Junior Mints

That 4ft+ laundry pile I wrote about just about overtook me.  What made it so overwhelmingly large was last week's battle with the stomach flu.  What made it even worse was a middle of the night episode that landed and splat atop all the freshly pressed and cleaned church clothes that were so neatly laid out.  I too became a target of such messes, so did my bed.  Even our dog got sick but his bedding had to wait outside on deck for the few days the washer was occupied.  It was worse than my last laundry episode.   

I may have remained cheerful in completing my homemaking tasks on the joyful day of our anniversary but by Thursday I was fed up with the laundry, messes, clutter, and just feeling overwhelmed.  I even shouted at the laundry as I approached it to be sorted and spot washed.  During this moment of frustration, one of my young boys put his arms around me and consoled me saying:  "Don't worry Mom, you've got people on your side".  That is just what I needed to hear - that is what I call a "Junior Mint".

You see I don't really like candy but I love Junior Mints.  They are just the right size and offer the perfect ratio of chocolate, sweetness, and minty flavor.  They are refreshing, especially for one who has a bad taste in their mouth.  So it is with the funny little things kids say.  When in our adult world we are feeling down and frustrated, or maybe a bit too serious, it is the "Junior Mints", or funny things our kids say that give us a refreshing perspective on life. 

So this notebook was purchased months ago from Costco to record just that.  I do have journals for each individual but with six kids its hard to remember who said what and when.  But my Junior Mints notebook is always in reach and ready to record the funny things the kids both say and do.  It is filling up quickly.  

In response to the "Don't worry mom, you've got people on your side", the people may be little but its great to know they are on my side.  I just may teach a few of them how to do laundry this week.  

And one more "Junior Mint", just for fun.  From the mouth of our 4 yr old:  "I'm not sure what its gonna feel like when Obama is president.  It might feel like another country but I forgot which one.  But it might feel like the United States is rolling.  Like it is rolling like a car.  But I really wanted Jeff Morrow   to be president"  (there were many signs for this local politician in our neighborhood).

So here's to all the funny and amusing things kids say, may they help us not only get through our daily chores and also lift us as we face the uncertainty of the future.