The boys had to go to school with me this morning, so they were dragged out of bed at 7:30, after being reminded that we could stop for Chick-fil-A if we made it out the door by 8:00.
It's amazing how quickly they move when chicken minis are involved...
We got to school early enough for them to get the lay of the land: vending machines, bathrooms, multiple stairwells...the whole nine yards. We staked out a corner of the classroom after they introduced themselves to my professor, and class began.
Y'all, they did so well. They sat there, playing video games, drawing, or coloring for 2 1/2 hours. There were two short breaks...one after each full hour, so I took them to get a snack/drink during the first break, and both times B had to pee, or at least he said he did. We got out early, and I was thrilled with their behavior.
I should've stuck with "surprised and pleased." They turned into angry children after that: being ugly to each other and to me, so we went home, and I made them lunch. I told them they had one more chance before being punished, and they blew it. Hardcore.
And that, my friends, is how they ended up in separate rooms at 3:04 this afternoon. To take naps. I closed the curtains, turned on the fans, turned on music for B, and said, "Forget it. Wake up happier."
N was out in less than 10 minutes. I eventually had to go cuddle with B for a few minutes. He passed out, and was up within 30 minutes. I told him he hadn't taken a long enough nap to wake up happy, and he halfheartedly argued...before slinking back into my room and climbing on my bed without another word.
N woke up first...at 6:26. B woke up about 15 minutes later. And for 3 hours, I had peace & quiet. It was bliss. Complete. Bliss.
See, I'm on spring break now...so I read a book. For fun. And it was one I've read before, but I like to reread my favorites from time to time. So I loved it.
We went to the apartment complex pool party after that, but B only swam for a few minutes (the water was much colder than Angela's pool yesterday, although it was heated) and the food was mostly gone, so I got guilted into grabbing burgers for them since there weren't any left.
My mom came over to hang out for a little bit, and we had a great talk about a couple of papers I've written recently...talking about my grandparents and the things I remember about them from my childhood all the way to the things I remember most vividly when they died while I was in middle school/high school. It was a strange conversation to be happy about, but walking down memory lane is always such a beautiful thing.
Speaking of memories...I randomly saw this quote the other day, and I don't know who said it, but it is so true in so many friendships/relationships, both past and present:
"I think the only reason why people hold onto memories so tight for so long is because memories are the only things that don't change, even when people do."
I do that. A lot. I hold on to how I remember people, and not how they really are now, and by doing that, I'm really kind of cheating myself. And them, honestly, if I think about it. Because the memories are not the same as reality, and would you rather have the happy, butterflies-in-the-stomach memories, or the harsh reality? Exactly.
THEN, as I was pondering my heart out over that quote, I realized that I probably fall into the memories category for some/a lot of people, too. And, while that makes my heart hurt sometimes, I also know it's all a part of the growing process.
I have some of the best friends and family a girl could ever ask for. They are supportive and so close-knit, and they get me. That's hard to do sometimes. The most memorable people in your life will be the ones who loved you when you weren't very lovable.
And, y'all? There have been a whole lot of times where I haven't been very lovable. Like this morning. When my kids were giving me a hell of a time while we were trying to get out the door, and again after I got them breakfast.
I'm going to try to be more lovable, okay? Y'all just keep on loving me even if I'm a pain in the ass. I really appreciate it more than you know...even if I'm too pissed off to say it or show it.
Aubs
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