Four Letter Word

I lend a hand at a homeschool co-op on Thursdays. I just love those children and the parents. I think we have some of the greatest children and parents in our group.

Today, I was helping out a bit. Around 9AM, I went to the rest room. (I only tell you this because it is part of the story!) To my horror (yes, horror!) one of the girls had not flushed her business down the toilet. She had used excess toilet paper and had left a "skid mark" on the toilet seat. How she did that, I do not know, but I digress.... I called over the administrator, and let her know what was happening. The administrator was more disgusted than I was. I cleaned up the mess. We decided to talk to the kids. We split the kids. She took the girls; I took the boys.

I had a roomful of study hall boys ages 4 to 14. I started off using correct terms explaining the proper bathroom manners, but by the end I was using words and phrases like "pooh" and "pee pee" and "bum". The four year olds got it. The 12 to 14 year olds could hardly contain their laughter. So there was my four letter word of the day "pooh."

Now that we are on the subject of pooh, I must tell you about a funny read. We received one of the best books about pooh (toilet droppings, not the bear!) as a white elephant gift over the holidays. (Yes, we have strange friends, but we sure do love 'em.) My parents and Aunt Barbara are currently reading the book. The day Aunt Barbara borrowed the book, she called every hour or so just to laugh to me over the phone. Daddy is reading it now, and is captivated. The title of the book is "What is Your Poo Telling You?" Educational, yet somehow it doesn't seem educational. It is a fun read and I was told it was purchased at Spencer Gifts.

Living and Learning,
Beth

I Miss You

There are a couple of phrases in the English language that stir our emotions.

I Miss You. Don't you feel so appreciated and cared for when someone says, "I miss you!" Those words are a drink of cool water on a parched throat. When someone says these words to you do you realize they are speaking volumes about your relationship? Your friend enjoys you! She likes the intimate times of sharing, praying, laughing and simply hanging out. She misses your wit, your spunk, and yes, even those prickly spots. She likes you and wants to be a part of your life. What joy! What a privilege to have a friend who likes you so well!

I love you. What emotion those words carry! When our spouse says that to us, we know they are talking about that special, deep love that only man and woman can share. When we say this to our children, we are speaking of that bond of parent-child that the Lord in his wisdom blessed us with knowing. When our friends love us, we experience yet another feeling of love. Loving someone is a gift of yourself and your heart. Whether it is your spouse, a child, or a friend. You have given a part of yourself to that person. You are different for loving someone and that person is different from having your love. Can you imagine how much more your Father in heaven loves you?

Have you told someone you love them or miss them today? I hope there is someone in your life for whom you care so deeply. Know that whatever your circumstances, the Lord loves you and misses you today!

Living and Learning,
Beth

Advice from John

Here are some proverbs, advice, and observations from John. Check back here as I will add more observations as warranted.

1. Girls can't stay mad at boys who are handsome.

2. You should not run right after drinking soda pop because then you won't feel so good.

3. Never eat cheese that isn't cold because it tastes like spiders, and believe me you don't want to have spiders in your mouth.

4. Never, ever, ever play video games too much. It justs makes your eyes hurt and blink and blink.

5. When my hair stays standing up, it is like a star fish. You see, a star fish gets caught in nets. The starfish doesn't mean to do it; it just happens. My hair doesn't mean to stand up; it just happens.