Green goes with everything…

When my son was about four years old we would often go shopping together. It was nice mommy and son time. We would talk about how things were going at the day care, and I would be sure to take a detour to see whatever construction was going on around town. (He loved construction vehicles – as most boys do!)
One spring day we were going to go shopping for some clothes and a new spring coat for me. While I was in the coat racks of Burlington Coat Factory, I was overwhelmed by the selection – the colors, the styles and thought “oh my, this is not going to be easy and I hope Richie has patience with me while I browse.” My eye was first drawn to the usual beige and light colored coats of a traditional style. However after trying on two or three I thought I’m going to get out of my comfort zone and really go crazy. I recall trying on a pink and a coral and a light green coat. They were all pretty, but I kept having a haunting thought – do these colors “go with” anything? Now the traditional taupe or beige are safe colors and match anything… but peach… or coral… hmmmmm this was a stretch for me.
Another lady was also browsing in the coats and as I was talking aloud to myself (and to Richie) about my dilemma I am sure she got quite a chuckle. After all, what did Richie care if beige or taupe were the “right/safe” colors to choose. And besides, I promised him a happy meal so he was even more anxious to get going. I caught her smiling once in awhile as I hemmed and hawed about my decision.
Well, Richie finally asked me about the two coats I had narrowed down (a peach and a light green one).
He said “Mommy why are you having trouble deciding?”

I said “I am just not sure if these colors go with anything, honey.”
And he, in all of his infinite wisdom said…


“Mommy, grass is green and it goes with everything. You should get the green one.”

The lady nearby burst out laughing and said “He sure has a point there!”

And the rest is history as I bought the light green coat and smiled every time I put it on.
While I have outgrown the coat (and bought a new green coat for spring) I will never outgrow the wisdom of that little guy!

Peanut butter and mayonnaise...

One of my “mom-isms” was something I have told my children since they were old enough to fall in love. When my kids would came home from school with a crush that was not reciprocated and they were heartbroken I would give them the following example of why they should not be so down on themselves, feeling inadequate or unworthy.

It is like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Two people might go together in a fabulous way like a sandwich. They might be a good match and everyone thinks it is a good thing. Perhaps it is strawberry or grape jelly and maybe it is chunky versus creamy peanut butter. None the less, it is a good match.

Then there is the situation where someone prefers turkey and mayonnaise. Now there is nothing wrong with a turkey and mayo sandwich. I even like this on occasion. Or perhaps it is roast beef and horseradish – not bad either.
Each sandwich in its own way is great. However when you mix things up, it might not be such a good match. Imagine peanut butter and horseradish or grape jelly and turkey. Hmmmm…
Now like I said - there is nothing wrong with turkey or peanut butter in and of itself, but maybe the match is not right…

So when the kids are hurting from a nonreciprocating love, I tell them it is like peanut butter and mayonnaise. Nothing wrong with either one - it is just not the match that is meant to be.

Next time if things don’t work out the way you plan with someone, or your children are having a break-up, remind them that is just like “peanut butter and mayonnaise.”