Saturday, January 29, 2011

My Husband Joins the Circus



My husband’s idea of a vacation means a week of doing what he wants. Up early Monday morning, he got his breakfast then he would dive right into one of the strategy games he loved so much.

The three older children dragged themselves in like zombies to grab their breakfast before school only to stop and stare at their dad, who was normally at work by now.

“Dad, what are you doing home?” the oldest asked.

In his matter of fact voice he said, “Oh I quit my job. I decided I want to join the circus. I have an audition for the high wire act this morning.”

An immediate chorus of nu-uh’s echoed in the kitchen.

That afternoon when the kids got home from school, they ran in to ask their dad how the audition went.

“Well, turns out I’m a little too heavy for the high wire, but they said I could come back tomorrow for the human cannonball act.”

A little excited, the kids ran off to display their reaction.

I have to say that I was enjoying this too, confirming to them that he was really auditioning.

The next morning dad was sitting at the breakfast table again, not at work, as he would be all week. Each evening telling the kids that he didn’t make the cut and then reassuring them that he would be back the next day to try something else, a trapeze artist, a lion tamer or working with the elephants. What kind of parents are we?

That Friday, a neighbor came over to visit me.

“Is everything with Brad’s job ok?” She was concerned.

I assured her that his job was well and we had no worries.

Then she explained that she was helping in the classroom earlier. They were discussing jobs. Specifically what jobs their dads have.

Samantha, our third, got up in front of the class to tell her peers that her father works in the circus.

***

“Dad since you didn’t get into the circus, what are you going to do?”

“I think I want to be a nurse.”


Monday, January 10, 2011

The art of Chocolate

Every year, after I have forgotten about all the back aches, cold noses and toes, I dip chocolates.
Don't get me wrong, I love doing it. I especially love the joy it brings others. Not many people hate chocolate.
The Tradition started with my Grandma Richardson. Every year we would go over to her house and help roll the cherry cordials for her to dip. I loved it. We would spend hours talking about everything under the sun. She never let me do the actual dipping cause the pot was just too hot for us.
After I got married I found that my sister-in-law dipped chocolates. She taught me the art of hand dipping. Much different from what my grandmother did.
Fifteen years later I continue the tradition. And My Grandmother Calls me every year to thank me for them and for caring out her tradition.
I have taught a couple of my friends and we now make a weekend of it up in Bear lake.
Cutting the centers to size takes up one whole day.
With modern technology, dipping is now easier and faster!!

And the view is fabulous.