The Unadventures of Tracie

(Also known as the longest post you'll ever read in your life. Ye have been warned. Thanks to Amanda who finally pushed me off my butt to write about this.) I have always wanted to be a mom, maybe not necessarily the "staying-at-home" part that some feel is a woman's calling, and some feel that's where they want and should be, but the part where I got to experience the blessing of creating and raising a little person who looked like me. Growing up, I loved kids. They were cute and fun and precious. I loved their innocence and their tenderness. Their curiosity and their trust. Children have always occupied a special place in my heart. I knew that I was destined to spend my life working with children. And so I looked forward to the day, which I knew would someday come, when I would have children of my own. I knew I would love being a mom because how could I not? Everyone around me loved being a mom. They told stories about the blessing and benefits of being a mom. ...

Grandma Great died today. She was 91 years old, and she was my dad’s father’s mom. She was a happy person who had a lot of love to give. She always smiled. She used to hand-make gifts for all the grandkids. Growing up I received purses, toys, pillows, and various other items. Grandma Great was really talented at the harmonica. She used to play it at the family parties and get everyone to sing. I was never extremely close to her, but I loved her and I know she loved me. I’ll miss you Grandma.

I just heard that Heath Ledger died. Though I didn't know him personally, I liked him as an actor. It's quite a tragedy to die so young. He was only 28. Only four years older than me. . . Hearing news like this always reminds me that death can come at any time to anyone. I'm not afraid of death, but I rather hope I live much longer than 28.

I could've killed a child today. I'm not talking about my nephews who were actually much better behaved today. On my way home from Tyler & Cheryl's house, two kids ran out into the middle of the road while I was in the middle of making a turn. I slammed on my brakes. I didn't know whether or not I had hit them. The kids were fortunately not hurt. I don't think I had hit them after all. It made me realize the difficulties of seeing children from a car. It also made me realize that this is something I would break my no-spank rule for. The danger is immense for kids that run out into the street. Cars sometimes do not have time to react. I'm really glad that I saw them in time. On a lighter note, the kids were well behaved today. I had a lot of fun with them. We did the Hokey Pokey, went to the park, did exercises, started making an "All About Me" book, and had storytime. I have successfully reached the end of my first week with the boys....