Day 3.
Honestly, yesterday by bedtime, I was only semi-conscious. I mean for dinner, Mr. L and I ate tiny burgers, no buns, slathered mayonnaise on his and mine wrapped in a piece of cheese....and I didn't even care.
Last night, in my delirium, a song came to me:
Just what makes that little old ant
Think he'll move that rubber tree plant
Anyone knows that ant can't
Move a rubber tree plant.
But, he's got high hopes, he's got high hopes
He's got high apple pie, in the sky hopes.
so any time you're gettin' low
'stead of lettin' go
Just remember that ant,
Oops, there goes another rubber tree
Oops, there goes another rubber tree
Oops, there goes another rubber tree plant!
So, I woke up with high hopes. I was at the grocery by 6:05 am to replenish snacks and to get something to fix for dinner for poor Mr. L. When the boys arrived, I told them we were starting our day a bit differently. We gathered on the white sofa in the living room, held hands, and I prayed. I prayed that we would all act like Jesus, that our only concern would be that the other person's needs were met before our own, that we would listen to what Mellie said, and that Mellie would not be grumpy because her knee hurts. There are those who would think that a dumb, self-serving prayer, and perhaps they would be right, but I believe The Lord cares about the details of our lives, and I needed some details of this day tended to by someone far more holy than I. It is almost 3:00 pm and, let me just say, every day of Mellie camp will begin with a petition for some Jesus attitude. I taught the song (a version of it) to the boys and they really enjoyed singing with me. Oops, there goes another rubber tree...
Krispy Kreme boasts the Hot Sign being on from 5:00 am to 10:00 am so we timed our visit there in anticipation of hot, melt-in-your-mouth glazed doughnuts. The only thing hot at Krispy Kreme this morning was the inside of the place. Apparently, their air-conditioner was on the fritz. For someone who keeps her thermostat on 68 degrees, it was a bit unpleasant to me, but my campers were not deterred and enjoyed, immensely, the decadent breakfast. Oops, there goes another rubber tree...
Off to the Downtown Library. Nashville has a most excellent library, and the children's section is delightful. There is a playhouse, a small climbing wall, a puppet theater, nooks and crannies and all sorts of wonderfulness. We had a talk about having good manners, not running, and being ever aware of the smaller children with a reminder that once they were the little ones, and now they are the big ones. As is typical, Simmy made friends with a group of other children and, today, Max enjoyed them as well.
Because Max is in a summer reading and activity program through the library, one of his activities is to put on a puppet show. We seized the opportunity. The puppet theater in the library is made to look like the Ryman Auditorium. There is quite an assortment of puppets available to create stories of every kind. The plot was a bit thin in our show ~ a skunk sprayed a turtle, the turtle fainted and The Grinch came along to make life even more difficult, but the turtle was unconscious, so only the panda and the fox had to deal with the skunk. The best stories come from true life they say, so I suspect too many days at Mellie's after the skunk sprayed this house was the impetus for the show. I politely applauded and then texted Max's mom to say that she can mark "have a puppet show" off the list of library activities. Oops, there goes another rubber tree....
Upon leaving the library, the boys wanted to get a souvenir. I took them to the free magazines, flyers, and newspapers that the library stocks. I told them they could each get two publications. Who knew Nashville Arts Magazine would be the six year old boys Playboy. Lots of giggling in the backseat over a guy without his shirt on and a "naked lady." Oops....just oops.
Afterward, we went to see Sheri for a brief moment so Max could tell her hi, then we came home for lunch and our art project for the day ~ t-shirts for Fizzy and the dads for Father's Day. I can't post pictures because we don't want the dads to see them, but they turned out better than I thought. We used bleach pens and an added bonus is my house smells clean. Oops, there goes another rubber tree....
By this time everyone was a bit tired so the campers watched the rest of the Planet Earth they fought through yesterday, we did a directed drawing, they wrote in their journals, and now they are out having "free-play." They are back inside and I continue to have high hopes for the next 40 minutes, when Simmy will be picked up. Max's parents are taking advantage of Mellie's Summer Camp of Excellence aftercare today, so he and I will read and he'll do some sewing before dinner. All in all, a much better day than yesterday. Oops, there goes another rubber tree plant!
So, for today and always, I wish you, high hopes, high hopes, high apple pie in the sky hopes!!
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Ignore It
Day 2.
Wowza! Two boys? Not as laid back as one. Everybody, with the exception of Mellie, has cried at least once today; or if not cried, at least has had feelings wounded. Sometimes, it is really difficult to know why feelings were hurt. Usually, it's my fault, but, for the life of me, I don't know what I did. So, I mainly just ignore it until everybody is over it. Ignoring things is exhausting.
I started the day with high hopes. On the docket were an art project, a trip to Cheekwood, a second go at knitting (disaster), plastic canvas sewing, entries in our journal, and reading. One boy arrived in dismay and spent several minutes wailing upon arriving. I ignored it and used that time to explain the poured paint art project to the other. Eventually, the upset one ventured into the kitchen and decided, perhaps, he would participate. It may take 2 weeks for the projects to dry, but I think they turned out nicely. One, however, lamented that his was terrible and ugly. I ignored it.
Cheekwood was our next adventure, and for the most part it went brilliantly. Some sort of moping and hurt feelings occurred, but I was more interested in being sure that, in their enthusiasm neither boy plowed down a toddler nor a senior citizen. We were there all of about 8 minutes before there were cries of thirst and hunger. Do you have any idea how much a snack out of the vending machine at Cheekwood costs? I just ignored what was right in front of my face and bought them.
We made our way to the creek and ponds where the extraverted child attached himself to a trio of boys, aged 2 - 8. Their mom was quite entertained by the pretty much non-stop talking that went on. I had to remind Mr. Extravert that those other boys had an adult with them who would offer instructions on how to conduct themselves and that he could just relax and be a six year old. He dearly loves being "of service" whether his help has been solicited or not. He told me I had embarrassed him by saying that. The more introverted boy had a glorious time jumping in the creek and getting pretty much all around muddy and wet. What I thought would be a "throw away" day, weatherwise, turned out to be a perfectly beautiful day. I ignored the dark cloud moving our way, and we almost made it home without getting wet.
Home we came for lunch. One boy only ate snacks because, insult of all insults, he doesn't like my grilled cheese sandwiches. We worked some more on our table manners....it's not going well. Pretty much, the afternoon has somewhat fallen apart. One boy is worried to pieces that he's going to get in trouble for his wet shoes, the other is just pretty sure that nothing I say is of much consequence. I thought I had them comfortably cozied up in the den with all the couch cushions and pillows on the floor, tucked in with the "super sonic soft" blankets and big, fat, fluffy stuffed animals to watch an episode of Planet Earth. That lasted about 8 minutes. 8 minutes seem to be our limit today. Lots of yelling and begging for snacks etc. I tried to ignore it, instead, the TV is off and everyone has been relegated to the backyard...well, except, no one has gone there. I'm just ignoring it.
I am sure, once the little darlings have gone home, I will reflect upon the day and there will be more ups than downs. I've gotten several unsolicited and impromptu hugs and kisses. I'll take those every time. There have been quite a few "yes ma'ams" which I greatly appreciate. The truth is, they are six year old boys, very beautiful, intelligent, funny, active six your old boys and even the minutes that I find myself bumfuzzled, there is great joy. And, then as the Benedictine rule states, "always we begin again." Tomorrow is a new day with new plans. I'm sure it will be totally delightful.
Well, now they are acting as though they are doing me a favor because I said they could build something out of marshmallows and toothpicks. Being 6 must be really hard at times. Oh, my word, they are fighting over the marshmallows.
A conversation: Simeon: I'm going to make a roast.
Max: What's a roast
Simeon: It's a toothpick with lots of marshmallows stuck on it.
Another: Max: Let me tell you something Sim, pretty much everything that's bad for you tastes good.
Simeon: Do NOT tell me about the foot wheel. (An Uncle Marshall threat for those who eat too much sugar).
Made me laugh out loud. I do not want to ignore those little nuggets of gold. That is one reason I am blogging about our camp ~ so I will remember.
Wowza! Two boys? Not as laid back as one. Everybody, with the exception of Mellie, has cried at least once today; or if not cried, at least has had feelings wounded. Sometimes, it is really difficult to know why feelings were hurt. Usually, it's my fault, but, for the life of me, I don't know what I did. So, I mainly just ignore it until everybody is over it. Ignoring things is exhausting.
I started the day with high hopes. On the docket were an art project, a trip to Cheekwood, a second go at knitting (disaster), plastic canvas sewing, entries in our journal, and reading. One boy arrived in dismay and spent several minutes wailing upon arriving. I ignored it and used that time to explain the poured paint art project to the other. Eventually, the upset one ventured into the kitchen and decided, perhaps, he would participate. It may take 2 weeks for the projects to dry, but I think they turned out nicely. One, however, lamented that his was terrible and ugly. I ignored it.
Cheekwood was our next adventure, and for the most part it went brilliantly. Some sort of moping and hurt feelings occurred, but I was more interested in being sure that, in their enthusiasm neither boy plowed down a toddler nor a senior citizen. We were there all of about 8 minutes before there were cries of thirst and hunger. Do you have any idea how much a snack out of the vending machine at Cheekwood costs? I just ignored what was right in front of my face and bought them.
We made our way to the creek and ponds where the extraverted child attached himself to a trio of boys, aged 2 - 8. Their mom was quite entertained by the pretty much non-stop talking that went on. I had to remind Mr. Extravert that those other boys had an adult with them who would offer instructions on how to conduct themselves and that he could just relax and be a six year old. He dearly loves being "of service" whether his help has been solicited or not. He told me I had embarrassed him by saying that. The more introverted boy had a glorious time jumping in the creek and getting pretty much all around muddy and wet. What I thought would be a "throw away" day, weatherwise, turned out to be a perfectly beautiful day. I ignored the dark cloud moving our way, and we almost made it home without getting wet.
Home we came for lunch. One boy only ate snacks because, insult of all insults, he doesn't like my grilled cheese sandwiches. We worked some more on our table manners....it's not going well. Pretty much, the afternoon has somewhat fallen apart. One boy is worried to pieces that he's going to get in trouble for his wet shoes, the other is just pretty sure that nothing I say is of much consequence. I thought I had them comfortably cozied up in the den with all the couch cushions and pillows on the floor, tucked in with the "super sonic soft" blankets and big, fat, fluffy stuffed animals to watch an episode of Planet Earth. That lasted about 8 minutes. 8 minutes seem to be our limit today. Lots of yelling and begging for snacks etc. I tried to ignore it, instead, the TV is off and everyone has been relegated to the backyard...well, except, no one has gone there. I'm just ignoring it.
I am sure, once the little darlings have gone home, I will reflect upon the day and there will be more ups than downs. I've gotten several unsolicited and impromptu hugs and kisses. I'll take those every time. There have been quite a few "yes ma'ams" which I greatly appreciate. The truth is, they are six year old boys, very beautiful, intelligent, funny, active six your old boys and even the minutes that I find myself bumfuzzled, there is great joy. And, then as the Benedictine rule states, "always we begin again." Tomorrow is a new day with new plans. I'm sure it will be totally delightful.
Well, now they are acting as though they are doing me a favor because I said they could build something out of marshmallows and toothpicks. Being 6 must be really hard at times. Oh, my word, they are fighting over the marshmallows.
A conversation: Simeon: I'm going to make a roast.
Max: What's a roast
Simeon: It's a toothpick with lots of marshmallows stuck on it.
Another: Max: Let me tell you something Sim, pretty much everything that's bad for you tastes good.
Simeon: Do NOT tell me about the foot wheel. (An Uncle Marshall threat for those who eat too much sugar).
Made me laugh out loud. I do not want to ignore those little nuggets of gold. That is one reason I am blogging about our camp ~ so I will remember.
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Mellie's Summer Camp of "Excellence"
Day 1
This summer, I will have the boys twelve days ~ three days a week for four weeks scattered throughout the summer months. Twelve days. Just twelve days with just the three of us before they go off to first grade. I find it so hard to comprehend. How did all those days of just the three of us, from the time they were infants until now, fly by so swiftly?
I have decided to write about each day. I have BIG plans for us. Some of those will come to fruition, some will not; like my plan to start teaching them to knit. Turns out, Mellie needs a tutorial. I have only been a rudimentary knitter at best, but "rudimentary" would be a most generous description of the skill I displayed today.
Max was my only camper today. Simeon is in Texas, making his way home this evening...the evening that President Trump is coming to town along with tropical depression Alberto. I am definitely praying travel mercies on Simmy and his family.
So, day one of Mellie's Summer Camp of "Excellence" 2018 was a very laid-back day. We ran some errands to get supplies for our Father's Day masterpieces that we will work on Friday. Max made a really neat suncatcher using construction paper, cardboard box, Saran Wrap, flower petals, and leaves. Any pictures will be posted on FB because my techy self cannot get pictures on my blog any more. I have no idea why. He did some sewing on plastic canvas, some worksheets to help improve his handwriting. He read a 65 page book. I was going to let him stop, but he really liked the story, so he continued on. He is in a reading challenge through the public library, so he got fifty more minutes toward the 600 he is determined to get for the summer. I am not sure how we are going to get reading done with both boys here because they do demand attention, but we will.
They each will have a journal that has the Einstein quote, ""imagination is more important than knowledge" written on the front. My plan is to have them write in it each day, add some snapshots, and include some directed drawings and other artwork. I hope they will keep the journals and that something in the years ahead will spark a memory of a fun time at Mellie's.
We will be working on table manners along with other areas of their lives where their manners could improve. I bought a book entitled "That's Rude, Dude!" There are ten rules for good table manners. It is my plan to have them memorize them. They will work on learning them well, for our last day of camp 2018 will be at The Capitol Grille in the Hermitage Hotel where we will have lunch without smacking our lips, slurping our drinks, dropping food on our chairs or the floor, and refraining from intentional burping. We'll see how that goes.
Lots of outings and random acts of kindness and art projects and science experiments and fine motor skill activities are planned, along with just some playing outdoors and hanging out with probably a movie or two thrown in. I am looking forward to it. I hope the boys are. I know that I will be tired at the end of each day, but I hope it will be a good tired for us all as we work to build a body of good memories and worthwhile lessons.
I ran into two ladies as I was walking the other day. They are the grandmothers of baby Finn who lives next door. They had come into town to keep Finn while his parents were on a trip. Mr. L and I are busy and can be very introverted and backward, so I do not know my new neighbors, but the grandmothers spoke to me and we struck up a conversation. They asked if I had grandchildren and I told them that yes, I do. "Do they live around here," they asked. I replied that they all live in Nashville and that two of them live across the street. I made the somewhat insensitive comment that those two were in Texas and I was really missing them (they left that morning). In a sarcastic but not caustic response, one of those grandmothers responded, "well, I feel so sorry for you!"
I never take for granted how fortunate I am to live near my grandchildren and that my children and their spouses are gracious enough to allow their children to be actively present in my life. So, twelve days doesn't seem like nearly enough. I am realistic enough to know that twelve days on some afternoons will seem like too many if we have rough days of bickering and fighting and recalcitrance. I trust that will not happen. If it does, I will embrace that too and be grateful for every art project gone wrong, every glass of Mellie's "special tea" (it sounds bad but it's really not - just green tea, lemon and stevia) spilled, every muddy footprint tracked in, every glitter bottle, button box, googly-eye bag turned over. It is all a beautiful gift.
This summer, I will have the boys twelve days ~ three days a week for four weeks scattered throughout the summer months. Twelve days. Just twelve days with just the three of us before they go off to first grade. I find it so hard to comprehend. How did all those days of just the three of us, from the time they were infants until now, fly by so swiftly?
I have decided to write about each day. I have BIG plans for us. Some of those will come to fruition, some will not; like my plan to start teaching them to knit. Turns out, Mellie needs a tutorial. I have only been a rudimentary knitter at best, but "rudimentary" would be a most generous description of the skill I displayed today.
Max was my only camper today. Simeon is in Texas, making his way home this evening...the evening that President Trump is coming to town along with tropical depression Alberto. I am definitely praying travel mercies on Simmy and his family.
So, day one of Mellie's Summer Camp of "Excellence" 2018 was a very laid-back day. We ran some errands to get supplies for our Father's Day masterpieces that we will work on Friday. Max made a really neat suncatcher using construction paper, cardboard box, Saran Wrap, flower petals, and leaves. Any pictures will be posted on FB because my techy self cannot get pictures on my blog any more. I have no idea why. He did some sewing on plastic canvas, some worksheets to help improve his handwriting. He read a 65 page book. I was going to let him stop, but he really liked the story, so he continued on. He is in a reading challenge through the public library, so he got fifty more minutes toward the 600 he is determined to get for the summer. I am not sure how we are going to get reading done with both boys here because they do demand attention, but we will.
They each will have a journal that has the Einstein quote, ""imagination is more important than knowledge" written on the front. My plan is to have them write in it each day, add some snapshots, and include some directed drawings and other artwork. I hope they will keep the journals and that something in the years ahead will spark a memory of a fun time at Mellie's.
We will be working on table manners along with other areas of their lives where their manners could improve. I bought a book entitled "That's Rude, Dude!" There are ten rules for good table manners. It is my plan to have them memorize them. They will work on learning them well, for our last day of camp 2018 will be at The Capitol Grille in the Hermitage Hotel where we will have lunch without smacking our lips, slurping our drinks, dropping food on our chairs or the floor, and refraining from intentional burping. We'll see how that goes.
Lots of outings and random acts of kindness and art projects and science experiments and fine motor skill activities are planned, along with just some playing outdoors and hanging out with probably a movie or two thrown in. I am looking forward to it. I hope the boys are. I know that I will be tired at the end of each day, but I hope it will be a good tired for us all as we work to build a body of good memories and worthwhile lessons.
I ran into two ladies as I was walking the other day. They are the grandmothers of baby Finn who lives next door. They had come into town to keep Finn while his parents were on a trip. Mr. L and I are busy and can be very introverted and backward, so I do not know my new neighbors, but the grandmothers spoke to me and we struck up a conversation. They asked if I had grandchildren and I told them that yes, I do. "Do they live around here," they asked. I replied that they all live in Nashville and that two of them live across the street. I made the somewhat insensitive comment that those two were in Texas and I was really missing them (they left that morning). In a sarcastic but not caustic response, one of those grandmothers responded, "well, I feel so sorry for you!"
I never take for granted how fortunate I am to live near my grandchildren and that my children and their spouses are gracious enough to allow their children to be actively present in my life. So, twelve days doesn't seem like nearly enough. I am realistic enough to know that twelve days on some afternoons will seem like too many if we have rough days of bickering and fighting and recalcitrance. I trust that will not happen. If it does, I will embrace that too and be grateful for every art project gone wrong, every glass of Mellie's "special tea" (it sounds bad but it's really not - just green tea, lemon and stevia) spilled, every muddy footprint tracked in, every glitter bottle, button box, googly-eye bag turned over. It is all a beautiful gift.
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