{Consequences}

First, I must preface with my attempt to explain war to a 2 and 4 year old.

When Jordan (also see Airforce Bearcat) left for 'Iraqistan', we talked about how "Jobo" was going far away, for a long time. I explained that we need heroes here at home (which was actually a small part of my attempt to encourage Ben not to bite his sister and brother...he needs to be a hero and not a bad guy...but I digress) and we need heroes far away to keep us safe. I would occasionally quiz them as to what Jobo was doing and they would, for the most part, answer, "Jobo is being our hero far away."

BUT. One day. I asked Meg, "What is Jobo doing?" And without hesitation, she replied, "He's shooting the bad guys."

WELL. So much for sugar coating.

SO. Today, I called for Meg and Ben to come downstairs for naps. When I heard no rustle to comply, I increased the intensity of my request by stating "the consequences" for not coming downstairs by the time I counted to three. After the countdown and with still no rustle to comply I marched upstairs and delivered "the consequences."

On the way downstairs, Meg decided to give me some "consequences" of my own.

And I quote. "Momma, if you don't stop giving me consequences, I'm going to have Jobo shoot you, too!" (Insert the mental image of my contorted mouth and bobbing shoulders as I tried my darnedest to conceal my inner outburst of laughter).

Momma, you 'bad guy', you.

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In honor of Veterans Day, our Jobo and the families of our troops, I am offering an opportunity for us to show our thanks to our Service Men and Women this Holiday Season. Please click on the icon below for more information on purchasing Christmas Cards for these heroic families.

{the.invisible.real}

Oh. Amber has pierced my soul. "What of it dies down a little?" I am so guilty. But now, so convicted. Thank you, Amber, for opening my eyes. Your call does not go unheard. My staff is my sword. I will protect my sheep, their imaginations, and their souls. There is no greater calling.

The Invisible Real by Amber Haines

by AMBER on NOVEMBER 6, 2009

in (IN)COURAGE, PARENTING, WHAT IS CHILDLIKE

So what of imagination when it’s splayed open, the little ones exposed and raising their voices like commercials in explanation: Look here, Mama, at the great invisibles; see the wolf in the curtain, the train come to take us, the deep water below the bed?

So what of it - when I give the yeah -yeahs and the uh-huhs? What of it dies down a little?

As a mother, now it is my honor to put out fires or to let them burn, and how can I know how to enter in without my own attentive imagination in tact and the power of empathy in force?
…continue reading at (in)courage.me.

{halloween.2009}

I admit...had a little too much fun editing these! Couldn't resist!!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

{a.twister.a.twister}

{somewhere.over.the.rainbow}

{follow.the.yellow.brick.road}

{more.halloween.pics.coming.soon}

{seriously.ya'll.paper.dolls} {yea!!!}

Mom, You're going to LOVE this! Paper Dolls!!! And they are real patterns!!! Could these clothes be ANY cuter!!! I'm just giddy! Can I have one of each, please? And, just in case anyone out there is taking orders...(you know, for in your spare time...) may I just suggest the Sunday Brunch Jacket and the School Days Jacket (and here, too). Oliver + S. It's a new fav. And it's now on my sidebar.