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.