Miracle on Darlene Drive

A miracle occurred in our home this week. Not we didn't find the image of Jesus in a potato chip or anything like that but it was quite impressive.

My son Michael came into my bedroom and asked for a piece of paper. He said he wanted to make a list of the things he needed to take to school the next day so he wouldn't forget anything. I sat straight up in bed. My son was thinking ahead and making a list? Planning ahead? Where was that going to leave me in the morning?

By 9 a.m. the office ladies would report me missing if they didn't see me frantically rushing toward them. They are accustomed to me in my pajama pants with my hair in a clip trying to discreetly drop off an item Michael had forgotten. What would I eat for breakfast if I didn't swing by McDonalds on my way home from Walnut Creek? His planning miracle had thrown my daily routine in to a tizzy!

I will admit that my bitty baby boy growing up and no longer needing me made me a little sad. But I was proud that he was thinking ahead and becoming more organized. We were turning a corner.

This miracle lasted for approximately two days. I received a frantic text while grocery shopping that he had forgotten his basketball socks. My baby was back and for this drop off I was showered and dressed. All was right in my world once again.

Christmas Tree Woes

It is amazing to me that before the holidays my children could not be more filled with Christmas spirit. They are eager to make their gift list, bake cookies and even decorate the house.

Every year we put up the tree and there is a lot of "ohh, look at this one" and "remember when we got this one on vacation?". We collect ornaments in our travels and each year we get the kids an ornament based on their big interests that year. Decorating the Christmas tree is a walk down memory lane for us.

However, as soon as the wrapping paper is discarded and the dinner is digested the Yule is no longer cool at our house. They all scatter like rats on a sinking ship.

Yesterday, as I was lamenting about needing help taking down the tree my son Michael sat down beside me. He looked and me and said "Mom, remember when we were little and we would get toys out? What did you always say to us?.

"Well I always said if you get something out you are responsible for putting it away."

"Exactly and I do believe you are the one that got the tree out."

He made a hasty retreat and left me to ponder whether or not I was glad he had been listening to me all those years ago. When your kids use your own logic against you it's a mixed blessing.

His quick wit is not going to get him out of helping take down the tree but it did give me something to smile about on an otherwise dreary Sunday afternoon.

Hungry Houdini goes to Kroger

Today I wrangled Michael into going to the grocery store with me. I find taking a teenager along is very beneficial when it comes to loading and unloading the groceries. If you wait until you get home to enlist their assistance it is much more difficult to pull them off the couch.

The first problem I encountered was that Michael was very hungry when we arrived at Kroger. This caused my cart to fill quickly with delicacies like pizza, super charged goldfish and potato chips. It's hard to say no when your child looks like a kid at Christmas when he sees food. I just couldn't say no to that sweet face.

Which leaves me confused about the second problem. When we got to the check out I kept seeing items that I didn't remember placing in the cart. Apparently he was not only hungry but very slick when it came to securing additional items. His stealth hand movements had led to the purchase of white cheddar cheese popcorn, ramen noodles and various flavors of jell-o.

I was with him during the entire shopping trip and never saw those items make their way into the cart.

Just goes to show you should never take a hungry Houdini to Kroger.