parental patience = child's patience

Well, I'd like to think that one must equal the other. Last night, the little kids (we group Jessi, Matt and Nick into this category) had to sit through 2 hours of high school concert music. Overall, they were good, but there was lots of movement. Movement from Nick in protest of having to sit for so long. Movement from Matt who would sign wildly at me and Emma. And an occasional shift of the body from Jessi who just wanted to fall asleep and be left alone. During this semi-torturous event, I found myself deep breathing quite a few times as I practiced patience with the situation.

Fast forward to today when Matt comes home from school. Some may call it OCD, but he NEEDS to perform a task as soon as he crosses the threshold: ride his bike in the "driverwary", swim, play video games with Allen, and the newest...... vacuum with the new cordless machine that has a slight Star Wars look to it.

Nick had first dibs on the cleaner and quickly ran the battery down. Matt was distraught that I had placed it on the charger and threw himself on the floor, I suspect to wait for the charging to be complete. Watching this take place made me happy. OK, not all of the associated screams and whines, but the fact that Matt had a mission and he would lay on the floor until the vacuum is finished. 

Some say kids are packaged similar to their parents. I hope Matt's patience to wait for the charging vacuum is a testament to my waiting with patience at last night's concert.

happy mom's day ~ open letter to my mom

Dear Mom,

I want to thank you for the way you've raised me and for the way you allow me to continue on my own path. Having children gives me plenty of pause, thinking all you were challenged with while raising me. At times, I'm amazed we're doing as well as we are as our mother-daughter team.

I'm glad we had an afternoon together this past week. There are shared moments free of husbands and children that are essential to our relationship and New Orleans couldn't provide a better playground in which to accomplish our memories. Even our little field trip through the shady Lower Ninth Ward proved to be educating and fun. OK, with the exception of the guy who was probably trying to sell us drugs......

What you may, or may not, have realized is that you were a vital player in the transition Michael and I were going through that day. Without having you to spend time with while waiting for my flight home, I may have let the bubbles of sadness take over and consume my thoughts. Sharing a simple cafe au lait while walking the mall helped keep those bubbles flat and deep inside. And certainly the missed airport exit that gave us a great tour of the swamp kept the mood lively.

Thank you, mom, for being there for me. I look forward to many more trips and tours and time with you!

I love you, Mom!

Love, Carey


The following images are from carey anne photography of the Make It Right Rebuilding made famous by Brad Pitt's involvement.