"Hair-doo"

My husband is recovering from the flu. He has been "quarantined" in bed all week, away from the rest of the family in an effort to protect us from catching it. Tonight, he was feeling well enough to join us in the den for a little "family time." He has really missed being with the kids, and in an effort to entertain them (without too much energy exerted on his part)...he consented to allowing my 2 year old play with his hair, while he reclined on the couch. My toddler loved it! He got gel, and a comb, and a brush, and rubbed and brushed and fixed Dad's hair. He was very gentle, and so I think it was relaxing for Dad as well. He would work for a little while, then leave for a few minutes, and then come back and work some more. This went on for about 20-30 minutes. On the last trip out of the room, my 9 year old happened to follow him, and quickly came back yelling: "Mom! Come quick! "C" is dipping the brush and comb in the potty water...and the last person to use it must not have flushed, because the water is YELLOW!!!!" The fact that he was sticking his hands in the yellow potty water was bad enough, but then the realization hit us all about the same time...That's why Dad's hairstyle has the wet look!
Needless to say, Dad ran for the shower while the rest of us fell in the floor laughing.
...Anybody want an appointment with our newest hair stylist? He specializes in the use of "dippity doo."

The List

This weekend, I had to referee an argument between my 8 year old and 6 year old girls. The final blow, however, came when the 8 year old proclaimed vehemently to her younger sister that she was "the worst sister ever!" I had a long talk with my 8 year old about how hurtful her words had been to her sister, and then I gave her a punishment that was worse than any spanking: Write 10 things that you like about your sister...and then read them out loud to her. I thought you might enjoy "The List."

1. She is good at games
2. She is nice sometimes (...I 'm pretty sure she was still mad at this point)
3. She's good at stories
4. She's good at telling the truth
5. She's good at hair stuff
6. She's funny (I hope that was meant as a compliment)
7. She has a great sense of humor (...isn't that the same as #6? Oh well, I let it slide)
8. I would be lonely without her (I think she's starting to "get it")
9. She's good at prettyness
10. She's good at golf (we may be stretching things here, but it's hard to come up with 10 nice things when you're mad!)

The reading of the list worked, and things ended happily...they even piled into the same bed last night to watch a movie.

Lord, help me guard my words this week! Help me to remember to tell the people I love why I love them.

Love, Laughter, and Laundry

My house is messy; the noise level is high
We can destroy a house and not even try.

Neither my nails nor my lawn are manicured,
And many a sleepless night have I endured.

"Mount Needs to be Washed" is in my laundry room,
And my kitchen floor really needs a date with a broom.

It seems someone always wants to be in my lap;
I live for my daily afternoon nap.

Trying to go anywhere requires a well thought out plan;
My dream car is my new 15 passenger van.

Tho' sometimes it's hard not to be a little depressed,
Because my home isn't perfect, or I'm not fashionably dressed...

When I think of all the things that having a large family entails,
I can't help but feel that this thought prevails:

There is no greater joy that I have in my life,
Than being a mother and being a wife.

Receiving kisses and hugs and cuddling up together,
Believe me, my friend, there just "ain't nothing better!"

God has blessed some folks with money and houses,
And other types of success that our world espouses.

But I feel that He's given me riches untold
With nine precious children to love and to hold.