Where is Thumbkin?

Doesn't Everyone Love Wrinkles?

I am allergic to cats and most dogs.

Pet ownership has been at a low.
Then along came Wrinkles.

Wrinkles was my favorite Beanie Baby from my husband.
He was 20 bucks at the height of the Beanie Craze.
I decided to let the kids play with my treasured collection,
potential for child entertainment
exceeded monetary value.

It was hard to share Wrinkles with the kids, I wanted to keep him safe.
I think Griffin took a great liking to him because he knew he was my favorite.
The World Wide Web assured me
an additional Wrinkles could be purchased for a mere $3.99
and I decided I could share.

A decision I have not regretted.

Wrinkles is currently the treasured family pet.

Griffin has been creating forts with him.
Today I couldn't find Griffin.
I called out for him and he responded from under his bed,
the blanket was creating an underground fortress.
Griffin and all of his favorite stuffed friends were in seclusion.
I said, "Oh, are you building a fort under your bed?
Have you brought all your friends?"

Griff said, "I am giving Wrinkles aloneness time, because he wants to be alone."
Wrinkles has also been joining us on adventures.
Griffin leaves his back pack open
"So Wrinkles can breathe."

This afternoon Griff and Linc were outside
jumping on the trampoline.
Griff came in and said, "Can Wrinkles watch us?"
My reply, "No he will get dirty."
Griffin's answer?
"No he won't, he can watch us through the window!"

Griffin went outside and carefully examined Wrinkles.
Adjustments were made to ensure Wrinkles, was in fact,
Watching.

Like any great watch dog
He never even blinked!

Learning Opportunities and Answered Prayers

As our car was being loaded onto the tow truck a few minutes ago, Griffin asked, "How does he do that?"

I replied, "He knows just what to do."

"Oh, Heavenly Father tells him what to do and he listens to Heavenly Father?," Griffin asked.

"He learned at his job," I explained.

Griffin responded, "That is his work. Oh, that is how he learned."

Now the truck is leaving with our car. I hear, "It's flying away, our car is flying away." coming from Brian in the living room. Though this astute 8 year old does not believe the car is flying he is enjoying the concept.

"No, it is just driving, the truck is just driving away," comes Griffin's confident reply.

I am sure Heavenly Father would help this tow truck driver, if He needed too. Sometimes, we can learn what is necessary to accomplish a task, and Heavenly Father can focus on real emergencies.

I am thankful that on Saturday He heard my prayer and allowed me to safely drive my car home, so I wasn't stranded while my husband was out of town, and my boys could enjoy the "tow truck experience" from the air conditioned comfort of our living room.

I also cherish having a small child who knows Heavenly Father is eager to help His children, and regularly recognizes such opportunities, and reminds me of times when this help can be sought.

I Had a Surgery...

I must relay a most urgent message at the request of Griffin Mazer.

Attention Everyone that I know:

Griffin sliced his fourth toe open on the Carson Pool door.
He received one red otter pop to eat, while the swim team manager/ resident medical expert apologized repeatedly until she had properly cleaned the wound, and removed dirt, blood, and one hair, from the affected toe region. Two small surgical dressings, aka tiny band-aids, were applied to the small area. Tears dried. All was again right with the world.

Later while swimming at a local water park one of the band-aids began to lift. Griffin became hysterical, "My surgery. My surgery," he shrieked. The neighboring muscle clad lifeguard raised a concerned eyebrow. I assured Griffin and the nearby pool protector that everything was fine. No blood is present, it is only a cut, and the tiny cut will heal, even if the little band-aid falls off. The male guard was amused as I mentioned Griffin can be a little bit of an alarmist.

Not one more mention of the toe occurred until after prayers. Griffin lay down in his bed and then spoke to me very earnestly, "Mom, call everyone that you know and tell them that I had a surgery. You know which one. The one when I cut my foot on the door after swim lessons. Do it this night. You know what I am talking about, and make sure everyone knows that."

As any trustworthy mom would do, I replied, "Okay Griffin. I will let everyone know."

Googly Eyes and All Things Wise

What is the magical power goggles possess for producing happiness?

I am always amused by my boys and their creative play.

Honestly, some of their ideas create bewilderment more than amusement. Nonetheless, on a regular basis I run for the camera to capture the latest antics.

I moved the table into the living room to do a superior mopping. The boys gathered all of MY pillows and their blankets and created the ultimate daybed and hideout utilizing the dining table.

In 7th grade I made friends with a girl who refused to drink from the same cup. She was very concerned about germ exchange. This is my earliest recollection of the concept. I was under the impression that 2 straws were sufficient protection, further education would disprove my theory.

I always chuckle when the boys share food. Unfortunately, mom prefers not to have food crammed down her throat by an over zealous 2 year old. It may be impossible to escape Lincoln's jabs with a food filled spoon, but at least the boys are mastering the art of sharing.

No child can resist the opportunity to share See Food!
I can't imagine who inspired such debauchery.

The daily shenanigans are what keep this phase of life so enjoyable.
Griffin's recent deep thoughts have also been highly treasured.

Monday morning Griffin was shaking his head back and forth.
He looked up at me with a very serious face and said,
"Mom do you know what is in my head?"

I wondered if he had water in his ears and was very curious to hear his response.
He smiled enthusiastically and replied, "My brains!"

Too True. Quite the revelation.

The next morning Griffin snuggled into my bed. He rubbed his chin up to my shoulder and shared this gem, "Chins don't have arms mom. They're just chins."

Once again, very valuable insight.