The dentist office is a bit of a ‘trip’ distance wise, so traveling there and back for each of us is a little much. That being said, they will only book 2 at a time, in case of cancellation. So we had 2 that had back to back appointments one week, and the other 2 the following week. I was really not wanting to drive all that way, with whichever 2 alone, so we came up with a plan for the whole family to go both times. The first week, 2 went into their dental cleaning/check-up with me, while the other 2 went to the nearby arcade with Daddy. The next week, Daddy took the other 2 to the arcade, while the other 2 went with me to their dentist appointment. (I prefer to be at the their appointments, and Michael doesn’t care one way or another.)
We thought it was a great plan, and it did indeed work out very well. But what really surprised us, was that no matter which place any one of the kids were going, they were all excited! The dentist, or the arcade, they were all excited and going to have a blast! Yes…even the dentist is a thrilling experience! It’s another event they count down the days to, right along with everything else they do, or go to, or have, that one really would considered fun. Case in point: on the morning of one of my boy’s dental appointments, he was on the verge of making a poor behavioral choice, and I warned him: “You are on thin ice ( yes, I did get that from my mother), and if you don’t watch it, you won’t be having any fun today.” To which he replied, somewhat on the fresh-side “But, I’ll still get to go to my dentist appointment!” I had to laugh. I mean really. I think canceling that appointment would have served as a consequence he’d have never forgotten, if I needed to. Luckily, he didn’t take the chance.
I suppose all of this is silly to blog about but…..getting through this month, with the immense, deadline-ridden workload I have had, and all of the appointments (as enjoyable as they can be, inspired by the kids appointment-joy), calls for a mini-celebration, and a little journaling. I am embracing all of the comfort and peace these appointments bring me as well; great weight gains, inches taller, no cavities—they are all looking and doing great! Isn’t that what every mother loves to hear about her ‘babies’ ? It’s such a good feeling, and another blessing to count.
In the process of these things, and just daily life with them, I am inspired by my children, and their enthusiasm about absolutely everything in their lives. Today, the excitement and planning for Halloween / All Hallow’s Eve, tomorrow night (as I type) , has got them in a babbling frenzy of anticipation. While we don’t do the traditional trick-or-treating (which our kids could personally give a hoot about), the menu is definitely planned and shopped for, the games pieces are gathered, and the craft is ready to go. Who knows what else will take place. Especially with their Daddy around, who is without a doubt, still a child inside himself. (Which we all just love about him, since he does have a responsible adult side as well. lol )
So for visitors who drop in our blog in time to accept our wishes….HAPPY HALLOWEEN to you all. Have fun, and be safe! No matter how ours goes, we’ll no doubt be blogging about it. : )
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This will be a short little ditty—but so sweet, I just had to share:
A couple of weeks ago, during our Family Morning Devotion, one of our boy’s {J}’s special prayers (requests), was for God to show him a rainbow. He said he had never seen a real one, (none of the little ones had yet) and he really wanted to. His little prayer was just so sweet, and touching, I just wanted to somehow make it happen, right then and there, for him. You know? Of course, that wasn’t possible.
On the highway the other day, we were chatting about how we always seem to be blowing through towns that are having a rain shower, and coming out the other side, when all of a sudden, {S} started yelling that he could see a rainbow. When we all ever looked to our left, we were just astounded at the sight in the sky. As luck (or purposeful blessing) would have it, a rest stop was coming up right off the highway, so we pulled into it, and all jumped out of the van to get a better look. It was SO, SO BEAUTIFUL. Vivid as I have ever seen, and it just arched completely in the most perfect arch, from one end to the other. I was so desperate for my camera, which I had left at home. What a photo it would have been.!! The kids eyes were just lit right up. But, the expression on {J}’s face was one I will never forget. I could see, he was feeling like a pretty special child of God, in that moment. He felt so loved, and remembered. I could have looked at that face all day.
Eventually, they all climbed back into the van, one by one. {J} was the last one who climbed up in there, and just as he did, he turned around and said “Mama, God answered my prayer, and showed me a rainbow, just like I prayed for.” I whispered “I know, Babes”, because I could feel it stuck in my throat, and if I had tried to say it out loud, I would have choked on it. I think we all smiled all the way home, talking about that rainbow. But inside, I felt more; gratitude to God, for not only displaying such a glorious rainbow, but for showing a little boy that his prayers matter. I believe he hears the little children the most. A quietly whispered to Him, “Thank you for answering my little boy’s simple prayer.”
The next morning, as we were gathered for a new day of Devotion, and the special prayers were presented around the table, {J} gave thanks to God, for that rainbow just for him. I silently thanked Him too, for showing all of my children the power of prayer (in full color!), and that there is no prayer that is too small, to matter to Our Heavenly Father.
Please leave your thoughts with us!