today

Is it almost Wednesday again? The weeks are going by way too fast. Let's see...what have we been up to today.... I was digging through the attic throwing away some stuff and found my old tin rabbit molds that I use to melt crayons in. I use to be so much more crafty even up to a yr. or so ago and especially when the older kids were younger. But lately crafting has gone to the wayside...not much interest.... things were getting redundant a little bit, but I still enjoy it when the mood hits. It occasionally comes back here and there when I can actually focus and follow through without getting side-tracked with 10 other things that come up. But sorting through old crayons is actually therapeutic. Sometimes it's necessary after a busy day or stressful year or whatever to do really easy, menial tasks like sorting jobs...lol.Maybe that's why it's so calming when you give a kid a jar of buttons and sit back and watch them play for a long time, concentrating on the colors and shapes. I like to do that sometimes with the kids and with me.

I did make a batch of chili beans tonight, with 8 cans of different varieties of beans, and Laura helped with the very delicious cornbread. I'm happy that Laura can cook at 13. I told the kids that they know how a whole lot better than we did even when I left home, being a highly socialized kid and all--lol. So they're way ahead of me when i was their age. That's one thing we won't have to worry about when they leave the nest.

I'm really proud of the kids. I mean, Brandon amazed me going to a big university and finding his way around, meeting and making friends, and having a good time (socialization issue comes to mind). I have to say it makes me feel good after being judged quite a bit throughout this h.s. journey 12 yrs. ago when I was getting jabbed from one person to another with cutting comments. It did sting a little bit, as insults usually do, but it also made us more determined to prove them wrong (we still get the shots but not as much, and I tend not to hang around too long after that because we don't enjoy the harassment (mostly from churchy-look-down-nose types--nothing against church but there is a commonality that I've noticed...surprising to me too)....anyway...it's just not necessary and doesn't help anything). That doesn't mean I think I know everything or even half that much (I'd never give myself that kind of credit or ever think that way because there are so many who know more than I ever will...somebody always knows more....remember I've been reminded occasionally of my abilities or lack thereof--lol, even when they don't really know me and what I can do); it just means I'm proud of our son for who he is and what he stands for....even when being mocked, he still had a humble smile on his face, probably oblivious to the shot at the time (who would understand those things at 5 y.o.?)...which he didn't deserve, but just kept keeping on, making us proud, whatever he chooses to do. Not only can he "write his name", but he has a real enjoyment of learning, doing a really good job at it too...and helping us stay the course. Brandon gives good, practical advice...common sense is a good thing to have....and he wants to major in psychology...I can see that:) And Laura, too, who's always there for a hug and encouragement. I tell ya, they don't come sweeter than her:) I always say we will have done what we set out to do if one of our kids goes to college one day, or even if they don't. I just want them to be the best person they can be wherever they go...to be happy, loved and enjoy life.

Livy wants to go melt the crayons to see what it looks like when crayons melt, so I'll go do that and then get on with the night.