Monday Chores

“Clark, take your sheet and pillowcase off your bed so I can wash them—also your pajamas.”

“You just did wash them.”

“You are right, I did but that was last week and we wash sheets every week.”
He continues to stand by me, no movement to go to his room.

“I’m excited to visit Brett.” Clark informs me.

I count on my fingers “That’s not for another six months.” Too bad we couldn’t have kept the trip a secret. Now we will talk about it almost every day for six months. I’m glad he is excited and I am excited for the trip but I am not excited talking about it every day.

“Mom, what kind of Christmas present you want? What kind of book you like to read?” He goes to our bookcase, picks out a book and asks if I want that for Christmas.

“I already have that book.” He knows I like books so that was a thoughtful idea.

“Mom, tell Phil to turn down the TV. David (our neighbor) will hear.” In the background from downstairs we can all hear Phil whooping and hollering because the showcase is on The Price Is Right. Soon we hear loud laughter getting closer as Phil comes upstairs to tell us that “she won both showcases.”

“Whoa, that is really exciting! I wish I’d seen that.” I tell Phil. The laughter continues. The message has been delivered so he goes back downstairs. Meanwhile Clark declares that he is hungry and goes downstairs without going to his room to get his sheet and pillowcase. I’m hungry so maybe I’ll join him for a late breakfast.

Two hours later…

“Clark, take your sheet and pillowcase off your bed…”

“Mom, you have a headache?”

"Isn't he so so cute!"

I read that in a mommy blog recently and had to admit that the mother was right, the mentioned and pictured baby was indeed very cute. And then I thought about my #1 baby who is about to turn 41. At times (not always I admit) I think he is so cute and I can’t believe I’m his mom and have been on this amazing journey for such an incredibly long time. For those with cute little cuddly toddlers this probably sounds pretty creepy and maybe a little weird. But he is my frozen-in-time son who is still innocent and still says sweet things to me as he gives me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. So, the next time you see someone with a noticeable disability who may seem a little disgusting in his looks, his dress, or his behavior remember there may be a mother at home who thinks he is so cute.

Clark with his nephew

Almost Time

It is almost time for one of my favorite times of the day. We’ve eaten dinner, the kitchen is clean, Paul is playing racquetball and I’m working on a lesson for tomorrow morning. As soon as Paul comes in the door and showers we will all gather around the TV to watch an episode of Psych—all together laughing and commenting on what we’re watching and eating popcorn and making a mess that has to be vacuumed up when we’re finished. It is the end of the day, chores have been completed and now it is time to relax and enjoy being together. Last night we watched the last episode of Foyle’s War before the new season begins in 2012.

When we’ve watched all seasons of Psych we will find something else that will pull us together for a short time on evenings we are all home at the same time.

A Gold and a Silver

Yesterday was the annual bowling tournament with Paul and me as cheerleaders. Clark and Phil were on different team, each bowling two games. Clark got the gold and Phil the silver. We celebrated after at the Golden Arches.