Laughter is Such Good Medicine

With a large household, there are always opportunities for laughter. One can find humor in so many things and it's obviously true that laughter is good medicine because it lightens so many days with joy. I wish I wrote all the funny things my little ones have said over the years. My granddaughter has definitely gotten in on the act and is so much fun. In fact, as I recall the funny stories and things they say, I may just add them to this post.

This week's funnies have occurred at the doctor office as my kiddos had to get check ups and a few immunizations. My eldest son hadn't been to the doctor in 5 years and was not thrilled with the idea at all. My family has just been blessed with great health and I don't usually do yearly check-ups but the kiddos hadn't been in a loooong time and I was feeling a twinge of being that good parent guilt. He and my 11 yo son had their appt's yesterday. We only do certain shots so he was curious if they'd be getting any and if so why, why, why. As we waited, we were being pretty silly and I suggested how the needles would be rather large and they would have to bear their bottoms and was having a little fun with them. (I know a mom with a warped sense of humor.) They weren't quite sure whether to take me fully serious or if it was like my little Christmas pranks of "Fort Penguin" and "Wannabekins" (funny story for another post). As they got silly with one another, I told them to remember they had a camera hiding in the corner. Well, our pediatrician also has a great sense of humor and came in and made the boys feel very at ease. He heard them giggling as he came in and I assured him they weren't quite as silly as their 3 year old sister had been the day before who was Miss. Giggly the entire visit. He checked them out and said they were healthy as could be and he suggested a few immunizations and asked what I wanted to do. (I'm not an easy parent...I investigate a lot before we do anything but fortunately he's used to me.) So we decided on a few and he jokes about where they want the shot, the size of the needle, and how the nurse would be back after she sharpened the needles. Of course, I jumped on the bandwagon and let the boys know "see, there is a camera...he agreed with everything I told them". Then he told them the truth, after we all finished laughing, and we waited for the nurse. The boys didn't even hardly feel the shots (for which we are thankful) and we all left smiling and joking with one another.

Last night, I just reflected on how the mundane things like dr. appt.'s, going to work, doing school, doing chores could really drag us down if we let them overwhelm us or we can find joy as we go. I'm so very thankful the Lord blessed me with children full of joy and life that make life full.