Fluffles and Farts

I know I promised more on waiting for God, but I think I am going to take a short break for some light-hearted moments from the life of a single mom. I will return to the subject of waiting in a few days.

For now, I would like to introduce you to my children. I have these three amazing kids who keep my life busy and fun. I couldn’t start to tell you how amazing they are, but I will try to give you a glimpse into our lives.

My oldest is 13 years old and 6’1” tall! He stands head and shoulders above most kids—in more than one way! You must understand that at 5’4” tall, I am considered an amazon in my family! I really hope that he stops growing soon because I am going broke just trying to feed him and keep him in clothes! He is this brilliant kid who is also kind and respectful. He loves to be surrounded by friends, and I always have a house (or driveway) full of boys!

My middle child is 10 (almost 11) years old, and he got his height DNA from my family! He was devastated last winter when we went to Universal Studios, and he was not quite tall enough to ride the big roller coasters! He is a smart, kind, caring, all-American boy. I was recently told that he looks like a kid out of a Norman Rockwell painting. He is a passionate child who looks at life with the motto, “It’s kinda scary, but I can do it!” He has been known to choose a quiet evening alone with his mom over friends. (Am I lucky, or what?)

My little girl looks at the world as her stage! She loves to be the center of attention. Every part of her life is a song. If it’s not, she makes it one! She recently participated in a 5k with me, but she didn’t run or walk—she did cartwheels! She is confident, funny, kind, and has a deep love for God. She can look at me and know when I am down, and she immediately goes into encourager mode. She keeps us on our toes!

All three of my children have this incredible sense of humor. You never know exactly what will be said, but you can always count on a good laugh at my house.

On a recent weekend, my oldest had a friend over. As we were driving down the road, Blake began to discuss farts—mine, in particular. He was telling his friend that my flatulence was high-pitched—and he demonstrated the sound. I interrupted and told him that my bodily noises were really not something that we discuss with our friends, so the conversation ended.

At least until science class the following Monday…

During class, for some strange reason, Blake’s teacher was discussing farts in class.

The science teacher, while lecturing on weather, informs the students that women don’t fart; they fluffle!

“Blake’s mom fluffles,” interjects Blake’s friend.

The teacher responds, “You spend enough time with Blake’s mom to know that she fluffles?”

“No. Blake told me,” responds the friend.

After school, as Blake recounts the story to me, I found myself horrified—and laughing hysterically! Can you imagine a class full of thirteen year old kids discussing your bodily sounds? My mind was filled with all kinds of images of what these early teen kids must have been saying and doing.

I asked Blake if everyone was laughing as much as I was. He said that the class was actually pretty quiet.

“They kind of looked at me as if they were wondering if I was going to punch him in the face,” Blake responded.

And, despite Blake’s mild-mannered disposition, I have no doubt that he would defend his mama or his sister—or anyone he loves—if he felt it was necessary! Fortunately, he didn’t choose to defend me in class that day. He was actually in a state of shock.

As I continued laughing (truthfully, it’s been nearly two weeks, and I still find myself laughing), he appeared somewhat relieved. He confessed that he was afraid that I would be mad at him or his friend. Horrified? Yes. Embarrassed? Yes. Mad? Never!

As I reflect on this incident, I am so thankful that I have a relationship with my teenage son that allows him to come to me and talk to me, even if he fears it might make me mad. I am thankful that this is truly one of the worst things I have had to deal with so far in my 13 years as a mother. I am thankful that his friends are comfortable enough with me to embarrass me in class. I am thankful that my kids have such a great sense of humor. I am thankful for the gift of laughter. I am thankful for each of my kids because my life would be so boring without them! I am truly blessed!

Proverbs 17:22 says, A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. I can set the tone in my home by my attitude. If I come home from work with a smile and joy in my heart, my home is an enjoyable place for the evening. If I walk through the door and start issuing orders, the atmosphere is tense and unpleasant. I am so thankful for the gift of laughter!

I pray that God always gives me the ability to look at life and laugh at myself. I never want to take myself too seriously, and I want my kids to have memories of a mom who laughed—a lot! I want to enjoy this life that God has given me. I want to have a cheerful heart and share that medicine with everyone around me.