Why I love Cailou.

Before I had children who had their own preferences, I was quite adament regarding my dislike of the animated PBS children's show, Cailou. Although I had never cared to watch a full length episode, I perceived he was winey and got away with it. I did not want my children gleaning life lessons from this show...and so I, with sublte self-righteousness, would offer when asked, that my family would not be followers of the animated, high pitched, nasally voiced, bald-headed toddler.

That was then.

A "Cailou Convert", if you will.

I am now a changed woman.

I know that factually and even emotionally, some would argue that the desire to see your children turned into zombies, even for 30 minutes a day, is terribly unhealthy.

I might even agree with a pursuasive nod and enthusiastic "uh-huh!!".

However......

...how can you argue with a mother whose morning was full the stuff of baby/toddlerhood (which includes, but is not limited to, fighting, crying, three sets arms lifted-begging to be held, all at once, crying, some happy moments, silliness, having to laugh at the silliness, eating, sippy cup refills, nightie being pulled at, etc. etc. etc.)????...how can you argue with a mother who suddenly has two children who are completely and utterly mesmerized, so much so that the remaining lunch food her daughter quickly stuffed into her mouth when the theme song started playing is disolving, rather than being chewed??....THAT's how STILL it makes them. (the picture is blurry, but it was my favorite).

Glorious, precious, bless-his-little-heart Cailou!!!

I even was able to change them into their clothes (yes, at 11:30am) for the day without them giving much notice. It was, and is, a beautiful thing.

Now, just to give into my pride, allow me to also share that I do attempt to do fun, out-of-the-ordinary things with the children on an occassional basis. We do not sit around and watch television all day (well, at least not every day!!). For instance, on Monday I invited my dear mother to join me as I took the children to a local "Garden Party"...a quaint little carnival, with many activities geared towards children. I imagined the sheer delight on their faces as they had balloons (or whatever they wanted!) painted on their faces, interacting with Pippy the clown-a featured guest that day or just walking along enjoying the sights and sounds of fun happening all around them.

Well, when I immediately reviewed the picture taken below with my long-suffering mother, I should have noticed by the countenance of my little guy that my visions where only that. Visions. Disconnected from reality.Because I do not have much more time to write, I am sharing an excerpt from an email I sent to my Aunt Kendra yesterday:

I so badly want to visit her (my grandma) more often, but this morning was another reminder of why I rarely venture out with all three by myself...I thought they would enjoy a special morning at Reading Hospital's Garden Party, which is a nice little carnival they hold on the grounds near the hospital (which are gorgeous). They have cute little child-centered games and 'rides'....they even had pony rides. So, dear mom came along...and by the time we were huffing and puffing out of there (double strollers taken up and down steep stairs are not easy), I was ready, very ready implode, as the little guy was miserable, crying and complaining intermittently all through the visit, but especially ever since being taken out of the inflatable moon walk at the end of our visit, feeling his ride was cut short. he cried over every thing, and at one point my fingers almost touched through his little fore arm, as I squeezed it with awhispered threat of discipline if he doesn't shush up. Although I probably said shut up. It was then I was sure that the Mother of the Year award had slipped through my hands.

SO...as we all walked out, I told them I hope they enjoyed their first and last trip ever to the Garden Party. Oh, and yes, he even got to ride a pony, which pleased him as he's been on a cowboy kick for the last few days. I mean, how does a child find room to complain when he gets to ride a pony on a regular, ho-hum Tuesday!?!?! I reminded him many little boys never get to ride a pony. And then I remind myself that he isn't yet 3...I should save the lecturing for later. ha!And so, there you have it. An honest protrayal of how it really is sometimes. Honestly, this past month has been challenging on a basic level (very basic. We are have not dealt with long-term, terminal illnesses or struggles that are REAL challenges...just every day stuff). Three weeks of that nasty stomach bug virus being volleyed to and from each of the children and a precious little girl who, at 8 months, scurries up the stairs if the gate is even partially open. She is by far my busiest one! Then there are the two growing within, who I am able to feel now--especially in the evenings or whenever I am still enough to notice! (which is not often!). My husband, my mom & dad, my mother in law (who picks up Rick for me at school most days) and our neighbors are such helping hands in our lives...and we appreciate them SO much!!!

I know it's been over a month since I posted. I apologize for my infrequency. The sickness stuff was all-encompassing...and when I find time to write, which is usually after the kiddos hit the sack, the small trickle of creative juice that I might have had has all but dried up by then!

This is a good nap time...and God gave me this quiet time to write a little and catch up with you. I will tell you, plain and simple, GOD's provisions of strength and ability are what get me through every day and keep me from losing it. I give him 110% of any credit for anything I do.

This is on a laminated, dog-eared index card hanging from our bathroom mirror, and it is truer than ever, in more ways than one:

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!

His mercies never cease.

Great is his faithfulness;

his mercies begin afresh each morning.

I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;

therefore, I will hope in him!”
The Lord is good to those who depend on him,

to those who search for him.

-Lamentations 3:22-25