Friday, September 11, 2009

The Edge of the World






"And so all the shepherds went into Bethlehem to find Jesus!"

I realize she's been staring into space when Janie turns her head to me, "So who watched all the sheep while they were gone?"

And then later, gathered around a small deli-table eating Costco pizza, "Daddy, when can I touch the edge of the world?"

It's hardly minutes later that our edge-less world rolls few paces down the field. At first it's so funny with Lucy there passing gas in the food-court. With the confidence of a presidential candidate she is cracking one, then another. And then all of the sudden we wondering how she's managed to soil right up the back of her shirt, onto the cart, past the seat belt, onto the floor. Of course Janie and Jack begin to shout that there is some on the floor and a giddy swarm of flies gathers.

"Janie!" Her eyes are HUGE. "Jane. Pretend like you don't notice." It is a command. She stares at me. "Pretend like you don't notice." It is sort of hard to ignore the flies, but she does a very serious fake-stare at a nearby advertisement for blinds. Craig sprints to the car. And for a moment, I begin to wonder if I might actually be at the edge of the world after all.



8 comments:

Barbi said...

Yes, I've definitely had the same experience, but at Target (with no husband there to help though!!)... You're kids are adorable Bethany. And I LOVE that picture of you!! Very flattering. Love you

Craig and Bethany said...

Aw, thanks! I do have a wonderful hair stylist. :)

Susan Cowger said...

It's like marking time--marching without going anywhere, a kind of pacing or moon walk. It's one of those front of the brain skills that postpones the urge to actually run out of Costco at least until Craig (aka Daddy)really is back. A necessary skill especially for a woman/mom. I knew my fierce lil Emma could manage it. Star on your forehead for not just dripping your way to the car HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Candice said...

I'm SO sorry! I think you'd have a hard time finding a mom who hasn't had such an experiance! Maybe not the dripping onto the floor part. That may be one for the books! :) Lucky you! And I second Barbie. You look beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Pretend not to notice? Hahaha! Your Janie is one special girl to pull that off.

Daiquiri said...

Oh NO! This is me giving you a sympathy hug (yet cackling wildly).

"UP AND OUT THE NECK HOLE?!?" is one of my favorite quotes from when I had little ones. Oh my.

Craig and Bethany said...

Hugs to you all. Soooo glad I'm in good company. Hee-hee.

Olson Family said...

oh my. Have you submitted this one to "Motherhood" magazine yet?

Thank you for sharing all your moments!!!

I'm giggling right now... with empathy at the forefront of the giggles. So been there.