Break Time

I don't know about you but for me helping my kids with their homework is about to do me in. Really...you don't know the answer even though you just told it to me not 10 seconds ago? Really....you don't get that the problem you just did was like the 50 before it only with different numbers? Needless to say, I never had a calling to teach, so why, I ask myself during the long arduous homework marathon, am I the one always sitting here helping with the homework?  Finally, I think I have an answer to the question. I have concluded that homework is a test from God. She figures if you can work for ten minutes with your own little darling, the one you gained 50 pounds carrying and the one you have given up any hope of finding even a smidgen of privacy from; if you can do math without choking them at minute seven then you can probably fit in with just about anyone who you might bump into around heaven. Unfortunately, I have been failing the test lately. I can only hope God in her infinite wisdom gives you a 2000 out of 3000 chance to prove yourself. Still, as it stands now, after five children, the odds are against me.

Last week while helping KU with his homework I began to feel my knees start shaking at minute three, a full-blown headache arrived by minute four and by minute five I began to wonder if a glass of wine might help even if it was at 3:30 p.m. Then, right before my body began to slide under the table my usually very un-astute eight- year-old son looked at me and said, "Mom you look like you need a break. I find that they really help release the tension. Why don't you go and take one now and I will call you back in five minutes or when I need your help, whatever comes first."

And it was in that moment that I realized that God really was looking out for me but more importantly she was looking out for him. God knows when we need a break and sends others to tell us. Sometimes we have to look to find them and other times they are standing right before us. Either way, sometimes we just need to be reminded to treat ourselves and the ones we love with kindness and compassion by taking a break from those things that are doing us in for the moment or over time. Big break or little one it really doesn't matter just as long as you allow yourself the gift of breaking in life to attend to your own needs.

Betty Davis Eyes

The things your kids share with you in the car.

KA: I think it would be awesome to be able to read someone's mind.

Me: Why is that

KA: Because you could do all sorts of wonderful things for them like buy them the puppy they have always wanted.

Me: KA, you are the one who wants a puppy

KA: I'm just saying...you know there would be one time when it wouldn't be so good to know what someone is thinking.

Me: When would that be?

KA: When they are sitting on the toilet going to the bathroom. I mean the things that go through your mind when you are on the toilet...well they are just not things you want others to know

Me: Is that why you spend 30 minutes at a time in the bathroom?

KA: Might be

Two minutes later

KA just earned a reward of new Pokemon cards. As he opens the pack "Ah, the sweet smell of goodness and evil all wrapped up in one."

Scotch

From KA: What do you mean the Scottish don't speak Scottish. The English speak ENglish. The French speak French. Koreans speak Korean. How come the Scottish don't speak Scotch? 

Me: Scotch is a drink, honey. 

KA: Well I guess I'll have to take up drinking so I can understand them."

Dittites

Dave to our 6 yo daughter: "KE, who is our President?"
KE : "O'rock Obama."


KA to tutor " When my mom and Ky talk there are a lot of exclamation points and very few periods."