Lindleys-Life as we know it.

Wade, Deanna, Ryan, Colby, Taylor and Mayley



Friday, May 14, 2010

I'll NEVER say that to my kids....

Do you ever look in the mirror and see your mother? Do you ever say something and turn around to look for your mom? I remember several instances in my childhood where my parents did or said something and I swore I was never going to say or do that to MY kids.
As I have 'matured' and become a parent myself, I have come to a different understanding, and have experienced for myself the frustration of not being able to get my kids to take me seriously...I have even found myself on the verge... of becoming my mother.

The other day my boys were fighting. I had begged, pleaded and threatened...but the fighting persisted... Finally, I had, had enough...I stormed down the stairs...fuming and trying to find the words to express my exasperation. I rounded the corner and, In my less than patient voice, began..."If you boys don't stop this fighting I'm going to ... to.... " the smiles began to creep across their faces and I was racking my brain for the threat of all threats....
Suddenly I was taken back to a time, when I must have been, 12 or 13 years old, riding in the car with my mom, three brothers, and my sister. Daniel (my youngest sibling) must have been 3 or 4 at the time and had been antagonizing his us relentlessly...My mom had, had all she could stand.
"Daniel Ammon Scott, If you don't sit down and keep your hands to yourself...I'm going to... I'm going to... pull your hair out....in handful's.... and it's....going to...grow back...BLACK AND CURLY!"

As soon as the words left her mouth, I burst into uncontrollable laughter...Daniel uncontrollable sobbing.
I looked at my mother and said, "What did you just say?" She looked at me and said "I don't know?" Then we were ALL laughing (except for Daniel... I'm sure the image of his blonde, straight hair being pulled out and regrowing black and curly had something to do with it.) At the time I just thought my mother had completely lost it. Now I have more understanding and empathy for what she must have been feeling, but unable to express that day.

Sometimes...your kids leave you speechless...sometimes they bring you to say things you really wish you wouldn't have.

9 comments:

Trish said...

I have often found that "speechless" is best but I have a hard time remembering that in moments of desperation!

Jason & Claire said...

This is the best story I've ever heard! I wish I could say I don't understand. Too bad I understand all too well;)

Brett and Mandy said...

Funniest story ever! What really makes me laugh is now i know where Brett gets all his ridiculous threats for the girls from. Sometimes he says things to them in anger and i'm like "really? who says that?", now i know....too funny

Robyn said...

YOU, yell at your kids??? I'm soooo glad to hear that - I was beginning to think that you lived in a castle with a handsome prince and lovely subjects who worshipped the ground you walk on! Whew! Maybe I can come visit now that it's a NORMAL house! hahaha And that black and curly comment... TOO FUNNY! Laughed out loud. You're a great mom - go ahead and give them some MEMORIES to quote later on!!!! ;o)

aubri said...

That story's awesome! I love how you write, it makes it even THAT much more entertaining! Seriously, such a funny post!

Kimberly said...

That's the perfect Anderson response!! I SO love it!! I'm not alone!

Anonymous said...

So funny Deanna...I know exactly how Chase once told me he didnt like me so I got so upset I told him then if he didnt like me we could go to Walmart and find him a new mommy...not nice I know, but he never said it again...:)

Laurel said...

That story makes me laugh...probably because, like you, I soooo get it now. I may even store that little saying away for future use. :0) xoxo

The Pfau's said...

Haha!! I remember sitting next to Daniel when mom was screaming that at him and he was sooo upset. So funny! Although now I think black curly hair would be more fitting for Daniel.