likely in jest

Some of my better ideas were originated in someone else's head! It was probably said as a joke last night that a mother was asked to help create a list of traits for their child's significant other. But, it got my wheels turning and this thought was spit out, "I will make lists for my children to become familiar with and part of who they are and what they ought to expect while they still think I know anything."
So, as a preface, I will use this as a stating point to make two lists, though I expect they will be incredibly similar. One will be for girls the other for boys. What I think are needful traits for future spouses.

GUYS                                                                             GIRLS

most important thing I will ever say to you

I love you so much!!!

strange how things work, huh?

I was on a different journey, nay quest, today, and in the midst of the things I thought I was searching for I found this truth that I want to share with you, my loves.

I have been confused on a few occasions, hahaha that was a joke. I always default to one issue regardless of what my thoughts may be doing to avoid thinking about it. It is like the line in a movie I saw last night, "I can avoid it yes, but not forever." And I have absolutely no trouble with saying that I know that we are eternal and will live forever so it is better to solve any issues now, unless we know a way to put off sort of like "Unlimited data plans" for cellular phones. or the idea that Nick presented to me when we met. "You can loose a battle but win the war." the war is like eternal living and each battle is fought and avoided for now. now? Sorry to get all philosophical it is taking away from my point, huh?

The solution to having an "End game" funny how my mind made that connection and picked those words, but really the idea kame from a song from "chess" titled "Someone Else's Story". I realized that if you came to me with a trouble similar to mine my choice would not require any consideration. I would instantly tell you the thing I always told you, "there is a single most important thing." That thing supersedes all others in it's necessity. I would not want you to play mind games until you pleased me by thinking as I did, because I was your mother, I would want you to do as you feel inclined, as others, not even me, could ever tell you or motivate you sufficiently.

I flip flop daily and struggle with my head and heart hoping to reach a consensus or peace but my mind ultimately must concede and realize that I can be manipulated into believing anything is right through enough persuasion. The same might be said for the things we see, and claim to factually know, then. Those are not the best determining methods.

I want you to love and know what it is. I love this scene.

 

You deserve to understand the world as it is and too many things require a solidarity as found only in such bedrock. Through it you will be able to understand all of the great truth of the universe. And, so I do not give you this lecture now, but leave it here for you to find when needed.

All for you...

I need to reconsider my thoughts a few more hours before I type them, but I wanted to record that I had them on this night for the fist time, it may be significant.

 

 



Make sure you ask

These are the words of your mother who begs you to consider this that you might avoid the terrible sadness that I must endure because I thought that I believed better than to think this was necessary. Ask your prospective spouse how many children they intend to have.

To this day, I still feel heart broken because I do not yet have my family. I tried and always knew exactly what I intended it never changed, but it was never spoken of. But it really is important to know before you fall in love.

Family Fun Center

Joseph had an invitation to a birthday party of one of his good friends from Church. I was as thrilled as he was because the boy's mother is one of the most incredible people on the face of the earth. She is beautiful to boot, too, not that it matters, but anyway. Joseph was so excited all week. Each morning he would ask if it was the day to go to Graham's party yet.

Finally, the day arrived and I got to teach him how to read the clock because he was so excited for time to go.

The place was so perfect. But, then, I would expect nothing less from this woman. The place was like a Chuck E. Cheese on steroids. We had brought Mary Anne, too. They played wildly for hours on the bounce house equipment, and in a little place called "pirates cove". And the best was these little air guns. I got into a fight or two with children. It reminded me of the time I took the girls to a park in Mississippi (a church activity in Corinth) and as I played the other kids tried to sneak through the fence, but I just climbed after them and they started screaming, "Sister Brawnner just climbed through the fence! Run!" It surprises kids that an adult would dare stoop to their level. As if some social norm protected them from me cause I was a mom. Mwaaaa haah haa!

But, most importantly, I wanted to record how moved I was by watching Mary interact with another little girl named Betsy. She was so kind and loving and tried to be helpful. Mary actually tried to lift her up to climb on equipment that she could not reach. They played for hours. Betsy's mom is another hero of mine. She has a son in class with Joseph, too. Who is such a role model for Joe. He comes and walks with Joseph to primary each week, which helps us Sooooo much. Because he kicks and screams and refuses to go to Primary when we take him. Betsy's mother is also 37 weeks pregnant, but you would never know by the way she acts and holds,herself. I mean, definately, she has a large growth in her tummy, And said that she gets plenty of comments and belly rubs. I told her that I was so glad to not be pregnant with her because she would make me look so bad. Ofcourse I was usually on bed rest, anyway, but she is amazing! A super mom though I haven't figured out where she hides her cape yet.

More later...

So, one night this now pregnant mother took us (Joseph, Mary, and I)home in her van. It had automatic doors so Joseph was so impressed. She commented on Mary Anne being a perfect visiting teacher when she grows up because she is so openly kind and caring.

It was awesome, too one night as we were coming home from a trunk or treat we decided to go out and let the wee ones gather more candy. They love to visit their house, so we did just as they were leaving, but the mom climbed out of her car and gave Joe and Mary some of their children's candy. How incredible. They were on their way to go visit a grandmother with cancer, but still stopped to make
my kid's day.

Also, for Christmas, her kids gave my kids Christmas presents. Sooooo thoughtful. And I told her how every time we visit I get more ideas of cool things to do. One day, Joseph kept announcing to the whole Jr. Primary that his mother made play dough. An idea I got from the kids begging after a playday with their friends (so I could mop the kitchen floor).

Anyhow, full circle to the party. As we arrived so did this other pregnant lady with her minimal full of kids. It made the whole event extra special for Joe and Mary to walk in with their friends.

Every morning now, Joseph wakes up to ask if he can go back and play. I wish he could. Both children slept so well the night they went to the Family Fun Center.

Birth of a New tradition

It starts here.

I was thinking about doing for others the things that made Christmas so wonderful for me when they least expect.

The tradition would be to, as a family pick an individual or family each year.