“This old leg of mine is killin’ me!”
I’m sure most of you have heard me say that Gage is a challenging kid. He really is, whether you believe me or not! I can’t tell you how good it feels when someone who has been around us for a while says, “you’re right, he really does drain your energy. I’m tired just from hanging out with you!” As a result of him draining much of my energy, I have formed some pretty common phrases that I feel like I repeat throughout the day. I’ve also found coping mechanisms to get me through. So, I thought I’d share some of these with you. Then, I’ll fill you in on why I chose to title this post as I did.
“Please stop whistling”, “I can’t answer any questions right now”, “Gage, you’re gonna have to settle down, I just can’t take it”, “that is really annoying, Gage”, “honey, that’s really not funny”, hmmmm what else….. “stop entertaining your brother”, “do not run in here, Gage”, “I am not going to tolerate how you’re acting right now”, “go and find something quiet to do”, and when it really gets bad….”you are really getting on my nerves right now”. I know, that’s really not a good thing to say to your kid, is it?
Okay, now I’ll move on to some of my coping mechanisms.
We used to have unlimited minutes on our cell phone, and my number one coping mechanism while in the car was to immediately grab my cell phone and call someone. I just can’t even describe how much he talks. And, since Gage understood he was to be quiet while I was on the phone, it was a quick way to get him to be quiet. Now, since we no longer have those wonderful unlimited minutes, I use the radio. It works for Shea, too. Well, sort of. If they are driving me crazy, I just turn the radio up really loud so that I can barely hear them. Oh, and another thing that has been a life-saver is “Adventures in Odyssey”. Yes, I have to sacrifice listening to what I’d prefer, but it’s worth it.
I know I probably sound like a horrible mom, but when you spend 24 hours a day with a 7 year old boy who will sap every bit of energy out of you, you HAVE to find ways to get past those tough times that make you feel like you’re gonna snap! By the way, the “Y” has helped me tremendously, too. But, that’s for another post.
So, what does the title have to do with anything. Well, as frustrated as I tend to get with Gage, he is a pretty funny kid. Yesterday, we were leaving campus (where we live) and he realized his bike was still laying on the playground. If we don’t put it away, they’ll take it and fine us, so I told him to get out and put it away. When he got back in the car he was limping a little and said, “Man, this old leg of mine is killin’ me!” I laughed and said, “Old leg?” And he said, “yeah, it’s old, I mean 7 and a half years, that’s old, Mom!”
Gotta love him. Even if I can barely think by the end of the day!
7 comments
You don’t sound that bad. My standard to Shaylea, who rivals Gage with the nonstop talking is, “Shaylea, I love you, but I don’t want to hear your voice right now.” That works really well!
Hilarious Lyra! I can imagine you need a break sometime. I’ll be glad to entertain Gage for a while when I get there! He really is great and YOU are an incredible Mom! You know I’d be struggling not to use a few choice words. “Shut the (insert 4 letters here) up!” Lord have mercy on my future children.
Lyra,
Wow!!! I totally have just started going through that with Elijah (3) WHY? WHY? WHY? Is all I hear………….AAAAGGGHHH!!!! I guess I have a few more years before it gets any better. You know how Bill O’reilly has the NO SPIN ZONE. I have created the NO TALKING ZONE in the car. I just have to say you have entered the NO TALKING ZONE and it actually works right now since he is 3. He will catch on, but now he thinks it is a fun game. You are a beautiful person, do NOT be so hard on yourself. It’s times like those when we have to remember how GOD is so very good to us. Try 99.1 fm if all else fails. (It helps)
You are totally a good Mom! When I have to keep female Gage (Shaylea) all day, I am so used to ignoring her voice that when she really needs me she has had to throw something at me…seriously!
Yep, Father of the year, right here!
Thanks for the encouragement, guys! And, Sean, you need to teach Jared that skill of tuning out. He hasn’t learned it yet, and I think it would be quite a benefit for him. He’s amazed at my ability to tune out.
Thanks for the laugh, Mandy! And, the encouragement! Believe me, I’ve been very tempted and mumbled quite a few things under my breath. Or, stormed off into my room and then said everything you can think of where he can’t hear it. Amazing how kids just bring the worst out in you at times. God uses them to show us our sinfulness and need for a Savior, that’s for sure.
LYRA!!! Oh my gosh, I was dying laughing when I read this. I so can hear you saying these things to Gage and seethe look on his face. But whats even funnier is that not only do I hear you saying them, but I can hear myself saying hte EXACT things, replacing “Gage” with “Cayla.” That is hilarious. Gage is so crazy too. I love you!
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