Real Talk

The other day, I legit chased my toddler around my street with no pants. ZERO pants. He was running all over the street and I didn’t have time to think about whether or not neighbors could see my saggy white rear end peeking out from underneath my shirt. I had a toddler to catch. If you happened to look out of your window and you live on my street… you’re welcome.

August 6 2019

Mom, I Got This

Lin Hawthorne Famous Quotes, Is this really happening?, Real Talk

Last night, two-year-old was throwing a fit about wanting to rummage through the refrigerator and basically stand there with the door open, staring at it like an adult with the munchies. I put the kibosh on it and closed the door. He freaked out and tried to open it again. I was in the middle of making dinner for everyone but I stopped to hold the refrigerator door closed.

*A dark cloud of irritation moved in over my head*

While I was standing there with the shrieking of a screaming toddler, Sammy got down from the table, slipped in underneath me and says “Mom, I got this.” He leaned against the refrigerator door and I finished making dinner for the rest of them.

After I put the plates on the table, I said “Thanks Sam,” and I resumed holding the door closed. Yep, TJ was still at it.

I think the second child just stole the birth right. First child, it’s your move…

August 5 2019

Third Child’s a Charm

Lin Hawthorne Boy Mom Life, Real Talk

Me to Josh: “Josh! Don’t jump on your brother… he’s too little for that!!”

The same brother then proceeds to pop Sammy in the nose and causes a bloody nose and then head butts Josh in the ear.

Moral of the story: Do not screw with the third child.

July 14 2019

Some Big Shoes to Fill

Lin Hawthorne Favorites, Grace, Level Up, Real Talk, stories

Been fighting big battles on quite a few fronts lately. It’s mostly left Dave and I physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. Consequently, we had a quiet and last-minute celebration of my father-in-law’s 80th birthday tonight. The boys have been fortunate to know all four of their grandparents who have been surrounding them and just being awesome since the day they were born.

We went out to eat. At a restaurant. With the three boys. At night. And I was struggling with complete irritation over not wanting to chase them all over the restaurant and correct etiquette and “don’t stick your hands in the ice water” and “stop waving around the chopsticks”… but you know that’s all they wanted to do.

Little TJ had chosen to wear Sammy’s shoes tonight. Did I fight that battle? You bet your sweet booty I did not. I let him wear those too big shoes and he was so darn proud of them. He could barely walk in them but he grinned and stumbled around.

As brother three got down for the millionth time, I saw brother one quietly get down from the table and start following him around. He did it before I could even get up. Oh trust… Dave was in the bathroom with number two so we were just playing zone defense. Everyone has 10 jobs at restaurant and only .5 of one of the jobs is actually eating food.

Josh got down and just followed close after TJ, making sure he wasn’t going to climb up on the table and table dance. Not out of character for him. Interestingly enough, when Josh gently grabbed him, TJ leaned into him whereas if it were me, he would throw a big crazy fit and I’d have to fireman carry him out of the restaurant.

I watched this scene unfold. At one point, TJ lost his too-big shoe. Josh gently grabbed him and the shoe and carefully put it back on.

My eyes filled with tears. Somewhat from exhaustion, but mostly out of pride for the small scene I had just witnessed. One brother taking responsibility for another and the other brother trusting in his guidance.

I told Josh at bedtime that watching him put his brother’s shoes on was the absolute best part of my day and I could not be more proud he was my son. His heart is so sensitive.

Take my hand, Lord. Lead me around. Put on my too big shoes when they fall off. Keep me from harm. A simple prayer tonight as I drift off, but no less sincere.