When Laura Ingalls was ten years old, a woman named Mrs. Starr asked Laura's ma to give Laura up to her and her doctor husband, to adopt and to help with chores. Of course, Ma said what I'd say,
"Not today!" Or something like that, but definitely with a "n. o." in it.
I need my ten-year-old, too. I wish every mama had one of these.
Everyone says we look alike...
...but where she has extra sugar, I have extra spice. Meaning, although she's spunky (and that does get her into trouble sometimes), she's a sweet spunky, never selfish. I have a lot to learn from her.
She reads me. It's uncanny. Tonight, she could tell that I had had it, with my (still) sore and (still) swollen ankle, with the boys who weren't listening, with dishes, laundry, and with life itself and all in it. I'd just had it.
It took me nearly a decade to learn that when I feel like this, I should take Thumper's mama's advice: since I'm not saying anything nice, I should say nothing at all. So this evening, I buried my head in Laura by Donald Zochert. Our ballerina noticed my silence and before I realized it, she had a bubble bath ready for me, complete with set-out pajamas and a tray holding a candle, water goblet, and, oh yes, a very generous portion of chocolate raspberry cream pie.
And just like that, my mood was lifted. After my bath, we had a long girl talk over what it was like in Laura's days, when ladies would have the nerve to ask for someone else's children, and due to hardships, some mamas would actually consider it.
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p.s. What Works for Me? Having a 10yo daughter who knows her mama well.
Oh, Lori. You both look just alike! You are beautiful!
Steph
Posted by: Adventures In Babywearing | June 11, 2008 at 06:53 AM
How sweet! I too, would never give up my 10 y.o. daughter. She's priceless. You do look alike. Both gorgeous.
Posted by: Alisa | June 11, 2008 at 10:11 AM
So sweet!
Posted by: Heather Young | June 11, 2008 at 11:10 AM
That is so wonderful. Part of that is how someone is born - but the other part is taught. You're doing a good job. :)
Posted by: Dionna | June 11, 2008 at 04:36 PM
Oh, what sweet pictures - and what a sweet girl!
Posted by: Wendy | June 11, 2008 at 07:55 PM
How thoughtful she is!
Well, since I don't have any 10yo girls around here and you are obviously not willing to part with yours, I suppose I can hold out for my sweet almost 9yo boy to turn 10 years old. While he has never drawn my bath, he has made me breakfast before. :-) Canned biscuits never tasted so good!
Posted by: Marsha | June 23, 2008 at 05:29 PM
I just came across your blogs whilst googling supernanny routines:) your daughter is gorgeous in every way, what a sweetheart:)
Posted by: Katie | June 19, 2009 at 07:59 PM