September
8, 2003
I watched from the
kitchen window still amazed at what Tanjia could
do. She was sitting and petting a skunk!
This time, I told the others not to go near her while she’s got that thing with
her. I didn’t want the entire place smelling like one after. It was kind of
cute though seeing this ten-year-old little girl and this smelly creature
sitting together and it getting its ears scratched. I then started to wander
what kind of things this little girl is showing the two toddlers. I was hoping
they weren’t picking this up at this very minute. That could be bad! Let me
tell you! Something could very well happen. But I didn’t want to discourage her
either.
I wanted to tell her
that I wanted her to come in, but there was no WAY I was going out there with
THAT thing out there on her lap like that! She’d smell for sure! Like I said
the entire place would! And that would be bad! Kids, Animals, things inside and
outside would reek!
I watched as the
creature slowly moved away and into the brush.
“Tanni,
you know I think that this new found thing of yours is wonderful, But! I think
it would be best if you’re petting skunks to make sure you’re away from the
house and away from the other kids.”
“Why?”
“Because they don’t
have what it takes and could get bitten. Sprayed, anything could happen”
“Not if I show them
the right way to do it!”
“I said not to let
the others around you when the animals are with you! I don’t mind you playing
with them just do as I ask please.”
“Yes,
Mamma.” Tanjia
sighed, head hanging as she left the yard and headed off. I was really starting
to hate myself for how I had talked to my little girl just now, but I knew that
I needed to set some type of guideline with this cuddling with the wild animal
thing before someone gets hurt, or stunk out.
At about noon, I
took the twins and toddlers or should I say toddler and faller, since Bliss
tends to fall more than walk while Chase practically skipped walking and went straight
into running. We walked around seeing
what my children were doing; Skyla was in her spot still waiting for her friend
to come back, Shanda was playing with Sunlight, and Kenya was with who else but Forest, that always made me nervous, with good
reason behind it of course. And Darlita was with Valerie doing what those two
do best: read, and go over things that completely go over the Universe, let
alone my head! And Tanjia was with her little animal
friends. What a pretty picture it was a little indigo colored cub with a little
bird on her hand. She’d whistle at it and it would answer back. I smiled, and
then headed back with my babies in tow.
I had to take a
second to think about how different each of these cubs was. One loved to just
sit and read, while another loved to play, another tormenting others. Yes,
indeed I had quite the group. I had thought about getting a TV the next time I
go into town but I don’t really need it; I get enough entertainment around
here. With ten children you wouldn’t think one would get bored or things would
get dull. If that’s what you think then try what my good friend Stormy’s about to do. Take them for a week! After you’d
change your tune!