Hurry...It's Coming......

Every weekday Irwin and I meet Carrie at her work and pick up Clark.  We usually go to the park; do a few projects; feed him his lunch; read a few books; take a nap; grab a snack; and drive back to meet Mommy.

As we are trying to move Clark along to meet Mommy before the traffic gets too busy on Loop 820 around NE Mall.  Not aware of our constant reminder to "HURRY before traffic gets too BAD"...Clark was taking it all in with concern.

Yesterday, Clark asked, "Where is the traffic?"
I quickly answered, "It's coming our about 5 o'clock (p.m.)."
Is Grandaddy going to go with us?
Not today, Grandaddy has something else to do.  I'll drive us today.  But we need to hurry and get going before the traffic gets too bad."
Are we going to see traffic today?
Where is traffic?
It's not here, yet?
He put his head down and closed his eyes.  "I don't want to see traffic!"
Then it began to dawn on me that I had frightened him of something big and bad that he didn't know what it was.
So, the rest of the trip to Mommy's work was spent in a very detailed explanation about traffic!
....and again today we talked about TRAFFIC in a more calm manner.

The Art of Snuggling......

The cold days are great for snuggling!  Snuggling breaks the chill....whether snuggling with a one of those sleeve blankets seen on TV & a cup of hot moca-coffee;  or with a your favorite movie & a box of chocolates; a good book; a big furry dog; your handsome sweetheart & a nice fire in the fireplace; or a soft fuzzy blanket while you watch the snow fall with the kids & talk about walking to school barefoot in the snow...etc..   However, IF you try to snuggle up to a WET blanket....it just won't work....Hang it out to dry and finish the book by the glowing fire!!

"The Happy Song"

Listen to this very brief & happy song....sung by Clark.  Come on!   Sing along if you like! .... If by chance you've forgotten the words & tune from when you were three years old, just watch & listen the first time through...... then click on "Replay"..... On the 2nd play,  you really should be able to join right in ..... it will possibly bring back memories of when you have had your own "Happy Song" .... Guaranteed to bring a smile anytime you repeat it.  

Caution: It can become addictive!  The more you play & sing along, the closer your smile becomes a chuckle & then a giggle & who knows you might even show some teeth!  

Perhaps sometime during the day when you or your friend needs a "Happy Song" you could share it with them.   Can you imagine what this world would be like if we all carried this little "Happy Song" to keep it ready just in case of an emergency? ....such as: 

• On a long and tiring flight that is non-stop and so is the passenger next to you .... Just softly begin to sing "The Happy Song."  Your smile will work it's way to your face and before long the whole plane is singing and happy.

• In traffic, on the Interstate,..... begin "The Happy Song" and your commute could be contagious!
   
• In the waiting room of the dentist.....B-I-N-G-O! ...and you could have created yourself a new job encouraging the anxious patients!
• Shopping those horrific isles at the supermarket when everyone is in the "me first" mode, break out in full voice with your "Happy Song" accompanied with your very best Sunday smile... guarantee the isle you're on will either empty or you will be joined with a chorus!
• At the Ball Park in those long crowded corridors leaving the game, you may have to sing "The Happy Song" through a couple of times, smiling and gesturing with your arms for the guys to join in, but before long you will ..... (well, I'm not sure the results; I've never been in that situation.) 
   
•  Payday-Saturday at the mall.... when the families of eight are pushing twin baby-strollers up the wrong side into on coming traffic.  Lead your family in "The Happy Song" and everyone will immediately back up to the walls, take out their picture-taking I-phones thinking you are beginning a Flash Mob experience....(wave, smile, and enjoy the clear path).
• Husbands!  In the delivery room (oops!) .... On second thought, this might be when you would want to sing silently to yourself and wait to do your giggles when that blessed bundle arrives you will be ready to teach him/her their first song.... "The Happy Song."  And just wait until you hear your little precious eventually sing it back to you!
   
• One of my favorite movies is "The Unsinkable Molly Brown",  with Debbie Reynolds.  She portrayed a woman who definitely refused to focus on the dangers and troubles, but kept her sights and heart on "The Happy Song" saving an dangerously overloaded lifeboat.
  
  "Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms."  (Psalm 95:2)
  
  "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise." (Psalm 98:4)
  "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4)
  
  " Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:8-9)