Is it old age or California?

I am a different person than I was when we moved here in many ways. One of the most apparent ways is that I'm bolder than I was before.

I have gone out and yelled at kids in my pajamas because they knocked over my garbage cans. This is not normal Beth behavior.


Today, a kid was walking to school through my yard and he was carrying a red headboard from a bedframe.

Just kind of dragging it behind him. He got to the edge of my yard while I was loading kids and bookbags and flyers into the car. Then, he dropped it. So, I yelled to him to get that outta my yard.

He sheepishly picked it up and dragged it behind him to the other side of my driveway and dropped it.

I rolled down my window and yelled again that he needed to take that outta my yard.

He picked it up and put it on the bikepath. I guess that was better?

Maggie says: Mommy, if he drops it again, please don't say anything. Yelling twice at him is enough.

As I processed this, I realized that this was such unique behavior for me. I never would have yelled at a kid in Georgia for this. Twice.

So, today, I wonder is it because I'm getting old? Or is it the boldness of California?

Is it because I am getting older and more territorial and croutchity (is that a word? spellcheck doesn't like it>)?

Or is it the boldness of California? People are more vocal here and not as polite as they are in the south. They are quick to honk at ya if you are doing something that they don't agree with.

Math questions

I just want to remember this random conversation between Maggie and Steven that took place tonight.



Steven: What did you learn in school today?
Maggie: I learned a new math problem. I learned what 6 plus 7 is.
Steven: Oh yea, what is 6 plus 7?
Maggie: Um, I forgot.
Steven: Well, let's figure it out.
So, he starts going through easier problems to work up to 6 plus 7. She starts getting sillier and sillier with her answers.
Steven: So, Maggie. What is 6 plus 7?
Maggie: Um...a negative number?

(insert rim shot here)

Right now

Tonight, I was walking through the dining room with a load of laundry that I needed to load. As I walked through the room, I normally see all the things that need to be fixed. The random toys on the floor and art crafts everywhere are usually what catch my eye.

Tonight, I felt like God was telling me to slow down and enjoy this time in my life. This is a great time in my life and the life of my family.

Maggie and Patrick were playing chase in the hall. They have recently really begun playing with each other and it's amazing to watch that relationship happen. He chases and she screams. Then, she chases and he screams. It's a blast!

My kids are so fun and so sweet. I'm becoming more and more aware of how fast this time flies by. Since Maggie began 1st grade, our time is more precious. She's so busy.

So,in a fleeting ordinary moment, I was reminded to be happy and content where we are.

This baby

 

I was cleaning out my computer files and I found this picture of Maggie. She was a little older than Patrick is right now. How did my baby get so big? Gosh, she is so little and so stinkin' cute in this picture. She was on stage with Steven at New Community Church while he was doing announcements for a Sunday service. I wish I could go back in time and kiss this baby in the picture. Guess I'll go kiss my long legged six year instead!