Thursday, January 6, 2011

a united front

dear emily,

i know very little about the art of war but, having seen some great
war movies, understand that a united front is essential to victory.
my experience in battle was for the lives of my teenagers, and a 
reason for our success was hans' and my arms linked side by side
as a kryptonite shield.

one of my favorite sayings during those 14 years was, "it's a great
thing that hans and i still love each other, because sometimes, we
are the only ones in our house who do!"

those adolescents were slippery and stealthy.  they could turn our
words back on us with greater skill than the wiliest  defense
attorney.  they had the ability to slip through windows, leap tall
buildings, hear through walls,  and exert superhuman control
over facial muscles.  they also exhibited enhanced speed (only
in automobiles), endurance, and stamina to stay up all night.

google image


AND they discovered our greatest weakness.  we cared.  we
actually cared for those teenage earthlings.

which, of course, was one of our secret weapons.

love,
lea

"there is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear . . ."
1 john 4:18

27 comments:

Farm Girl said...

In my case, they were smarter than me and have better reasoning skills.A united front I think is better than anything else in the world. The kids knowing that they couldn't get between us, I think gave greater stability. It is all true what you said in the post.

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

you already know I am laughing out loud! This is so clever, and so RIGHT ON!! Your kids are going to love reading this one day when they have THEIR kids!!

You, Hans and HE... that strand of 3... that's the real secret!

Cindy said...

True words! I know this firsthand having raised three kids and with one still at home (16 year old).

Joyfull said...

Great points! May love always lead and guide our lives, especially with teenagers! Thanks for sharing!

Debbie said...

LOVED this, haha...Soo true.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Yes and Amen...with four out of the nest, and one age 15 this week, this is so true.
You are so talented with your words...you can express a whole season of parenting with great visuals. Those teens also turn red and say, "get a room" when you hug and kiss on your spouse...it brings them so much security to muddle through those years!!

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Beautiful words, Lea. I hope your new year is off to a wonderful start! xxxx

Darcie said...

I have just adored your last two post! I sometimes feel bad for our oldest that has to go through everything first. I feel like she is our genie pig for figuring out the teenage years. But like you and Han...an united front and caring will take us a long ways!

Vee said...

Amen to that and it will be woe unto any couple who thinks it can be any other way. I really like what Sonja said...John always points to a rope of three strands...the strongest of all.

Southern Lady said...

Wow, Lea! It's like you have been in our house over the past few days. Your description of the teenage years fits to the "T". I only hope that my girls will understand that everything that we do is because we care. Thanks for letting me know that we are not alone! Carla

Deidra said...

So true! United we stand and divided we...well...we're divided. You share wisdom here, and it is beautiful.

Rosie said...

Happy New Years dear friend,
Oh I have missed soooo much...and once again you speak truth and wisdom. I love my babies so very much, but they were as "wily" and "cunning" as a sly fox. Now that they are young adults (most of the time) we laugh at the shenanigans they tried to pull off...which were MANY!
Oh sweet friend, I thank you for this long distance kinship that we shared during this last year and look forward to another fine year.
Love in Him...xoxo...Rosie

Janna Leadbetter said...

I really was an easy teenager, but I worry about my girls. They're young yet, but it'll be here before my husband can be fully armed and ready, I'm sure.

Lisa said...

It's amazing we all have a sense of humor after raising teenagers! General Patton has nothing on us. LOL!

Jenny said...

A house divided cannot stand...Happy New Year to one who still stands tall! xo Jenny

Joan Elizabeth said...

Beautifully written.

Vivek said...

Hi Lea,

Wish You are having a great time ...
with whole family.

Your words are so amazing , swift and the very essence of wisdom you have , you are a great MOM,

And we all fellow bloggers are blessed being associated with you.

I wish you always keep smiling ..and all people around you follow you this way :).

Take care..
Enjoy..

With Love
Vivek

Just Be Real said...

This post made me smile. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.

Dawn said...

Thanks for your thoughts on raising teens. They really are quite the adventure. Keep 'em coming. Some of us, I mean ME, I need all the encouragement I can get.

Secret weapon #2 must be keeping your sense of humor. You do that so well.

June said...

Oh I love this Lea. Ah yes, I survived five of those little rascals. and I love them as much now as I did when they were babies...inspite of the teen years. WOuld I like to do it again??? NO!!!
hugs

myletterstoemily said...

june! oh my goodness, me either!!

koralee said...

So true and clever my friend...xoxoxoxo

Rachel @ Finding Joy said...

excellent post and oh, so true!

Gloria said...

Oh wow! You hit the nail right on the head in this post!!! Funny....and so much Truth packed in here. You are a lady with godly widsom. It is amazing how smart our kiddos can be!! Sometimes too smart for their own good...:)

Thank God we have him to lean on for counsel through those rough times with our kiddos...:)

Have a wonderful weekend my dear friend!

xoxo Gloria

Gwendolyn said...

You've said it well. Yes, our children should know that in every way, we are one. That they don't hold sway over one parent above the other, that they respect both equally. Otherwise, what sort of relationships will they seek in later life? We are their foremost role models. And that love that does not let go or waiver!

Great post and I'm eager to see more of your "parenting youth" posts.

My Farmhouse Kitchen said...

...stopping by to say hi...so happy to see you at farmhouse kitchen, my friend...

kary and teddy
xxx

Auntie Cake said...

So very true!!! I keep telling my babies that they will understand when they have kids of their own. In return I get glazed looks. I know they are thinking, "Mom, there is NO WAY that I will ever be like you." Haha! Little do they know...

Hoping all is warm and cozy in your world!
Kate