Hey! Those Are My Kids You're Talking About!

Today I received the best e-mail mama can get. I am busting my buttons with pride over my kids. Wanna read it?

Mr. and Mrs. Gae,

I feel so fortunate to have Ella and Caleb in my sixth grade classes; they are exceptionally kind, gentle, curious and helpful. Oh and very bright too! The physical resemblance to Jesse was unmistakable with their big beautiful eyes. Each day they make me smile and I am a happier teacher knowing these fine role models are in my classroom demonstrating a yearning to learn and an appreciation for their education. Parenting is a natural calling for you as all of your children are cool people and good for this earth! I don't know how you manage a household with all those children, but they are amazing!! Congratulations! Perhaps you could write a guide to assist other parents!!

Grateful,

Ms. Brule'

Oh, yeah, Baby!

Upside Down

Last week I had a new friend over. We sat in the kitchen and had coffee and Pavlovas. It was a perfect afternoon. The kitchen was clean and homey. The sun was streaming through the dining room windows. The birds were chirping outside and all was right in my little corner of the world.

Until we walked into the living room. I am not kidding you when I say that the couch was upside down and backward. Literally. Why? Because the day before I had been on a frantic search for a small item that I thought might have been lost into the far reaches of the couch. The curtains were drawn and there were blankets, books, dishes, shoes and video games strewn all around the room. It was not my proudest moment. It didn't fit with the front I had created. It was a clashing symbol in the symphony of my morning.

Strangely, I didn't mind showing her. In fact I decided to show her so she would know that the kitchen was just a facade. That my real life was messy, disheveled, and harried just like every one else's. I am a real mom, with real messes, and a whole lot of living goes on in my living room.

I am going to go see my new friend today. I hope she doesn't knock herself out cleaning just for me. And I hope the coffee is hot and the conversation is lively. If I have to move a stack of papers off the chair, I will know it is because there is a whole lot of living that goes on in her house.

Dear Son;

You are 14 now.

To be honest, when you were 12 I thought I might sell you to the gypsies. Or kill you. But I managed not to do either, and I am glad.

Oh, you know we still have our moments- let's not pretend we don't. They still come more frequently than I would like. But then there are the other moments. There are the moments when we stand side by side and have a mature conversation. When you enlighten me with your compendium of useless knowledge. When you take initiative.

I was impressed the other day that you seamlessly brought your brother and sister into your circle of influence. I liked the way you made sure to show them how to get to school on time on their first day of middle school. I was even more impressed that you included them in your teen hang out scene. It was almost like a rite of passage and you initiated them into the "club."

Sometimes, I still wish a 14 year old was a man with a trade. Sometimes, I still think you haven't got a clue. But most of the time I think, "You are all right. I like you."

Love, Mom