Get out of my way!
I often find myself in a hurry. Rushed to get some place or another, complete a project or a task. Time is of the essence.
Paul took some extra time at the firehouse to help out a new dad. Three 48’s in a row. That’s firefighter talk for working 48 hours then home for 24 hours, work for 48 hours, then home for 24 hours, and finally, work for 48 hours, and home for 24 hours; but then he works for 24 hours the next day and at last has 48 hours off, back to his regular schedule.
It’s not that I can’t handle the dogs and the kids and life for essentially six days on my own, but ya know… that’s not exactly what I signed up for.
So we took each day as it came. No big plans, no where to be. By the last 48 hour shift I was ready to get out of the house (eh, camper) and do something with the kids. I just hoped it didn’t end in disaster.
Sydney is teething, throwing fevers and even puking, along with not sleeping well; she’s a little cranky. Lincoln is finding his voice. He does what he wants, as he wants to; requiring lots and lot of patience.
But I’m tired and don’t have much patience for myself, let alone a sassy three year old. But I decided I was going to try because we all deserved to get out.
Let’s go to the farmers market!! We loaded up and went to town. We saw a few old friends, they relished in the growth of the kids. We got some honey from my favorite honey guy. We saw our friend Matt and his son, Bane, at their meat booth. Then, it happens. Lincoln found the candy lady and demanded cotton candy.
I’ll make this a lesson, I thought to myself. I’ll show him how to pay. I gave Lincoln a 20 dollar bill, tell him he should grab the cotton candy he wants, ask the lady how much it is, and give her the money.
“No way!” Lincoln replied. But he still wanted the cotton candy. So I go through the motions of being a customer and start to walk away.
“STOOOOP!” Lincoln yelled at me. His hand in front of his body, palm out, like a crossing guard; his feet planted firmly on the ground.
“What is it? Did you see something else?” I tried to say in a calm voice.
He points to the freeze dried skittles. I go through the proper etiquette of buying goods with him again. This time he proudly takes the 3 one dollar bills I give him and exchanges them for his candy. He’s so proud and excited to eat his candy.
He then wanted to go sit by the water fountain and enjoy his treat. So we did. We tossed pennies into the bottom, watched a bird get a drink, and finally I decided it was time to go.
But here’s the kicker… we have no where to be. Why am I rushing him around like a bossy micromanager? I had one of those and it wasn’t the best working environment.
I took a moment to remember how difficult that job was. Someone constantly looking over my shoulder, asking me questions as if I didn’t know the answer, over explaining everything to me. Wow! I’m just like them…
I asked Lincoln if he wants to sit a little longer. Of course he does! He jumps up and down shaking his arms and fists with excitement. “Oh yeah!!” He squeals.
So, we sat back down next to fountain. Then we took a walk around it. And soon, Lincoln says he hot and need a drink of water back at the car.
What would have otherwise been a tantrum to get him to leave was a peaceful and cooperative experience for the both of us.
What a great Saturday!!
Love, Livv
