"So," I say, "now, what are you going to do?" I grab his little hand. He wiggles, looks at the ceiling. Dinner guests mill around. "Jack-Gordon?" I raise my eyebrows. "Gordon?"
He seesaws between feet, grins, "I'll NOT be wild," he says.
"What?"
"I'll NOT be wild."
"No," I shake my head. "No, that's wrong. You have to be LOVING. BE loving to your sisters." I lean in, blink at him.
He shakes that mop of a head, slaps his hands together. "I'll BE love," he shouts, slaps his hands again and announces to dinner guests, "I'll BE love." Before I can corral all that love. His manners explode into whoops and gallops. The evening slips away and children scream merriment through the house.
Gratitude:
272. Whoop-hollers and wild redheaded son.
273. Janie on the look-out for brother and sis while they make riot-fun with friends.
274. Her fierce spirit quick to correction -- most times. Her furrowed-brow determination to harness all that will into obedience.
275. Chocolate mustaches.
276. Mountains of popcorn and grapes, the clatter of cups and cousins.
277. Black beans and coconut milk.
278. Salt.
279. Lulie fully dressed, diaper changed -- by herself!
280. Rosie-posie kicking baby feet, pounding the floor to pull me from chores.
281. Rain boots, red like summer poppies in the grey rain.
282. Climbing to bed early to steal more sleep from the night.
283. The fullness of a whole night's sleep inside of me.
284. The soft blanket husband bought me for the winter.
285. Yup. Another puzzle. 1000 pieces of lightening strikes.
286. Train tracks and leggos gathered into bins and toy box.
287. A book in the mail. The green color and book smell.
288. Grammar.
289. That Lucy only cut up her own clothes this time in a tangle with Mommy-scissors.
6 comments:
Sweet story about Jack. They get "it" while they gallop, don't they? It's sinking in somehow, even though we doubt it, at times. :)
Your list is pure poetry. The way real life always tells the exact truth while pointing to the universal truth. Perfect way to start my day.
i want to be love, too.
so beautifully composed.
and yes, this poverty in spirit... something i'm seeking this week. love to you, bethany-sister.
always love my visit here but really #288? Could ANYONE love grammar? You are far more sanctified than I, my friend! :-)
I love how you are teaching what to do, instead of what not to do. I love how I can feel the energy in your house just by reading and I'm really curious about Lulu and her diaper...she changed it herself? I may need to learn how to teach that trick.
I want to know more about black beans and coconut milk!
Bonnie, just wait. The beans are AWESOME! :)
Great post to start my day with, friend!
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