Clearing Things up

Cleaning Things Up

“Mom! Do we have any lace-y cloth?” asked eight year old Ted.

“That depends on what you’re looking for,” Mom answered.

“Like a hat only lace-y.”

Deciding it wasn’t worth the inquisition, she said, “All my sewing scraps are in the den in that box, you’ll have to look,” turning her attention back to the refrigerator project.

A few minutes later, “Is it ok if I pick some flowers, the ones by the fence?”

“Sure,” off he flew. Mom watched him with a perplexed look on her face. Shaking her head she turned back to the fridge.

A few minutes later. “Can I use your ring for a minute?”

“My ring?”she questioned. Then turning she saw they were not alone. Standing next to Ted was Susan Jenkins from down the street. Susan was wearing a white dress, obviously her mother’s since it was dragging on the floor, she had a piece of lace draped across her head, and was carrying a bunch of dandelions.

“What is going on here?” Mom asked, calmly.

“We’re getting married.”

“And why is it that you’re getting married today?” Mom asked.

“I asked Susie to sleep over in my tent! But she said boys and girls need to be married to sleep together, so we’re getting married!”

“Oh,” said Mom, then with a straight face added, “I think that rule doesn’t apply until you’re ten, maybe even eleven. Do you want me to look it up?”

“No, that’s great,” said Susan, “Let’s go pack stuff for the sleepover!” and she dropped the veil and the flowers and they both ran out the door.

Mom turned back to the fridge. “We did pretty good kiddo!” she said to the fridge, “I think I’ll celebrate with another cup of coffee!” And she did.