Garth and I were seated on the couch nearby. I was trying with repeated illustration how one might turn a mixed number into an improper fraction so as to be able to multiply it with another fraction. I just seemed to be going nowhere at that moment and in an effort to distance myself from the situation just then, I looked up. By doing so, I caught a glimpse of Clark. Both Garth and I turned our full attention to the unsuspecting little chap who was just completing his first round around the basement post with the roll of Scotch tape he held in his hand. "Frugal Mommy" was about to open her mouth to issue a command to "quit wasting that tape", but I stopped myself. Round made and a second to insure proper adhesion, Clark continued unfurling a stream of tape from the roll until he reached the arm of a chair several feet away where he proceeded to secure the end of tape. He was oblivious to his audience. It was clear that he was doing this exclusively for his own amusement.
What he did after this was priceless. It was like watching a talented artist paint a picture. You know, they're painting away and you can't tell what in the world it is until all of a sudden a masterpiece pops out of the canvas. So it was with this ribbon of tape suspended from post to chair. My little boy hurried across the room and then turned on his heel and proceeded to RUN back to the area with both arms held high above his head. It suddenly came to me what he was doing as the tape hit his chest: he was running a race and was exuberanting crossing the finish line!
Garth and I shared a glance and laughed. What toy could I have bought for Clark that would've given him as much joy just then as that 69 cent roll of Scotch tape?
The day had become evening and before I knew it, it was bedtime. Paul had a big project he was trying to finish up behind the barn to beat some rain in the forecast, so he was out late. I took Trevor and Clayton into my room to try to settle them for the night away from the noise and commotion of the rest of the family who was still up and about. I have the most delightful conversations with Trevor at that time of day! We were talking just then about Gramma and Poppy and how they're about to leave for Florida when I heard the front door bang open. I was right when I assumed I would be receiving a young visitor.
Miles is six and a half. He came to me all excited as he realized he was on the cusp of losing his first baby tooth. "Wiggle it, Mom, see how loose it is." He tilted his little face so I was sure to have full access to the tooth in question.
"Yes, Miles," I said wiggling it, "It sure is loose. I think it might come out by tomorrow." I saw the slightest cloud of disappointment cloud his brow. I was testing him to see if he wanted my help and I had my answer. I have to say, wresting teeth out of my children's mouths isn't exactly my idea of a good time. I have the vivid recollection of the time Shannah came to me with a loose tooth. I barely touched the thing when it popped out and sailed neatly down her throat!
Midway through my helping him, as per his request, he ran to Gramma's house to show her the progress we were making. He returned and kept surveying the situation periodically in the mirror. Had it been a gold nugget he couldn't have been more delighted to hold it in his hands. He was so excited and told me not to tell Dad because he wanted to show it to him himself as he raced off to share the good news with Gramma and Poppy next door.
~Colleen
