Finding the Humor Amid the Dysfunction

You know the day is going to be rough when it starts out like our Easter began.  But, if you think optimistically, and I do have to make myself do this sometimes, you could convince yourself that you have the entire day for things to improve.  I have a tendancy to see the glass is half empty.  Bruce, however, would measure the liquid in the glass and tell me exactly the percentage just how full/empty the glass was.  He would never be concerned with whether the cup was full or empty, rather, just the quantative facts.  He is a realist.  We really are quite opposites in every way, but somehow, we work very well together, well, mostly.

Regardless of our philosphies about optimism, pessimisim, or realism, our day never improved.  William, who is the only one of the littles that knows there are no such things as Tooth Fairies, Easter Bunnies, or Santa Clause, was the first one to wake up on Easter morning.....at 5:30am.  Now, I am still recovering from being very ill and my energy has not returned to full capacity, so this 5:30am wake up call was not well received by me.  We made him lay down a little longer and wait for his brothers to wake in hopes of gaining a little more much needed sleep.  Just as we were about to drift into dream land again, the other two were standing at the edge of our bed.  So at this point, we knew additional sleep was a lost cause.  Therefore, our Easter festivities began. 

Once the boys enjoyed their baskets and we hunted the hidden eggs in the living room we had breakfast.  I tried to return to my bed and sleep, but that didn't work.  Once the boys found me, it was all over.  After I got over mourning the loss of sleep, I hopped in the shower hoping it would revitalize me.  On Sunday mornings, Beau and I have a system.  He makes breakfast for everyone (and medicates Ollie) while I get ready for church.  Once I am almost finished, I make sure the boys are getting dressed and brushing their teeth so that we can leave on time.  We only live about 2 miles from the church, and yet, we still never manage to get there early.  We do arrive on time, usually, but never early (which is Beau's preference).   In the midst of our altered sunday morning schedule, neither one of us medicated Ollie.  We only realized this when we entered the church and he all of the suddenly began crying over the tag I forgot to remove from his shirt.  Once Oliver began crying, then Carter started too.  I asked Car what was wrong and he decided he was starving.  Now I know this wasn't possible because he JUST ate.  So at this point, I was just waiting for William to begin crying.  Thankfully, he didn't. 

However, we made it to the back row of the church.  Beau and I used to be front row church members, but having 3 wiggly people, we sit in the back as not to disturb anyone.  Once I sat down, I figured things would get better.  They HAD to.  But no.  I look down at my dress that I was so proud of that morning and realized that I looked hideous.  A complete wardrobe malfunction.  Let's just say I am typically a modest dresser, and this morning didn't follow suit.  I just wanted to hide.  Anyway, we made it through church with only minor infractions from Oliver and Carter. 

We came home and spent the afternoon playing outside.  The sun was shining but the temperature was refreshing.  Just an absolutely beautiful day.  The boys took turns hiding eggs for each other.  They were having a blast.....until everyone was muddy, dirty, soaking wet, and this mom was quite irritated.  Their innocent game of egg hunting turned into EXTREME EGG HUNTING.  I really shouldn't be surprised each time my boys show up at the back door filthy.  But for some reason, I am always shocked.  We live on a property where behind our fence line, we have lots of woods and a small stream, which is still part of our property.  It's a great place for boys to find adventure and get into trouble.  I began working in the kitchen and suddenly I had a knock at the back door.  There stood 4 muddy, soaked boys.  Their faces were dirty, their pants were wet, and their shoes and socks were DISGUSTING.  If it hadn't been a little on the cooler side, I would have stripped them and hosed them down before entering the house.  Anyway, let 's just say I then had a filthy kitchen.  Ugh.

Playing with a weed feeder.  Don't ask!!
 

  I decided that this day would be a wonderful day for our first dinner outside of the season.  Beau was already planning on cooking out, but he wanted to eat indoors saying that it would soon be too chilly to eat outside.  However, I had my heart set on eating on the back deck.  So, being a loving husband, he and Zander cleaned our patio table and set it up along with the chairs.  Just as the sun was beginning to hide and the day was turning dusk, we sat down to eat dinner.  The very first thing out of my mouth (without thinking obviously) was how chilly it was.  Man, if looks could kill!  He was not my number one fan at this point.  So, I happily sat there eating dinner with my jacket on (so did Will). 

For some people, this day could be just as it was.  One little let down after another, a series of slip ups, moments of dysfunction, or just life.  But for others, we can let these things go and realize the bigger picture.  We have hope and grace because of a resurrected Savior.  Easter is a time of family, a time of egg hunting and decorating, and perhaps family "messes".  But it is ALL about our Christ and how he died and rose again.  That power is with us and gives us the hope to go on, even on days that don't go as we wish.  Humor and the ability to laugh at ourselves helps too.  Hope you had a lovely Easter.  Love from the Bennett's. 

Spring Time in New Hampshire

Spring came late in New Hampshire this year.  The calendar revealed spring began March 20, but we actually had a light dusting of snow on that day.  But here we are in April, and finally we have had a few days of driving with the sunroof open, enjoying the curtains blow in the breeze from the open windows, listening to birds chirp, and watching the grass as it slowly turns green once again.  Spring in New England is much different than Spring in Florida.  There is an actual gradual increase in temperatures and you can literally see things come alive.  In Florida, you go from an almost cool winter and straight into the heat of what you believe feels like summer, but in reality, it it not.  I believe that there really is only two kinds of weather in Florida:  hot and hotter.  Oh, and throw some rain in there.  Florida is one of those places where when it rains, it just feels hotter.  It's not refreshing, cleansing, or cooling.  It just brings more mosquitoes and humidity.  Blah. 

Although I haven't brought out my flip flops yet, I am enjoying this weather currently.  It is beautiful.  The sun feels warm on your skin while the breeze refreshes you and prevents you from becoming too warm.  We even had a day warm enough to play in the sprinklers.  As Beau and I worked in the yard doing some spring cleaning, the boys thoroughly enjoyed cooling down in the water. 

 Spring also marks the beginning of sports for our family.  This year, three out of the four boys wanted to play recreational soccer again, but Oliver was insistent he wanted to try t-ball.  He has requested this for a couple of years now, but only until recently did we feel he was ready to give it a try.  As it turns out, he's actually pretty good.  He had his first game today and he played well.  Oliver scored a home run and he even played well in outfield.  He almost was successful in getting somebody out.  For a boy who doesn't like being the center of attention or wearing any kind of hat, Oliver did exceptionally well.

He was able to hit the ball, while onlookers paid attention to him and he wore a helmet with no complaint.  These two items are huge successes for Ollie.  Whether or not Oliver will ever be the MVP on his team has never been important.  But the fact that he is stepping outside his comfort zone and doing something WITHOUT his brothers is something to be proud of.  I am so excited to see what the remainder of the season will look like.  I am praying for growth in his confidence and skill and I hope to see lots of smiles. 

Last week, the other boys began their soccer seasons.  We are so spoiled now because the field is less than half a mile from our house and we can walk there and not get caught up in the parking mess.  Even though our little town consists of only 8800 people, the sports fields are packed.  Being so close to the fields, I could hear the announcements this morning during the opening baseball ceremonies.  I love it!!!

Carter has only played soccer about 2 seasons previously and they weren't overly successful.  He thought he was playing football and knocked over most players and even coaches.  Not one of his finest moments.  But, this time, Carter finally showed signs of understanding the rules of the game and showed respect for other players.  I wasn't there to see it, but Beau said Carter actually played soccer this time and played by the rules.  So, I see this as success. 

 

 

He's one of the youngest on the team, and one of the biggest. 

William moved up to an older league this year making him one of the youngest (and definitely smallest) on his team.  But as always, Will played his best and enjoyed being social.  He is a good runner and always plays with the best attitude.  Another success. 

Look at his fancy footwork. 

Zander hasn't had his first game yet so there is little to report there.  They did make a change to the routine this season.  In years past, there haven't always been enough players to have several teams in the U16 league.  Remember, our town is very small.  So, this year, in order to prevent the kids from  playing the same rivaling team over and over again, we will be traveling to a nearby town and have the opportunity to play against "fresh" competition.  It does mean we will have to travel this season, but I guess driving for 1 our of 4 kids isn't too bad. 

This year, William has a new passion.  Tree climbing.  He has longed for years to follow Zander up into a tree, but until this year, he just didn't have the strength.  Boys and trees are quite a pair. 

 

 

Little Bit isn't quite ready yet, but he sure did try.



 

So even though spring arrived late, we are going to enjoy every minute of it.