Thursday, December 18, 2008

Am I really that old?


When I look in the mirror I don't feel old enough to have a half grown son, but somehow I am. Today was my oldest son's baptism. Turning 8 just feels like a huge milestone. I am no longer just a mother of small children. We now enter the "scout stage" (just never ask me to wear the yellow shirt- please?!?).

Anyway, the day was great. The night before was not. There were program snaffus, jumpsuit issues, a baby who refused to go to bed. A mother who could be heard saying "You will all endure the wrath of the little red hen!" as she slaved over the specially requested lemon pound cake, the perfectly tinted fondant CTR, the simmering homemade sauce, 4 batches of breadsticks, chicken and rice casserole and other sundry things. While I wish I could just be the buy it all at Costco type, I can't there is something in my genetic code that prevents it. I must say doing a "destination baptism", one not in your locale, also adds to the the logistical trickery.
I am still very sleep deprived and recovering from our traumatic, torturous drive down. Yes the fiercesome snow storm that ravaged New England, we drove through that. It felt ominous and eerie as we drove into the sqwall. I wanted to call all my friends and warn them- its coming it's really coming. We prayed we'd stay on the road and not be one of the dozens off in ditches, or crashed against guardrails or pulled over because our inspection was 3 mo overdue (yep just noticed that). Try 4 hours getting through the state of Connecticut alone at a screaming 10-15 mph pace, skidding and correcting almost the whole way. I was reviewing our will, and the bequething of my possesions (my plan if i die young is to line things up on tables at the church and let me friends have at them) in my head the entire way and was a seriously nervous nellie front seat driver.

(Let this also serve as a reminder to any of you planning on concieving- Christmas is not a good time to have a baby. While it has it's advantages, it just loads the plate at an already full season. I, in my desires to not slight my dear first born, december babe usually wind up doing 3x as much there was the cake on the actual day (a coffee cake as requested) the pound cake for today then there will be the birthday party cake when smartmam will be required to break out her mean fondant skills and craft something exotic like last years R2D2- but I digress)

It really was a beautiful day. So nice to be with family and friends- there were adults there who i once babysit, adults who i was there young women's leaders (see getting old- more clues). An important ritual to celebrate my loving, good son. We were so proud of him for completeing his goal of reading the entire book of mormon himself- every single verse all 531 pages and marking as he went. When my husband suggested we propose the goal I thought it kind of intense and a first was not sure I was on board. 531 pages of scripture for a 7 year old? He assured me it was possible, that he had been challenged to do it by his dad ad did it. So I take this to be a lesson in parenting. Set high goals because your kids can reach them.

1. an amazing committed son 2. a powerful blessing 3. family and friends

13 comments:

Becky said...

Wow~I think I am dizzy from reading this post! Congrats on your oldest and his special day. I would have expected nothing less from you - NO costco stuff. I'm the same way. Someday they'll appreciate all your efforts. (right?) Merry Christmas my friend. I hope you get the much needed sleep that you deserve while you are away. Can't wait to see you again....

Alissa said...

congratulations to your son!

also, i definitely would like to encourage abbie to set that goal. i think it's totally doable.

Kris said...

What a wonderful day. I'm glad you made it there safely and I'm sure the memories will be happy!

ellen said...

I'm glad you arrived safely and that all went well with the baptism. What a memorable experience for all of you! And, you won't see me searching Costco for mint brownies. :)

Tamlynn said...

Yay for your son! My daughter turns 8 this Friday, Dec 26. So far her food requests have been crepes for breakfast and crepes for dinner. Doable.

As for our after-baptism feast with 40 family members and who knows how many friends: Costco all the way baby!

Courtney said...

congrats to ss#1 - what a big day for all of you (and reading about the drive down made me nervous).

I'm not ready to totally abandon Costco but your posts inspire me to do more homemade. And, I totally hear you on the December birthday thing!

LL said...

Such a handsome little guy, we love SS#1 and we're so happy for him.
Glad you guys arrived safe, now return safely....but before you do, have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Char @ Crap I've Made said...

There's something crazy about your kid turning 8....it's just so "official". You pray you've taught them everything they need to know.

Congratulations to you and him!

nanci said...

So thankful you arrived safely.

Congrats SS #1 on choosing wisely and also for completing your reading goal.

I hope it's warm and sunny where you are - we are buried under 12"+ of snow!

Merry Christmas!

Unknown said...

Oh happy day! We had a baptismal party too... I'm so happy you're safe and that everything went well for you! I look forward to meeting SS#1, as I fell madly in love with SS#3.

Company EIGHT said...

It is a little disconcerting when your oldest child reaches the age of 8. Congrats to him on the baptism, and reading of the BofM--both wonderful choices.
I'm not surprised in the least of your non-Costco family event, sounds delicious.
Glad you made it safe and sound!

Swimmingmom said...

I'm so glad you made it there safely, I'd been thinking about you! Smartson looks so handsome in that pic, love it! Wow, 8, how did that happen. Wasn't he like just 5? You certainly do go all out. Hey, my mom always tells me the same thing about our Dec. baby and that it wasn't the best time. Like I planned it that way :-). I'll have to tell you about our Lambie cake. You would NOT be proud.

Trueman twins said...

What a terrible trek! I am glad that you are all having a great time now. Congrats to SS#1. He is such a great little guy.
Be sure to take it easy now and enjoy the rest of your time.