Feeling Fruity

Early yesterday morning, just after I got up and began to get ready for our busy day, I began to think about my children. And not just think about them but REALLY think about them. What makes them tick? Why do they do certain things? Will they stay asleep until I can get out of the shower? How's their obedience? How's their relationship with God? Are they growing and maturing spiritually as well as physically? How are they like me? Why?

Grandmother, The Mama, Jorja

During my shower Jorja was "dissected" in the most detail. If you ask which child is the most dramatic or the most whiny, without doubt or hesitation we'd all say Jorja. She'd probably agree. What makes her this way?
I remembered a time, I was a little younger than she is now, I stayed with a family and I was the "cry baby." Of course, this title just made me cry.
Jorja is a touchy-feely gal. She is often reminded to keep her hands to herself. She's loving (and a little rough).
I love hugs (most of the time), I pat people when I'm talking to them, I love to touch my littles' faces and hands. 
Jorja's LOVE of touch can also be a source of irritation (even to this touchy mama).
Jorja has opinions about how she thinks things should be.
O Lord, help this little apple! She's beginning to drop right beside the trunk.

The hurry set in to get somewhere on time and so these thoughts about the children were set aside.

During Bible study, the part where we go around and discuss our answers to questions, for some reason it got quiet when we got to this question: What would Apollos have learned from the teaching of John the Baptist? (that's not a direct quote but close enough).
I looked at my answer. I waited. Then in a deep, loud voice - while my hand raised dramatically, I proclaimed, "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at Hand!" (that was NOT what I had written down).
The children's teacher sitting next to me burst into laughter. "You sound just like Alex!"

If you ask us which child has the wildest sense of humor, or the best acting skills, or the desire to entertain, without doubt or hesitation we'd all say Alex. He'd tell a joke.
I recently had to write about myself (history, testimony, thoughts) and this was part of the reply I received, "we enjoyed your thoroughness (and your sense of humor)."
Alex laughs at his own jokes. I find me funny. We love when people laugh.
I also love jumping around corners or through doors and scaring people (especially Gene - but never old folks or pregnant ladies - that's just NOT funny - they could fall or kill over or pee).
Alex and Elijah try often to scare me. But they are no match for my Mama-bat-ears and calm demeanor (okay, mostly I'm calm - when I'm not they know that trying to be funny may not be the best idea).
When we do our Easter play, Alex is a natural actor. He really plays the part.
Lord, this little apple may go way out on a limb! He's beginning to drop, in a nice shady spot.

Ava is independent and responsible. Gene recently called me his "independent-dependent wife" (I do my own thing but still rely heavily on him). I have eight children and haven't killed any of them yet. That's got to be a sign of some responsibility.

Autumn, would quickly be described as the sullen, quiet one, moody. Needy of attention and care and yet not sure how to get it. I'm not great at making new friends. I am needy. I can be alone, happily for hours. (I would actually love to be alone for hours). My moods have been know to change with the wind.

Elijah, worrisome. He loves to cook. He doesn't like to clean up after cooking. He would be fine and dandy just doing the basics to survive. He fiercely loves. (I'm just going to raise my hand and declare, "Me too!)

Lora is the sweet one. Precious in so many ways. BUT . . . please don't cross her. She will really let you have it and we will all know about it. (I think she may be sweeter than me but has differently studied my deceptive smile when someone is "unpleasant" and I HAVE to deal with them). This is also the child who committed with me last year to make our beds everyday. It's supposed to make you happier. We've been doing pretty well.

Jacob is my sweet boy and Josiah is the baby boy - I'm not sure I'm "removed" enough from their baby-ness to honestly access them. Their sweetness and meanness, their talents and strengths are just beginning to shine. Jacob has been a Mama's boy but is beginning to turn more toward his daddy. He is struggling to get a hold on letters and writing his name right now. He plays hard and rest hard. Josiah has been daddy's boy, but still takes the time to love on his mama. At three, he draws wonderful pictures and has begun to copy his name (or any word) legibly (we continue to be amazed). I can NOT claim his genius.

All this ramble to say, apples certainly do not fall far from the tree. And it can be embarrassing.