Today is my mama’s birthday.
Tomorrow is my daddy’s birthday.
It’s no surprise around here that I’m close to my parents.
What may or may not surprise you is this–we are ONE WEIRD FAMILY.
My parents are really special people. Anyone who knows them will agree. They did a lot when we were growing up that I admire and means much to me now–being transparent with us, teaching us to be “real” and to love Jesus with everything in us.
But they did a lot of other things that aren’t quite as, shall we say, traditional. You see, we have this thing for being a wee bit crazy.
Like this one night.
I don’t remember now how began. All I remember is that there were GALLONS of water involved.
It might have started with the water pouring contest–the one that had us all STANDING on our chairs to see who could pour water from one glass to the other, from the highest point, without spilling any.
Of course, now that I think about it, that may have been another night.
But the night of The Big Water Fight, I know there were indeed cups involved. Cups full of water that were being poured, dumped and tossed at the other members of our wacky insane crazy fun-filled family.
Somebody ended up grabbing the sprayer thingamambobber from the sink. And let me tell ya, that was when it all REALLY got started.
Because soon the sprayer thing wasn’t enough.
The command was given. “Bring in heavier ammunition!” Being obedient children, we, of course, obeyed.
Ha. That was a tough one.
So the garden hoses were brought in. Yes, I said garden hoses. Through the doors. Into the house. Yes, they were turned to full blast. Yes, they were pointed at other members of the household. Yes, my parents were the ones holding the hoses most of the time.
(And here we come to the place in which my mother would probably ask me to tell you that this was taking place in the kitchen and the dining room–thus on the linoleum that can be mopped and not the carpet which cannot. Which, you know, made it all okay. Or something like that.)
Eventually, somebody won. I don’t even remember who. It might have been Mom. I think she got the final word in when she sneaked up behind Dad with the hose and doused him. Or maybe it was Dad, when he hid around the corner with the other hose and sprayed water on Mom and my brother when they ventured into the kitchen.
I don’t remember. None of us care anymore. (I take that back. My mom might. She’ll probably tell you she won.) But we had a crazy-wild-fun time that night, no damage was done, and I don’t know that we’ve collapsed in that many fits of laughter at any time since.
Oh, wait… unless it was the next wild and crazy night a few years later… the one which ended with silly string and shaving cream in the street in front of the house, a broken hose, an almost lost camera and (yikes) somebody going through a window. But that one involved a whole lot more people (teenagers this time–shocking, I know) and was conducted completely OUTSIDE.
Happy Birthday(s), Mom and Dad… thanks for lots of crazy memories and here’s to all the insane times to come. Although, preferably ones that DON’T create lakes in the newly remodeled dining room and kitchen, I’m kinda thinkin’.
(And if you can, go over and wish my mama a happy birthday. Albeit, a bit belated now, being that it took me literally ALL day to finish this post. Being a parent myself now tends to cause that kind of thing… at least I know she understands.)
Mike Golch says:
Happy Birthday to you Mom and Dad. Hugs and God’s Love and Blessings. Mike G. said that! (It’s an A.A.thing)
[Reply]
August 1st, 2008 at 9:27 pm
The Girls says:
That is REAL CRAZY!!!! but at the same time it sounds like LOADS of fun.
Oh wow isn`t that neat Our family can get PRETTY CRAZY too.
Btw when does John get back?????
and a Q is did ya know that only 14 days till bro comes home when I talked to him today I cryed of happiness I know I was prob to dramatic but hey what are sisses for????????????
Well anywho I think this is the LONGEST comment I have EVER made.
Well Love Ya
Krystle a.k.a Girlie K
P.S What you doing up sssssssssssooooooooo late??????
Anywho get some rest!!!
[Reply]
August 1st, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Darcy says:
Happy Birthday Mishel and Rande!!! May the Lord bless you both with many, many more years!
[Reply]
August 1st, 2008 at 10:15 pm
bethany says:
awww…i love aunt mishel and uncle rande so much! happy, happy birthday to both of you!
[Reply]
August 1st, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Sarge Charlie says:
You have some handsome parents young lady.
[Reply]
August 2nd, 2008 at 7:12 am
Mishel says:
Hey now, don’t go giving away all the family secrets!! LOL
Thank you for the b-day wishes…love you!
[Reply]
August 2nd, 2008 at 10:57 am
Carrie at dumptrucksandteacups says:
I love this!! A family that loves being together… enjoying life together… awesome!! Somehow I can see something like this in your future. :)
Happy Birthday to your parents!
[Reply]
August 2nd, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Tiffany says:
Wow the night of the shaving cream and the breaking of the window. I am responsible for none of that! I was there but wasnt the driver to get everything we used to take out the other teenagers that were involved. Ok so we both know that not true. I still say we won!!!!!
I can just imagine your mom and dad hiding around a corner just waiting for the perfect moment to pop out of a hiding place to spray the other with water. It just wouldnt be the same if these crazy things didnt happen in our family!
Love you!
[Reply]
August 4th, 2008 at 6:54 am
lady jane says:
Your family is “fun personified”, it would seem. :o) Happy birthdays all around!
I’m having a bit of give-a-way. Come see. :o)
[Reply]
August 4th, 2008 at 8:19 am
lana says:
Hi Ashleigh! I love reading about your family. What a blessing to have great Christian parents.
I wanted to let you know I have something waiting for you at my blog, I was passed an award that I’m honored to give to you.
God bless!
Lana
[Reply]
August 4th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Anonymous says:
Thank you Squirt for spending the day with us in SD and celebrating our birthdays with us. That fish market was excellent! Love ya, Dad
[Reply]
August 5th, 2008 at 10:17 pm