In Closing … I’d Like to Thank the Little People

It seems like only yesterday that I wrote about not being the Summertime Super Mom and here we are, only a few short days before the kids go back to school.

As much as I’d like to be Saylah’s cheerleader to encourage her that she wants to go back to school, I get the melancholy and apprehension of starting a new school year. To some extent, my sentiments echo hers. It’s not that I’m not looking forward to the school year routine and hanging up my cape of summer superhero fun maker for the next 9 months. But I’ve kinda grown accustomed to these little creatures roaming my house and I rather like having them around. Well, that is until 7:30 bedtime … then, well, to be frank … I’m done.

All in all, I feel we’ve had an amazing summer and I am totally blessed that I got to spend this fun time with my 6, 4, and 1 year old.

I’ll admit; it started out a little wacky. Ben had a weird work schedule for a bit, then started a new job and has been crazy busy every since. We were supposed to go to Italy but due to said weird work schedule ... that got nixed. My work has taken off (Thank You God), so I’ve been an amazing juggler (if I do say so myself) between working and hanging with the kiddos. As summer progressed, we settled into a groove and have done some pretty fun things.

First, I’d like to brag that I did indeed accomplish my big tasks of having the kids read for 30 minutes every day and we did learn about a new family member every week. I will also admit however, I only got so far as buying the math and science activity books and doing a couple of pages over the summer days. I suppose I’ll have to re-goal that idea for next summer.

Beyond brain enhancement (or at least maintenance), we’ve played games, had a jammie party day with friends, visited with relatives, had a couple of sleepovers, practiced our posh talking during an impromptu tea party, trekked all the way to see Winter the tailless dolphin, indulged in popsicles galore, and enjoyed countless summer camps and water activities. No kid could want for a better summer … and no Mommy either.

Mostly I’ve re-realized how much fun it is to be around my kids. 

It’s not that I thought otherwise, but I do think I wasn’t really focusing on it. My kids inspire me.

In fact, when you stop and look at your kids, I bet they do as well. If you’ve got younger ones like I do, have you ever noticed just how happy they are? Like, I mean, nearly all the time. It’s like a little HappyLand utopia in their world. Sure, they have drama moments; temper fits and boo boos that cause a scene. But as only a kid can do, they cry one moment, pick themselves up, get a kiss from Mom, and are right back to their sun-shiny-state of being. It’s pretty cool.

I’m in awe of their ability to seize the time they have, be IN the moment, and enjoy the heck out of life. I’m sure as the school year begins, contrary to their apprehension, each one of them will make new friends and have even more fun than they did the year prior. I’m excited to watch them as they learn new things, are exposed to new environments, and have more great experiences.

Good luck to everyone as they begin their school year. I’m thinking I will first shed a few sniffles, then I’m going to go home, put Isaac down for a nap, and have myself a cup of coffee in sweet, sweet silence. (Hey, there’s always a silver lining, right?) ;)

Excuse me ... IS THIS THING ON?!?!

You may not have noticed this, but I’m a bit of a loud talker. Quite frankly, most of my family is. However, as I raise my three children and interact with other kids from families with siblings, I realize my loud-talking tendencies are simply not my fault.

It seems there is this propensity for the second born children of the world to talk REALLY LOUDLY.

Why do you think this is? Well, let me tell you … we’re trying to find our voice. I’m sure of it. Time and time again I find myself reminding Audrey for instance to stop yelling; that we can hear her. And when middles or seconds come over for a play date I often spend much of my time reminding them to stop yelling as well. In fact, just this morning, the sweetest little thing, dainty and blond, sitting quite cutely in my back seat, out of the blue, screamed at the top of her lungs, “Turn it to #2!”

After jumping a little and smiling to myself, I accommodated. She wasn’t being rude; she was just trying to be heard over the chattering of the older kids in the car.

I blame this attribute on the first borns of the world, actually. Yep, you oldest kids out there with your non-stop blabbering, “ helpful directing,” and flat out bossing around of us youngers has yielded a whole slew of siblings who speak at higher-than-normal decibel levels.

Being the middle child myself, I am intrigued as I watch the stereotypical dynamics of birth order play out in my home. For instance, it goes without surprise that Saylah is bossy as all get out … and knows practically everything. Correction … everything. Isaac is spoiled … yes, already. And Audrey … well, she’s a bit of a feisty little firecracker. Quick to yell, scream or cry whenever something goes awry, I often have to remind myself to resist the urge to strangle her after her latest tirade ensues. Remembering that she’s probably been bottling up things for a while, waiting to get her turn to be heard, and she’s now frustrated and conditioned to communicate LOUDLY.

There are other dynamics with #2 that are entertaining as well. For example, I enjoy being the fly on the wall as I watch Audrey watch Saylah as Say discovers how to be funny, dance or try some new trick. First there’s wonder, then awe, then shortly after I can be sure Audrey will be trying it out too. Thankfully, Saylah is a good kid and mostly teaches her good things. ;) I chuckle to myself when I see Audrey at her peak of tolerance for Saylah trying to tell her yet again the ways of the world. And it’s heart-warming when I see her try to pass down her own “wisdom” to Isaac.

Audrey’s sibling order is molding her into one of the most interesting, challenging and loveable people I’ve yet to encounter in my life. She is passionate, both positively so and negatively so. She is dynamic and even flexible from time to time – playing with Saylah one moment then switching gears to play with Isaac the next. She gets frustrated easily but her patience level sometimes is inspiring when yet again she’s interrupted and waits quietly until she can get her words in. 

I’m embarrassed to admit that as a baby I actually thought Audrey was a quiet child. Then one day (when jabber box Saylah wasn’t around) I actually got the opportunity to talk without interruption to her. Oh wow. It was like a flurry of words had been bottled up. Once uncorked, she was bubbling over with things to share. These days, I’ve realized that when I spend quality one-on-one time with Audrey, on a consistent basis, her spirit is calmer and more content. Which is really what any parent wants.

So, it goes without saying, it can be tough being the middle kid. I for one always complained that I always got the chores the older was too old to do and the younger was too young to do. But honestly, it’s not all bad being second in the sibling order of life.

Audrey gets to learn from the older and teach the younger. She always has the option to be “Switzerland” in the event of a trio argument. And if one is playing a game she’s not interested in, she can always go and try to convince the other to play her game. Being in the middle means she’s closer to relating with all of her siblings and she’ll rarely be bored. When life’s challenges arise as a grown up, she can dole out the task of telling “mom and dad the news that they aren’t coming home for Christmas” to her older sister and she can advise her younger brother to call his parents to wish them Happy Anniversary without them being the wiser that he forgot.

As she navigates her second-born-ness she’s certain to be strong, creative and loving. And without a doubt, there will be no stopping her when she decides it’s her turn to be heard.

Here Comes Santa Claus ...

I always thought it was rather corny all those “Christmas in July” marketing events. I just figured it was a cute little way to promote sales and get revenue up during the hot summer slump.

But lately, I’m starting to think it’s a cultural tendency.

I’ve not actually seen or heard a lot of “Christmas in July” advertisements this year. Which means, neither have my kids. But I can’t begin to tell you how many kids I’ve heard talking about Santa, Christmas lists and presents this last month.

Seriously, it’s really interesting. What is it that inadvertently inspires kids to start thinking about Santa in the middle of the summer? And it’s everywhere. My friend told me her son exclaimed out of the blue that there were only 6 months to Christmas just last week. I heard another little girl tell her mom what she was going to ask Santa to bring. And my own girls have been listing what they are going to put on their lists since some time around the 4^th of July.

I wonder … is this because they are bored and thinking of new things to accumulate? Because, I’m certain it’s not because they’re worried whether they are on the naughty or nice list … that’s for sure. 

Asian Destiny

A while back Chik-Fil-A was giving out Chinese language CDs in their kid’s meals. Saylah was all over this CD and went to bed nearly every night for months and months listening to Chinese. Which was a win win for us. Get her to go to bed easily and hope some foreign language skills seep in while she’s slumbering away.

Well, this was probably two years ago if I had to take a guess and to this day she still remembers a few choice words in Chinese and has a real keen interest in the subject. Which is somewhat annoying to me as I’ve also taught them bits of Japanese and we’ve even had Japanese exchange students visit us and become part of our family, yet her interest still seems to be stronger in the Chinese culture over the Japanese culture.

With her consistent love for the Chinese culture, Saylah has recently discovered that many of her possessions are “made in China.” It was super funny and pretty darn cute, I have to admit, when she exclaimed to me last week, “Mommy! Every thing I have is made in China!”

She is convinced it’s her good fortune that she “keeps getting stuff made in China.” I simply don’t have the heart to break it to her that Mommy and Daddy just buy a lot of cheap stuff. ;)  

Those Girls Who Aren't Technically Mine

For those of you who don’t know, I take claim to a group of girls who I absolutely adore and would certainly give my right arm too, should they ask. I simply love these eight precious young ladies who’ve touched my heart, and in many cases, opened my eyes. Though they are not technically mine, they certainly have become an important part of my story. 

You see, for the last nine years I’ve had the honor and privilege to serve as a Girl Scout leader to teen girls. Call me a glutton for punishment or an odd bird, but I really enjoy hanging out with teenagers. They are fun, witty, ridiculously intelligent and often push me to the edge of sanity ;). But they are worth it.

It all started back when I was way younger … and way cooler than I am today … for sure. I had this cock-a-may-me notion that if I worked with teen girls in Scouts I could show them by example that cool people could also be a Scout. (Yes I realize this was a stretch calling myself cool, but hey, I can live in my own world if I’d like, thank you very much. ;)) I had been in Girl Scouts through my senior year of high school, and I deeply believe that if it were not for the leadership opportunities and skills I had through this organization, I would not have been able to cultivate the leadership abilities I possess today, nor would I have been able to seek and snag the opportunities I’ve had thus far in my wonderfully fulfilling life.

I’m no dummy. I realize the general teen populace does not consider Girl Scouts cool. Heck, it may surprise you that many adults don’t either. But I think it’s an abomination that peer pressure can steal positive opportunities from you and I wanted to offset that any way I could.

So I set my sights to volunteer with the organization as soon as I moved to Florida. Boy was I flabbergasted when I was asked to be a leader. I seriously thought they would let me volunteer a little here or there but had no clue they would ask me to lead my very own troop. I vividly recall calling my mom on the way home, driving down the 408 in my little maroon RAV4, exclaiming, “MOM! I’m going to be a GIRL SCOUT leader! Yes they are going to let me be a LEADER!” I was so excited and so very proud.

Little did I know that when I started this little “let’s inspire girls” endeavor, that they’d be the ones to inspire me. I’ve learned more about being a teen (a handy skill for the three who will some day become those alien beings in my own home), how to lead people, how to let them lead, and how to earn the respect of others. I’ve learned what it really looks like to stand beside your friends who may not be the most accepted among their peers. I’ve seen these girls protect one another, compensate for each other’s shortcomings and lend a helping hand to a stranger struggling. 

They are the hardest working children I’ve ever known. I’ve had one studying at 11 p.m. in the freezing cold for her next AP Exam instead of snuggling up in her warm and inviting sleeping bag while camping. We’ve had discussions about everything from bullying to books and every silly thing in between. I’m thrilled some have come back from college and want to come visit and participate. Many I’ve known since they were five and I’ve seen them grow from annoying (yes annoying) ‘tweens to tolerable and even enjoyable, young adults. Words cannot express how proud I am to serve as their leader and how honored I am that their parents trust me to influence their lives.

And, when I thought I was going to teach them stuff … well, they’ve simply taught me way more. I can’t get over a teen’s tenacity, dedication and commitment capacity. It’s fun to see them dream of adult life and then even more fun to see them take the steps that will get them there. 

I will say though, sometimes I get the upper hand. I secretly smirk at the times when I remind my teens that hard work and a little discomfort is necessary for success … like the time I was the only one to climb the 50 ft. rock wall and ring the bell. Ding. Ding ladies … can you beat that? ;)

I laugh when I recount the enormous diversity we represent. We’re our own little American melting pot micro-society, comprised of young future leaders who are Christians, Muslims, Jews and those without a faith or denomination. They relate through their differences as band kids, orchestra kids, soccer kids, dance kids and drama kids. Those with affluent economic standings stand beside their peers whose families may be struggling to make ends meet and the topic doesn’t even come into consideration. 6^th graders through high school seniors laugh, lovingly tease, and teach each other just what it means to better this world hand in hand. Our only children, sister pairings, and kids with siblings at home equally represent what it means to be and act like a true Girl Scout.

In my nine years (and counting) as a teen leader I’m concerned with how much teens go through today. They are asked by their peers to deal with grown up things way too early. They strive to accomplish way more than we were ever asked to accomplish. They know the world competitive market. And their schedules make my life as a writer, consultant, girl scout leader, mother of three, wife and person training for a marathon … quite frankly, look like rest time on the beach. 

I think it’s important for those of us outside of the teenage storm to be mindful to support our community teens. They need grown ups; parents, teachers, friends, youth ministers and neighbors to look out for them; build them up; and offer moral advice without judgment each and every day.

Nine years later, I’ve grown up enough to know I was never really cool, but that my childlike spirit has been just enough to relate to these girls who’ve allowed me to be a mentor, friend and educator.

To date, I’m proud to say I’ve had three girls graduate from Scouts … two of which who earned their Gold Award (the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve) and one who received the Young Woman of Distinction Award from our area Council. I’ve had a majority earn their bronze awards and many working toward their silver. We’ve earned badges, served our community, made new friends, kept the old, had way so much fun, and mentored others. But most importantly, these girls represent what it is to love others despite differences and build one another up so that every girl can become the future leader she was meant to be.

Blog-lacking & New Antics

I’m falling behind. I have subscribed to three of the top blogs in the country to get a better idea of how this blogging thing is supposed to work and it seems they send notes out every three days at the least! So, for all my blogging groupies (ha ha) or to those of you just sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to hear about our newest antics … my apologies for the crickets.

The latest on our front is it seems I MAY be raising slightly sheltered kids … if our recent viewing of The Parent Trap is any indication.

I simply LOVE The Parent Trap. I mean Hayley Mills and Hayley Mills singing Let’s Get Together (yah, yah, yah) rings in my head and brings a smile to my face. So I was stoked when I found it at the library yesterday. I immediately snatched it up in fear that some other mom from my decade would spy it and we’d have a mad dash to get our clutches on the treasured movie. I’m not gonna lie … I may have thrown some elbows should this incident have happened. ;)

I knew that I’d have to probably explain the premise of the movie. The girls have heard of divorce before but they don’t really get it and it’s not a big part of our social circuit. I was a little nervous they’d be distraught over that part, but knew it would be okay.

To my surprise … they didn’t bat an eye at that piece of the plot. However, I’m pretty sure Saylah was entirely put out by the fact that Susan and Sharon (Hayley Mills & Hayley Mills) were going to leave their respective parent and not return to their proper home after camp. Halfway through she looked pointedly at me and said “they are lying Mommy.” She was not amused.

Audrey got stuck on two things. One, she thought the short-haired Hayley was a boy. And two, she told my Mom today when she arrived at my house that “there were two mean kids in the movie.” She was referring to the pranks the girls pulled on each other at camp. I am torn now … laugh at Susan cutting Sharon’s dress or play Ms. Goody-Two-Shoes and point out that’s not proper. If you know me at all … I laughed. Come on, it’s funny. =)

The girls were spot on though when they were aghast at the people smoking. I’m not going to correct that. As long as they think that’s bad for them, the better chance they won’t try when they are old as far as I’m concerned.

If you’re looking for a flash back flick, check this one out again, it is still fabulous! And the ousting of the bride-to-be chick is still funny! Apart from not being able to keep up with who was who, overall the girls enjoyed the movie and Audrey was intrigued by the concept of twins. I didn’t even dive into the fact that it was the same girl. I figured that would totally blow their minds! And I suppose I didn’t scar them too much … Saylah requested to watch it again today … although she did call it The Family Trap. LOL 

VBS: Pros & Cons

We spent our second (of three) week at vacation bible school this week. By we, I mean Saylah and Audrey. They loved it!

I’ll admit 3 years ago when my mommy posse asked me what VBS we were going to attend that summer … I was clueless. What on earth does VBS stand for? Growing up I had never been to a vacation bible school and I had no clue what to expect.

So, like a lot of other avenues that have enriched my walk with God, I must confess – I signed Saylah up for her first VBS because: 1. it sounded like a good idea; 2. it sounded trustworthy because my friends had experienced it before; and 3. well … um … it was free childcare for three hours one week during the long long summer.

If you’re a VBSer, you know you’ve thought it too. ;)

Whatever the initial motivation, I am so glad I began my kids on this summer regime. The first year I’ve never seen Saylah so pumped! She absolutely loved it and so did I! One of the best summer choices I’ve made for my kiddos.

 

This week’s particular VBS was at Mosaic church in Oakland, Florida. Mosaic’s VBS is by far my favorite one. They volunteers and staff are SO organized, they incorporate older kids to serve as teachers alongside grown ups, and the kids have SO MUCH FUN! Plus, since we’ve been going there for the last few summers, it’s like a little mommy summer reunion every morning!

With three planned for the summer, I am pondering on if that’s a little overkill. And I do admit I was desperate for a little free enrichment where I could write whilst the youngest naps every morning. =) Plus the kids get to hang with friends they don’t see everyday, making it a win-win for everyone I’m sure.

Although all three are at different churches, if you’re a pro at this like me, you know that there aren’t very many different themes put out for VBS curriculum each summer. This results in repeat VBSing. For us that happened week one at HighPoint church in Ocoee and week two at Mosaic. The Sky VBS is focused on the central message of “Trust God.”

This simple message is awesome for us all and it is also what inspired me to write this post:

Here are my pros and cons of doing VBS three times in one summer.

Pro: Three weeks of worshiping, learning about, and focusing on God through a trusted church is always awesome.

Con: Three weeks of having to listen to the same VBS songs over and over again can be a little mind-maddening. 

Pro: Three weeks of great people loving on your kids and the potential to get new possible babysitters is heart-warming and efficient. 

Con: Three weeks of accumulating the little crafts and trinkets that are sent home each day that the kids feel they MUST keep forever creates a need for Mommy to put on her Mission Impossible, creative disposal hat.

Pro: VBS teaches the kids about others in need. My kids were inspired to help kids by buying mosquito nets, pray for the people in Kenya, and thank God that He made everyone different.

Con: Coming home to Saylah playing make believe that she lives out of her car and Audrey needs to bring her food is sweet, yes, but also a slight bit unsettling. =)

Pro: It’s also a summer reunion for the kids. Saylah saw kids from preschool, kindergarten, her church and friends from other churches, along with kids who were part of last year’s VBS that she remembers. Audrey’s class was made up of: her BFF from her preschool class, her two lifetime BFFs, the little brother of Saylah’s BFF and her.

Con: I felt compelled to actually get dressed and fix my hair and makeup most mornings because I too was going to run into everyone I know.

Pro: They learned to trust God and what that means. This is invaluable to their lives and a great reminder for grown ups too.

Con: Today when Saylah “had” to jump off her top bunk she told me (quite proudly), “Mommy, I had to trust God!” (Yes, that’s right folks, she decided to trust God as she catapulted herself from 5 feet up in an attempt to dodge siblings, dressers and whatever else was scattered below. There isn’t much to say to your child at this point. “Good job Honey.” “Glad you trusted God.” “Can we still not jump off our top bunk though?”)

All in all, I am so thankful for Vacation Bible School and grateful for the men, women and teens who serve our children, pouring in faith, love and the fun of God into their little lives.

If you’re in Orlando and still looking for a good VBS, check out www.Zradio.org for a listing. We’ve got just one more and thankfully it’s a different theme and much later in the summer. Until then, I’m well on my way to learning all the hand motions to “You, You, You”.