Of Golden Quarters and Wedding Bells

I hear the distinct sound of coin money. Sweet Wonder Boy is in his room getting his "Golden Money" together. He spotted some shiny new quarters on the table, the treasure trove from today's laundry, and told me he was saving his "golden quarters" for his wedding.  I chuckled to myself and thought "smart guy, weddings are expensive!"

As you might have guessed, I couldn't pass up this opportunity to probe into 3 year old land to find out what he thought of marriage.  I first asked him who he was going to marry. He instantly responded "You and Daddy!" as if to say I had 3 heads for not knowing this. I told him we were already married. We were a family and that was forever. I told him that when he was older and had found his sense of self he could marry whomever he wanted to as long as the person loved him back with equal ferocity.  Notice I specifically did not say "girl" or "boy." We don't believe in leading our children to gender specific identities. I don't have any expectations of who 28 year old Brooks is going to be. I hope he is happy and a contributing member to society. I hope he is kind, loving, forgiving and generous with his time and money.  That is why when he told me that to be married meant to be with your friends and so he is marrying Tyler, Christopher, HMac and James I didn't balk.  I didn't tell him that he couldn't marry a boy. Hopefully, by the time he is of appropriate marrying age, it won't be a political issue. Right now, I am not concerned at all with his sexual identity. I am just concerned that he is happy and having a healthy childhood. Some people reading this blog might be alarmed and even outraged that I didn't correct him. You are entitled to your opinion.

I do ask you this. Have you ever felt not good enough for your parents? Has a parent ever rejected you for nothing other than just being you? As a younger person, I thought this was the worst thing in the world. As a mother, I take this particular experience from childhood as the best gift in the world. I know now how it feels and the last thing I will ever want my children to feel is abandoned or not validated.

The Boy Wonder is only 3 soon to be 4. We have years ahead of us before we see him walk down the aisle or jump out of the airplane or however he and his spouse to be decide to tie the knot. For now, I am happy to report that when I told him that you marry someone you love and that Mommy and Daddy were married to each other, he replied "Oh, ok, I get it now. I'll marry baby brother!"

Love your children. Each moment is precious. Don't judge them for who you want them to be. Celebrate who they are becoming. You blink and they are grown up with families of their own. You want them to continue to include you in their life? Treat them well now and always.

Sacagawea courtesy of google Images

Dear Mr. Keurig, Thank you for your amazing invention. Love, One Tired Mama!

Remember this post? Well prior to leaving yet again, Hubs surprised me with this lovely gift .  I had heard mixed reviews about this type of coffee system but let me tell you I am officially in love with an appliance.  We bought the mid grade system opting out of the platinum system. Ours is still pretty awesome. We have the ability of selecting 3 different cup sizes and programming the water temperature. It brews tea, hot cocoa and coffee.  So far I have tried about 6 different flavors of varying strengths. The fact that I can make a cup of coffee in less than minute, one handed WHILE holding a baby is enough to give this appliance an A PLUS.  I always knew my husband loved me. I know this regardless of the gifts he does or does not bestow up on me. Our marriage has a solid foundation but when I opened this gift, it was pretty much bliss.  I have definitely arrived at the stage in my life where appliances are not only acceptable but the gift of choice.  Now I just have to start hot rolling my hair and forgetting to remove one as I hurriedly dash the boys off to school in my house coat and slippers...ahh middle age I have arrived!

Big Man of the House

I am coming down with something or so I think. I am exhausted and feel run down. Perhaps it is just the accumulation of singledom that is finally catching up with me, or perhaps I am getting a cold. After putting Tiny Tot down for the evening, I decided to lay down for a bit. Boy Wonder earned some television tonight so he was happily watching the Fresh Beat Band do their "Great Day" number or sing about some problem they are having in pretend school land. After the show, BW comes to find me. "Mama, why are you in bed?" he ask.  "I don't feel well. Are you going to take care of me? Are you the man of the house?" I jokingly ask him.  "Yes, first I will rub your back and if it doesn't make you better then I'll rub your tummy."
That is so sweet, I think and help him climb up so he can rub my back.  "Yes, but I got to make it quick, my tv. program is about to start."

Ahh, the priorities of a 3 year old.  In case you are all worried, he did state that I should probably go to the hospital to get well.  At least he realized he might be out of his league in the healing department.