meet dilly and dally

The dryer drones early, breathing steam into the foggy morning, while Dilly and Dally melt into the furniture.

They've taken a cue from our more relaxed schedule - evenings open for a game of Clue and snuggling on my bed - and getting my kids to get up and out the door in the morning has been taxing.

(Or at least it would be if I was hovering nearby. I've gone as far as putting in for the license, but I'm not quite ready for a chopper.)

Dilly's moods seem more volatile lately. I remember we went through this for a while last year; I see Greg's absence is weighing on him more, the older he gets. He's testing my authority, and I'm not sure what to make of these changes in our relationship.

We've been reading together each night, on his bed and the extra attention seems to quell his outbursts. I only wish he hadn't picked a Star Wars book featuring Jar-Jar Binks. The dialogue might be the end of me, reading aloud and mincing the alien language. But I'm willing to do it if it helps bridge the gap.

(I've got a lot to learn about raising a man.)

Dally took one hundred pictures on our field trip to the gorge Wednesday, amid wind gusts and salmon and a hatchery.

I think a dozen or so are devoted to a certain boy, making kooky faces for her.

I am dazzled by how thoughtful and grown up this batch of fifth graders has become over the past 6 years. When inundated with bad news every time I tune in, it cheers me to know these kids are baking up fine, despite it all.

(And 10 and 11 year olds grasp the global news quite well. I heard talk about the 'bad economy'; even Lexi's letter to Santa had concessions made to address the coming recession. I wonder if this will stem the consumer tide in this generation coming up.)

I'm wandering on the page, taking my cue from my kids it seems.

I lost my point somewhere along the way, and the bus in coming; the brakes give it away.

I'm off. I'm scurrying to the end of my post, blowing you quick kisses, grateful it's Friday.

Comments

Bee said…
Dilly and Dally visit me, too. They sure do get around. Too bad *they* don't make dinner so we can read our favorite blogs. :)
My kids' testing occurs in spurts. Something about age 10 and double digits makes them feel powerful I guess. But the testiness comes and it goes. And comes and goes. And my firmness does the same. I want to be more consistent but it takes so much energy.
Bee said…
haha, I'm laughing at my own bad self. Being a fairly new reader, I didn't know Dilly and Dally were your kids. I thought they were similar to Jekyll and Hyde moods brought to life in yourself. (Reread your post, it so works..or maybe I just had far too much coffee today)
Jodi Anderson said…
I hope that you have a beautiful and seasonal weekend. :)
flutter said…
have a great weekend, babe
Nora said…
Happy weekend! I love hearing about well-adjusted fifth graders.
stephanie said…
Love the taking photos on the field trip bit; if only I had had a camera at 10...

Friday was so very welcome this week, wasn't it?
Tricia said…
I've been rather focused on raising a little boy, but now that you've so nicely pointed out that we're actually raising men, and I now have all these questions and pressures flurrying in my head, I think I have to dilly dally over to the bookstore.
Madge said…
i hope you had a wonderful, wonderful weekend....
katydidnot said…
i totally dig when you wander around with dilly and dally. it's sublime.
lapoflux said…
Mornings are taxing at our house too. Ugh.
Jar-Jar Binks - you deserve mom of the year for that - Stu has yet to discover him. Phew (for now).
I like your perspective on watching Lexi and her friends grow... that must be interesting, something for me to look forward to.

Hope the weekend was great.
JCK said…
I hope you got some good breaths this weekend and space for you.

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