As some of you may or may not know, my children are not perfect. They do not even attempt to pretend to be perfect sometimes. Although several people try to tell me that they are so cute and so well behaved, I merely smile and nod like I know what they are talking about. I assure you I do not. Granted, I do love them- very much- even when I am so frustrated, so I just figure I must be doing soemthing wrong if they behave for others and not for me. Here in lies my problem.....
I was recently called to the Primary- and not just any calling but to teach Hiett's class. I love Primary and all(ok- I don't really... those of you who really know me know that I cannot stand children and haven't the slightest clue what to do with them) but it is an ok thing. But I thought I learned my lesson in my last ward. DO NOT ACCEPT A CALLING WHERE YOUR OWN CHILDREN ARE CONCERNED!!!
So, anyway, I am sitting there on the front row in a newish ward where half of them are Hans' relatives and I am feeling slightly judged. Hiett is squirming around on my lap repeatedly saying loudly, "NO, mom!" then he falls off and collapses on the floor appearing like I had shoved him off. (no I did NOT). I pick him up and resolutely put him firmly back into my lap and half-Nelson him into a strong hold that might have been interpreted for a hug(I hope!). Just then I hear some scuffling behind me and Gabe's teacher is seperating him and his best friend Lafe. I had already reached back and swatted him once for talking and being ill mannered. Once he is situated away from ANY other children, I turn around and give Gabe my "I am still watching you- you better believe we will talk about this later- I am so embarrassed" look. Or in other words, it was a stink eye. Well, I notice his teacher smirking at me, and being too mortified to even make eye contact I ignored her. As we stood up to leave she tells me and I will try to quote what she said as close as possible. "I really like you Mrs. Potatoe Head mean eyes you put in to look at Gabe! They wiped out every bit of kindness out of your face! That was great."
And what, pray tell, do you say to that. I am glad that my glare was so effective, at least from the teacher's point for view. Gabe however, did not seem affected in the least. I learned something valuable from this. I need to reserve my mean-ness for when 1) when no body else is around, 2) when it is really worth getting upset over, and 3)when I can really say what I need to and explain what I need to say. I am vowing to put away my Mrs. Potato Head mean eyes. At least until next Sunday.....
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My happy boy
How can you not smile when you see that!? Tait hung out on this blanket while we were fishing on Monday- he loves to be outside- and it's a good thing since that's where we are most of the time!
Our hike
Yes, that is the road down there. We found this trail off the road up the Five MIle Canyon. We have loved the red rock scenery that is so prevelant in the Parowan area
Birthday Boy riding his new bike
He loves riding with Gabe on their"motorbikes"
The swinging of the pinata
Gabe is the only one who inflicted any damage at all
Argh MAtey!
Me and my pirate buddies- we had so much fun. Sometimes I really wich I were still a kid ro everyday was a birthday so I had a reason to be all creative and fun
Hiett
The birthday crown for the king of the day
7 comments:
LOL! Oh Shelly...what a day that was for you!
I'm sure all of us have exposed our Mrs. Potato Head's mean eyes...in fact, I know for sure I have in public (in church, at the store, etc.). I would have been like you and been a little speechless after that one. All I can think is that girl hasn't had kids yet and if she is a mother...well then she just needs to mind her own business!!
You are a great mom Shel and don't let some miss priss make you think any different!
And not to make this any longer, but just a little advice...if you want some(ha even if you dont, here it comes). When I was in primary I had to really work on being "the primary worker" and not "the mom". I had to ignore Kennedy and leave it up to her teacher to take care of whatever was going on. I think you'll find that it minimizes the stress of being in primary.
Good luck!
Linds- She wasn't trying to be mean- she and I are friends, but I shared the story jsut because I needed to hear that my "mean eyes" are seen by EVERYONE except my unobservant children. No, she is a funny girl and I laughed pretty hard after a while.... thanks for the advice though! I do need to ignore my kids - it would be more effective if I ignored them less at home probably:)
Oh My heck! I laughed my head off at that! You couldn't look mean if you tried! And I am one of those who believe your boys are angels! And fetchin handsome! Oh Shell I miss you like crazy!!
Still laughing... I've never seen that particular look on your face. I feel cheated somehow. I know it's hard to be in primary when your own children are young, (been there more than once). But I agree with Lindsey, let Gabe's teacher deal with him. Oh, and Primary is so much easier when your kids are grown. I LOVE it now!! Glad you updated your blog.
Shellie, I love you mean eyes. Please keep them in public....they make church so much funner. I am with you though, why the world would they put my in Primary, esp when I thank God daily for letting me get through another day and my children to not put me completely over the edge. Kolby informs me when I have "Mean eyes too."
Let me know when you want to let the kids play, so we can both have a break.
I have missed you!! So glad you updated, but what i really need is a picture of "the eyes". seriously. Plus new pics of your Boys!!
I'm jealous of your Mrs. Potato Head eyes. Mail them to me, why don't ya, so I can wear them next Sunday.
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