* There was a kid in Target the other day, sitting in a stroller beside his sister, and he was crying up a storm. Wailing, actually, might be a more accurate description. Their mom was pushing them and was just kind of ignoring the whole situation, which I guess is the thing to do these days. I glanced at the little boy — all that crying and screaming had turned his face a mottled pinkish-red and I thought to myself, “Wow, he’s kind of ugly.” Now I know you’re not supposed to think that about people, really, especially a poor kid, but… he was. I suddenly found myself avoiding another little kid who was running amok. I have no idea where the Amok kid’s parent was, but Amok swerved right in front of me coming to a dead stop in front of a display of bags of Easter marshmallows. The Wailer’s watery eyes followed Amok’s activity and all of a sudden his wailing stopped. His eyes got HUGE. He sniffled, hiccupped and said in a voice equally as loud as his wailing had been, “Mom? Does EVERYONE in the WHOLE world love marshmallows?” All of a sudden “kind of ugly” turned into “adorably cute.”
* Flowers are blooming. My Double Delight rose shrub (which I really, really need to learn how to properly prune, because I know it could produce SO MANY MORE ROSES) came out with the first rose of the season. A real beauty, with two more on the way.
* My first gardenia of the season made its appearance this weekend as well. It’s now on my desk at work, in front of the mini fan I’m running because the sick auditors are back in the building. Yes, that last sentence was unrelated to the happiness of flowers blooming, but it is so aggravating to have people who are sick come in the building and spread their germs.
* The star jasmine in my work’s parking lot, as well as all along the street where I work is gearing up for the spring show. I cannot wait!
* Fields of yellow flowers contrasted against a stormy dark blue sky.
* Greek Yogurt. I read somewhere that it’s actually healthier for you, with less sugar, than many of the other brand name yogurts out there. I tried a couple brands of Greek yogurt and found that I like The Greek Gods yogurt best of all. It’s thick, with the consistency of custard, and so incredibly delicious. Bonus: It hasn’t yet given me any adverse effects, not even a little. Maybe because it has probiotics?
* Not so thrilled with gas prices. You guys, my car is little. It has a gas tank that’s just over 11 gallons. This is how much I spent on gas the other day for my little bitty car at Costco – the cheapest place to get gas in these parts. I cannot even imagine how painful this would be if I had a big SUV.
A story in senses:
It was warm and dreamy, the weather was, this past weekend. We went over to Tony’s parent’s house for a bit of time on Sunday afternoon. After awhile, I went outside and the green grass beckoned me. Particularly a spot just on the other side of the big tree where the nephews were swinging back and forth with Tony’s strong pushes.
I twisted my hair up into a knot and laid down, using that hair knot for a pillow, and closed my eyes and just felt. I felt the sun on my skin, I felt the breeze, just as quickly, cooling my skin.
My ears became attuned and I heard cheering from a great mass of people, and laughter at a higher volume than the cheering… a game, then, down the hill at the high school. I became aware of the sound of a daisy wheel, the plastic clattering as it tried to spin as fast as the wind was blowing it… and then the sound of leaves, pattering against each other in the trees, all the way to the top.
Then, the sounds of various birds chirping and singing at each other added to the instruments that nature was playing, punctuated by the sharp chatters of hummingbirds.
And, finally, the begging of little nephew, Milo, to Uncle Tony, “Push me at Super Speed!” and his laughter as his request was granted.
Sun, laughter, cheering, breezes, leaves and birds… sometimes the best orchestra is one that nature creates.
Jammie J's Quest 
I feel that way about kids all the time. 😛 hehe. Not the cute part. But that they’re ugly and incredibly annoying. 😛 hehe.
The flowers are so lovely. 🙂
I just bought a bunch of Greek yogurt today! I love it. 😀
I have to fill up my tank tomorrow. Not looking forward to it. 😦
Loved the story. 🙂 🙂 🙂
xoxox
Even worse, that kid was like 7 or 8… in a stroller. His sister looked to be 5 or 6. Old enough to understand appropriate behavior in public. Oh. And walk.
Flowers! You’re as lovely as a flower. teehee
How’d your tank filling go? hehe
Don’t you love the “sound of silence”? It is wonderful!
I have yet to try greek yogurt, I may have to.
My car gets 20 bucks at a time. that big ol tank would prolly need 100 to fill it.
The car I pulled behind at the station the other day had just pumped $97.00 I was shocked!
I love taking moments and staying in the present. All too frequently I find that life and worries keep me away from the moments I should be experiencing. It’s a commitment to stay in the here and now.
I was leery about Greek yogurt, I mean, what’s the hype, right? I totally get it now.
Gas = pain. Just ouch.
have you tried the Greek Gods yogurt “with honey”….it is divine!
That’s exactly the one I fell in love with! Sooooo divine! 😀
Beautiful pictures! Especially the rose and the hummingbird!
Gas prices are sooo depressing, aren’t they!
Have a great weekend!
Thank you! The hummingbird was one I worked at getting! 🙂 The rose, well, it happened to rain overnight and I happened to go out there that morning. I usually don’t.
Gas prices hurt right now.
You have a great weekend, too. 🙂
You know, before I had kids I’d see the way other people handled their kids in public and said to myself, “MY kids will NEVER behave like that.” Then I HAD kids. Boy did I not have a clue. There but for the grace of God and all that.
Enjoy those quiet moments where you can just relax and take in the things around you. You don’t get them that often.
My story actually wasn’t intended to stir up a debate on parental methodologies. It was simply a recounting of my observation… the kid was wailing loudly and uncontrollably, momma appeared indifferent to the siren in her stroller, and the other kid was running amok, without parental supervision, into the paths of adults.
But… now that you touched on that iceberg, I’ll go ahead and respond to it, since this “never” thing is one of my pet peeves. Since it is a pet peeve, I’ll also say that my diatribe isn’t directed AT you so much as it is a venting… forgive me in advance if it feels like I’m directing it at you.
As far as I could tell there was no child handling/discipline whatsoever going on. I know that you really can’t control how your child behaves, they have their own mind and way they respond to things, etc. But as a parent, one CAN and should gear their response to a child’s behavior to ensure that a child understands what is appropriate, and discipline accordingly when the child crosses the boundary. I firmly believe that, as does Tony. We don’t understand this “friend” parent method that so many parents have adopted these days.
As a person who was reared by a reasonable, but strict mom and strict grandparents (aka old school methods), simply put, I think the parents I observed should have been doing a better job. BUT, we all have our expectations, intentions, ideals and plans… which the rhythm of life often thwarts with minimal effort. Should I ever be fortunate enough to have a child, I would hope (and expect!) that I would do a much better job as a parent than what I observed. Actually, I never did see Amok’s parents, ever.
My true point of the story, though, was that I thought it was incredibly cute when the little boy’s tears disappeared so quickly when he spotted something that was obviously a favorite of his.
And, yes, I make every effort to enjoy those brief moments where I stay in the present. Those moments are reprieves from worries and concerns.
I do recall that all of my expectations of what kind of parent I would be were blown out of the water after I actually had kids. I do agree with you that kids need discipline. The will test every limit you give them. There’s nothing wrong with being strict. More kids could probably use it.
Kids are littel Jeckyl/Hyde’s. They’ll be all teary one minute and happy go lucky the next. It is kind of funny and almost makes you think they learn that crying can get them what they want. All of that being said, I think you and Tony would make amazing parents. Any kids you have will be lucky indeed.
Now, I’m surprised, I’m not sure what your expectations of yourself as a parent were, but I see you as a parent who clearly lays out expectations, reasonable expectations, and expects your kids to adhere to them. I also see you as a dad who knows how to have fun… I’ll bet your boys are glad you’re their dad.
What a BEAUTIFUL, WONDERFUL Post, my dear…..Everything about it is PERFECT! (You know much I love Hummingbirds and Flowers…)
Sweet, beyond words, dear Jammie…..
The “Night Bloomers are for ONE NIGHT ONLY, usually in late July, Early August…..But they bloom every year…..These Agave’s Bloom only once in their lifetime, and then die. This is the year for this Agave!
Thank you — a high compliment indeed coming from you. 🙂
That’s what I thought, about the night bloomers. I had forgotten that the agaves only bloom once and then die. I remember now, because I remember relating it to the silverswords that are native to Maui… same with them. Bloom once, spectacularly, and then die. A very special thing to watch.
The photos are beautiful and reminds me that life is beautiful. A caring message for you and your loved ones.
Sometimes our encounters and observations make us rethink about what matters to us, our fears, our dreams and more. I suppose we have learnt from your encounter of the child that each of us deserves some love at our very core. 🙂
Thanks for the compliment. Yes, every child deserves love and attention… 🙂
We were all being so PC and not bringing up the child rearing thing! lol.
When my boys were small, and I had a bunch of them small at the same time, they knew, they stayed with me, and behaved, and by behave I mean no pitching fits, no running around, no asking for things, no horseplay, things like that. How did I keep them from it? First time they did it, very first time, I took all of them, we left the cart where it was, and we left the store. Depending on the reason we were leaving, sometimes buttocks were smacked once we got home, others not. But the point was, they knew that mom meant business and we would leave period. I didn’t tolerate that stuff in public. Running around Amok at home was one thing, but they did not misbehave in public.
Its funny cause now, if we are anywhere, and this is with half my crew of adult age, all I have to do is snap my fingers 3 times, and all 5 of my boys will turn to look at me to see who is getting the death stare….. They know that 3 snaps means someone is in trouble lol.
I think you know of what you speak, having raised five boys. Have to say, the finger snapping totally cracked me up. Your oldest is how old now? Also, I should mention, all Tony’s mom has to say to him is, “Now Tony…” in the softest voice imaginable (they’re soft-speakers, anyway), and he gets all upset. hehe There’s something to the discipline thing.
What are you doing putting premium in your car? The miata doesn’t need it, which as a former owner you know I know. And using premium in a car that doesn’t need it does nothing. My G35 is supposed to use premium, and can actually take advantage of it, but I’m putting regular in until the hot weather (actually, it’s already pretty hot) demands I bump it up. You should be saving that 20-cents/gal or more for the ____ – fund. (oops! almost wrote something in a non-protected post)
Let me help…
” You should be saving that 20-cents/gal or more for the HEALTH – fund. “
Lynne, Yep. But the $.20/gallon is gonna have to come from somewhere else.
Tinyhands, You should know better than to challenge me, my friend, on what type of gas I use! A car-related AND monetary challenge at that! 🙄
Early on in my ownership of this car (remember, I had a 1992 Miata previously which ran 87 octane gas just fine), I tried mid-grade gas because it irked me that they had changed that. Unfortunately, I had pinging, loss of power and worse gas mileage. Add to that, there are several steep hills around my house that I frequently travel on my commute.
To me, the difference between “recommended” and “required” is the distinction between the fuel that could be used and the fuel that can’t be used (i.e., “required” would be the appropriate word for “gasoline” which should be used vs. “diesel fuel” which should never be used). If I were to use another gasoline because I can, then I’m missing the point… which is that for Miata years 2001+, Mazda recommends premium fuel be run in their engines because that is the fuel the engine is designed to use. It has a 10.5:1 compression ratio, which needs the higher 91 octane gas to run properly.
I’m choosing to follow manufacturer’s specifications and purchase the premium, since I figure their engineering team knows what should be used in the engine they designed, and hopefully maximize the engine life in my car. Going on 100,000 here pretty soon.
I stand (cower) appropriately corrected. 😉
I’m totally with you Jammie. I was raised with an iron fist wrapped in soft foam. There was NO question who was in charge in our home and my brothers and I rarely stepped out of line because, to be honest, we were afraid to. Yet, we always knew that we were loved and there was plenty of laughter, games, silly, carefree wonderful. We would never DREAM of misbehaving in public. Even now at 41, I still respect my Mom and yup, am a little afraid of her…lol.
It’s how I ran my preschool class when I was teaching…teacher in charge, kids no. We had a TERRIFIC time and those kids loved me as much as I loved them. So did their parents. Kids want and need boundaries and guidelines. If we don’t teach them, who will??
This is how we are raising our son now. Even at 15 months, he is already starting to grasp the concept of “Mom/Dad in charge, me not so much.” We intend to be his parent, not his friend. If we parent right, the friend part will come later and be so much richer because we’ll have earned it the old fashioned way. And he’s the most cuddly, happy, well adjusted, snugglebunny on the planet. Just the way I like it. The terrible 2s are just around the corner and I’m dreading it, but we plan to hold the line now so when he’s a teenager, it won’t be something new.
Children will learn whatever it is they are taught. If they’re taught that discipline is negotiable and boundaries are lines in the sand depending on who saw it, then that’s what they learn.
If you weren’t dreading the two-year-old phase, then I’d think there’s something wrong. Right? I mean, in the corporate world they say that a good employee is one who thinks ahead and troubleshoots and thinks back to learn… it sounds like you’re thinking ahead, and I’m sure you’re a good mom. 🙂
This was such a peaceful post! Thank you for it! 🙂 I needed it!!
You’re more than welcome. 🙂
also, will you email the password again? I thought I saved it but I guess I didn’t 😦 I want to see how you are doing! 🙂
I e-mailed you. 🙂
Just come over here and watch me fill my car up.. just saying… your bill looks positively CHEAP….
As for child rearing… if you see a child being ignored routinely, prob something needs saying… one off… you might have missed the rest of the day.. some days you just ignore the wailing… sigh. I did once copy my mother’s idea and throw a tantrum on the floor beside my tantrumming toddler… she stood up pretty quick and looked mortified… 🙂 Just hold onto that cute moment you saw… that is why any of us made it to adult hood.
Oh, I know gas prices in your neck of the woods are far more expensive than over here. I know. But the price jacking up still hurts.
I know I only a saw a moment in time for both of those kids day… but I also know what my mom would have been doing to me if I had been the one screaming like that. In fact, regardless of my age, I think I know what she might have been doing. ha