Cute Stories

I've recovered now from my frustration at my children. They really are very good kids overall. They're just normal.

So, where to begin? Carson is at the stage where he says hilarious things all day long. He is finally accepting that he is getting a baby brother, not a sister as he hoped. The other day he asked, "Mom, could you open your mouth so I can see Baby Brother?" He is so confused about how a baby could be in there. At one point he was worried that all the food I ate was piling up on the baby's head.

He just graduated from the Nursery at church and is now with all the "big kids" (ages 3-12) in Primary. I asked him which he liked better, Nursery or Primary. He said he liked Nursery. When I asked why, he exclaimed "Because they EAT there!!" (No more snack time in Primary!)

One day he brought his favorite blanket and pillow into the kitchen and laid on the tile. I said, "What are you doing? You don't want to sleep on this hard floor!" He told me he wanted to sleep in the kitchen so he would already be there for breakfast in the morning. He thinks about food a lot.

The boys are both into football lately, to their father's delight. They get their little helmets on and Spencer shouts instructions while Carson furrows his brow and runs helter skelter. One night Spencer explained that Carson should hold the ball down and say, "Down, set, hike!" So Carson made his football face, held the ball to the floor, and said, "Down, set, hike... Now what??" Spencer is a very patient coach!

Naughty

Whew! I am glad today is done. It was not one of our better ones. Actually, it was all good until this afternoon. Spencer was home from school and found a little block of styrofoam and decided to shred it all down the hall. I was not amused and told him to clean it up. He thought he'd just be silly and put it on the walls instead, so I turned on the timer for ten minutes. Of course, he didn't make it and lost his privileges for a show, bedtime stories, and treats for the evening. When I explained the consequences, he fell apart and cried to his father that I was unjust and cruel. They had a talk, but Spencer was mad at me all night.

Carson's turn came later, when I told them both to go to the bathroom. Carson was afraid that Spencer would get there first, and, not to be outdone, bit him on the hand to slow him down. It worked! He also lost his bedtime stories and treats and thought I was a cruel and horrible woman. I sent them both off to bed ASAP and I hope things go better tomorrow. I had actually planned on blogging some cute stories tonight, but I am no longer in the mood.

New Year's Eve

I've never been crazy about New Year's. What's the big deal about getting a new calendar? Every month we turn the page and we don't have a party about it. As far as resolutions, if people need to make changes in their lives, they should do it now, not wait for a "new year." It's just an excuse for procrastination. Yes, I am a New Year Scrooge.

Nevertheless, I made a couple of treats for Andy and I to enjoy while we watched "Marley and Me" last night. (He ate a lot of bean dip--wish me luck!) I thought the movie wouldn't be as emotional as the book, but it was. We both bawled at the end--such a great story, and so true to life. Hopefully Andy is beginning to understand the benefits of a family dog. People started shooting firecrackers toward the end of the show, and Dakota got nervous. She was pacing quickly around the room and making worried little "woofs." Finally she came and sat right between our two chairs and watched the show with us. She is a sweet dog. Yesterday the boys and I took her down to the field to play. She has such a blast in the snow. She tears through it at full speed and bends down to scoop up a mouthful of snow midstride. Pretty impressive! Carson slipped on some ice and started to cry, and Dakota immediately ran to see what was the matter. The boys adore her. They drive their little cars on her and include her in their games of basketball, Follow the Leader, and pirate ship.