Tuesday, September 30, 2008

A Day In My Life As Mama, from A to Z

This is a mini writing challenge I did for Faithwriters a little while back. I thought it would be fun to share here, since it is singing my lifesong (well, a somewhat dramatized and exaggerated form of it) in the form of the alphabet.

The A to Z Challenge

1) Use the entire alphabet - A to Z
2) 26 lines - it does NOT have to be a poem - and try to stay on one topic!
3) Alphabet letters can appear at the beginning, middle or end of the words--for example: Xerox Example Fox
4) No word limit

************

Austin, AnaLee and Allison, aka, the “A” Team, are part of the sanctification process for me. Before I say much else, please don’t hold the following information against me or report me to the authorities.

Caring for the “A” team is a blessing, but it isn’t always a picnic. Drama—our home is all about it, as I am probably considered the capital "D" Director of it. Except for an occasional calm day, there is almost always some sort of ordeal.

For one, my oldest child—my new GIANT son (now taller than me)—is beginning to seem a little like Jekyll and Hyde. Growing into a Gigantor overnight isn't easy, I'm sure, but it has to be easier on him than it is on me. He used to be my little compliant baby boy, but now I’m compelled to keep all eyes on him—even the ones in the back of my head. I know I can’t be there every second, but I regularly remind him that God sees, even when I’m otherwise occupied.

Just when I think I’m getting through to him, it’s time for my second child, AnaLee to work the drama. Keeping an eye on her is not a problem at all, as she makes sure she is in my constant view (and earshot). Lots of love can be lost between the two of us if I am not loving her God’s way. Maybe that’s because we are so much alike. Needing extra time in the spotlight, she regularly belts out her favorite song.

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord" will bellow from her throat voice loud enough to open my ears wide, too. “Pretty, sing pretty,” I remind her. Quick to earn my praise, she then sings the way God made her to sing, bringing this mama to tears.

Running around the house all the while—or should I say “RrrrUFF”ing around the house, is my youngest, as she is a dog freak. Speaking in Spot’s language, she will beg all of us, any of us, to pull her around on her leash as she dutifully plays her role of ‘Man’s Best Friend.’ To add to the chaos, our REAL dog, ABBY (yes, another “A”), decides to snip and snap at Ally-Spot, because she doesn’t like the competition. Unruliness can become an issue, so I often have to step in before someone ends up getting bit by ONE of the dogs in the family.

Visiting friends regularly comment on the less than ideal noise level in my home, but they are kind to stop before making me feel too terrible about my parenting skills, or the lack thereof. What’s this desperate, dramatic, David-like mama to do? X-rays of the head may be considered in my near future, but I'll have to keep you posted on that idea.

You may be thinking about calling ‘Super-Nanny’ on my behalf, but first let me request a favor: Zoom out, and you will see a mama who loves her kiddos, all the way from A to Z, and I’m so thankful that God never stops parenting ME.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, 
that we should be called children of God! 
And that is what we are!” 
1 John 3:1a

How bout ya'all? Any of you need a blog post to write? Give the challenge a try if you dare!

In the Key of HE,

10 friends shared a comment:

Patty Wysong said...

LoL--Too fun!! You're a master at these things, Laura! It makes me head spin just to think about it--but I'm pretty dizzy anyway...I just might try this. LoL.
Huggles!!

Laurie Ann said...

You are so creative! I love it!

Joanne Sher said...

That is SOOO awesome - and definitely a challenge I may just take you up on at some point (note the last three words of that sentence LOL).Feel like I really got to know you and your family better. Bless you, deary!

lori said...

Hey there....me again!
I wanted to let you know YES I made that button...take it, use it and if you need it in a jpeg..I can send it to you...;)

HUGS! Pursing Peace!!

lori

Tara said...

That was very cute.. never heard of doing something like that. I saw you on the internet cafe today! I may just be up to you challenge of writing a-z.
Thanks!

Debra Kaye said...

How wonderful! I loved it!

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Hey I like this, you did a great job. Not your typical...post...and I enjoyed it. Also it is fun to see what you are going to do next with the alphabet! Hahaha. Enjoyed your writing for CWO. I get it on my blog, and email.
Have A Blessed Day!
Debbie

Aunt Angie said...

Laura...I loved loved that! AND welcome to the Cafe group!
Your devotions are a blessing! I read the one you posted today---VERY good!

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Beautifully written and far too challenging for the writer in me (at least for today). Kids give us such fuel for the process, don't they?

Be blessed in your weekend.

peace~elaine

Debbie said...

I knew I was drawn to your blog for a reason I am faith writer's gal tool.. I am djdeb on there..
So cool to have found you and will definetely will come back.

God bless,
debbie