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One Part Glitter, Two Parts Dirt

April 3, 2012 by Elaine

The too warm water runs over my hands as I scrub another dish and the ketchup remnants fall into the sink.  I hear the cardinal in the crepe myrtyle across the way chirping and I see his red feathers flash as he makes his way closer to my window.  I think about how I wish I had a zoom lens for my camera so I could capture his crimson down.

Behind me I hear her protests as her brother tries to take a toy from her.  Over and over he tries to convince her that it is his turn, the whine coming more into his voice with each plea.  I listen, hoping they can work it out, but probably knowing better.  I could count to a million how many times I’ve told him that the best way to get what he wants from her is to offer her something different.  But in the moment he wants what he wants NOW and all my suggestions are for naught.

I wipe the table of milk from cereal and toast crumbs and yogurt splatters.   And I find so much more to wipe since it’s been a few meals since I even did this.  But even so, at this point in my life I feel like a professional wiper.

The harsh but still cute tones from the living room have subsided and I smile to myself, happy they got past it themselves but knowing the next confrontation could be only seconds away.  They are just little children after all.  And in a sea of toys they always want the same.

Next I sweep the floor, which is full of both little pieces of dirt and tiny specks of glitter.  And so as I pour it all into the trash the dirt sparkles and I realize that this is my life, pretty dirty at times, but with a little glitter to make it shine.

a picture from the past, just for the fun of it.  they all still make these same faces. 

Filed Under: Kids, Life, Misc., Motherhood, writing

« At 2:47 p.m. he’ll be 8
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Comments

  1. Alison@Mama Wants This says

    April 3, 2012 at 3:22 am

    I love your perspective. Y’know, even in dirt, there is glitter.

  2. Galit Breen says

    April 3, 2012 at 3:44 am

    Oh how I love that last line.

    (And the photo! SO adorable!)

    xo

  3. Heather says

    April 3, 2012 at 10:17 am

    Great perspective. It is what motherhood is all about.

  4. Kmama says

    April 3, 2012 at 12:31 pm

    So true!! I’m glad I was able to read this today.

  5. Kameron says

    April 3, 2012 at 1:40 pm

    I know the feeling. My son never wnted to play with baby toys when he was a baby, but now that they belong to someone else wants nothing else! He even tried to ride her trike. Oh well. 🙂

  6. redemptionsbeauty says

    April 3, 2012 at 3:56 pm

    And this too shall pass – all that endless wiping. There is glitter in each lovely stage of life, yours and theirs. Nice to meet you through Just Write.

  7. Kenlie says

    April 3, 2012 at 4:23 pm

    That’s a beautiful perspective! xoxo

  8. Kimberly says

    April 3, 2012 at 9:01 pm

    I love your perspective! Sometimes it’s hard to see it that way, but it is so true!

  9. Jennifer says

    April 3, 2012 at 11:19 pm

    I love this and I think it is a perfect title.

  10. Kat says

    April 4, 2012 at 12:30 am

    A perfect description of motherhood. 🙂
    Beautiful post!

  11. Julia Hunter says

    April 4, 2012 at 12:43 am

    Glitter and dirt, so true.

  12. Meagan says

    April 4, 2012 at 2:53 am

    I’m totally going to remember this…a little glitter to make my dirt shine…thank God for the glitter, right?

  13. alita jewel says

    April 4, 2012 at 3:00 pm

    I’ve said it once and I will say it again. Glitter heals. 🙂

    Your imagery here is delightful. This was such a easy and delightful read.

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Miss Elaine-ous Me

Hi! I'm Elaine, a transplanted Texan who has spent almost 16 years living in Cajun country. I am re-married to Brandon and we have five "kids" together, ages 21, 18, 17, 16 and 15 and crazy but cute dog, Charlie. I am also an office manager, occasional writer, prayer, and lover of life! Find me on Instagram (misselaine0375) and contact me at misselaineous0375 (at) gmail (dot) com.

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