Cooter recently got a new CD. He is convinced that listening to it helps him get his Math done quicker and easier. Me, not so much, but at least he doesn’t WHINE while he’s doing his math, so hey, I’m all for it. Studying to music is a technique his oldest sister uses, and it seems to work well for her, so I’m waiting to see how it goes.
This morning he started playing it while I was in the kitchen. Some of the new stuff has such a great beat, you know? So there I was, cutting up an apple and moving around the kitchen, minding my own business, when suddenly I was all “My hands are in the air like I just do not care”*–I was dancing.
Now I’m no professional and I’m not sure how much moving I would be doing outside of my own home, but y’all, the beat was good and I was in my own home. So I put that knife down and I danced.
Our Princess still wrapped up in her favorite golden blanket, off to practice the piano, looked over at me as she passed. That look and then, “Thank goodness none of my friends can see you, or I’d be VERY embarrassed.”
Y’all. She’s TEN.
I’m not sure, but isn’t that a little early to start this kind of attitude?
I looked at her, and then decided to forgive ignore her. My feet had a mind of their own.
I remember my Mama dancing around her kitchen. She loved to dance. She could do the Twist like nobody’s business. Seriously impressive. I don’t remember being embarrassed, but I could be wrong. I probably didn’t dance with her, which I regret, but I didn’t shudder at the thought. Seeing her dance was actually a glimpse into who she was, other than Mama. It was intriguing, like seeing her Prom picture with someone who wasn’t my Daddy. Mama was a real life person before she became my Mama. And even harder to process, WHILE she was my Mama.
I still have a hard time wrapping my brain around that.
But here’s the deal, my precious young’uns, I didn’t check my “Tara” card at the door of the hospital when I first became Mama. I can be me and still be your Mama. I can dance and still wipe your nose. I can sing at the top of my lungs riding down the road and still get the spaghetti stain out of your clothes. I can laugh so hard while telling a story until you can’t understand a word I’m saying and still help you with your Math. I can cry over a movie and still cook your supper.
Just like my Mama did.
Tonight I’m thankful for the joy that music stirs up inside me and for the ability to move my feet [somewhat] in rhythm. I love that I can still surprise my children, just as Mama did us. She was always our rock and yet she could still surprise us in wonderful ways. I give thanks for moments with my children like we had this morning. The one where I glimpse myself through their eyes, and it makes me giggle. I even give thanks for the almost eye roll I got from our Princess. I’ve been on this teenage roller coaster already, so I know to buckle up good, because for the second time, I’m in for a bumpy ride. The reason I’m giving thanks is I know how it turns out–eventually they come around and become really awesome people.
Another preteen in the house?
Yeah, been there, done that. Bring it.
In the meantime, I’m gonna keep on dancing.
Life’s too short not to.
Love to all.
I kept hearing this song in my head while I was writing tonight. You’re welcome.
*Yes, this is a line from the movie “Home.” It was really, really good by the way. I highly recommend it. Lines from it are already becoming standard around here. Like this one. Now y’all go dance.
I Might Need A Nap 