So we had a party Friday. A s'more making, water balloon throwing, hot dog toasting, crazy girl playing extravaganza . The girls and I. (And tons of pink marshmallows, M&Ms, and wicked chocolate/sugar things.)
It wasn't until campfire time, when the fire was roaring and everyone was starving, that we realized: I forgot the wienie roasting sticks.
Good thing we had a new rake. We sterilized it and threaded on our dogs and voila, a wienie roast. Ah yes. A country girl can survive.
Happily, I might add.
They had wanted to go to the mall. I said I'd rather eat dirty glass than take a dozen 10 and 11 year-olds to Claire's. They asked for another outing, then, to Game World or some such place. Um... I have an idea, I said. Let's do this instead....
But Miss Brin! they argued, we want to have FUN.
Bless their poor little mall rat want-to-be hearts. I don't think any of them had a lick of fun. Especially not with the water balloons. Or the cosmic candy worm eating. Or the giant swing jumping. Or the campfire. Or the commando in the dark we played later, complete with flashlights and code words ("Afghanistan Bananastan") and sneaky girl attacks at the finish line.
Nope, not a bit of fun. Poor darlings.Smile
Funny how I've always wanted a daughter ... prayed, prayed, prayed for a little girl to love and raise. And it's funny how God brought these girls into my life. I fought and fought teaching this class. But God, I argued, I want to teach older girls. I want to have FUN.
Nope, not a bit of fun. (Ha.) They've taught me so much. They've challenged me and encouraged me and pushed me and blessed me. (And pelted me with water balloons.) God love 'em. I had a blast. I'll miss them this summer.
Gosh. Isn't it almost insane how we think we know what's best? How we think we have it all figured out? And isn't it strange how disappointment can lead to delight? Isn't it odd to think how sometimes on the way to a dream you can get lost and find a better one?
I love the last line of your post! So true! The pictures in this post are great, so bright and cheerful. I'm glad that you had a fun time with these girls. I'm sure that they will remember you for the fun and love that you gave them.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos of some terribly disappointed gals.
ReplyDeleteYour closing comments are thought-provoking and true. So often the thing we resist is the very answer to a prayer. Guess God's kinda cool that way, eh?
Loved it! We often "make our plans" but it's God who directs our steps!
ReplyDeletePoor girls. . . :) If only they could have enjoyed themselves more, been a bit cheerier. Is that even a word?
ReplyDeleteAnywho, wonderful post. You're so good at making us think, Brin. Thank you.
Have a wonderful time in Hesperus. Can't wait to see the pictures!
Blessings.
You planned such a fun party, Brin! You and the girls made lasting memories!
ReplyDeleteGod truly does work out things for us,His ways are always the best!
Wonderful fun! Think how many of those little girls' prayers you have been an answer to!
ReplyDeleteGod does know us best and does know what is best. I prayed for a little girl and was blessed by two wonderful sons who are now two wonderful men. Looking back, I now see that I was meant to mother sons. The longing for a daughter has been answered with a wonderful granddaughter born 2 months ago. Thank you for sharing your heart. Know that the Lord knows the longing of your heart. He knows us better than we know ourselves
I can't think of anything better than the path God has chosen for you. To be mother-in-standing, mentor and friend to these girls. They will be so much better for knowing that God showed them his love through someone who cared enough to give of herself. God will forever bless you. xxoo
ReplyDeleteMy dad has a very interesting thought when it comes to dreams.
ReplyDeleteGod will not give us our dreams, until we let our dream die.
Paula in Alaska
Awwww, what a fun party. I especially love the ingenuity with the garden implement roasting the dogs. Too funny. :o)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time in CO. We'll be here, cheering you on in your writing and rejuvenation, and awaiting your awesome photos. Have a wonderful time!
Blessings,
mickey
What a great time! You know those girls will have those memories long after the Claire's goodies would have lasted.
ReplyDeleteYou know so often we get caught up in making our plans that when something comes along and changes them we can get all cranky. But, we just have to remember how much He loves us and wants what is right for us.
"...we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
May God bless this new chapter in your life. Enjoy the journey.
I can't imagine NOT having with fun with you! I'm so glad you had such a good time, and what great photos and memories you gave them all! You will be that mama one day and it's going to be so natural for you! I'm gonna miss you this summer! Hugs!!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I know so well how children can touch your heart. I have Colorado kids in my heart from 18 years ago. I was a student teacher and took six kids to see Jaimie Escalante and then out for pizza. Those dear kids are still thought about and prayed for by me. The awesome thing is I have found two of them on myspace and we've re-connected. You'll have these girls forever. Kathi
ReplyDeleteYour party looked fun! Way more fun than going to Claires. And I liked how you guys used a rake to cook your hot dogs.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I used your skillet cookie recipe at a get together tonight and it was quite a hit!
Have a good holiday~
Grace
Very cool!
ReplyDeleteBecky K.
It sounds like wonderful memories were made for you and the girls! I'm sure they'll look back on that day and get a smile on their face for many years to come!!
ReplyDeleteOh Brin, I have a huge smile on my face thinking of some of my daughters girl friends about that age....what fun they were at that age! :) You are awesome! Most adults would have taken them to Claire's, it would have been easier wouldn't it? Cherish them!
ReplyDeleteThat rake is the COOLest idea I have seen in a long while.
ReplyDelete