Today Daddy Visited with the President

Well, not really. But I was invited to hear him give a speech. Whether you like his politics or not, (and I really don't want to turn this into a political blog), it is still fun to come home and tell your kids that Daddy sat three rows from the President of the United States, right next to the Aussies, in front of the Chinese, and behind the Portugal delegation. Not bad for a kid who grew up in the middle of no where rural America.

Sweet Spiritual Moment

We live in an area with heavy traffic and rude drivers. I can have a bit of a temper, so I tend to listen to religious music while I drive in order to help keep me calm. I began to sing along to one particular song that referenced getting closer to our Savior. The lyrics talk about crying to, dancing for and flying to Jesus.

ET asks, "Mommy, why do we fly to Jesus?"

"The song just means to get to know him better and trust him. He loves us and helps us."

"Does Jesus keep me safe?"

"Yes, ET, he does."

"Is Jesus in the car?" I look around at the clutter. Wrappers, extra clothes, toys, shopping bags.

"Probably not sweetie. Jesus likes to be where it is clean. Is the car very clean?"

"No." A few moments of silence follow. "Mommy, we need to clean the car so Jesus can have a place to sit."

I start to choke up on how sweet his reasoning was. Once I could talk with a normal voice I ask him to help me clean the car that weekend. He agrees and we continue with our otherwise ordinary, but blessed day.

Has to Learn the Hard Way

It seems to me that my son has to learn the hard way on many things. I can tell him over and over not to do something, but he won't stop until he actually gets hurt. Examples? Oh, where do I start.

ET loves to run. Even when we are on concrete, going downhill, he will run. "ET, don't run or you could fall and get hurt." (In one ear and out the other.) "ET, please don't run on the sidewalk." (Still no response.) "ET, please stop. You could get hurt." (The front edge of his shoe catches and down he goes. Wailing and gnashing of teeth ensue.) ET says, "Mommy, you let me fall and get hurt."

At that point I sometimes can't figure out which emotion I am supposed to have. Do I get angry he didn't listen, cry with him, or laugh at his ridiculous conclusion that it is somehow my fault? No, I am not that callous. I usually pull him close and comfort him. I then gently and quietly tell him that it was for precisely that reason I asked him not to run downhill on the sidewalk. I tell him that he should listen the next time I tell him to stop. (ET nods and lets me console him.)

Five days later, we get to do almost the same sequence all over again.

Beginning of ET & ME

No, we are not huge alien fans, other than our own little ET. Those are simply the initials of our beloved, sometimes frustrating, children. And that brings us to the URL of this site. In our society there are times when we feel like and even threaten to sell our children to the gypsies. Some of the postings will undoubtedly display those moments but more often we will place some of our more beloved moments and stories for friends and family to enjoy.

Thank you for those who read and share in the joy of our little ones.