moosh in indy.

scratchy marks.

December 14, 2011

Those scratchy marks there on the wall.

They show how short I used to be.

They rise until they get this tall,

And Mama keeps reminding me

The way my dad would take his pen

And as I stood there, stiff and straight,

He’d put a ruler on my head

And mark the spot and write the date.

She says that it’s my history,

But I don’t understand at all

Just why she cries each time she sees

Those scratchy marks there on the wall.

-Shel Silverstein

Comments off.

My goodness, she is gorgeous.

Casey Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 11:14 pm

@pgoodness, Thank you, I must humbly agree.

Etchings on our heart, each one.

Casey Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 11:15 pm

@Amanda, They kinda hurt going on but they last forever.

SEVEN! What a perfect post. Happy birthday, big girl.

Casey Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 11:15 pm

@Jen L., That Shel, he was a brilliant man.

Seven is a wonderful, magical year. Happy birthday, Addie!

Casey Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 11:15 pm

@Angie @ Just Like The Number, I hope so, because six kicked my trash around the block.

I got all teary. Happy birthday, Addie!

Casey Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 11:16 pm

@Sarah, Aww, I did too when I first read that poem about two months ago. I knew it would be perfect.

Happy Birthday Addie!!

Casey Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 11:16 pm

@ClassyFabSarah, Addie says thank you and send cookies.

Happy Birthday to your girl!

Casey Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 11:16 pm

@AmazingGreis, Thank you darling.

Dear Addie,

When I was growing up, my Gramps did this same thing. It always amazed me to see my cousins so much taller than me. I couldn’t wait to be as tall as they were. (I never reached their heights. Sometimes, it really stinks being a girl in a family of tall male cousins!)

The only time I’ve ever seen my Gramps cry was when he realized that he lost these measurements (14 grandchildren) after a home renovation.
One day you will learn, and forever more you will appreciate.

Grow tall, curly-haired inspiration,

Sarah

Casey Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 11:17 pm

@Sarah, We lost our scratchy wall when I was 14. I wish there was some evidence of it.

I cried because we celebrated my niece’s first birthday today and this poem is exactly how we feel. Happy 7th Birthday Addie!

Casey Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 11:17 pm

@Charlotte Anne, TOO FAST!

Oh, sweet Addie…Happy happy birthday! I feel as though I’ve known you and your mama forever. You are such a blessing to this world! I wonder if you’ll ever know just how big of an impact you make on so many lives…even those of strangers like me. Much love, sweet cheeks <3

Casey Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 11:18 pm

@Biddy, No kidding, you’re old school!

That’s beautiful. I hope her birthday was just as beautiful.

Casey Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 11:18 pm

@Fay, It really was. It so much really was.

she looks so GROWN UP! and obviously so freaking gorgeous. i remember when i started reading your blog, she was around 3ish. you’ve raised a great kid, casey. addie is one amazing girl.

Casey Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 11:18 pm

@Tara, OH MY, in just one year she has gone from little girl to this…grown up girl. It’s insane.

Love this. Love it.

xox

Casey Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 11:19 pm

@heidikins, thank you.

Happy birthday, Addie!!!
Casey – I’ve thought of you so many times today and said so many little prayers that today go well. I hope it did.
Amy

Casey Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 11:19 pm

@Amy- Hamlet’s Mistress, It went so well, SO WELL. Thank you for helping me through it.

I’m so happy I got to be there on her day.

Happy birthday, Miss Addie.

xoxo

Casey Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 11:19 pm

@Just Shireen, Us too.

Happy Birthday!!

We’ll be putting our Scratchy Mark on the wall today for my 7 year old.

Casey Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 11:20 pm

@mapsgirl, It’s a big week for seven year olds. Congrats for making it this far.

I LOVE that poem…well I did. Until I became a mom and started making the scratchy marks on the wall. Sigh. It’s so happy and sad at the same time.

Happy HAPPY birthday, Addie!

Casey Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 11:20 pm

@Katie, Yeah, once we add Vivi’s first scratchy mark? IT’S OVER.

I just had a discussion like this with my daughter. She has coveted a pair of my slipper boots for over a year. when she used to wear them around the house, they went up past her knees. Last night, she put them on…and asked if she could wear them to school. They’re a little big, but not enough to really notice. *cue tears* They just get bigger and bigger!!

Casey Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 11:21 pm

@Angi, NOOOOOO. Because this will probably be tomorrow for me. *sob*

Those photos take my breath!

Steph

Casey Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 11:22 pm

@Adventures In Babywearing, Oh thank you.

Gorgeous, but I never expect any less from you or your girls!

Casey Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 11:22 pm

@Marta, You’re so wonderful, thank you.

[...] picked up one of her little friends, went to dinner, came home, had more cake, made her new scratchy marks and I put my fresh seven year old to [...]

[...] my head Addie is still this tiny little toddler. Then I see her scratchy marks on the wall or confuse a pair of her leggings for a pair of my capris and I’m left befuddled that [...]

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