Thursday, September 9, 2010

Worth Quoting

Many thanks to you bloggy friends who still stop by in spite of my recent hibernation in the black hole I have fallen into. I have much to share in the coming weeks about our new adoption and sweet things happening in our family.

But for now, I thought I'd share a quick post on some comments made by my kiddos that made me laugh.

Harsh Realizations

The other night Olivia's (my 8th grader) homework assignment was to interview her parents about their first memory of the computer. I shared that the first time I ever saw one was when I was about her age. It was the first computer in our school's future "computer lab" that was then full of electric typewriters. I went on to explain how my research papers were typed on such typewriters and any mistakes were remedied with White Out, but major errors required the page to be typed over again. I shared that there was no Internet, so all research had to be done at our local library--resources were encyclopedias that weighed more than a preschool child and periodicals could be viewed on something called microfilm.

Her eyes were huge, her mouth hung open in disbelief. Apparently the "I walked 10 miles to school in the snow, barefoot, uphill both ways" tales of my parents' generation were no longer necessary. The thought of a world without Google and e-mail and Facebook was apparently enough. (If I had mentioned that cell phones still weren't around, I think she would have lost consciousness.)

She finally spoke. It was the most sympathetic tone I have ever heard out of her mouth. "Mom, I'm so sorry. I had no idea that your childhood was such a NIGHTMARE!"

Keen Observations

We were at Chick-fil-A the other day and as we were leaving got a hug from the 7 foot cow character that is their "Eat More Chicken" mascot. Brady (age 5) is apparently not a big fan of livestock in eating establishments, but handled it okay.

As we exited the building, he leaned over and whispered to me: "Mom, this is just a guess, but I don't think that kind of cow produces milk."

Undiluted Truth

I overheard a conversation with Ava (age 10) and a new acquaintance. I was just catching bits and pieces, but clearly heard the other little girl describing what her mother looked like.

She offered, "My mom has light brown hair with blond highlights."

Ava responded, "Oh, she sounds so pretty. My mom has dark brown hair with silver highlights."

Ummm. I'm thinking I'm overdue for a trip to the hair salon.

Overflowing Gratitude

Daniel (age 8) has said many things that have made us laugh out loud, but his quote that I just have to share is the one that makes my heart rejoice.

The first time he said it, it was in the spring just a few months after coming home. We were at Target and I bought him a pair of Spiderman tennis shoes and some blue Crocs. He asked over and over if we had enough money to buy TWO pairs of shoes. He just couldn't believe it. As we were walking hand in hand to take our new treasures home, he exclaimed, "I love my life!"

One time this summer we were all snuggled up as a family watching "Mary Poppins." We took an intermission to make ice cream sundaes and he came over and hugged me and said again, "I love my life!"

Then during Daniel's first week of school, he hopped in the minivan with the world's best smile. He couldn't wait to tell me about his morning, but started with a slight variation of the same sentiment, "I have a great life!"

Oh, sweet boy, I have a great life, too!

So Grateful,
Kathie

7 comments:

Teri said...

Oh Kathie! You had me actually laughing out loud with those quotes and then of course, the ever present lump in my throat as I fight the tears from making my eyes become more than misty as I read about precious Daniel. Just reading that makes me want to call up an adoption agency RIGHT NOW! I am trusting God though, His timing, not mine. Gotta find a place to live first right? Thank you for sharing your sweet children with us! Brightened my day!

trustandobey said...

Oh my gosh, I just love your son!!! What a sweet gift from God to allow Daniel's thankfulness to overflow like it does!!! What a qreat exhortation to all he meets who are tempted to complain:)
Lisa

Karen said...

I had to chuckle at your description of the non-computer world to your daughter. Boy, it brought back such memories. When my parents got me an electric typewriter for highschool graduation (for all those term papers I'd be typing in college) I thought I was pretty tech savvy.

And then Daniel's words brought such a smile to my face. What a blessing he must be to your life!

Sean and Lisa said...

Geez! Every time I read about your precious Daniel my lip quivers and tears flood my eyes. I just love how he is so thankful and appreciates the little things in life. What a joy he is!!

I'm realizing I need to be more like Daniel. I need to thank my Father more and appreciate the little things each day instead of being stuck on the bad things.

Much love!
Lisa

Kristin Ferguson said...

What a nightmare childhood indeed. ha ha! You're right. We don't need the walking miles in snow illustration anymore.

I especially enjoyed Daniel's quotes as he reminded me how wonderful my life is (as I'm right now in the midst of inward grumbling to God about the homeschooling "life" He's given me this year.) Great time to read this post--even if it's a few days after you actually posted it!

Heart n Soul said...

Love your blog.... so delightful. Look forward to hearing your story about the latest addition to your family... how sweet.

junglemama said...

The silver highlights comment-- how funny!