~The Speth Family~: Crushing her Spirit

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Crushing her Spirit

I think everyone must have cabin fever. During the past couple of weeks I think twenty or thirty homes have gone up for sale within a mile of ours. There are probably those who need to move for financial reasons, job opportunities or whatever, but I really think a good number of them just have cabin fever. They are tired of staying in the house to avoid the cold and while in their homes, have noticed every imperfection and are overwhelmed by the time, money and effort it would take to fix or redecorate things. Moving sounds like a refreshing alternative. The environment is new, you throw away lots of things to avoid transporting them, and you don't bother your neighbors anymore with your backyard barkers (I am SO sorry - apparently Sophie the two year old lab has cabin fever as well). Never mind that you have to pack every single toy, sock and book you have crammed into closets during the past five years.

OK we're not moving (at least as far as I know) - I was just wondering why the sudden surge in homes for sale? Anyway the point of this post was really that I think Allie's cabin fever has turned into spring fever. Blasted sun. I woke up HAPPY to see the sun, but it is making my little girl sad. Isn't the sun supposed to cheer people up? She has been complaining for days that it is too cold, the snow is icy, she doesn't want to wear her coat, she wants to go out and play on the grass, she wants to go swimming, she wants to have a picnic, she wants to know why I won't take her to the park in 10 degree weather.... so this morning the sun decided to come out and melt the snow a little, giving her a false sense of spring - blasted sun. Every time she says, "Mom, when the snow is all done melting we can..."my heart skips a beat. She is thinking that the snow should be all gone in a couple of hours and then I have to crush her little spirit by telling her that it is going to snow again this week. Maybe I should just be excited with her and then let her be disappointed when it snows. I hate watching her little lip quiver each time I remind her that summer is still several months away. I don't know which is worse- breaking her heart or avoiding the truth, but I am starting to feel like a mean mom who just won't let summer come.

3 comments:

JulieJanuary 20, 2010 at 5:25 PM
Whenever you guys need a trip away or are headed to Disneyland or whatever, our home is always open with extra room for visitors. We'd love to have you anytime!
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John and SuziJanuary 20, 2010 at 5:39 PM
That sounds so nice! When Ammon gets past his next surgery we might have to take you up on that!
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K. D. MontgomeryJanuary 22, 2010 at 8:31 PM
We are having the same problem right now too. Sometimes I can't help but let my older daughter Samantha stay home from school just to hang out with Lucy who gets so bored and lonely. I have to invite a lot of friends to come over and play.
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