Monday, June 28, 2010

You Missed Your Big Chance

I offered --but got no takers.

It's too late now. I'm going to go ahead and keep my oldest--he calls me "pretty mama" and cleans up the kitchen without being asked. He waters and mows the lawns, weeds the garden, and helps me put children to bed. You can't have him.

Remember I asked if anybody wanted to trade? Tough beans. I'm going to keep my Abbie. She laughs and jokes with me (and at me), she bathes the baby, sings and reads to neighbor widows, and makes killer brownies. She babysits like a pro and befriends anyone who'll let her. She's mine.

My Harry-Potter-addict also now mows the back lawn (with much praise and encouragement) and rescues lonely lizards and badgers (raccoon? we're not sure which it was). He recently pledged to check his pockets before leaving friend's and cousin's houses, and loves to give me squeeze hugs.

Millie currently sings "Twinkle, Twinkle" and "I Am Like A Star" with loud vibrato. She reads her level 1 books frequently and with pride. She does her chores obediently and quickly. And when I lay by her at night in the bed that she and Abbie share I hold her little hand and know that life can't get better than this.

Schuyler behaves very much like a two year old. His smiles and hugs are worth the effort it takes to gain his trust. He's becoming friendly with the cousins (except Jules whom he hits regularly) and throws awe-inspiring tantrums. This boy goes all out. He kisses his own "owies" and folds his arms for prayer.

My spouse of 16 years works hard to provide for this crew. He does his famous follow-up, and builds up a formidable business. He takes on the weight of the ward and has attended every one of my RS lessons (unless out of town). He leaves me notes and says it feels like Christmas when I iron his shirts (it's not just an annual occurrence but...)

So --Sorry Charley. The offer no longer stands. I'm in this thing for the long
Ha(u)ll...

(However-- if you have an interest in taking turns with laundry duty --we could still negotiate something..)

5 comments:

Anita Wells said...

they're keepers, all right! i'm pretty impressed, it looks like you're posting this while they're awake--i don't usually feel so grateful until everyone's tucked in :-) i'll think about the laundry. time for another girls' weekend!

morinsqueen said...

Love this one! Of course they're keepers, you trained them.:-) You are so wonderful. Thanks for putting a welcome smile on my face.

Susie Faye said...

Stefy Stef! I love this post. Thanks for your parenting advice for Gracee. She is doing great now! You know, I've said this before and it seems very appropriate to say it again: YOU'RE A KEEPER STEF!

Unknown said...

I've often said, "I'm the luckiest boy in the whole world!" None of you will ever fully understand what I know deep down... Stef is the best wife, mother and friend a man could hope to find... and she said yes to me! Somebody pinch me please.

jayne wells said...

Yeah, you're right Stef, that is a pretty great life. Pretty good people around you who love you to all ends of the earth. I love you that way too. Even if the seat in your car was wet and crumby. I do love you!