks are often times the source of my tired, and are the only things that keep me going when I'm tired. . .

Claire sending me a message: "I love you!"

Sarah Kate, the family sign language instructor
Sometimes saying "I love you" takes determination and concentrated effort.

When I got this shirt, I knew Claire would be thrilled. I told her about her new shirt over the phone.

"I don't want to wear boy's clothes."

"But it has sparkle on it," I say with convincing enthusiasm.

"But Superman is a boy."

"This is a Supergirl shirt with gold sparkle!"

I won her over. "OK! I can't wait to show Matthew!"

Bathroom Window Mistreatments

I'm adding to my gallery of window mistreatments! I finished the two windows in our master bath tonight. It took me an hour and >$10, hardware and all. I have visions for our big windows in the family living areas. That will require some kid-free shopping time! My favorite part of the process: ripping the fabric. Very liberating!! And I LOVE the ribbon! I think I have enough left to trim out a shade for the lamp by my sink. Can I take the week off of work to decorate?!

before & after shots

Stop by and check this place out. Inspiration awaits you!

Snow Day

our first steps in the snow

"Watch out Mama! I get you booty!"

our snow person, "Ice Kate"

my snow angels

Ice Kate

Changes

We have been through some domestic changes over the last 2 weekends. It's a big deal for the eldest and youngest in the Smith house.

First, Sarah Kate got her BIG GIRL BED!

her last morning to wake up in the baby bed


helping Daddy set up the new bed

making the bed

I love this one. She is very attached to Baby, the blanket she is spreading over her pillow. Mama can shop and fret over which spread to get, but her Big Girl Bed isn't truly her's without that Baby!

my Sweet Baby

Next project. David needs curtains. He's on nights and has to sleep during the day. Now, the man can sleep under most any circumstances. I wish I had a picture to post here of my sweetheart sitting on the couch at 5 a.m., asleep, cup of milk in one hand and a half eaten PB&J on a plate in his lap. I couldn't help but laugh the morning I discovered that one! But, the poor guy does have a little trouble getting his 7 hours of dreaming with the bright sun filtering through the cracks in our blinds. We have a HUGE window facing the woods, a door to the deck, and a smaller window by my side. All great when you're be-bopping around the house. Makes the room light and airy. But when you're trying to sleep during the day--not so great. (Also not so great on those nights he's at work and I hear a bump in the night! Thank you, Ultimate Security!)

I gather my inspiration from Nester, $12 worth of brown twin sheets from WalMart ($3 each x 4 sheets), one package of upholstery tacks, a step ladder and my hammer. Following Nester's plans for window mistreatments, I get to work. I start a DVR Law & Order SVU, plug in the iron and start de-wrinkling my new sheets-turned-curtains. Iron, pause L/O, hang a panel. Iron, pause L/O, hang a panel. And so-on. The result:

BEFORE

(Please overlook the blind in need of repair. It will soon disappear!)

AFTER

I plan to add a little trim. I couldn't find anything that suited me at WalMart (de-bunking the myth that if you can't find it at WalMart, you don't need it). I would like to add some ties for the times David is among the living during the day.

I am also aware of the Adam & Eve disease my walls have. They are SO naked! I am collecting plates for over the bed. I'm also on the prowl for a new duvet or quilt.

Two new projects await us. I have one more sheet and some snazzy ribbon to mistreat my bathroom windows. David's project is to cover the one vent hole under the deck that our builder left open. There are two cats under my house going at it. Again. And again. And again. Oh, my stars! Cats in love are VERY loud!

Kids are an endless source of malapropisms and misunderstandings. My collection for the week:

• When I told Claire my friend sold a product "out of a catalogue," she asked, "does she tie it to some string and drag it around with the catalogue?"
• Claire asked me who "the Mayor" was. "Who?!" She explained, "you know: (singing) 'Everywhere the Mayor went, the Mayor went, the Mayor went; everywhere the Mayor went, the lamb was sure to go.'"
• Sarah Kate requested "horn dogs" for dinner tonight. That's CORN dogs.
• She also discovered "tussy rolls" (tootsie rolls) this week. We rolled around laughing about that one! This is the PG version of what she started out saying before we corrected her!

Finally, one melt-my-heart comment from SK: "You're Kelly. You're my friend!" Always, Sweet Baby!

Living Out Sunday's Lesson on Monday

Although funnies are sometimes saved for Fridays, this one couldn't wait! I'm in Walmart with the girls today, in the checkout line. Claire, getting a bit aggressive with her position in line, starts to play on the buggy in front of us. I ask her to please leave that nice woman and her buggy alone.

She whispers to me, "'cause she might be a widow?"

"What?"

"A widow. She might be a widow so I should leave her alone," she explains. I inquire about her new-found knowledge of widows. Quietly, of course, since said widow is close by, (slowly) loading her items on the conveyor belt while also trying to dig through her huge stack of coupons. Claire whispers, "a widow is someone who doesn't have a husband."

"Where did you learn this?"

"Sunday School," she replies. Trying to stifle the laughter that is fighting hard to find it's way out I manage to ask her why she thinks this lady (still working on completing her transaction) is a widow. "She's alone and she doesn't have a husband with her. That's why I think she might be a widow."

There are worse things your child can utter in the check-out line, I know. But, in that moment, I was thankful that our widow-friend didn't hear our conversation.

At least I hope she didn't!

Claire, after our eye appointment today. She looks super-cool in her eye doctor shades!

I Have Seen the Future

(My Love Story continued.) After our first meeting, David and I spent the next year developing a friendship. I was running hard after God, trying to make up for lost time and past mistakes. He was trying to juggle work, family, and leading a bunch of students to a deeper relationship with Christ. I appreciated that last part immensely. I was so hungry for more, more, more of God. He had all of these wonderful concepts to share like motives, resisting temptation, and real time alone with God. His college brain full of ideas and truths learned at Campus Outreach and Dauphin Way amazed me. "Wow, God! You actually made men like this? There are men out there who love you and desire to follow you?"

I dated very little during this time. I spent several weekend nights at home alone with an old black & white classic, warm under my blanket. When I did venture out in the social realm with a guy, I found that I often compared him to what I saw in David. God had given me a glimpse of the kind of man I wanted to marry. I could not go back now! The prospects were too good. God had good planned for my future; I would not settle for anything less.

At the same time, David spent some of his weekends trying to create opportunities for the students at our church to learn the true meaning of Christian fellowship. We did the normal stuff: movies, eating out, concerts. The crowd, large at first, began to dwindle. Toward the end of his tenure as our student minister, it was down to about 3 or 4 of us. David became one of my closest friends. I was going through so much at home: dealing with the war between my parents, being an older sister, needing to be responsible and be a kid at the same time. Then there was the normal teenage angst of social pressures, juggling classes, deciding where to go to college, how to pay for it. He encouraged me toward faith and faithfulness through all of that.

The time came for my dear friend to return to Mobile to finish school. By this time, my heart was his, although he didn't know it. He did a great job of being responsible with his position as interim minister. He never stepped over the line or did anything questionable. Even still, I had fallen in love with my best friend. He left; I cried. We kept up with phone calls and letters over the next six months. When he came home for a visit, he usually made time for a reunion of our fellowship group. And sometimes it was just me, David, coffee, and good conversation. I looked forward to those visits more than anything.

I remember one of those nights in particular. I had just gotten the Friends haircut, made popular in the late 90's by Jennifer Anniston and Courtney Cox. I dressed up for the Athletic Banquet. I felt good (a stretch for me, as I had NO style in high school--still don't!). We met afterward for coffee and conversation. That was the first time I saw a hint of something in his eye. I had lived in hope for almost a year. My hope grew that night. Maybe this man is what God had for my future. We talked into the wee hours (thanks to the cappicino!) sitting in his car in my driveway. It was blissful!

My prayers changed after that night. My whole outlook on relationships changed. I didn't want anyone else but him.

The Preface

Since this is the month of love, I thought I would chronicle my own love story. If nothing else, it will remind me how intensely I felt about David way back when, as the pace of our current life often causes me to have early-onset memory loss (as in, "why did I marry this man?!"). It is way too easy for me to slip into a cycle of survival and forget that one of God's greatest gifts to me is sleeping beside me (or on the couch as he tends to do after trying to stay up to watch "one more" show). I have decided that due to the nature of my life (hectic!), this will have to be a series of posts, chapters, if you will.

Today, the back-story.

In high school, I dated and dabbled in "romance" (does one really know what that is at 16?!). The Summer before my Senior year, I hit the relationship wall. My eyes were opened to my misplaced priorities. The pursuit of a relationship had taken place of my pursuit of Christ. I paid little attention to His desires for my life. Instead, I focused on my current boyfriend or the prospects that were ahead. What a roller coaster! When your happiness is dependent on an adolescent male, you are headed for trouble!

On July 3, 1995, it all came to a head. During the Sunday morning service (the last religious practice left in my life at the time), Ray Boltz's "I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb" was played. I was struck with the reality that, given the choice I may choose my own life over allegiance to Christ. That personal revelation rocked me. It was like looking into a distorted mirror at the fun house; I didn't recognize the image starting back at me.

I made the decision that it would be Christ. He would always be my answer. My life or His cross? I would choose His cross. I went forward, broken. I poured my sacrifice out on the alter (Psalm 51:17). I left the broken pieces of my heart, the hurt received and delivered, the shameful choices, the skewed priorities. He took them all. And all that would come.

After the service, eyes red from the cleansing, I saw him. He was the new interim youth minister. I knew that if I were going to actually live out my decision, he was one person I would need to know. I remember introducing myself. His smile was charming, but my vision was fixed on my Savior. Soon, the two images would share the same frame.

Idea for series inspired by : Amber @ The Run a Muck

Mama, I Have a Question

Usually, when Claire prefaces a conversation with the title phrase, it's something trivial, like "what were you doing while you weren't sitting in that chair?" Tonight, she raised the stakes on me.

C: Mama, I have a question.

Me: Sure, baby. What is it?

C: How do I believe in God with all his heart?

Me: What?

C: How do I believe in God with all his heart so I can get baptized?

I will spare you my fumbled explanation. I was thrilled that my soon-to-be-five baby has started to process the Christian faith. I try to embody Deuteronomy 6:5-9 but know that I spend most of my time flat on my spiritual rump. To hear this child inquire about the things of Heaven both excited and frightened me. How wonderful that the small seeds planted are beginning to emerge from the soil. But, now my tender shoot is subject to so many elements, the most ominous being my influence. The response to her question, my response to our daily life--all of these things either shine light and offer water, or they choke out the Son.

We talked about it more over dinner with Daddy present. I think she is beginning to put the pieces together. I didn't realize how complicated God's grace and mercy are to explain. It is also simplistic. After all, Jesus encouraged "faith like a child." Thank GOD for the Holy Spirit, who takes our jumbled words and authors Truth in the hearts of others.

Our conversation terminated as Claire-like as it began.

Daddy: So, Claire, you can pray anytime to ask God to help you believe with all your heart that Jesus is enough to take care of your sins.

Me: And you can ask him to forgive you for all of your sins.

C: Well, I'm not doing it tonight!

The end!

Really, it's just the beginning!

Last night Claire and I had a very serious conversation about her behavior. She has spent the entire week on the bad side of Mrs. Ashley's behavior rainbow. We talked about what she's been doing, who she typically gets in trouble with, and how to correct her behavior. She summed it up well: "Mama, I just can NOT get control of my mouth!"

Sweet Baby Morning

Sarah Kate got to come to Mommy's bed early this morning after a fitful cough. She slept soundly after that--a nice surprise since she often sits up in my bed and invites me to play . . . at 3:30 a.m.! And that snotty breathing was a peaceful companion since David was working.

Later in the morning, I sat in my brown chair, reading, when I heard, "Mommy, come lay for me!" (We have some issues with prepositions.) How can I resist that? I snuggled up next to my baby girl. She sweetly stared into my eyes for the longest time, smiling. We both seemed to soak up this moment, knowing there are not enough of these kind in our lives. This moment where there is nothing pressing, nowhere to go, no one or nothing else in the whole world has our attention. It is simply mother and child.

She giggled after a bit. I had to tickle her. She giggled some more. Then, she had a plan. "Let's wake up, Mommy! I want some breakfast!" How did my 10 pound angle grow into a little kid who can tell me exactly what she wants? It's nice that both of my children can now articulate their needs. I don't miss the days of incoherent crying (not much anyway). We also engaged in a banter over her name. I have labeled her "Sweet Baby." She will accept nothing except "Sarah Kate" (or one of the 15 variations we have of that double-name) or "Sweet Baby." I try "stinky poo", "big girl", "silly willy." She corrects me seriously and sternly: "I Sarah Kate Smef" or "I not stinky poo; I Sweet Baby!" May I declare now that my Sweet Baby has my heart?!

So, we headed to the kitchen to fix "honey nuts" for Sarah Kate, oatmeal for me (down, cholesterol, down!). This picture is from our little date. She ate her cereal, commenting from time-to-time, "watch this, Mommy!" A little trick she learned from her big sister. You yell, "watch this!" and then do something very non-impressive like squint your eyes or hold your spoon in the air. What is often an annoying routine became entertaining. I tried to make her feel like each move she made was fascinating. Because it was. She is mine. A gift from the Creator. So precious. I am thankful I had a morning to enjoy her in all of her two-ness.

Claire on Marriage

My baby sister accepted the proposal of a wonderful man tonight. Happy doesn't quite describe my feelings. Now comes the fun stuff--a dress, candles, and lots of giggles!!

Claire's eyes began to sparkle the minute she heard that Sissy (a.k.a. Jessica) and Maffew (a.k.a. Matthew) were getting married. In her mind, a wedding is when two people dance. She is always requesting that we marry, which means she dresses up like a princess and we dance to slow music. Her questions:

• Are they getting married tonight?
• Can we watch them get weddinged?
• Why will he be "Uncle Maffew"?

So, here's to Sissy and Maffew! May God bless you in the coming months as you plan your wedding, and in the coming years as you grow in love and in His grace!

ME-member

Sometimes I think I have to have something amazing to say here. But I think it is important to write a few random moments of normalcy for me to remember. I will call it my ME-member list.

ME-member:

• Claire wanted to send her "Get Well" card to the nurse at home (nursing home).
• Before leaving for school yesterday, Sarah Kate looked at me very seriously and said, "I look pretty." How can you not agree with that? The new addition to her wardrobe that morning: a cheap plastic headband. Made her day!
• Claire had her first "no one wants to be my friend" moment. It was totally her fault. She's bossy. She pouted, fussed, yelled at me because she was hurt. Then she drew her "she's not my friend anymore" Kaylie a beautiful picture of them being friends. Four-year-old friendships are beautiful!
• I'm terrified today of the many times I will have to lovingly counsel my head-strong child on the intricacies of friendship.
  
• When Sarah Kate gets mad, she shuffles her hands, looks down, then starts subtly kicking. Last night at dinner she got mad after being corrected for some minor infraction. I asked her, "do you need to sit on the green rug?" (our official cool-down/time-out spot). She looked at me and said, "yes." She got down and sat for about 3 or 4 minutes, then came back to the table. "I sorry, Mommy."
• I love her correctability (I know that's not a word, but it should be). She struggles with shame over breaking rules, much like her Mommy. I think that's why she tucks her chin and starts her little angry dance. But her heart turns so completely. Her instructions are to sit until her attitude changes and she's ready to apologize. She gets to set her own time. And she will sit there as long as it takes to cool down and steer her will back in line. She comes back to me, contrite. "Sorry, Mommy. Yes mam." Even if that "yes mam" is not appropriate, she does it anyway. That seems to be her 2-year-old way of communicating submission. It humbles me every time. That is how beautiful and raw my own confession and submission to my Lord should be. "Sorry, Lord. Yes Sir."
• We are done with diapers. I can't get Sarah Kate to wear the last one (she still has not conquered the nights). So, I have one diaper left. I don't know how I feel about that. I've been waiting for this moment for 4 years and 8 months. But, I'm a little sad. I don't have a baby anymore.

I'll leave it at that. If I travel much further on that train [of thought], I might just wake my snoring hubby!

(I wish I had taken a picture of them today!)

Exodus 3

I love that the Word of God is living and breathing. The things you've read over and over can all of a sudden become new and fresh. Today, Exodus 3 came to me new and fresh.

Moses is going about his day, rather mundane and normal. Then he spots the bush. Had he said, "I don't have time," or ran away out of fear, history would be changed. But, Moses took a moment to step out of the normalcy into the holy--shoes off, mind you.

"I must go over and see this!" Once Moses notices this act of wonder, God calls him by name. This event is intended for him. First, he had to notice the bush and turn away from his routine. Then he met God.

How many times in my day do I rush past a burning bush? Does God place "WOW!" in front of me while I run through my life with my eyes closed? Moments with my children, encounters with my patients, worship with the body of Christ, a sad stranger, the sunrise outside my window. If I stopped, turned aside from my rushed routine, would I hear him call my name? "Kelly! Kelly!"

A holy encounter with my God awaits me today. What will it be? Will I see and turn to it? Will I hear my name? Will I respond, "Here I am?" Open my eyes, oh Lord, to the burning bush you have for me today!

Precious Moments

I've included a few "everyday" pictures from our day off (MLK Day). They seemed pretty ho-hum when I took them. We had a little snow. David took the kids out. We spent most of the day in our pj's (or "jamas" as we call them at our house).

Then, today, those normal moments became a little more precious to me. When I went to school to get the girls for their dentist appointments, a teacher ran down the hall with a lifeless child in her arms.

She was frantic, "he's not breathing! He's not breathing!"

Claire's teacher assured me everyone was certified in CPR. Being the [nosy] health care worker that I am, I checked in on them a few minutes later to see if they needed any help. The little boy had most likely experienced a febrile seizure. He had stopped breathing in the classroom. The hero-teacher gave him rescue breaths, then ran to the office to call 9-1-1 when he started breathing again. I provided a little assistance in the way of vitals, positioning, and a "medical" presence. These ladies did an excellent job of managing the situation. I simply affirmed that they were following appropriate procedure. He was not yet responsive when the paramedics arrived. Breathing, heart beating, but not awake.

The sweet angel is doing OK, last I heard. I stopped in to commend the director and his teacher that they did an excellent job. His teacher saved his life today.

I couldn't escape the image of his little body dangling from her arms. Two classrooms down, my own blond-headed angel slept on her cot, cuddled in her pink blanket. What protects me from that dreaded call from daycare? "Your child is unresponsive; she has been taken to the ER!" Thank you, GOD, that it wasn't my child! How terrible I feel to pray that, but it's the honest cry of my heart. I am so thankful mine made it through today. . .

. . . Thankful for our last lazy day of cinnamon rolls, hot chocolate, and indoor balloon tennis. What if that was the last day we spent together as a family? Did I spend enough quality time with my kids? Did they know I loved them that day?

And what about today? Were my stern words too much? My patience too short? How many kisses did I give them? Not enough, I'm sure.

I am so sorry that little Carson had to go through that today. I'm sorry his teacher had to breath life back into him. I feel heartache for the mom who picked up her phone at 11:38 to hear that her son was so sick. Thanks be to my Perfecter who allowed me to be a part of that moment. It has given me added appreciation for the time I spend with my kids!

They are both sleeping; I think I will go check on them . . . one more time.

Claire LOVES the snow! I love how expressive her face gets! She can say a hundred words with one look. She can also say a hundred words in about one minute!!

One quick "she's growing up" moment:
"If I can just learn to handle these tangles, I can brush my own hair!"
(And, yes, that is a shiner on her left eye! She had a run-in with her bed rail.)

Slow Down, Mommy!

I am usually in a hurry. Hurry and get ready for work/school. Hurry and eat. Hurry in the tub. Let's hurry through this story. There is always more to do and not enough time to do it. The baby put it all in perspective for me today. We were trying to collect all of our things and family members after church, in a hurry, of course. This dialogue follows:

Me: "Come on, Sarah Kate! Keep moving down the steps. I still have to get the food out of our Sunday School room."

SK: "Slow down, Mommy! Slow down!" (with a knowing grin on her face, by the way)

OUCH!! She's two, but I think she has the right idea. Especially on this one day of the week that we have to re-focus and center our hearts and minds on our Creator. I think God had the voice of my child today. He says to me, "SLOW DOWN!" Enjoy your children. Watch for moments of grace and glory. Savor the time you have with your husband. Slow down, sit at My feet for a moment. I have so much to share with you. If you'd only take the time to BE where you are instead of always looking ahead to where you are going.

Thank you, Katie-bug, for speaking the truth in love. I'll slow down for you, baby girl!

It's Been a While (understatement)

After visiting insightful blogs from a few friends, I decided to visit my own. It made me smile to see my girls last spring. My how they have grown. Since the scrapbook paper and photographs sit securely in my craft-cabinet, this is my only record of the memories I'm too busy to remember. How will I remember the chocolate chips on the floor if I don't write it down?

Life is way too fast to file away those sweet moments you vow to never forget. My children are a precious treasure to me. Although this phase in life (4 1/2 and 2) often feels chaotic and insane, I'm sure I will look back longingly at the years of, "Mommy, rub my back," "read to me," "no! I do it my by-self!"

Here's to more updates. Not for anyone else, so much, as for ME!