Histrionics, and Then Some

Do you deal with this in your home? Sometimes the display makes me crazy! Sometimes it's so funny I am in stitches.

One of my children is particularly talented in this area, especially when it comes to being injured or sick. The balance of annoyance verses compassion is tricky for me. I understand from a logical side that  compassion is sought. My practical, no nonsense, let's push through this side, is usually screaming at me to run the other way.

I like when it just makes me laugh.

The news today:

Woefully moaning around the house (while displaying amazing bursts of completely normal energy, spunk, and wellness), "I am sick. I can't breath. I think I need two whole boxes of Kleenex. I need a sick bed. My nose is stuffy." And on, and on, and on.

Matter of fact Mommy, "You have a little cold, maybe allergies. It's hard to distinguish between the two sometimes, especially at this time of year. You will be fine. Just rest when you need to and get lots of water."

Laying in her sick bed rolling around whining, "I will not be fine. I think I am going to die. Did you hear me coughing two times last night?! I need a juice pop (Ah, it's all becoming clearer now). I need a cough drop (Ricola are tasty). Carry me to the bathroom, I am going to throw up. Wait no, I just need some ice cream."

"Yep, I did hear your coughs. They sounded like normal coughs to me. You will be fine."

"No. They were pretty big coughs. I need to stay in my sick bed all day to make sure I won't die." Faster than a speeding bullet she jumped up ran across the room and snatched a toy. Hmm, I guess this must be the 'well' spurt that comes just before certain death. (If you think I am making this up just come on over and hang out for a while.)

The funniest part about it all is that she is completely serious. Or shall I say, dead serious, the entire time.

Here's to hoping I can remain in nice mommy mode for as long as this deadly illness shall plague her.

Breaking news! As I was typing about Jacob, a near death little Addie bounded down the stairs declaring, "Mom, I am only going to get dressed." We'll let you know when she passes, at least she will have clothes on.

More breaking news! "Mom when our friends come over (neighborhood children gather here regularly) I will be able to play because I don't have piano lessons today like Zackary, Jacob, and Ellie!"

Sensible Mommy, "But you are dying on your sick bed."

Shocked and surprised, "Oh yeah. I'm on my sick bed in the sun (she is cozily miserably curled up in the patch of sun from the east window). I think I will stay here all day."

And for real news: 

Addie is doing a great job learning to read and being a BIG helper. She is the first (when not dying) to run and do when I ask for anything. She is a great big sister and can get Malachi laughing like nobody else. There is something great about being little. But she is not little, she is big, very big!

In other news:

After several days of being absolutely certain he could wiggle out of grass mowing duty, Zackary is compliantly, and happily mowing the incredibly long grass. We have been having family discussions about just how long it is. We never did get a measuring device out, but our best estimator came in at 6 inches. I might push for 7, but you get the point. I tried diligently to explain that the longer it gets the longer it takes because you have to empty the bag more often. I am never even a remotely close match for his will, but I can ride out most storms with the best of 'em.

He covered all the bases: making sure he was heard, trying to negotiate payment (we are so mean), claiming ultimate boredom and eventual death (to which I asked him to wait for another day because I just didn't feel like digging yet another grave for him).

What a guy. It's so nice to not have that responsibility on my shoulders while Sam is away. I still have the hills, but that is nothing compared to all the work he does. He's growing up fast and taking on responsibilities that help him learn and grow. He started playing the prelude music for Primary recently and is really enjoying it. He is also very enthusiastic about scouts and enjoys leading and participating, especially in service oriented events and activities. Thanks Zacky Boo for all you do! (I wonder how much longer I will be able to call him that ...)

And yet other news:

Jacob has been abducted by Pokemon and will no longer be residing with us, or accomplishing anything remotely productive (at least for the summer that is).

And just so my Jakey is properly represented. He is still happily doing all his chores, practicing his piano, fulfilling his summer homeschool assignments, and being an active participant in the family. He has also completed 5 1/2 hours of reading since beginning the summer reading program two days ago and will surely reach the 20 hour goal with ease. And no, none have been Pokemon books so far, although I am sure some will be.

Okay, so really it was a totally funny, complete misrepresentation of him. He doesn't find my humor, sarcasm, or teasing, in any way, funny. I try to be careful for him :)

And still more news (there's only five of them, this will end soon):

Malachi is happily trying to bring about the early demise of his sister by pouncing on her regularly. What can you expect, she is in the middle of the floor perfectly poised for pouncing. Will it be considered murder? One can only hope not.

He is also just getting over his worst bout of enterocolitis yet and we are grateful. There is really nothing new to report. We just keep doing what he needs to stay happy and healthy. He just keeps doing what he needs to be a normal little toddling boy (by all outside appearances anyway).

Lastly, but most exuberantly, as is the definition of our Ellie:


Someone is doing a fantastic job reading, and don't let her tell you otherwise! Watching two older bothers do something so early, and with such ease, and I am sure hearing it talked about, is not the easiest thing to brush off for an up and coming reader. She is doing a fantastic job and said the other day at the library, "I actually do know how to read. I just say that I don't and say that I don't like it. I don't know why, it's silly. I love to read!" You don't know how long I have been waiting to hear that and hoping it was in there somewhere. That is a big PHEW mommy moment :)

Her perfectly curved and strong piano fingers are a delight to listen to. She enjoys very much sitting down and tickling those ivories with whatever flows through them. It always sounds composed although it is coming straight from thin air. Delightful.

Her smile still lights up life and my favorite thing to hear is her sweet voice sing songing to me, "Hi Mom!" Each time she enters the house.

Life is good here in the Lockhart home. Life is good.

But remember, it's almost over for one of us. Don't forget, she wouldn't like that at all!)