Maybe the Cutest Humans Ever....

Rash Judgements

Yesterday my sister rose early, dashed her 7 year old off to school and then headed to the gym where she dropped her 2 yr old off in child care so she could cardio it up.

Afterward, sweaty and adorned in work out clothes, she hurried directly to her local grocery store, with daughter in tow, so she could participate in a Tuesday drawing they have.

Upon entering the store she observed an elderly couple who also, apparently, observed her. The woman turned to the man and loudly whispered,

"See, there's another one of "them" that doesn't care."

What the?

My sister, being cool, just laughed to herself and thought - seriously?

Oh the judgments we desire to make of each other.

So unfortunate.

Over three and a half years ago my little family had just moved back to Boise from IL.

Little C was 7, Lou 2 1/2, and Ruckus around 15 mos old.

I had recently found out I was pregnant with Moo and felt miserable, tired, and zero motivation to accomplish anything besides keeping my children alive.

The Beloved was traveling back and forth from IL to ID and was rarely home, which left the majority of the unpacking to yours truly.

Little C had signed up for scouts at school and was striving to get his Bobcat award.

After I picked him up from school one day he had approximately 

an hour and a half before scouts was scheduled to begin.

I couldn't bare the thought (that's really how it felt - COULD NOT BARE THE THOUGHT!) of going home and making a dinner I wouldn't want to eat (because nothing is satisfying to these taste buds my first trimester of pregnancy - which is super depressing to this food loving gal). I just wanted to sit down, enjoy my kids, and pay for someone else to serve me.

I decided to go to a family restaurant I had frequented as a kid called Raedean's. 

We sat down, ordered, and had a pretty pleasant meal. Little C and I looked over his scout book, he made goals, and I signed off a few things already accomplished.

Lou and Ruckus behaved pretty well. It definitely wasn't on my list of nightmare restaurant adventures, and trust me, I had a mental list going.

All of a sudden this disgusted elderly lady, followed by her spouse -was in my face, shaking her finger wildly - shouting -

You ruined our whole meal and every one's in the restaurant! You are a horrible mother! - allowing your family to be so disruptive!

In my day people took their children out when they were being so naughty.

I blame this all on your parents. They must have raised you with this low class behavior!

You are the reason I am not voting for the upcoming school bond.

Why should I support someone raising juvenile delinquents?

.......

and she went on, and on, and on.....

not letting me say a word. Every time I tried she'd stick her finger in my face and scream, "Now you listen to me!"

Little C was my hero, shaking his head the whole time declaring, "not true, that's not true."

When she finished I said - thank you for your kindness.

And when she walked around the corner to leave -

 I starting sobbing.

I had never been the recipient of such unkindness and harsh judgment.

I was ashamed I hadn't been able to jump to the defense of my sweet babies. 

Being a mother is the most important job in the world.

The most.

Nothing else can be so rewarding, joyful, heartbreaking and hard at the same time.

Sculpting humans into being something amazing - to be virtuous, hard working, filled with faith and charity - love -

that's my goal -

and I had basically just been told that I had failed.

As my head was laying in my hands on the table, trying to pull my composure together, an angel of a woman appeared at my side and said,

"You didn't bother us at all honey."

She looked around the table searching out the faces of my boys one by one.  Truly seeing them.

"You have three boys. Wow, what a blessing. They are wonderful and you are doing a good job.

Let me pay for your meal.

Don't worry about what she said."

She immediately took our bill and paid the amount due.

I was a speechless, tear streaming, snot running, hiccuping, thankful mess.

The server came up to me shortly afterward and said many of the other customers want you to know you hadn't bothered them in the least.

I stumbled over thank yous right and left as we were leaving Raedean's. 

Somehow we beat the enraged elderly woman to the parking lot.

As they were exiting the building we were preparing to get in our car and I noticed Lou picking up an impressive boulder and lobbing it at the red car next to us - it landed on the hood. 

Is this really happening right now?

I scrambled over to pull it off - making sure it left zero marks and then loaded my family in the car.

Red car amazingly enough belonged to the woman who is not so fond of my parenting skills.

Luckily  - she hadn't observed the trespass of my two year old.

Relief.

As I drove my thoughts wandered -
Firstly - Wow, she sucks as a person.

This woman had just spent her whole meal hating my family.

She became obsessed with creating a story of my life - past, present, and future.

We were working on scouting for goodness sake -

if she only knew my parents - how proper, good and respectable they are -

Can you imagine what a rant she would have gone on if she knew I was pregnant?

She knows nothing about my plate.

That sitting down at Raedean's had been a blessing to me.

To be able to chat with my kids, not have to cook or unpack, and to just enjoy these gifts that have been sent to me from heaven.

She didn't know I was exhausted.

Little C wanted me to drive back around and give her a piece of my mind.

I told him it was pointless. Some people are just determined to be miserable.

Plus, I don't know what's on her plate.

Maybe she's sick -

sad -

exhausted -

and all she wanted was to find peace during her meal and instead was intruded upon by the chatter of little children.

She obviously doesn't love the chatter of little children as I do.

I know the majority of things she said were untrue.

But it did make me more aware of how my children behave in public and I have tried to instill in them respect for those around us.

This experience also reminded me of the valuable lesson to not judge and to avoid irrational preconceived notations based upon my own thoughts.

Such a waste of time.

How much better the woman's time was spent who rushed to my side offering her comfort, reassurance and love.

She made the difference.

She's the person who made me want to be better -

not vice versa.

Spring Break Week 2

We partied at a hotel in Boise -

far enough away to feel like a vacation but close enough to run home if need be. The Best.

The Beloved serving breakfast to the boys

Posing - pretending to help him cook - I really did nothing.
It was lovely.

The Beloved feeding me his delicious homemade breakfast.

When paying for a room feel free to jump off furniture
 -Little C -

Lou

Ruckus

The Mooster

The girls are ready

ahhh precious baby feet being adored by Ruckus

Little C getting clobbered in the background by a mighty The Beloved wave

Little C being thrown sky high

Lou "gettng it good"

Swim away, swim away

Moo staying safe by Mom

Daddy daughter time

The Whole Fam Damily

We stayed in a hotel near a movie theater so we could walk over whenever our movie loving hearts desired.

The Muppets was not a favorite unfortunately.

It's never a good sign if The Beloved falls asleep with his mouth open while a film is rolling.

Little C

Lou dog

Ruckus looks a little more excited to see this flick than Lou did.

Moo

The Awesome parents.

Sweet, beautiful R&R.

The End.

I watch the world around me and love the people in it.

My family, friends, entertainers, complete strangers.

I watch Ellen and laugh hysterically thinking - I totally want to hang out with her.

I'm addicted to the reality show The Voice and love listening to Kristen Merlin's God given instrument. Such a beautiful voice.

One of my best friend's from high school who is so kind, talented and wonderful has something in common with the women mentioned above -

she feels she is gay.

She is getting married soon and requested my address so she could send me an invitation.

I told her I was happy she was happy.

When she first "came out" we discussed how I disagreed with her decision but that I would always be her friend.

I wonder, if I ever had the opportunity to meet Ellen or Kristen if they would have a hard time being my friend because of my firm belief in God's declaration of marriage only being between a man and a woman. 

Maybe, maybe not? 

When I hear disturbing accusations like these in Macklemore's song - it makes me sad. He doesn't understand why I believe what I believe.

The right wing conservatives think it's a decision
And you can be cured with some treatment and religion
Man-made rewiring of a predisposition
Playing God, aw nah here we go
America the brave still fears what we don't know
And "God loves all his children" is somehow forgotten
But we paraphrase a book written thirty-five-hundred years ago
I don't know

That's not me.  

I love people - 

maybe we don't share the same beliefs but who said we have to?

I haven't told my friend yet that I can't attend her wedding but I will.

Because I love her enough and think she deserves an explanation.

My ponderings led me to writing this little poem 

(Who says that? You definitely have my permission to throw up in your mouth a bit) :)

To My Pal -

When I say - I'm happy you're happy

I really, truly mean it

But being happy you're happy

doesn't mean that I'm not sad

When I say - you're a great friend

and I love you dearly

I really, truly mean it

But it doesn't make your belief my belief

and I worry that's not okay with you

When I say - I love my God

I really, truly mean it.

But that doesn't mean I'd ever doubt

the love He feels for you

When I say I can't support you

on this very big life decision

I really, heart breakingly mean it

But that doesn't mean I would ever consider

not being your life long friend

When I say - Will you stop being mine?

I really, truly wonder....

But please know-

I still love you friend-

I really, truly mean it.

Spring Break Week 1

My sister and her two kiddos, plus a very tall nephew (Brandon) joined us for our first week of spring break.

Little C was RELIEVED his older cousin tagged along. I know it gets hard when everyone is younger than him so I was super excited for him to have a way fun compadre. 

They embarked on the joys of Jump Time and an outing to Dave and Busters. 

These two boys are cool - they would have been content sitting around chatting with the adults most of the day. One evening my nephew plugged his IPOD into my kitchen cabinet stereo while Shanny and I were cleaning up dinner.

He loves to go through new and old tunes asking if we know the artists.

We surprised him by not only knowing the music but by starting a mosh pit right then and there. My sister and I were jumping up and down - barreling into Little C, Brandon, and each other.

They didn't get it.

Then somehow this led to an intense rap competition where the women were crowned victorious.

Shannon beatboxed and busted out an old 90's rhythm method while I did my best rendition of  -

Whatta Man by Salt 'N' Pepa.

My dear son and his cousin must have been impressed by our skill.

Must have.

The younger kids played and played and played - ignoring the adults most of the time which is sometimes delicious. 

Moo and my little niece were inseparable and Shanny's son fits right into the mix at our home.

Love these peeps.

Shanny holding The Baby  - who's wearing the new swimsuit she purchased for her.

Prepping to swim and remain safe.

Showering off  at the Y after swimming.
What happy, happy kids.

Branchial Blest Cyst

When a new, sweet baby arrives in our home we do what probably most other parents do - investigate their new perfect self from head to toe; sometimes discovering long fingers, big Craner toes, Patton foreheads, long lashes, deer shaped eyes, unique birthmarks, etc. 

Ruckus was born with a little dimple near the top of his ear where the ear and face connect. 

We loved this little dimple.

Kind of funky, funny, cute - just like Ruckus.

In Sept a few inches beneath the dimple a sore developed.

At first we thought it was a bug bite and then when it decided to live there longer, possibly eczema. 

One day The Beloved touched the irritated area and said it felt hollow underneath. 

I took Ruckus to the "doc in the box" that day and when the physician applied pressure it burst open.

This Mama is a big fat baby when it comes unusual things of the body.

Can't handle it....

but you have to pretend -

 when you're somebodies mom.

After many follow up doctor appts with our regular pediatrician and various antibiotics prescribed Ruckus was diagnosed with having a Branchial Blest Cyst.

The cause - his cute little dimple.

Underneath his indentation was a tunnel (cyst) that had eventually developed an infection within.

Even though they could kill the infection the percentage for another infection to occur was high.

The ENT Specialist highly recommended surgery which made Ruckus' exaggerated Anime eyes grow even larger.
As the tears started to flow I talked to him about how Little C had always wanted a cool scar to show off and now Ruckus, the little brother, would have bragging rights to an impressive scar on his face.
My four year old was down with that.
The surgery went well and the cyst was later declared benign. 
Ruckus woke up from surgery a little hysterical so they sat me in a recliner, placed him in my lap and wheeled us into the recovery room together.
I cuddled his little self for about an hour, comforting him and relishing in the moment to take care of my baby without interruptions. 
Farewell little dimple that caused so much grief secretly and Hello awesome scar. Ruckus appreciates you greatly.

Dimple

Infection

Ruckus decorated his oxygen mask with stickers

Prepping for surgery

Ruckus received a get well package in the mail from the Roundy Fam that included this Spider man glove - plus he received phone calls and cards from grandparents and family members. He's thinking surgery is Great!

One Sunday in church we were playing a little get to know you game with the young women.

The first question asked appeared pretty simple,

what is your favorite animal?

The girls and other leaders went around the circle listing their many creature loves- from dogs to elephants.

I was the last to answer -

I may be ousted.... I'm quite certain I don't have a favorite animal. I used to think it was dogs and then I got some.....

and now, I know it's not.

You see, if I chose an elephant I have a overwhelming feeling it would show up at my door, want me to feed and nurture it and then clean up the large quantities of poop it excreted in my backyard.

I can't take care of anyone or anything else.

My plate is full.

Sorry animals. 

Kind of.

Around this time The Beloved had been sick for weeks.... flu, horrible cold then flu like symptoms again. He really was truly, truly ill. My heart hurt for him... at first, but then as the weeks went on I was feeling like - Come on! I need your help! I am taking care of so many people, including you. And then I would scold myself - He is sick. He feels horrible - buck up and take care of your man.

This internal argument went on for much too long.

I was tired.

When The Beloved wasn't lying in bed sick he was at work and as soon as he got home he was doing homework.

His plate probably felt entirely full as well.

The boys started soccer and baseball so my craziness schedule increased significantly. 

Here's an example of a Tues schedule -

Little C School at 8

Ruckus School at 9:30

Baby Doc Appt 10

Ruckus Home 11:30

Lunch

Lou School 12:30

Run Errands

Naps

3:30 Pick up Neighbor girl from school

4:00 Pick up Little C and Lou from School

4:30 Little C Baseball practice

5:30 Ruckus Soccer

6:15 Lou Soccer

Find a way to pick up Little C in between soccer schedule.

Eat Dinner

Bedtime

My desire to serve had hit zero and my capacity was depleting fast.

No way! - was I going to take care of a freaking elephant.

The following week I was preparing my lesson entitled, How can the Atonement help me during my trials? 

I was studying a talk by Elder Bednar where I came across this beautiful declaration:

"...the enabling power of the Atonement strengthens us to do and be good and to serve beyond our own individual desire and natural capacity."

Oh sweet, beautiful peace.

He is talking to me. This is about me.

Sweet, beautiful hope.

I was reminded once again that I don't have to do this alone.

For that, I am thankful.

The Beloved's body has also conquered his illness! Yes!

It's so nice to have him back - sorry I was secretly a turd in my mind about your ailments. :)

Plus  - now I can settle on a favorite animal.

But -

 I don't know if I care.

Words cannot express my gratitude for the atonement and for the direction of the spirit leading me to Elder Bednar's talk - such a tender mercy.

I am also thankful for the bit of R&R I pampered myself with during spring break!

Sorry kids - it was time for Mama to put her feet up.

The Baby joined the girls for relaxing pedis  and much needed chatting.

My wonderful friend Candice getting the cucumber treatment.
Heavenly.

Massages with one of my best pals - my sister Shanny.
This is the Before.

After.
Ahhhhhh - so much better!

Poo Anyone?

The Beloved formed this "poo" after he ripped up a toilet paper roll then squeezed it together under running water.

He secretly placed it on the bed and yelled at Little C to - 

come here immediately!

"What is this? Who did this? Why is it on the bed? You were the last one in here!"

Poor Little C is grossed out and spouting earnestly,

"It's not mine.... I, I... didn't do it."

I'm laughing my head off shamefully in the hallway.

Oh - this is so mean and incredibly hilarious at the same time.

The Beloved brings in Lou and Ruckus for questioning.

Lou is mortified and Ruckus is so offended he won't even look at it. 

The Beloved breaks his act, smiling big, exclaiming 

"April Fool's"!

Moo was absent for the whole first scene  - so unfortunately he got an act of his own.

Sorry your parents are immature buddy.

The Creator of Mischief.

The Boys had a little bit more fun later when I took them to the grocery store and allowed them to secretly place the "poo" in the middle of the aisle.

Hahahaha.

:)