Johnson Family Dish

Girls are Beautiful and Boys are Funny.

This from our resident philosipher, Charis. This is what she tells me today as we are watching the big girls climb the rock wall at the multi-generational center.

Upon arriving at the multi-generational center today (aka the Gym) we see two 70+ year old women (not thin either) in belly dancing garb. Morgan and Kelcie are visibly disturbed by this sight, and boy it was a sight! When the ladies walked a distance away Morgan started telling me that it was hurting her eyes to look at them, “well then don’t”, I advised. She couldn’t help it apparently as she started giggling and noting with her sister how “inappropriate that was”. I was just watching them and laughing to myself. I tried to help them understand that that is probably something that helps them to feel young and beautiful. Yeah, that did not change thier feelings.

Then we go to the bank, which is in a grocery store, and as we are walking out we see a young man with his mother and brother with no shirt on. Charis says LOUDLY as we are passing “Look Mom, there is a boy with no shirt on!” I hushed her but the people heard and I turned to appologise to the family and they were laughing loudly and the mother said to Charis, “Yes. He is a very bad boy.” The young man was chuckling about it and I was thanking my LUCKY STARS! I am thankful for people who are not easily offended, that could have been SO BAD. When I spoke to Charis about it she felt bad and began crying. She said that I hurt her feelings. Oh, it is hard to learn all of the rules of society.

Kelcie

Took her Red Cross Babysitting course today. This brings a mix of emotions.

Elation that she is ready (chomping at the bit really) for this. This gives me some freedom to run to the store this summer and take care of quick errands without the whole crew. Not to mention a few (free now) date nights with dh.

And a touch of sorrow for how fast my baby is growing up! How can this be? It was strange to see her in a room with other pre-teens and teens, she looked so grown up! Then she got into the car (after the class) and I had a startling revelation…..She is growing up, and fast!

Bitter sweet my friends. I believe that I cannot hold her back, I just have to stand beside her and watch her bloom into the young woman she is becoming. Hard to do, but so exciting too.