Absolutes

So I know, in general, you're not supposed to make generalizations, because they're just too... general. But sometimes, they're just generally... true. For example: Kids can't resist the impulse to push buttons. Both kinds--the ones you can touch with your finger and the ones that are attached to nerve endings.

I've noticed some things that seem to be true for just about every boy or every girl. Yes, I know, not really EVERY one. But here are my generalizations:

Boys MUST destroy every paper clip they see.
Boys MUST stare at any nearby electronic screen, even if the screen is just in "blue" mode.

Girls MUST make at least one writing mark on every scrap of paper within 10 feet.
Girls MUST have the last word, the last eye-roll, or the last tongue sticking out.

Do these sound right to you? In general?

Simplicity

It's that time of year again. The time when I spend anywhere from 2-8 hours a day on planning stake YW camp. The time I ignore my children, throw Nathan worksheets for school, let the house go, permanently attach a phone to my ear, and sleep, breathe, and eat camp.

This past week had the following elements:

• Eric gone all week on business.
• Trip to the vet, due to cat's completely liquid diarrhea problem.
• Carpet cleaning. See above.
• Homeschool Science Fair, hosted by me.
• 2 baseball games
• Mother's Day Tea at the preschool
• Piano and trumpet lessons
• Camp meetings
• Father/Son campout (which Eric left for less than one hour after flying back in from his trip)
• etc.--You know how it is. Things get so busy, don't they?

I really do try to take a little time out here and there to pay attention to the kids. And I was richly rewarded in the time I spent with Stephanie. Her little words of wisdom reminded me that the simple things really make all the difference. Here are some gems:

(Smelling someone's BBQ wafting through the air)--"The air smells GREAT! It has fire in it!"
"Look at that clouds. It looks like a monster. With hands."
"I'm a good cooker. Right, Mom?"
And the one that made my heart swell: "I'm happy. I love you, Mom."

Nothing like a popsicle and a scooter to remind you that life is good. She summed it up. That's what I want for my kids--happiness and family love.

I haven't always loved Mother's Day, but today I feel truly blessed.