Something Stinks

Did you ever have a favorite word to express your frustration that you wish your children wouldn't repeat? Mine's "stinkin'." Observe:

"Oh man, where'd I put the stinkin' movie?"

Moments ago, while perusing the aisles of Target with Mom and the kids, Nicole and I got separated from Grant and Mom. I thought they had passed by us and were already in the Christmas section. I said to Nicole, "We'd better get going and find Grandma."

Without a hitch, Nicole said with a smirk (which revealed that she wasn't quite sure if this was a word that she could pull off without punishment), "Where's the stinkin' Grandma?"

I couldn't contain myself. She read me like a book and asked for clarification, "We don't say stinkin' people, do we, Mom? We just say stinkin' stuff."

Still laughing, I nodded in agreement.

Nicole, now seriously engaged in the conversation said, "'Cause that would hurt their feelings, huh!"

I finally gained my composure in time for Nicole to mimic what she's heard way too many times, "Hey! Where are my stinkin' car keys?!"

The Passenger

Mansell's have an inherited additive in their blood that makes them crave high altitudes. As proof, I present my pedigree: my grandfather was a pilot; my dad is a pilot; and two of my brothers are pilots.

From the looks of the picture above, there's no doubt that Mansell blood runs in Nicole's veins.

Instead of shopping on Black Friday, Papa piloted Nicole and Clint around the patch in a yellow Cessna 172.

When Nicole returned to Grandma and Papa's house, she created her own rendition of the flight (l to r: Nicole, Papa, Dad; below: aircraft).

The Spirit of Christmas

Everything Nicole knows about Santa Claus, she's learned from the movies. At home, we don't send him elaborate lists of "I wants" or leave him a plate of cookies with milk.

My anti-St. Nick thwarts notwithstanding, Nicole has caught on to the truth: Santa = Christmas, at least in our commercialized neck of the woods. But I didn't know that she knew, if you know what I mean, until we arrived at our local grocery store several weeks before Thanksgiving.

We were fortunate to find a "front row Joe" parking spot, in which our vehicle faced the store's display window. The poinsettias lined the floor, decorated Christmas trees stood haughtily in the center and mini Santas pranced all around with cheery holiday tones ringing in the background. I glanced toward Nicole and read an expression that I thought proclaimed disgust at the sight of early Christmas decor. Then Nicole loudly stated, "Hey! 'Cause why they have all their stuff out for Santa Claus Day?!"

Ah, the poor mother who neglected to teach her child the real meaning of Christmas.

Mother's Wisdom, Part 1

A student of mine recently arrived at the testing center seven minutes too late to be admitted for the quiz. She immediately called me for an extension, which was granted.

This small incident forced me to question why I don't allow my students to take the quiz at home. After all, they're very trustworthy and it might slightly ease their burdens. Nearly automatically, I envisioned my mom standing in her kitchen saying, "Keep honest people honest."

She's right. Why would I want to be the culprit to tempt these students? Even the most honest of them might justify a peek at the notes by thinking, "I studied this. I know the answer, I just can't quite recall it right now. It's not really cheating ... "

No doubt about it: honesty's the best policy. As for Mom, she has treasures of wisdom that she dispenses in easy-to-remember phrases. Thanks for the valuable life lesson, Mom!

Kids Go Bump in the Night

Why is it that kids feel safer in Mom and Dad's bed?

Last night (I was too tired to check the time), Nicole whispered at my bedside, "Mom, I want to come in bed with you and Dad."

I didn't ask why. "Go back to bed, Nicole."

Next thing I know, I felt her hands grab the covers for leverage to pull herself up. I scooted closer to Clint to make room for Nicole on my other side. Then I felt her crawl over the top of me, providing herself with the perfect nestling spot -- in between her parents.

I trust she fell asleep right away and quickly became lost in dreams of sugarplums and dancing fairies. OK, well probably not that, but if she had taken the time to ponder why she had left her own bed in the first place, it's likely she would have been unable to remember anything scary. She was with her parents. And she felt safe.

Deep Thinking

I am constantly amazed at the thought processes Nicole reveals to me. I only know the ones she talks about, but it's quite frequent that I wonder how she arrives at certain conclusions.

For example, last night, as I worked on the computer and she lay on the bench in the living room to keep me company (Dad was already sleeping -- poor thing!), Nicole said, "Mom, I don't want Jesus to die again."

So we had the death talk. And the resurrection talk. And the Heaven talk. And the Sister talk.

("Who will play with Sister Brooke in Heaven?" is a question that would be very important for a child to know the answer to.)

First Fall

Grant had a struggle with gravity today; and gravity won.

He didn't fall down the steps, off the bed, or off the changing table.

He fell out of the bathtub. Don't ask me how (even though I was standing right next to him). One second he was standing in the bath and the next he was lying on the bathroom floor. The moral of the story? We need a bigger tub!

Anchors in Training

Not only are they attractive, but well-behaved!
In the not so distant future, you may flip on your tube and find these adorable faces staring right back at you. Unfortunately by then, though, I'm sure the stories will no longer be fictional tales of horses that ran loose or pretend weather casts. On second thought, I rescind the latter part; we may still hear phony weather reports from "meteorologists."

Fudge

Fudge is Nicole's new riding partner. She's brown, has hair all over and loves kids.

Nicole's first official equestrian lesson finished better than predicted. She learned to trot, steer, ride with no hands and escort Fudge "around the rail" all by her lonesome (not all of those tricks simultaneously, of course).

At the conclusion of her 30 minutes, Nicole enthusiastically said to Suzi (her teacher), "I want to do that again!"

Suzi replied, "Great, then we'll see you next week."

Nicole was disappointed, but thought she'd give it a try: "No, I want to do it right now!"

Stalker

Nicole, at the ripe old age of four, is afraid of the vacuum. She's never liked it much, but now that she has control over where she hides when the vacuum is in operation, she claims sanctuary on her bed with the bedroom door shut tight.

Grant, on the other hand, loves the vacuum. He's always loved the vacuum. Each time he hears the vroom vroom begin, he's mesmerized. He can't take his eyes off the machine. Normally I vacuum when he's in the high chair or asleep. But today, I let him roam.

I actually thought he would sit stationary until I was done. Much to my surprise, he chased after me as fast as his paws would permit. At the slightest delay of forward motion, Grant envisioned himself attaining his goal and gave a chuckle with a mischievous grin.

By task end, Grant and his beloved were finally united.

"Why, Mom?"

... Nicole's favorite question. She tosses it lightly into the air at the end of each command I give her.

Mom: "Nicole, let's pick up your cards so that brother won't get them."
Nicole: "Why, Mom?"
Mom: "Because he'll bend them and ruin them."
Nicole: "Why, Mom?"
Mom: "Because that's what babies do."
Nicole: "Why, Mom?"

I give up after three tries.

Mom: "Because they do. No more questions."

If she dares ...

Nicole: "Why, Mom?"

She's not trying to pester anyone (least of all me), she just has a natural curiosity about the world around her. At least that's what the experts write. Personally, I think it's more like a natural reflex that escapes her mouth involuntarily.

Tattle Tale

Grant tattles -- but only on himself.

As he crawls toward his favorite plant at Grandma's house, he fusses the whole way there.

When he is about to pull diapers off the changing table, he starts protesting loudly (as if I had already scolded him).

He found Nicole's Crazy 8's cards yesterday and cried to himself as he was folding the cards and stuffing them into his mouth.

He's the most upset, however, when he's caught in the act and removed from the hazardous spot. He'll learn to quit tattling on himself and start tattling on others one of these days ...

Turning a New Leaf

Grant's traded in his Fat Boys for broccoli sticks. It's true. See for yourself!

Although ounce-for-ounce he probably consumed more ice cream than veggies, he did have the appearance of enjoying his fiber-packed greens.

I'll keep this photo handy for future disputes about him liking broccoli.

Faith

In the movie Field of Dreams, Ray Kinsella was repeatedly told, "If you build it, they will come." All who knew him thought he was a nut, but he stood firm in the face of opposition and manufactured a large scale baseball diamond with bleachers. Sure enough, they came.

Nicole and Mr. Kinsella have something in common: faith. If Nicole wishes for something with enough heart, she believes it will happen.

Case in point, last week, Nicole wanted to spend the night at Grandma and Papa's place. What better way to ensure that you will stay than to change into PJs directly following lunch? What better way to convince Papa that another fishing trip is due than to parade around the house in a fastened life vest?

In short, if you dress the part, you can make it happen. At least you can make it happen if you're an irresistible 4-year-old who has a way of making your grandparents melt with a simple and sweet, "Pleeeeease?"

Sister Brooke

Before Brooke was born, I wondered if Nicole would remember her. I wanted Nicole to attend the viewing and funeral, and we took pictures so that Nicole would be able to refresh her memory if she began to forget.

Recently, more than before, Nicole has proved that she has not forgotten her baby sister and she hasn't needed any photos to remind her. It's common to hear the following from Nicole:

• When is Sister Brooke coming back?
• I miss Sister Brooke.
• Let's go swimming. Our whole family! Dad, Mom, Nicole, Grant and Sister Brooke.
• What's taking Sister Brooke so long to come to our house?
• Do you think that Sister Brooke likes the rides at Lagoon?

Not too long ago, we ran into a neighbor who was out on a stroll with her toddler boy and newborn baby girl. Nicole glanced into the stroller, recognized a girl, and said to the mom, "I have a baby sister, too."

The mom sought to correct Nicole, pointed to Grant, and said, "No, you have a baby brother."

Nicole stood her ground. "No, I have a sister and a brother. Names are Brooke and Grant."

In the not too distant recesses of my mind, I think that Nicole understands that Brooke is in Heaven, but hopes that she'll not stay there too long.

After sadly commenting that she misses Brooke, Nicole adds, "I miss Jesus, too."

"So do we, Nicole," I assure my oldest daughter. We miss all who have passed on before us.

Oh ... My Heck!

Living in Utah, this is a phrase that we hear every 10 minutes. Since it hasn't yet graced the titles of my blog, I will initiate it by bragging, "Oh my heck, look how cute my kids are!" We went to the park after swimming lessons, and since no friends were present, Nicole and Grant played on the slides together. Yea! What a mommy moment!

Bubbles!

Nicole was so excited to go to the "JJCC" (Double Jewish Community Center) for swimming lessons this morning. This is atypical behavior. However, right before we crossed their threshold, she announced, "Only one more time swimming, then I go to pony lessons! I will do all of the exercises that my teacher tells me."

And she did, including blowing bubbles (see photo of Nicole with Nicole -- she and her teacher share the name). It seems small, but this has been a major goal during the past month. With all of the progress she has made (learned a back float, kicking straight, kickboard, etc.), maybe we'll continue her lessons. Now, if I could just figure out the best way to break the news to her ...

"Wherever You Are, Be There ..."

... said my next door neighbor, a fellow medical wife. I'm particularly fond of this adage because it underlines the importance of savoring every minute of life instead of waiting for something "better" to happen. Frankly, something "better" might not turn out to be so much better anyway.

One of Clint's colleagues reviewed a personal statement written by an anesthesiologist requesting tenure. Near the end of the physician's essay, he summarized the three most important lessons he has learned throughout his life:

1. Never underestimate the happiness that family, religion and health can add to your life.
2. All of the elements mentioned in Point #1 can be stripped from you at any time.
3. Due to the risk in Point #2, enjoy every healthy minute you have with your family and God because you may never have the opportunity again.

Book Review

Our latest library wonder, entitled 100th Day Worries, details the drama of a girl who is searching for a collection of 100 items for a school assignment. With time running out, Jessica's family gathers random thingamajigs from around the house: ribbons, screws, stray beads, loose change, barrettes and aquarium rocks.

When Jessica arrives at school, she realizes that she's short by ten items. In addition, she can't figure out how the doodads are related. That's when she finds a note from her mom that says the family will help her find the remaining ten items over the weekend. At the end, she signed her name, followed by ten XX's.

"That's it!" thinks Jessica. She has a collection of 100 objects from her family. Nicole has never seen XX's or OO's in a letter, so I explained the significance to her. Immediately, Nicole jumped off the bed and said, "Come on, Mom, let's write a note to Dad." And here's what she produced.

Heavenly Exercise

A few nights ago, Nicole showed me some moves that she learned during her last swim session. Afterward she proclaimed, "That's exercise. I learned it in swimming lessons."

Next, she positioned herself on all fours and rocked back and forth (similar to something Grant would do). "That's exercise, too."

I questioned where she learned that one and without hesitating, she matter-of-factly stated, "From God."

So, for all of you who thought the next life would be restful and perfect, I have news for you: our resident celestial guru reports that exercise does indeed exist on the other side.

Don't shoot the messenger.

Swim Lessons for Babies

After envying Big Sister during four swim lessons, Grant finally got his chance to debut his water moves.

Out of all the baby pool had to offer, Grant's favorite display was the row of six-inch fountains. He tried to suppress them with his hands, put his fingers down the holes that supplied the water spouts and drink from the fountains.

Water fights? Water splashed in his face? All part of the fun.

Post-Halloween Wrap-Up, Literally

The kids were adorable (see for yourself) and the candy was insurmountable. And even though Grant didn't have a bucket, he still enjoyed the spirit of the evening.

But the climax of the Halloween carnival occurred when Clint entrusted his body to the hands of two Asians in an attempt to become the best mummy in the room. (The prize was a Butterfinger. Candybar.) He explained to them in Kindergarten English how to hold the roll of toilet paper ... at least five times. I feel terrible admitting that I laughed as they periodically stopped to analyze, regroup and fight in a completely unintelligible language. (Could have been Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Tagalog or some language that no one in the Western hemisphere has ever heard of. Who knows? Who cares?)

Unfortunately Nicole was busy at the children's craft table and Grant is too young to remember the event. At least we'll have this everlasting picture:

Yup. That's me standing next to my distinguised husband, temporarily detained by a roll of Angel Soft Toilet Paper. Indelible. And hilarious.

The Body Guard

Grant played gently with a cardboard book while, in the background, Mom read a book to Sister on the padded library bench.

Grant lost grip of his book and poked his head over the side of his stroller to see where it had fallen. Nicole quickly jumped down to retrieve the baby book for Grant, when a younger girl, who was seated nearby, grabbed the book first, stuffed it into a box and spoke in a horrid tone, "Now you'll never get it!"

Do you think Nicole would let anyone get away with that? She replied, "Oh yes, I will," shoved her hand in the box and restored the book back to Grant. "Here you go, Brother."

Stupefied, the little girl could hardly manage to watch helplessly with her mouth gaped open. That ought to be the last time she tells Nicole what she can or can't do.