I've heard that if you walk through a jungle- you're safest if you stay on the path. You can experience the world around you but don't get off the path because it's hard to find your way when you're wandering around the unknown.
We all walk through jungles every day of our lives. We all have different paths designed just for us but we all start at one end and finish at the other. Sometimes, our paths cross and we walk with others for a while- when we marry, our paths instantly walk side by side and continue that way as long as we help one another keep moving forward. As parents, we carry our children on our paths until they find their own; then our paths remain within sight of each other but take on their own journey.
While no two paths are the same; we share many things. We will all see the same jungle although we may see different views depending on where we are. No path will ever be permanently solitary. With all of the trees blocking the view and an occasional mist surrounding you; it may feel like you are alone but the jungle is only so big and if you call out- you'll find somebody is just on the other side of that tree or waiting to assist you across the stream that seems too deep to cross.
I'll be there. I'll constantly be looking for you and when I can't see you I will listen intently should I ever hear you call. I will try to help you the best I can from my own path but if you are hurt- I will leave my path to carry you on yours for a while. Of course, I only have so much strength and I will eventually need to put you down; you will need to see if you can continue walking without my assistance. This is for your own good as well as mine. You see, if I get too far off my own path- I'll have a hard time finding it again and making progress on my journey. I'll be stronger because I carried you but I will need to replenish my strength if I am ever to help you or myself again and while you may think you need me to walk your path with you- you need to realize that you are stronger than you think. You see- we are both guided by the same Sun and it's light touches each of us and as long as we can follow it- we can't go wrong. If you ever get lost, I'm happy to stop and give you directions any time you need, and appreciate the same from you but know that I can only help so much- eventually- you're going to have to stop asking for the same directions over and over again; you'll need to take the first step and start walking that way.
It's nice to stop and smell the roses every once in a while, being careful of thorns of course- that's why they're there but if we don't continue moving forward- we'll never see the rest of the jungle or the adventure that awaits us. Some of us will look at each others' paths and wonder why we didn't get that one- some of us will wander off ours looking for a better or easier one only to find more rocks and shrubs and dangers than we ever imagined. Beware of those who try to entice you off of your path- some people offer sincere help while others are lost themselves. Some of us will foolishly try to find our way in the dark and get more lost than before. Luckily- even when we don't know where we are- someone does and we can turn to the heavens for re-assurance. We can look at our maps that we'd been given and get back on track- sometimes it won't make much sense to us but if we keep studying studying it- we'll understand what it's teaching. We might get a few more bruises and scrapes before we're comfortable on our paths again but there will be plenty of people walking the same direction that would be happy to let us walk on their path for a little while until we can find our own.
While we all knew each other before our journeys- some of us may not get to see each other again until after our journeys are through... you have your jungle and I have mine- maybe we'll be in the same jungle and will get a chance to walk alongside each other for a while or maybe it will only be a glance through bushes but I know that when we both make it through- we'll have lots to share when we meet again. Should we not get to go through at the same time- I will look for clues and pick up anything you may have left behind and if you are still wandering when I come through then I'll grab your bag with your name on it and take it with me so you won't be forgotten. You might have to wait a little while longer than some- but I'll help you finish your journey while I'm on mine.
The greatest part is that none of us will ever walk our journey alone. Not only will our paths constantly cross with others, whether we see them or not but if we stop and take a good look- we'll find that there is one person who walked all of our paths before us. He left his footprints so we'd be able to follow and when we get to that rocky cliff or uncertain river- we can look to the other side and know that he's waiting there to help us make the jump. Should we get lost- he'll send someone to find us or come and get us himself if we'll let him help. He will walk when we walk and will nourish us when we need to rest. He will give us strength beyond any earthly power and will be the first to take us by the hand. He'll give us ways to help each other first but he will never, never leave us alone as long as we invite him along.
Yes, the jungle is an amazing place where there are lots of joys, trials and experiences waiting for us. We've already decided to start the adventure so why give up before we get to taste what the glory of getting through is all about? People are constantly entering and leaving the jungle every day- whether we're done with our path or not we'll one day have to account for our journey- we'll have to show what we did and how many times we stepped off of our own paths to assist someone else on theirs. We're expected to endure to the end but we're also expected to help others endure to the end as well. We'll get to keep the treasures that we collect, good or bad and our journey is automatically scrap-booked by angels... we just give them the material to record. Thankfully, we've all got the Son, each other and our maps (I've got extras if you didn't get one and I'll send two people over immediately to drop it off and explain it in detail) and we're given many opportunities to make it the best experience called "our lives"!
2.18.2011
2.09.2011
HaiR cUTs!
I'm thinking I might want to attend animal grooming school- you see, I cut all of the boys' hair around here and while I was nervous starting out ten years ago I have come to shake off that fear and can now say it's a whole body experience- no really!
Mr. Zookeeper was the perfect one to practice on because he never minded when I used the wrong clip on the shaver- or that time when I forgot to put one on. He was always very kind and thanked me for the free haircut- even when it took me over an hour to make sure his sideburns were lined up.
Rhino came along and I was afraid to cut his hair- for one I thought there was some rule that you had to wait until they were one year old- realizing that was stupid I let a neighbor cut it for me and gave him sight again. Things went well and I had no problem trimming the little guy's hair until one day he just flipped out. Kicking and screaming and kicking some more. HE HATED IT! It got so bad that Mr. Zookeeper had to hold him down. His frightful tears that became waterfalls every time he heard the clippers turn on broke my heart but if anyone was going to make him cry it was going to be me (I at least knew how to soothe him and wouldn't get frustrated) so I continued on- loving when it was over and dreading the next time.
Tiger came along and it was a bit of fresh air. I could trim his little hair and he'd just look at me with awe- until one day- SCREAM! It was about the same time as his regression and he hated it even more than Rhino- which I wasn't sure was possible.
So now I had two boys- both clawing at me to stop torturing them. Heartstrings got pulled- hair got pulled (mine naturally) and I found bruises in places that I didn't know could bruise. The whole neighborhood knew when the zoo was doing their monthly grooming.
Mr. Zookeeper has a way with Rhino and after years of convincing, bribing and humorously showing by example... Rhino had finally believed that he wasn't being punished and that the razor wasn't going to kill him. Mr. Zookeeper actually got him to believe that the razor wasn't hurting- it was tickling. Now Rhino, though squinting his eyes and still getting anxious- especially when it comes time to go around the ears laughs through his whole haircut. It is a forced laugh mind you but I will take it!
Tiger- yeah- not so lucky. He was always much better at abusing me then Rhino was and has taken it to the next level (thanks goodness- I'd never survive a beating from a rhino). Tiger's a smaller guy (probably something to do with the potato and ketchup diet) so he's a little bit easier to hold but his feisty-ness makes up the difference. Ages 1-2 I 'd have him up on the counter where I could hold him, 3-4 I moved him to a highchair (seat belt included) and tried to drown out my noise with a favorite movie- yeah- didn't work. By 5 he was on my lap eating hair covered french fries while I was in the chair- I became the seat belt and at 6 I moved to the ground where my legs became his seat belt- french fries were flying at me face- so we got rid of those. Occasionally Mr. Zookeeper would be around during the process and could act as a five point harness but sometimes we just had to make do. Fearing for my own safety- I began my doing my own prep by securing my hair back and wearing clothes that I didn't mind getting covered in hair or cut up by fingernails or teeth. Tiger is now 7; his legs and arms are much too long and we've had to make some adjustments. While I always attempt to start off in a chair-sitting position with all of the comforts imaginable (hey- I see the kid-oriented hair-cutting places' commercials), come hair-cutting day you will inevitably hear screams of horror coming from the upstairs and find a Tiger belly-flopped on the floor with a Mama Zookeeper sitting on him trying to go as quickly as possible using calming language and reassurance phrases- if you're sitting on someone the least you can do is be polite and hurry up. I don't have a problem remaining calm because I know the second I turn off the clippers and say "done"- he spits out the collection of falling hair he gathered on his tongue while protesting, picks himself up, looks at me with a sigh and a nice bath washes all of his troubles away. He even still gives me hugs and squeezes after the bath and for some reason he always sleeps really well after that... Hmmm....
Puppy and Monkey like to get in on the action. Puppy is there with a broom, as always being my big helper and Monkey, who is not afraid of clippers or scissors is always trying to get in the chair for her haircut- thanks to Tiger not being afraid to cut other people's hair she'd had a few cuts of her own we've had to deal with. When not being granted the wish of getting to take a seat- she eagerly begins frustrating Puppy while trying to steal her broom- we have since purchased two so now they can both clean up after me- kids fighting over who gets to clean the most- I have a tough life- I know.
I don't enjoy the experience any more than they do but it's important to me to have my boys looking as groomed as possible (possibly to make up for the constant shorts and PJ's wearing or the ketchup stained faces) so we keeping doing it- of course I cut their hair as short as I can to hopefully buy a few a few extra weeks in between. Maybe someday Tiger will surprise me, follow Rhino's lead and start laughing his way through it.. or maybe I'll get calls from his wife (hey- there's hope)to come help her sit on him but either way, sometimes we just have to do what we have to do- even if it leaves you hairy, itching and causes a headache, nose-ache or chest-ache. Rhino even thanks me after torturing him because he loves his hair cut- once it's over and Tiger, though still heavily protesting, restrains himself from giving me black eyes- because I know he could really take me out if he really wanted to. I love my boys- kicks, screams and all!
So, we keep on cutting and keep on trying to change the experience for the better and in the meantime, try to make it as painless as possible. And who knows, if Zoo-keeping doesn't work out for me, perhaps I could get a job at the circus grooming the animals...
Mr. Zookeeper was the perfect one to practice on because he never minded when I used the wrong clip on the shaver- or that time when I forgot to put one on. He was always very kind and thanked me for the free haircut- even when it took me over an hour to make sure his sideburns were lined up.
Rhino came along and I was afraid to cut his hair- for one I thought there was some rule that you had to wait until they were one year old- realizing that was stupid I let a neighbor cut it for me and gave him sight again. Things went well and I had no problem trimming the little guy's hair until one day he just flipped out. Kicking and screaming and kicking some more. HE HATED IT! It got so bad that Mr. Zookeeper had to hold him down. His frightful tears that became waterfalls every time he heard the clippers turn on broke my heart but if anyone was going to make him cry it was going to be me (I at least knew how to soothe him and wouldn't get frustrated) so I continued on- loving when it was over and dreading the next time.
Tiger came along and it was a bit of fresh air. I could trim his little hair and he'd just look at me with awe- until one day- SCREAM! It was about the same time as his regression and he hated it even more than Rhino- which I wasn't sure was possible.
So now I had two boys- both clawing at me to stop torturing them. Heartstrings got pulled- hair got pulled (mine naturally) and I found bruises in places that I didn't know could bruise. The whole neighborhood knew when the zoo was doing their monthly grooming.
Mr. Zookeeper has a way with Rhino and after years of convincing, bribing and humorously showing by example... Rhino had finally believed that he wasn't being punished and that the razor wasn't going to kill him. Mr. Zookeeper actually got him to believe that the razor wasn't hurting- it was tickling. Now Rhino, though squinting his eyes and still getting anxious- especially when it comes time to go around the ears laughs through his whole haircut. It is a forced laugh mind you but I will take it!
Tiger- yeah- not so lucky. He was always much better at abusing me then Rhino was and has taken it to the next level (thanks goodness- I'd never survive a beating from a rhino). Tiger's a smaller guy (probably something to do with the potato and ketchup diet) so he's a little bit easier to hold but his feisty-ness makes up the difference. Ages 1-2 I 'd have him up on the counter where I could hold him, 3-4 I moved him to a highchair (seat belt included) and tried to drown out my noise with a favorite movie- yeah- didn't work. By 5 he was on my lap eating hair covered french fries while I was in the chair- I became the seat belt and at 6 I moved to the ground where my legs became his seat belt- french fries were flying at me face- so we got rid of those. Occasionally Mr. Zookeeper would be around during the process and could act as a five point harness but sometimes we just had to make do. Fearing for my own safety- I began my doing my own prep by securing my hair back and wearing clothes that I didn't mind getting covered in hair or cut up by fingernails or teeth. Tiger is now 7; his legs and arms are much too long and we've had to make some adjustments. While I always attempt to start off in a chair-sitting position with all of the comforts imaginable (hey- I see the kid-oriented hair-cutting places' commercials), come hair-cutting day you will inevitably hear screams of horror coming from the upstairs and find a Tiger belly-flopped on the floor with a Mama Zookeeper sitting on him trying to go as quickly as possible using calming language and reassurance phrases- if you're sitting on someone the least you can do is be polite and hurry up. I don't have a problem remaining calm because I know the second I turn off the clippers and say "done"- he spits out the collection of falling hair he gathered on his tongue while protesting, picks himself up, looks at me with a sigh and a nice bath washes all of his troubles away. He even still gives me hugs and squeezes after the bath and for some reason he always sleeps really well after that... Hmmm....
Puppy and Monkey like to get in on the action. Puppy is there with a broom, as always being my big helper and Monkey, who is not afraid of clippers or scissors is always trying to get in the chair for her haircut- thanks to Tiger not being afraid to cut other people's hair she'd had a few cuts of her own we've had to deal with. When not being granted the wish of getting to take a seat- she eagerly begins frustrating Puppy while trying to steal her broom- we have since purchased two so now they can both clean up after me- kids fighting over who gets to clean the most- I have a tough life- I know.
I don't enjoy the experience any more than they do but it's important to me to have my boys looking as groomed as possible (possibly to make up for the constant shorts and PJ's wearing or the ketchup stained faces) so we keeping doing it- of course I cut their hair as short as I can to hopefully buy a few a few extra weeks in between. Maybe someday Tiger will surprise me, follow Rhino's lead and start laughing his way through it.. or maybe I'll get calls from his wife (hey- there's hope)to come help her sit on him but either way, sometimes we just have to do what we have to do- even if it leaves you hairy, itching and causes a headache, nose-ache or chest-ache. Rhino even thanks me after torturing him because he loves his hair cut- once it's over and Tiger, though still heavily protesting, restrains himself from giving me black eyes- because I know he could really take me out if he really wanted to. I love my boys- kicks, screams and all!
So, we keep on cutting and keep on trying to change the experience for the better and in the meantime, try to make it as painless as possible. And who knows, if Zoo-keeping doesn't work out for me, perhaps I could get a job at the circus grooming the animals...
2.03.2011
School in the Jungle
I am pleased (relieved and surprised)to announce that today marks the one-month anniversary of our homeschooling adventure. Sure- a month may not seem like much but have you ever imagined what it would really be like spending a month in the jungle? How does one prepare for such an adventure? I went into this knowing it was something I needed to do, so, I packed my bag with as many fruit snacks and goldfishes it could handle, lots of hope for survival and faith in the unknown. I had my trusty map and supplies thanks to the teachers at the Utah Virtual Academy K-12 program and made sure that no matter what happened- I could always call on Mr. Zookeeper for immediate (or at least eventual) relief and time to retreat and reload.
Once everything was set in place and the shock of what I was about to get myself into wore off (a little)I began to think of the possibilities such a trek could offer. I was finally going to have time to teach my kiddos things that I had always wanted, like shoe tying, dish washing and bed making but just never had the time to properly do. My boys need extra time and help to learn any and everything and this would be the chance to slow down and catch up.
At first I was just ecstatic that I didn't have to stay up late or get up early to finish homework, make lunches or make sure everyone had clean underwear! That ecstatic still lives on.. (except for the whole underwear thing- that still keeps me up at night) but more excitement has come to me through this adventure- more than I could have ever imagined.
Mr. Zookeeper likes that I don't spend his time complaining about the schools' schedules and how a teacher or two just couldn't understand that I needed to practically attend school with my children in order to have any clue as to what was going on and how a principal could justify my child getting lost.. three times. He likes that I can fill in the blanks when no one seems to know what it was they actually did all day- aside from lunch and recess and he likes that when He sees a bag full of goodies he's allowed to partake rather than be turned down by the "reserved for class" sign.
Rhino loves the fact that he gets to attend school in shorts, regardless of what the weather is like and that he gets to have one on one time with mommy- something he didn't always get the luxury of plus he has a teacher who meets with him online and he gets her undivided attention as well. He doesn't like math, or reading or writing or anything that involves work but now that I can cater his curriculum to what he enjoys- dinosaurs and food- he is rediscovering the joy of learning and I am rediscovering my little boy... excuse me- my big little boy.
Tiger is just happy not having to leave his house. He gets to wear his pajamas on "down" days and can have lunch when he feels like eating instead of starving because he couldn't comply with the lunch time rules. He is learning how to choose to obey in exchange for praise... and french fries (hey- we're getting there) and he is enjoying the friendships he's missed in playing with his siblings. He still meets with his special-ed teacher over the web cam and his speech friend comes to the house... he humored her the first time by complying but is not sure about her just yet so he's got to keep his fight on... lucky for us she can take a hit.
Puppy still attends a co-op preschool so she likes getting to be the only one who needs a back pack. She helps Tiger with his work and is very determined to make sure she gets just as much work to do as the brothers. She's learned that she doesn't have to have snacks all day to make the time pass and is very good about keeping us all on schedule.
Monkey is having the time of her life. She's never had so much fun and even enjoys running to the potty every ten minutes whether she needs to "go" or not. I have to intervene quite often as Tiger is trying to teach his eager apprentice everything he knows but she sure loves getting in the middle of things- no matter how greasy, messy or colorful her body, my floor, the couch or even the ceiling becomes in the meantime.
I've learned a few things myself... besides the refresher course in adding and subtracting and the reminder of how long it's been since I went to school. I've learned that you don't have to do everything in one day and it's OK to just stop and take breaths every now and then- in fact- it's crucial and quite enjoyable to sit down and smell the roses... or whatever that smell is coming from the other room. I can still get my own schooling done plus get the house cleaned- every other day and everyone still has clean underwear! All of the time I spent running back and forth between two schools is now time I can spend playing games and reading stories. We start our day with seminary stories and our only homework is making sure the house is clean for dad when he gets home. We have time to work on social skills and eating habits and still have time left over to pop some popcorn and watch a movie together. The boys are still doing grade level work and progressing in each area of studies... even the ones they don't like doing. It turns out I'm not that bad of a teacher - even though I have no idea what I'm doing and I have been reminded over and over again what a lucky girl I am!
It is definitely hard work- there is no denying that I go to bed very tired every night. Having all of my wild animals all together and waiting on me to take the next step twenty- four- seven is crazy and at many times chaotic; definitely an experience I wasn't packing for (after all, I am a big advocate for public education... including the free babysitting part). It's not the right thing for everyone but right here, right now- this is truly a surprise adventure I would not trade for the world! School in the Jungle is full of intrigue and wonder- every day brings a new discovery amidst all of the calls (happy, frustrated, excited and just plain insane) and there is an amazing peace that only comes from nature's finest moments... and of course it wouldn't be an exotic adventure without a few naked bottoms running past you from time to time but hey- we're still learning!
Once everything was set in place and the shock of what I was about to get myself into wore off (a little)I began to think of the possibilities such a trek could offer. I was finally going to have time to teach my kiddos things that I had always wanted, like shoe tying, dish washing and bed making but just never had the time to properly do. My boys need extra time and help to learn any and everything and this would be the chance to slow down and catch up.
At first I was just ecstatic that I didn't have to stay up late or get up early to finish homework, make lunches or make sure everyone had clean underwear! That ecstatic still lives on.. (except for the whole underwear thing- that still keeps me up at night) but more excitement has come to me through this adventure- more than I could have ever imagined.
Mr. Zookeeper likes that I don't spend his time complaining about the schools' schedules and how a teacher or two just couldn't understand that I needed to practically attend school with my children in order to have any clue as to what was going on and how a principal could justify my child getting lost.. three times. He likes that I can fill in the blanks when no one seems to know what it was they actually did all day- aside from lunch and recess and he likes that when He sees a bag full of goodies he's allowed to partake rather than be turned down by the "reserved for class" sign.
Rhino loves the fact that he gets to attend school in shorts, regardless of what the weather is like and that he gets to have one on one time with mommy- something he didn't always get the luxury of plus he has a teacher who meets with him online and he gets her undivided attention as well. He doesn't like math, or reading or writing or anything that involves work but now that I can cater his curriculum to what he enjoys- dinosaurs and food- he is rediscovering the joy of learning and I am rediscovering my little boy... excuse me- my big little boy.
Tiger is just happy not having to leave his house. He gets to wear his pajamas on "down" days and can have lunch when he feels like eating instead of starving because he couldn't comply with the lunch time rules. He is learning how to choose to obey in exchange for praise... and french fries (hey- we're getting there) and he is enjoying the friendships he's missed in playing with his siblings. He still meets with his special-ed teacher over the web cam and his speech friend comes to the house... he humored her the first time by complying but is not sure about her just yet so he's got to keep his fight on... lucky for us she can take a hit.
Puppy still attends a co-op preschool so she likes getting to be the only one who needs a back pack. She helps Tiger with his work and is very determined to make sure she gets just as much work to do as the brothers. She's learned that she doesn't have to have snacks all day to make the time pass and is very good about keeping us all on schedule.
Monkey is having the time of her life. She's never had so much fun and even enjoys running to the potty every ten minutes whether she needs to "go" or not. I have to intervene quite often as Tiger is trying to teach his eager apprentice everything he knows but she sure loves getting in the middle of things- no matter how greasy, messy or colorful her body, my floor, the couch or even the ceiling becomes in the meantime.
I've learned a few things myself... besides the refresher course in adding and subtracting and the reminder of how long it's been since I went to school. I've learned that you don't have to do everything in one day and it's OK to just stop and take breaths every now and then- in fact- it's crucial and quite enjoyable to sit down and smell the roses... or whatever that smell is coming from the other room. I can still get my own schooling done plus get the house cleaned- every other day and everyone still has clean underwear! All of the time I spent running back and forth between two schools is now time I can spend playing games and reading stories. We start our day with seminary stories and our only homework is making sure the house is clean for dad when he gets home. We have time to work on social skills and eating habits and still have time left over to pop some popcorn and watch a movie together. The boys are still doing grade level work and progressing in each area of studies... even the ones they don't like doing. It turns out I'm not that bad of a teacher - even though I have no idea what I'm doing and I have been reminded over and over again what a lucky girl I am!
It is definitely hard work- there is no denying that I go to bed very tired every night. Having all of my wild animals all together and waiting on me to take the next step twenty- four- seven is crazy and at many times chaotic; definitely an experience I wasn't packing for (after all, I am a big advocate for public education... including the free babysitting part). It's not the right thing for everyone but right here, right now- this is truly a surprise adventure I would not trade for the world! School in the Jungle is full of intrigue and wonder- every day brings a new discovery amidst all of the calls (happy, frustrated, excited and just plain insane) and there is an amazing peace that only comes from nature's finest moments... and of course it wouldn't be an exotic adventure without a few naked bottoms running past you from time to time but hey- we're still learning!
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