Schooled by a Six Year Old

Schooled: 

Instructed, Taught, Tutored

www.dictionary.com

Yesterday was yet another birthday celebration. More on that another day! However, we were busy wrapping gifts and I had my two September Stars helping me. It takes double the time to have little people help with an activity. Yet the knowledge they gain and the time spent with Mom is worth the extra time. I literally tell myself that and pray for patience when I'm in the middle of it, though. I'm not even joking. While wrapping gifts, my six year old decides to take scissors, tape, and paper to the floor for his own wrapping project. He was happy and content.

While finishing the gifts with my youngest as the assistant, my eleven year old son walks in with a bit of a brain freeze and asks, "Mom, what's 16+16?" Without missing a beat and not even looking up from his project, my guy on the floor says, "32". 

I look at my older son. He looks at me and we both start laughing. He really does know the answer; he just simply had one of those moments. I can understand. Years ago I had to ask my daughter how to spell "of".....Yeah, embarrassing.

Then I told him, "You just got schooled by a six year old." He agreed and took it in perfect stride. I took the time to point out to Mr. Smarty Pants on the floor how quick and speedy he was with the answer. He was satisfied with himself but didn't stop dispensing tape. It will take some serious effort to get into that package.

I love these moments...those experiences that freeze all stress, problems and annoyances...when time stands still...where laughter and joy permeate the heart, sealing the memory forever. It's especially written on the heart and mind when one physically writes it down. Thus, my blog log for today.

My children consistently amaze me; I get "schooled" by one of them every day.

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Victory with a Vacuum

Grateful for broken vacuum belts

Last night the carpet was full of crumbs, strings, bits of paper, and crushed leaves - all from one day's worth of living. Even though it was 9PM, I couldn't stand it; I had to get out the vacuum. 

Tip: Do you ever sweep the space between the carpet and the baseboards to get out all the junk that accumulates there? My mother in law taught me this trick and it works marvelously! No need to get out the canister vac, bend or kneel down to clean up the dusty bluckyness. Just sweep it away from the wall and vacuum it up. 

While vacuuming last night, a VERY loud sound ensued. Definitely not normal! I turned the vacuum over then turned it on to see if the roller was spinning. Nope! One of two things - either the belt slipped off or broke. Lovely...I really didn't need this! Because I've owned an Oreck since practically Day 1 of marriage, I'm a vacuum belt replacement expert. The quick fix can be a less than five minute exercise.

I obtained the necessary screwdriver and was about to begin when my eleven year old saw the tool. "Can I do it, can it do it?"

I could see what was coming. He'll unscrew the chamber that holds the belt, and then he'll want to change it, too. It was late and I just wanted to do it myself. However, I quickly realized that this was a teaching moment and I couldn't let it slip away. I don't think any of my brothers knew how to change a vacuum belt until they were married. Well, maybe they don't even know now. Sorry guys!!

So, the process of checking the vacuum belt commenced with my cute guy at my side. That quickly switched to three boys by my side. Our six year old was sad that he couldn't unscrew the screw; I told him he could screw it back in when we were finished. He ran off to get his own tool set that he received for his birthday. My thirteen year old son sat by watching and processing since he has always had a fascination with how things work.

After removing the cover, we quickly determined that the belt broke and needed replacing. #11 slipped the new belt over the wheel and tried with all his might to stretch it over the metal rod, using a screw driver for leverage. He just couldn't do it.

Slipping the belt onto the wheel

Stretching the belt with the screw driver

Big brother is patiently waiting and watching

#13 was begging inside for a turn to prove his manliness. The task was turned over to him and within five minutes, he had the belt secured. 

Belt secured!

Belt Positioned Correctly

And just as promised, #6 screwed the belt compartment closed with his very own screwdriver!

So excited for the opportunity!

Making sure he pushes in and turns so he doesn't strip the screw.

You know the best part? Three boys now know the process of replacing the vacuum belt. Do you think I will ever have to change the vacuum belt again? I don't think so. Fifteen minutes with three boys vs. five minutes by myself is worth the extra ten minutes because now they're empowered with knowledge. How many minutes will they save me in the future? Plus, it was a tender teaching time. As they get older, those sweet moments start to dwindle so we need to take full advantage. Also, the teaching goes both ways. I was taught a serious lesson last night. #6 also had to show me how to put down the blade of a pocket knife yesterday. Wow!

Today's Stick-to-it Tip: If there's something you can teach, take the time to do it. It will pay off big time...no more belt changes for me! 

A working vacuum again, thanks to boys and tools

More to Come....but until then, Stick-to-it!

Be Patient: It Comes Around

"A Chocolate a day keeps the doctor away!"

My Grandmother....Kay Baer

This brings me joy! It's as simple as that!

My mother instilled in me the love for See's Candies since I was a small child. I knew what good chocolate was and there's no comparison. I still remember going with my mom to the little See's store on Lakeshore Ave. in Oakland, California. The cute little ladies in their white and black dresses always tried to give me a sugar stick. I knew better and wanted the real thing!

My grandmother loved chocolate as well and had a big box of See's at every family gathering it seemed. Oh, I couldn't wait for that box to "come around", hoping one of my favorites was still there for the taking.

And so the tradition has come around, passed down to my children who each have their favorite See's chocolate. Whenever I go, I try to bring them back a piece of their favorite choice. One daughter loves Lemon Truffles, another Scotchmallow and Milk Bordeaux. Two children always choose the Milk Cherry Cordial which I can't understand. Daddy has his favorites. The little people don't care; they just want to be remembered. Each feels very special when Mom gives pieces of this little bit of heaven.

Last night my oldest daughter was on a date with her "friend". They had stopped by the mall to pick up some of her favorite See's Candies. This morning she handed me a bag from See's with two of my favorites: A Scotch Kiss and a Bordeaux Bar. I was so touched by her thoughtfulness!!! She remembered the joy she felt upon receiving a special See's from Mom. She has beautifully grown up, showing her maturity by returning the joy to me. 

Love them both, but I love the girl more!!

Motherhood consists of simple joys. This was one of them. Sometimes it takes a while for the me, me, me attitude to shift to you, you, you. Be patient! Just like the box of chocolates....it comes around!


More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

We do Loud REALLY Well

Should I be proud that our family is loud?

Or wish for words that are soft, like a cloud?

Either way, I most surely am wowed

That I've been blessed with our ten-of-a-crowd.

Sometimes I feel like our family is misunderstood. We have some unique characteristics that probably raise some eyebrows, especially how LOUD we are. I was talking to my mom last night about it, perplexed that some families are so quiet. That is definitely NOT the Bushman Bunch. I can almost bet we're the loudest family on the block and our neighbors will testify of that. No matter how many times I encourage my children to lower the volume, speak with an "inside voice" (actually, I don't think my children know the difference between an inside and outside voice), talk in a whisper, decrease the decibels - however you want to say it - THEY DON'T GET IT!! 

So, it's always comforting when I discover something that validates this concern. Friday, Sam and I went to a benefit dinner and silent auction for a friend who needs a kidney transplant. (www.kidney4colson.com)

I found the following plaque that describes us perfectly, and I couldn't resist getting it!

In Our Home

We do second chances

We say Prayers

We do I'm sorry's

We play hard

We do loud REALLY well (caps added by me)

We give hugs

We do love

We are Family

Looking at this photo as I write this blog post, the question of the day is, "Does this just encourage loudness?" Maybe. When my kids read this plaque on our living room table, does it give them license to sing at the top of their lungs or laugh and laugh with gusto? Probably. But after 20 years of battling, I don't think a little sign can make life in our household any louder. So, do I just accept it and give up or continue to encourage? Of course, the latter. 

We try to have a quiet time for our young children every day and for all the children on Sunday. Quiet time consists of being by yourself if you can't be quiet with someone else. Quiet activities include napping, writing, coloring, reading, playing a quiet game, or crafting. It's a time for Mom to have some sanity and for the children to practice self-entertainment and quiet activities that hopefully result in some needed inspiration and revelation in their lives. Thus, no video games, computer time, or movies. Soft, uplifting music in your room is totally acceptable.

To fight the "we do loud really well", maybe the Quiet Time period should be gradually extended until it lasts all day. Now, that's a thought!

Or maybe I should just accept that our family does loud really well. If anything, it's just strengthening our self-esteem!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

 


 

That's a First

First Step, First Tooth, First Birthday 

First Day in Nursery (that's a big celebration) 

First Campout, First Day of School, First Day on the job.

I love Firsts. (That's a really weird word when you look at it and say it several times). Never having experienced it before, a "First" shows progression in life - a new stage that brings excitement and joy, but often times challenges, hard work, and even disappointment. Realism aside, the optimism in me is bursting. So many great "Firsts" have happened; it's time to celebrate, embrace and hold on for the ride.  It's thrilling, a bit scary, life-changing, yet wonderful...all at the same time.

First Day on the new Full-time job!

First Day of College Classes! He humored my with my request to have his roommate take his picture.

First Day of AHS!

First Day of a New School Year

First Overnight Campout! He's either nervous to go or annoyed that I'm taking his picture.

No, he's excited!

First Cruise, First Time in Seattle, First Trip to Alaska

Our First Son to Become an Elder!

First Day with just two at home to school and no baby.(More Later)

And last night (sorry, no picture), the first time in a VERY long time that we had no child sharing our bed, sharing our room, nor baby in womb...just us! It was weird but so nice.

And that's a wrap of the Bushman "Firsts", at least for a day or so.

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Answers in Alaska - Part 1

Alabama, ALASKA, Arizona, Arkansas....

California, Colorado, Connecticut (Clap, Clap, Clap)

Oh, Alaska! How I miss your beautiful landscapes, cool days, quaint towns, gorgeous Fireweed, fragrant smells, fascinating wildlife, endless trees, and vivid colors!

Mendenhall Glacier - Juneau, Alaska

Bridal Veil Falls - Skagway, Alaska

The Fireweed at Totem Bight State Historical Park

Sawyer Glacier in Tracy Arm Fjord

Oh, Star Princess Cruise Ship! How I miss not having to cook, clean, or lift a finger; endless virgin pina coladas, the salty breeze, sailing through Tracy Arm Fjord, fabulous lectures and concerts, spending time with family, reading a book without interruption, chocolates on my bed every night, fabulous two-hour dinners, meeting new people, and much needed relaxation!

The Star Princess at the Port of Skagway

We LOVE Cruising

Chocolates at Bedtime!

The Star Princess - Ketchikan, Alaska

Disney Concert - with Jenny Oaks Baker

Most of the Fam - with "The Drinks"

The AWESOME Employee of the Month - Jorge

I've titled this series, Answers in Alaska. Yes, I love alliterations. But seriously, answers to questions, answers to prayer, answers to thoughts and wondering were given on our once in a lifetime cruise to Alaska. Instead of posting a Travel Log, I'll share some photos with insight, and yes, my usual Stick-to-it tips that came to me while escaping to The Last Frontier.

Answers in Alaska - Part 1

Since it is my mother's birthday, today's Answers in Alaska are dedicated to her.

#1 - Mom and Dad had a dream to go on an Alaskan Cruise since I can remember. Mom worked some extra side jobs to save the money for them to sail away into the sunset together. She made beautiful Christmas boutique gifts, worked as a typesetter while we were in school, was the membership secretary of our local swimming pool, and probably did other things that I was never aware of. When I was in high school, I had the opportunity to go to England with my hand bell choir. I remember being hesitant to ask my parents if it was a possibility for me to perform in Exeter, England at an International Hand Bell Symposium, and tour the English countryside. Mom wanted me to go. She used her Alaskan Cruise money to send me. She never complained about it. She never used it against me during my "teenage moods", nor made me feel guilty about going. This sacrifice on her part obviously delayed their plans for Alaska. 

Answer: Be grateful for the sacrifices you can offer for those you love. Your children WILL know if you do it begrudgingly. If they feel your charity, the pure love of Christ, it will not fail them...for Charity Never Faileth.

#2 - Dad passed away when I was 20, in 1994. Mom and Dad did not make it to Alaska. A year ago, she declared that she wanted to take her children and their spouses to Alaska for a celebration of family. She waited years and years to make this dream happen. 

Answer: Be patient for your dreams. Parental examples of patience will help curb the entitlement plague of the youth today. No, children are not entitled to go on a cruise. I waited 40 years. Sam waited 45 years. Mom waited for her Alaskan Cruise for 67 years. Patience promotes gratitude. With gratitude comes true joy.

Happy Birthday, Mom! Thanks for teaching me some invaluable lessons over the years. Thank you for sacrificing for me. Thank you for being an example of patience. Thank you for sharing your dream with all of us!!

Mom at Mendenhall

Lovin' it with Mom!

Mom with her Sensational Six!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Thank You for 18 Years of LOVE

2/8 = 1/4 = 25%

Definition: 2 Children Graduated = 25% less children at home

(I am not jumping for joy...I am actually balling)

High School Graduation Day has come and gone. All the preparations and festivities are finished. Now I have time to really think about what it all means..... one less school lunch to make, one less person to wake up in the morning, one less child to support in productions, concerts, and basketball games, and one less wardrobe to wash. It also means one less hug every day, one less person on the church pew, one less person at family dinner time, one less child to see, touch, listen to, and learn from. It sounds like the kid is dying... 

Sometimes I like to think that Sam and I successfully raised another awesome child. But, it would be naive and selfish to try to take all the credit. I cannot stand Hillary Clinton's village quote (you all know what I'm talking about). However, I will say that there have been MANY AMAZING PEOPLE that have assisted us in shaping and forming our children. With another child officially graduated, I feel the need to recognize these truly fabulous individuals....

Family:

These people have loved and cared for him from Day 1. They have supported and guided him. He would not be who he is without them. I love my Fam!!!!!

That's one proud Grandma! I think that's one of the biggest smiles I've seen on you, Mom!

And another happy Grandma!! Always there for us!!

That's one emotional Auntie! I get teary just looking at the pic.

Amazing Uncles - Always going above and beyond!

Awesome New York Fam - helping with the Eagle Project!

Just half of their Family...we know the rest of them love him, too!

This bunch has DEFINITELY had an effect!

Aunt Suz - Oh, the picture says it all!

COUSINS!!!!!!!!!!

The Extended Bushman Family

Fun times with the Whimpy One

Ohhh....great times, forever memories!

Amazing & supportive GREAT (in more ways than one) Aunts and Uncles

The Fun Aunts (no offense, CG)!!

The Best Basketball Fans!!!

  

Miss you, Grandpa!!

 Friends:

Our AWESOME Delta Peeps

The KB Days Crew!!!!!!

The Graduating Bunch - AF 24th

The Best Missionaries...Up and Coming!

So supportive of "The King"

A Decade of Friendship

Good Times with these Two! 

Mexico City - AHS Graduates

Teotihuacan - Mexico

Lake Powell with such a fun family!!

Musical Review - Bonding Moments on the Stage!

Spring Formal, 2012

Five Very Cool and GOOD Dudes

The Three Golds

Future Roommates! He likes him for his money! :)

A Tender Moment (Mom has tears, too)

Lots of Friends - the BEST!!

Love these Kids!!

Teachers & Mentors (& Friends):

Lookin' lovely, ladies!

Fun at Trek - Martin's Cove, WY

Yes, real men do quilt (and women)!

Awesome friends and scout leaders - spent hours helping with his Eagle Project

The sweet leader of the Launfal Foundation

Coach!  Go Patriots!

Mexico with one of the greatest!

Two of the most influential people in his life.

Graduation Day! Adam's Mentor!! Not a day went by without a story, experience, or kind word about this man.

Principles of Leadership Teacher and Head of School (and basketball rival)

"The coolest administrator" - You will be missed!

A Teacher like no other - "I don't just love them for a year, I love them forever!"

Our Maestro - what fabulous musical experiences he has given my son!

His High School Director - so talented and full of energy. She saw his potential and gave him opportunities!

2011/2012 Coach - He loves this dedicated and encouraging man, coach, and friend.

A Priceless Pic - 3 influential men that have not only taught him, but loved him

 No, it doesn't take a village to raise a child. (Hate that!!) It takes righteous, faithful, amazing people who care and love my child to help us, as parents, teach and train. Thank you, thank you to the scout leaders, primary teachers, piano teachers, coaches, school teachers, family members, friends, employers, seminary teachers and church leaders that have made this guy who he is today.We couldn't have done it without each of you!

Presenting....AHS Graduate - Class of 2012

Yes, we are thrilled for you and your accomplishments, but most importantly, we are delighted with the man you have become. We love you!!!!!!!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!