Thursday, March 13, 2008

Treasure in the Trash

As many of you know, we're moving. We've been cleaning out closets, drawers and cupboards all week trying to pack stuff up for the big move. We've found all kinds of cool treasures that have been lost over the ages. Said treasures included the lid to the crock pot (missing since 2003), My first cassette tape ever purchased "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul, a box of macaroni and cheese (expiration date of 2002), but the best one of all, was a poem that Matt had written for Tobin not too long ago when Matt was working a lot and was leaving early in the mornings before Tobin was awake. Tobin would wake up and be devastated he didn't get a chance to say goodbye, until he found Daddy's note that he left him. I opened a drawer and found several notes, pictures and this poem Tobin has apparently been squirreling away as keepsakes. (side note, Tobin frequently checks the trash to make sure we haven't thrown away any of his pictures, candy or toys, he's very thorough). Anyway, I thought this poem was sweet, below is what was written:

"When you wake, Dad will be gone
So I’ve left for you this silly song
You can sing it almost anywhere
You can sing it wearing your underwear
Sing it with mommy while laying in bed
Sing it to Roscoe as you pet his head
Remember the words, don’t forget even one
For this silly song was written for my first born son

"Silly Stew"

Squirrels, Frogs and Kangaroos
Love to eat silly stew
In a skillet or a pot, icy cold or even hot
In their tummy’s it hits the spot
To get real big, stout and strong
They all know to sing along
For silly stew isn’t just food
It’s a hearty adventure for any mood
Squirrels eat with their little paws
Frogs chew with their slimy jaws
Kangaroos stuff some in their pouch
Then watch TV on the couch
For every little bite they eat
They know it helps grow great big feet
So next time someone offers you some silly stew
Remember an important thing or two
To grow big and strong, fast and tall
Just make sure you slurp it all"

I have lots of thoughts running though my head as we leave this house. Just two nights sleep left here. I am tired and grieving a bit too. Phoebe woke up in the middle of the night throwing up. I explained to her that her being sick was not on my schedule. She listened, obeyed and has since healed herself (genius). Matt has just been a champ getting this move to move smoothly. As I pack up all our stuff and weed though the junk and find a few treasures I am reminded that Matt is my home.

13 comments:

Jonathan said...

Ah Matty - what a cool lil note. Good luck in your move. I'd come help but the commute is a lil killer right now. I can't wait to see your new place next summer. Are you coming to Creswell for the 4th (it's my first day home)?

Unknown said...

What a sweet little note and poem! I also love that Tobin has saved things, and that he digs through the trash to make sure you haven't thrown anything away!!

Anonymous said...

That poem is a treasure. It is so special that Tobin cherishes the little things in life. And Matt is quite the talented writer.

I'll say a little prayer for you today as you are prepraring to move on. I bet it is hard leaving all your memories, and it probably seems as if the new place will never be as good as the old one. But it will! It's just going to take some time to make new memories in your new home.

Love ya.

Christi said...

Watch out, Raffi...that was awesome.

I will for sure be praying for you during this move. Movers are on my heart after moving three times this last year.

A new perspective on what home truly is - that has to be healthy for ya.

Lindsay said...

What a sweet note/song. Definately a tresure!

And what is it with kids rescuing stuff from the garbage? I takes me about four times to finally get rid of some of the clutter around here :)

I can only imagine your emotions regarding the move. We've lived our house almost 8 years and although I'm excited someday to move, there is something really sentimental about leaving the place you started. I hope it all goes smoothly and that you settle in with your family and start making new memories!

Jen said...

I actually shed a bit of a tear.

Good luck on the move...crazy!

Ona said...

That is too sweet. What a wonderful husband and father!

Jonathan said...

P.S. Dustin is a saver like Toben - he can't let anything hit the trash. I think if they were roommates their house would fill up so quickly. It's funny to imagine.

February Jill said...

Matt rivals the author Elsa calls Dr. Goose (Seuss).
I think I'm going to start a binder of Elsa's papers because we have an ongoing conflict regarding my throwing everything away.
Best of luck in your move. The day of can be emotional but you are doing the right thing by your family and I know things will be ok. It will be fun putting together a new place from the ground up!

Jenny vick said...

I read through this post and smiled and sighed and laughed to myself...then out of the blue that last phrase got me by that little knot in the throat..and the tears came. Thanks Becca! Always trying to make us cry. ;) I love that matt is your home. It's hard to think about moving from a structure that has been part of the foundation forming of your family...but you are true in saying...the true home is Matt for you ..you for Matt...and the two of you for your little ones! Happy moving!

LizzyG said...

This is such a sweet post. And what a wonderful little poem. It's great you have it recorded in cyberspace now.

I hope you are all doing well.

Stefanie said...

I promise to illustrate this for him someday - so so so cute Matt!

PS - when I stopped in on Saturday during the big ole move...i had to flee fast or lest i burst out crying. So happy, but i felt for you Becca.

Angela said...

This is just the sweetest thing! :)