Vander Linden Musings

OK- so since Gerritt was about 3 years old we have been battling to keep the Christmas myth going. When he was three he noticed the wrapping paper was the same. Every year since then, there has been something we have had to cover up. This year- he started to remark in front of his brother that the myth is not true. I figured it was time to tell him, so that he wouldn’t ruin it for the other two. I took him into BJ’s office, and we told him together. Gerritt sat there with this funny grin like- “Ha, I knew it.” Then I asked him how he felt about it (someone recently told me I should ask my children how they feel about things when a big event happens), and he started crying.

Now, BJ and I were stumped. I sat on the floor and held Gerritt and asked him what was wrong. He cried, “I didn’t want to know!”

Guess we screwed up! Later he told me not to tell his brothers as early as we told him. He also said, “Since I know, can I help you with the shopping next year?” As guilty as I felt- I STILL said no way! He laughed.

I didn’t want to tell my kids the myth- felt it was just a big lie- but we decided to anyway- and now we’ve screwed up our son!!! Oh the joys of parenting!

I got to be in 5 states in two days this week. I went on a road trip. Road trips are my favorite. The person that was with me thinks I went to help her out. Nope- it was ALL selfish! Kidding- but I really did have fun!

Barbra, someone I have known since age 4, came out to Utah to buy a car. She thought it was smart to drive home alone. I on the other hand was jealous of the road trip, and a little worried she may need someone to go to the pharmacy for her in the morning, so I volunteered to go. BJ didn’t bat an eye. My amazing hubby got online to find me a flight home. So Sunday we left.

There were some funny moments. Moments in which we laughed like we haven’t laughed in a LONG time (she kept asking “How old are you???”), and moments in which I was the only one laughing, she was in too much pain to laugh. And if you know her- you’ll have to ask her what the pain was from. I’m keeping that info tucked away until I need to blackmail her!

I missed the boys, worried about whether or not they would get to school on time, worried about whether they would get their homework done, and worried that BJ would never let me leave again. But BJ did a great job. They got to school on time, their homework was done, and they knew their spelling words when I got back. All was well.

So, I guess what I am saying is- thanks for the trip Barb! I had a TON of fun!!!