Adventure of Motherhood

A haircut and lolly pop

"I knew when I met you an adventure was going to happen..."-- A.A. Milne

Five years ago, Brody gave my life the wonderful adventure of motherhood.  It's been an amazing adventure, and it's just going to get better.  I have loved being a stay at home mom, and my heart breaks for the women who do not have the opportunity to stay at home with their children.  I couldn't imagine missing all the discovery moments that happen daily.  And I don't think I could bear missing out on all the smiles and laughs!  Yes, there are hard days and days it's all I can do not to pull out my hair, but these are the days it's most important for me to be in Brody's life.  God gave me the responsibility to shepherd Brody's heart, and I don't take that responsibility lightly.  So it's good to be in all of Brody's days.
 
But now, our adventure is about to have a change of scenery.  We have registered Brody for kindergarten. Oh MY!  I'm filled with so many different kinds of emotions.  I'm excited for him to have new experiences.  I'm scared for him because I know he is a little different.  I'm fearful I have not prepared him enough for all that awaits him next year.  I'm grateful he has the physical ability to go to school.  And I'm sad I will be all alone during the day come fall.  It's the sad part that weighs on me the most.  I know I won't be alone forever because we will have a sweet Indian Princess or Prince who will join us to be a part of our family one day.  I will have to patient and relaxed for the changes to come.  This adventure is going to continue to be great.  We'll just have to keep moving forward through all the suprises and obstacles that come our way.  Afterall, it wouldn't be much of an adventure if everything stayed the same.

Swept Off On An Adventure

Never a dull moment at the Brice house. I walked downstairs to get Brody and Cade a snack and as I started back up the steps I heard sweet Cade say "You stuck!" Brody had climbed in the shelves on the side of his bunk bed, and then he climbed in the box springs of the mattress to only get himself stuck. I had to rip the bottom of it out to free him. *SIGH*

I went from mad to scared to laughing hysterically all in the matter of minutes.   Of course, I gave a good motherly lecture to him, but I just couldn't hardly be mad at him.  I asked him what in the world gave him the idea to do this.  In the sweetest voice, Brody said, "I wanted to hang like a monkey."  In his mind, he was convinced it would be an exciting jungle adventure.  He was disappointed, and he ended up with some red hips.  I think spring needs to get here quickly so we can go to the park!
 
Brody's little safari reminded me of some of my climbing adventures as a kid.  We had woods behind our house growing up, and I loved climbing the trees.  I had a huge imagination, and I had thrilling escapades daily.  I had so much fun as a kid.
 
As an adult, it's a little harder to have grand adventures.  We feel the need to plan every detail of our day.  Although I'm a big fan of planning, I also like to live in a moment sometimes. It's nice to have that childish moment and jump in the middle of something just because.   I don't think life has to be mundane in adulthood.  Life is more exciting when we do create an adventure.  
 
I really like The Lord of the Rings because of the adventure.  My favorite part is when Frodo and Sam are about to leave The Shire and Frodo reminds Sam of something Bilbo said.
 
Sam: This is it.
Frodo: This is what?
Sam: If I take one more step, it'll be the farthest away from home I've ever been.
Frodo: Come on, Sam. Remember what Bilbo used to say: "It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to."

I can help but think "Oh please let me be swept off to an adventure."  And should I ended up disappointed and with some red hips that will be ok too because I went...because I lived life!