For Now and Forever Friends

The past few nights Selah and I have been talking a lot about friends and the qualities of good friendships. Last night we started reading through one of our American Girl books on Friends. Tonight her BFF told her that they "probably wouldn't be friends when they're older", and it hurt Selah's feelings. Now, keep in mind, the girls are barely 7 years old, and I'm only hearing one side of the story. Who knows what went on prior to that comment, but nevertheless, it gave Selah something to think about that she hadn't before. She came over and asked me if her and "E" would ever "break-up" (I thought that was a cute way to put it). I explained that some friendships last from childhood all the way through your whole life! And some friends might move away, or change schools or neighborhoods, and therefore that friendship might not last as long. But definitely, YES, some friends are truly friends for life.

Tonight we were laying in bed snuggling and talking about it again. Especially with school starting in a week, we have been talking about making new friends and having a class full of new people (only her and 2 others from her Kindergarten class will be in her 1st grade class). As we were talking about new friends to meet, she said "But I don't want to leave "E" behind." I explained that "E" will be meeting and making some new friends too, and that they did not have to leave each other behind, or loose their BFF status :) but that she should expect some changes.
I then explained the "circle of friends" and sang her that song that I learned in Girl Scouts long ago... "Make new friends, but keep the old....One is silver and the other is gold." (That smart little cookie asked which one was better, silver or gold ~ ha!)

One of my favorite qualities about Selah is her loyalty. There are so many great strengths in being such a loyal person, but there can also be heartache as well. I love it that she takes her friendships to heart and gives them 100%.

At the end of our conversation we talked about different kind of friends. The "true blue" that is by your side through it all. The "silly" friend that is fun to laugh with and have fun with. The "listener" who is great for just hangin' out and talking and listening and caring. She looked at me and said "I know a friend who is all of those together!" "Who??" I asked. She pointed and said "You, Mommy!"

Awwww. Made my day. I can hope and dream of that.

Dr. Toot Fart

Well, I have a confession to make. Even before our little man was born, I must have known he would be "something pretty special" one day. I didn't yet know how sharp he would be, and how strong, creative, discerning, and fun. And he's athletic to boot! What a package! Those are things we have seen in him during his 5 years so far. While I do NOT want to hurry along his "growing up" years, I know he'll make me proud. He already does.
Which brings me to my confession...(I have a bad case of "digression")(see, there I go again)("digression" is not the confession)(ahhh! okay, I'll stop!)

Confession: When I was pregnant with him, and choosing names, I liked the name Bryson Aberle. Dr. Bryson Aberle. Doesn't that sound good!?!?!? Not that I'm willing him to be a Doctor or anything... that's out of my control. But it does have nice ring.

Well, Dr. Bryson Aberle has finally completed his many hours of education and practicum, and can successfully produce.......... arm-pit farts. You know how it is with kids?!?!? Surely it's not just my kids!?!?! Anything involving poop or toots always gets a laugh in our house. Always. Bryson has a little key-chain toy with 6 buttons, and each button creates a different toot-sound. He thinks its hilarious! It's called "Dr. Fart"
Confession #2: I do not like the word "fart." But in the case of this toy, they know they can get away with saying it because it's so stinkin' funny (no pun intended)! So after an hour or so of Bryson's arm-pit farts, he informed me last night that I can now call him - Dr. Toot Fart.

See what I mean about that boy making me proud! (wink, wink)

Selah's Christmas in August

This morning Selah and Alan went on their Daddy-date. She wanted to "go to Hobby Lobby and take her piggy-bank" (which is actually a cute little fairy bank, but we all still call it a piggy bank ~of course~ you know how it goes with some things...)

When they got home she came bursting through the door and said "Everyone!!! Come sit in a circle on the floor!!" So we all gathered around, and she proceeded to pass out Christmas ornaments that she bought for each of us. They were beautiful, sparkly Christmas ornaments, which seem to be twice as pretty and exciting in the middle of the summer. Especially when you're least expecting it! She put lots of thought and care into her selections for each of us. She got me a nativity, Bryson a space-shuttle, and Charis a Princess tiara ornament. Selah picked 3 candy/ginger bread ornaments for her Christmas tree. Super cute! And so sweet and thoughtful!

Later I asked Alan about it, and he said she was so cute and sweet and intent on choosing the right ornaments for each of us, that he couldn't say "no" to her purchases. So he covered the remaining balance. He said it was almost $50 for all of them. I asked how much $$ Selah had brought with her from her "piggy." He said "About $2.50." :-) That makes me laugh. I love kids and their views on how the world works! My kids still think if they have a hundred coins in their bank, then that means they have a hundred "dollars." If only!?!?!?!?