Our typical morning commute consists of little or no talking. Hubby listens to his radio show and I typically am reading, emailing or blogging. In the summer, Carter sits quietly in the backseat playing his Nintendo DS or, on rare occasions, reading.
We pretty much keep to ourselves, just easing into the day.
Thankfully Jim is the most awake (Good thing since he's the driver!) -- usually having a few laugh-out-loud moments over the Bob and Tom Show. Now the humor on that show is quite often adult-oriented. I pretty much tune it out when my mind is otherwise occupied. However, I forget we now have this impressionable young mind in the back seat.
For one fleeting moment I remembered today. Some comedian was about to share some story about Santa so I tell Jim to turn down the volume and motion to the backseat to indicate "we don't want him to learn the truth about Santa from the radio." So we wait it out for what we presume to be long enough for a story, then turn the volume back up. We timed it right and nothing was revealed to unsuspecting ears.
Whew. Dodged that bullet.
Then it hits me -- a thought, not a bullet. Why are we protecting the 11-year-old from a big fairy-tale reveal but not shielding him from the PG-13 comedy?
I guess Mommy needed a wake-up call!
I can't guarantee I'll be any more alert and coherent in the mornings, but at least enough to be mindful of our pipsqueak passenger!
Showing posts with label Nintendo DS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nintendo DS. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Following the Bunny Trail
In my family, we have a tradition of holding a massive outdoor egg hunt every Easter. We have geographical boundaries but no limits on the age of participants or the amount of candy they can claim. This year, since we just gathered Up North a few weeks ago, we decided not to bring everyone together for the event.
Not wanting Carter to miss out on the thrill of the hunt, I (er, the Easter Bunny that is) created a scavenger hunt for him. The Bunny was worried the clues might be too obscure, but Carter being logical-minded creative-thinker Carter figured them out.
What he first thought was his basket was easy to find. It was sitting on the ledge of our new bay window in the living room. There was some Easter grass, gum and a note inside that read:
That was too easy!
We've just begun!
Put your thinking cap on.
Here's clue no. 1:
You gave me up
But Lent is done.
Turn me on
To start this fun.
Since Carter had given up video games for Lent, he knew right away he should go down into the TV room in the basement where his gaming systems are. There he found a new Nintendo DS game -- and Clue #2:
This is where
we draw the line:
Usually green
either Celtic or pine.
I mentioned recently Carter likes draw (in chalk) an outline of a Boston Celtics basketball court by the hoop outside. Last week, he ran out of sidewalk chalk so next to the hoop was a new box of chalk and Clue #3:
You've stored clothes in here
since before you were 6.
Take a peek again
just for kicks.
Right away he said, "I bet it's cleats in my closet!" Well, he was partially right. He had a new soccer ball in his closet since he's using a No. 5 ball this year and needed one. He already has cleats that fit so I don't know why he thought he was getting new ones. He was plenty happy with the ball and Clue #4:
Call us your peeps.
Call us your fan.
Put us in here
And watch us expand.
Yup, we're the weird type of people who microwave marshmallow Peeps to watch them expand to the point of prairie chicken size -- but not quite exploding. So that was an easy clue. Carter found some Peeps (the very last package at Wal-Mart I might add) in the microwave (not turned on) and his final clue:
Our hunt is coming
down to the wire.
If you want your basket,
you gotta look higher.
Well he certainly took his hunt to all places high in the house. For awhile I thought he'd go outside because he thought the word "wire" was part of the clue. (The Bunny didn't plan it that way.) Eventually he found his basket on his top bunk -- hidden under posters that had fallen off the wall, landing in a new home in the unused part of the bed.
His basket had a card in it from Mommy and Daddy and he questioned that right away. "How did that get in there? Did you see the Easter Bunny when he was hiding my basket?" Quick on my feet (as most lying parents are) I said I put the card in there last night so the Easter Bunny would know which basket was Carter's.
The more I thought about it, though, I am puzzled that Carter still believes in the Easter Bunny but questions the existence of Santa. Whatever. I'm just glad it worked out and he had fun with it.
The rest of the day was uneventful: church, shopping, watching (Masters), walking (sunny and 50s again!), baking ("Easter cookies" with pastel M&M's for the big boys) and eating dinner at Jim's parents' house. Now it's time to brush all the sugar off my teeth and tuck in my little bunny.
Blessed Easter to you all!
Not wanting Carter to miss out on the thrill of the hunt, I (er, the Easter Bunny that is) created a scavenger hunt for him. The Bunny was worried the clues might be too obscure, but Carter being logical-minded creative-thinker Carter figured them out.
What he first thought was his basket was easy to find. It was sitting on the ledge of our new bay window in the living room. There was some Easter grass, gum and a note inside that read:
That was too easy!
We've just begun!
Put your thinking cap on.
Here's clue no. 1:
You gave me up
But Lent is done.
Turn me on
To start this fun.
Since Carter had given up video games for Lent, he knew right away he should go down into the TV room in the basement where his gaming systems are. There he found a new Nintendo DS game -- and Clue #2:
This is where
we draw the line:
Usually green
either Celtic or pine.
I mentioned recently Carter likes draw (in chalk) an outline of a Boston Celtics basketball court by the hoop outside. Last week, he ran out of sidewalk chalk so next to the hoop was a new box of chalk and Clue #3:
You've stored clothes in here
since before you were 6.
Take a peek again
just for kicks.
Right away he said, "I bet it's cleats in my closet!" Well, he was partially right. He had a new soccer ball in his closet since he's using a No. 5 ball this year and needed one. He already has cleats that fit so I don't know why he thought he was getting new ones. He was plenty happy with the ball and Clue #4:
Call us your peeps.
Call us your fan.
Put us in here
And watch us expand.
Yup, we're the weird type of people who microwave marshmallow Peeps to watch them expand to the point of prairie chicken size -- but not quite exploding. So that was an easy clue. Carter found some Peeps (the very last package at Wal-Mart I might add) in the microwave (not turned on) and his final clue:
Our hunt is coming
down to the wire.
If you want your basket,
you gotta look higher.
Well he certainly took his hunt to all places high in the house. For awhile I thought he'd go outside because he thought the word "wire" was part of the clue. (The Bunny didn't plan it that way.) Eventually he found his basket on his top bunk -- hidden under posters that had fallen off the wall, landing in a new home in the unused part of the bed.
His basket had a card in it from Mommy and Daddy and he questioned that right away. "How did that get in there? Did you see the Easter Bunny when he was hiding my basket?" Quick on my feet (as most lying parents are) I said I put the card in there last night so the Easter Bunny would know which basket was Carter's.The more I thought about it, though, I am puzzled that Carter still believes in the Easter Bunny but questions the existence of Santa. Whatever. I'm just glad it worked out and he had fun with it.
The rest of the day was uneventful: church, shopping, watching (Masters), walking (sunny and 50s again!), baking ("Easter cookies" with pastel M&M's for the big boys) and eating dinner at Jim's parents' house. Now it's time to brush all the sugar off my teeth and tuck in my little bunny.
Blessed Easter to you all!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
A Clearer Picture
While March went out like a soggy lamb or lion (it was hard to tell the difference), Carter and I spent the day at the library.
I was working on my laptop and he was enlightening me with interesting facts from his Book of Lists. He also played his Nintendo DS a bit, listened to some tunes on his CD player and surfed the Internet. All in all, I had to give him credit for not whining. So yes, he did deserve a Oreo Mint Blizzard (me, too!).
I found it interesting that both Saturday and today, I saw somewhat the same crowd hanging out at the library. There were several older (past retirement age) men who stopped in to read various newspapers and chit-chat. No women. Not sure what that means. Either the women are still working. Or they find their news through other avenues. Or the men are escaping from the women. Who knows?
We had to cut our time at the library short because Carter had an eye exam late this afternoon. I don't know if I mentioned that he asked his teacher to move him closer to the board, so we made an appointment. Since I had glasses in kindergarten and Daddy wears them, too, we figured this day would come sooner or later.
The eye exam pretty much went as expected but I was still surprised to learn that one, his eyes had already gotten this bad before we realized it and two, that he is color blind (though I've had my suspicions about that). So yes, he's getting glasses. And yes, he still knows that purple and yellow go together far better than green and gold!
He may be getting his glasses as early as tomorrow. Carter seems OK with it. He picked out the frames and, frankly, was amazed at how clear things looked through the eye doctor's lenses. Who knows? It might help him see the baseball coming this summer so he can swing in time to hit it! May the wonders never cease.
I was working on my laptop and he was enlightening me with interesting facts from his Book of Lists. He also played his Nintendo DS a bit, listened to some tunes on his CD player and surfed the Internet. All in all, I had to give him credit for not whining. So yes, he did deserve a Oreo Mint Blizzard (me, too!).
I found it interesting that both Saturday and today, I saw somewhat the same crowd hanging out at the library. There were several older (past retirement age) men who stopped in to read various newspapers and chit-chat. No women. Not sure what that means. Either the women are still working. Or they find their news through other avenues. Or the men are escaping from the women. Who knows?
We had to cut our time at the library short because Carter had an eye exam late this afternoon. I don't know if I mentioned that he asked his teacher to move him closer to the board, so we made an appointment. Since I had glasses in kindergarten and Daddy wears them, too, we figured this day would come sooner or later.
The eye exam pretty much went as expected but I was still surprised to learn that one, his eyes had already gotten this bad before we realized it and two, that he is color blind (though I've had my suspicions about that). So yes, he's getting glasses. And yes, he still knows that purple and yellow go together far better than green and gold!
He may be getting his glasses as early as tomorrow. Carter seems OK with it. He picked out the frames and, frankly, was amazed at how clear things looked through the eye doctor's lenses. Who knows? It might help him see the baseball coming this summer so he can swing in time to hit it! May the wonders never cease.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Give Up?
The Lenten season is officially upon us. I should probably make it clear that I was raised Lutheran so I didn't grow up with this routine of giving up something for 40 days and 40 nights. Though I will capitalize on any opportunity for a Friday night Fish Fry.
I actually jumped on the deprivation bandwagon a few years ago because everyone else was doing it. Seriously, I am not knocking this important ritual. I am just admitting at the outset that I do my best during Lent and feel God recognizes my effort. I have a spiritual connection with my Higher Power every day -- and I don't think that changes because I break down and have a Shamrock Shake on St. Patrick's Day. But that's just me. I'm not starting a religious controversy here.
So Carter asked me the other day if I was going to do the "swear board" again. "Remember last year when you had to pay for swear words and f-bombs?" Oh nice. This kid doesn't forget anything! I told him I probably wasn't going to do that this year because the anti-sailor talk has been an ongoing effort (I feel Jim rolling his eyes).
Carter announced that he is going to follow that pay-to-play tally-board format, though. "I am going to pay if I play my PS2 or Nintendo DS," he said. Wow. Giving up video games was his own idea and, trust me, that is a sacrifice. At first he said he was going to pay a dollar for playing PS2 and a dime for the DS, but now he's settled on a quarter each time for either. He hasn't decided what he is going to do with the money or, more importantly, where he's getting the money to pay for it (besides the Tooth Fairy). So I guess we'll hope his willpower and dedication are better than Mommy's.
I, on the other hand, grappled with my Lenten pledge. Frankly, with my current attempt to restrict myself from sweets, I've been in a state of deprivation all of 2009. So instead of taking something more away, I am going to add.
I am vowing to do 30 minutes of some cardio activity daily -- even if that has to be broken up over 3 10-minute walks during breaks some days. This will be my way to focus on healthy living and taking care of this beautiful body God gave me.
I suppose I could add that if I do break down and have a Shamrock Shake, I have to double my cardio time. Nah. I'll save that for next year...
I actually jumped on the deprivation bandwagon a few years ago because everyone else was doing it. Seriously, I am not knocking this important ritual. I am just admitting at the outset that I do my best during Lent and feel God recognizes my effort. I have a spiritual connection with my Higher Power every day -- and I don't think that changes because I break down and have a Shamrock Shake on St. Patrick's Day. But that's just me. I'm not starting a religious controversy here.
So Carter asked me the other day if I was going to do the "swear board" again. "Remember last year when you had to pay for swear words and f-bombs?" Oh nice. This kid doesn't forget anything! I told him I probably wasn't going to do that this year because the anti-sailor talk has been an ongoing effort (I feel Jim rolling his eyes).
Carter announced that he is going to follow that pay-to-play tally-board format, though. "I am going to pay if I play my PS2 or Nintendo DS," he said. Wow. Giving up video games was his own idea and, trust me, that is a sacrifice. At first he said he was going to pay a dollar for playing PS2 and a dime for the DS, but now he's settled on a quarter each time for either. He hasn't decided what he is going to do with the money or, more importantly, where he's getting the money to pay for it (besides the Tooth Fairy). So I guess we'll hope his willpower and dedication are better than Mommy's.I, on the other hand, grappled with my Lenten pledge. Frankly, with my current attempt to restrict myself from sweets, I've been in a state of deprivation all of 2009. So instead of taking something more away, I am going to add.
I am vowing to do 30 minutes of some cardio activity daily -- even if that has to be broken up over 3 10-minute walks during breaks some days. This will be my way to focus on healthy living and taking care of this beautiful body God gave me.
I suppose I could add that if I do break down and have a Shamrock Shake, I have to double my cardio time. Nah. I'll save that for next year...
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Told You So!
I'm not one to say "I told you so." What am I saying? Of course I am! Who isn't?
You know how we've had this mild struggle with Carter wanting to take his new Nintendo DS to school and mean Mommy saying no? Well yesterday he came home with a note from the principal, addressed to all students and parents, informing them of 3 recent thefts of Nintendo DS systems! The note extended a stern warning that these expensive "toys" should be left at home. Now where have we heard this before?
I think Daddy was joking when he said to Carter, "You should probably hang that up so you can look at it every time you think Mom and Dad have a dumb idea."
Apparently Carter took his advice to heart and the note hangs on the wall by his desk in his room. Who needs to say "I told you so" when the writing is already on the wall?
You know how we've had this mild struggle with Carter wanting to take his new Nintendo DS to school and mean Mommy saying no? Well yesterday he came home with a note from the principal, addressed to all students and parents, informing them of 3 recent thefts of Nintendo DS systems! The note extended a stern warning that these expensive "toys" should be left at home. Now where have we heard this before?
I think Daddy was joking when he said to Carter, "You should probably hang that up so you can look at it every time you think Mom and Dad have a dumb idea."
Apparently Carter took his advice to heart and the note hangs on the wall by his desk in his room. Who needs to say "I told you so" when the writing is already on the wall?
Saturday, January 17, 2009
The Comeback Kid
We had two comebacks occurring simultaneously today. The stuff sports highlight reels are made of. Well, not quite. But it made for good blogging fodder.
You know my hubby is a lifelong Celtics fan. Last year, thanks to an NBA championship win over the Lakers, Carter jumped on that bandwagon, too. Since I don't have allegiance to any NBA team, I'm fine with cheering for the Celtics when they're on TV.
This afternoon, I walked into the living room and saw Carter was reclined on the couch playing his DS, Daddy was in the chair and the Celtics were on TV. I saw they were behind by 10 or 12 against the evil Lakers. "That doesn't look good," I said.
That's when Jim caught my attention, putting his "shhh" finger in front of his mouth, then pointed to the TV again. He was watching ESPN Classic. In other words, this was an old game. Not so old -- just Game 4 of last year's Finals. A game Celtics fans recall as the "greatest comeback ever."
I could see right away what was going on. He was going to see how long it took Carter -- quite distracted by his video game -- to figure out it was an old game. So I plop on the couch and decide to play along. It's almost halftime, the Celtics are behind by 17 or 18 and Daddy's "game" begins.
Daddy offers to bet Carter a quarter that the Celtics will come back and win. But it's not just a quarter. He gives him 20-1 odds or something and says if the Celtics win, Carter just owes Daddy a quarter. But if the Lakers win, Daddy owes him $5. Carter takes the bet (how could he not?) and they shake on it.
During halftime, we decide to play the 3 to 13 card game. In just two hands I am about 50 points to the bad. My points slow down a bit, but I am gradually inching toward the loser bracket.
Meanwhile, we are keeping an eye on that Celtics game and by the end of the third quarter, the bet has doubled -- $10 or 50 cents, depending on the winner. Sometime in the fourth quarter, when the Celtics take their first lead, it doubles again. Now we're talking $20 or $1. Carter is OK either way. "I got a dollar ready."
With about a minute left to play, Daddy proposed this: "How about if the Lakers win, I give you $20 but if the Celtics do win, you just clean the litter box instead of paying me a dollar." OK, says Carter.
With about 10 seconds left, Daddy finally shows the "info guide" on TV and Carter realizes he's been played. I wish I would have had a video camera. His reaction was better than anything you'd see on Punk'd or Candid Camera or Howie Do It. Genuinely hilarious!
After he settles down (Daddy and I can't stop chuckling), we decide to finish the 3 to 13 game. We're down to the last two hands and I am still losing my keester. It's my deal and, honestly, I dealt myself 7 wild cards! Unheard of! So I go out immediately and suddenly find myself in first place. A place I hung onto during the last hand, too.
Talk about some great comebacks! The Celtics win... Mommy wins... And we have a clean litter box!
You know my hubby is a lifelong Celtics fan. Last year, thanks to an NBA championship win over the Lakers, Carter jumped on that bandwagon, too. Since I don't have allegiance to any NBA team, I'm fine with cheering for the Celtics when they're on TV.
This afternoon, I walked into the living room and saw Carter was reclined on the couch playing his DS, Daddy was in the chair and the Celtics were on TV. I saw they were behind by 10 or 12 against the evil Lakers. "That doesn't look good," I said.
That's when Jim caught my attention, putting his "shhh" finger in front of his mouth, then pointed to the TV again. He was watching ESPN Classic. In other words, this was an old game. Not so old -- just Game 4 of last year's Finals. A game Celtics fans recall as the "greatest comeback ever."
I could see right away what was going on. He was going to see how long it took Carter -- quite distracted by his video game -- to figure out it was an old game. So I plop on the couch and decide to play along. It's almost halftime, the Celtics are behind by 17 or 18 and Daddy's "game" begins.
Daddy offers to bet Carter a quarter that the Celtics will come back and win. But it's not just a quarter. He gives him 20-1 odds or something and says if the Celtics win, Carter just owes Daddy a quarter. But if the Lakers win, Daddy owes him $5. Carter takes the bet (how could he not?) and they shake on it.
During halftime, we decide to play the 3 to 13 card game. In just two hands I am about 50 points to the bad. My points slow down a bit, but I am gradually inching toward the loser bracket.
Meanwhile, we are keeping an eye on that Celtics game and by the end of the third quarter, the bet has doubled -- $10 or 50 cents, depending on the winner. Sometime in the fourth quarter, when the Celtics take their first lead, it doubles again. Now we're talking $20 or $1. Carter is OK either way. "I got a dollar ready."
With about a minute left to play, Daddy proposed this: "How about if the Lakers win, I give you $20 but if the Celtics do win, you just clean the litter box instead of paying me a dollar." OK, says Carter.
With about 10 seconds left, Daddy finally shows the "info guide" on TV and Carter realizes he's been played. I wish I would have had a video camera. His reaction was better than anything you'd see on Punk'd or Candid Camera or Howie Do It. Genuinely hilarious!
After he settles down (Daddy and I can't stop chuckling), we decide to finish the 3 to 13 game. We're down to the last two hands and I am still losing my keester. It's my deal and, honestly, I dealt myself 7 wild cards! Unheard of! So I go out immediately and suddenly find myself in first place. A place I hung onto during the last hand, too.
Talk about some great comebacks! The Celtics win... Mommy wins... And we have a clean litter box!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Dog Days
On Carter's vocab calendar, the phrase today was "dog days." While it typically refers to the hot, sultry period of summer. It has a second meaning: A period of stagnation or inactivity. Since today was another weather day off from school, Carter decided it would be a "dog day" for him. Or, in his words, "Can we just call it a cat day?"
Frankly, with two days off in a row, it has been the dog days for him. He spent yesterday with his cousin Colin pretty much racking up high scores on video games. Today was a day with Mom and it was not quite the day at the arcade experience he was probably hoping for.
First of all, when I was off with him in December, I was "off." It was a vacation day. Today I was working from home so it wasn't the fun and games he expected. I worked late last night so that I could hopefully be done by noon today. But noon turned into more like 2 or 3 p.m.
He managed to keep himself busy reading (with heavy sighing) what he was supposed to get done yesterday and today. Then he watched a little TV and a movie. I tried to limit the Nintendo DS time. All we need is carpal tunnel surgery at 13 at the same time we'll probably be paying for braces!
We did manage to get out of the house at 4 p.m. Neither rain nor sleet nor windchill will keep us from Wal-Mart. But that was only because we needed milk and some groceries for supper. I swear!
I can vouch for the weathermen who keep expounding on how darn cold it is. It is! I'm glad we didn't send our kids out in that. And, yes, it was kind of nice not worrying about bundling up myself. I'm pretty much cold all the time the way it is!
In fact, I can't believe I didn't think of this sooner. Since I was home, I could've had my electric blanket on all day. Imagine how toasty that would be tonight! I better go take care of that now. Better late than never...
Frankly, with two days off in a row, it has been the dog days for him. He spent yesterday with his cousin Colin pretty much racking up high scores on video games. Today was a day with Mom and it was not quite the day at the arcade experience he was probably hoping for.
First of all, when I was off with him in December, I was "off." It was a vacation day. Today I was working from home so it wasn't the fun and games he expected. I worked late last night so that I could hopefully be done by noon today. But noon turned into more like 2 or 3 p.m.
He managed to keep himself busy reading (with heavy sighing) what he was supposed to get done yesterday and today. Then he watched a little TV and a movie. I tried to limit the Nintendo DS time. All we need is carpal tunnel surgery at 13 at the same time we'll probably be paying for braces!
We did manage to get out of the house at 4 p.m. Neither rain nor sleet nor windchill will keep us from Wal-Mart. But that was only because we needed milk and some groceries for supper. I swear!
I can vouch for the weathermen who keep expounding on how darn cold it is. It is! I'm glad we didn't send our kids out in that. And, yes, it was kind of nice not worrying about bundling up myself. I'm pretty much cold all the time the way it is!
In fact, I can't believe I didn't think of this sooner. Since I was home, I could've had my electric blanket on all day. Imagine how toasty that would be tonight! I better go take care of that now. Better late than never...
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
A Page Turner
The temps continue to plunge but just not enough to call off school today. Probably a good thing. I didn't really have work home with me to have a productive day in the confines of my computer room. I will be better prepared when I leave work today. Just in case.
When Carter and I had our usual morning phone chat at 7:45, I reminded him that he has to be sure to wear his boots, hat and gloves to the bus stop, "and don't forget your snow pants again at school."
"Should I just keep them at home?" he replies.
Well, I imagine in his mind, the easiest way not to forget something is to not have it with you in the first place. So I had to explain that even though they wouldn't have outside recess today, he still needed them with in case the bus breaks down and he needs to stay warm and blah, blah, blah parental advice.
He finally understood that. I think. So he is taking them with him -- plus the other stuff. "Good," I said. "I'm glad we're on the same page."
Without skipping a beat, he says, "OK then. Let's turn the page to chapter 4, entitled Nintendo DS."
Oh that schemer!
So I say, "Sorry folks, that's all the time we have for reading today."
And he continues, "We'll be back to chapter 4 on Thursday after these commercial messages."
"Ha! No," I say. "Sorry, buddy. That chapter is closed."
But we all know it probably isn't.
When Carter and I had our usual morning phone chat at 7:45, I reminded him that he has to be sure to wear his boots, hat and gloves to the bus stop, "and don't forget your snow pants again at school."
"Should I just keep them at home?" he replies.
Well, I imagine in his mind, the easiest way not to forget something is to not have it with you in the first place. So I had to explain that even though they wouldn't have outside recess today, he still needed them with in case the bus breaks down and he needs to stay warm and blah, blah, blah parental advice.
He finally understood that. I think. So he is taking them with him -- plus the other stuff. "Good," I said. "I'm glad we're on the same page."
Without skipping a beat, he says, "OK then. Let's turn the page to chapter 4, entitled Nintendo DS."
Oh that schemer!
So I say, "Sorry folks, that's all the time we have for reading today."
And he continues, "We'll be back to chapter 4 on Thursday after these commercial messages."
"Ha! No," I say. "Sorry, buddy. That chapter is closed."
But we all know it probably isn't.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Pride Goeth Before the Fall
On our way home from picking up Carter at the sitter's, we asked him how his day went -- as usual. Then had to expand on that -- anything fun or interesting?
He started talking about how he was helping a physically disabled girl from his class during gym. Their unit right now is gymnastics. I was curious where this story was going to go, but felt a warm spot in my heart at the prospect of hearing what a caring, helpful boy we have.
Then the plot took a turn when he talked about the girl's other assistants, including some college boy who could do back flips. "Then I did the Worm," Carter said proudly. The worm? Why? "Because they wanted us to showcase our talents!"
That's it. End of story. He only mentioned the girl so he could mention the assistant and get to the main point -- his talent for doing that obscure, not quite break-dancing move known as the Worm. Nice. We are too proud.
After supper, Carter was volunteering to clear the table, even wash it off, too. "See, I'm doing this and no one had to tell me," he said. I was getting suspicious. Was he trying to not be selfish because of the earlier story? Was he up to something? Or is he really just the good kid I hope he is?
When I heard him cleaning the litter box, the red flag went up. What is going on? What alien came in and switched places with our son?
Then I remembered a conversation from this weekend. He asked if he could take his Nintendo DS to school so he could play it on the bus -- since every other kid does that. I think my response was something like: "What happens if you lose it? You know, we're not replacing it. I just don't think you're responsible enough to keep track of it and keep track of getting off the bus in time. You don't do anything unless you're told or reminded." Like what? He asked. "Like we have to remind you every night to brush your teeth. And you never take a shower unless we order you. And when was the last time you cleaned the litter box?"
So this 10-year-old schemer has apparently been thinking about that all day. He cleared the table, washed it, cleaned the litter box, swept the floor in the bathroom, brushed his teeth and was in bed 5 minutes before bedtime.
Impressed? Don't be. When I went in to check on him, he relayed that list of accomplishments in short order, then asked, "Now can I take my DS on the bus?"
Sigh...
He started talking about how he was helping a physically disabled girl from his class during gym. Their unit right now is gymnastics. I was curious where this story was going to go, but felt a warm spot in my heart at the prospect of hearing what a caring, helpful boy we have.
Then the plot took a turn when he talked about the girl's other assistants, including some college boy who could do back flips. "Then I did the Worm," Carter said proudly. The worm? Why? "Because they wanted us to showcase our talents!"
That's it. End of story. He only mentioned the girl so he could mention the assistant and get to the main point -- his talent for doing that obscure, not quite break-dancing move known as the Worm. Nice. We are too proud.
After supper, Carter was volunteering to clear the table, even wash it off, too. "See, I'm doing this and no one had to tell me," he said. I was getting suspicious. Was he trying to not be selfish because of the earlier story? Was he up to something? Or is he really just the good kid I hope he is?
When I heard him cleaning the litter box, the red flag went up. What is going on? What alien came in and switched places with our son?
Then I remembered a conversation from this weekend. He asked if he could take his Nintendo DS to school so he could play it on the bus -- since every other kid does that. I think my response was something like: "What happens if you lose it? You know, we're not replacing it. I just don't think you're responsible enough to keep track of it and keep track of getting off the bus in time. You don't do anything unless you're told or reminded." Like what? He asked. "Like we have to remind you every night to brush your teeth. And you never take a shower unless we order you. And when was the last time you cleaned the litter box?"
So this 10-year-old schemer has apparently been thinking about that all day. He cleared the table, washed it, cleaned the litter box, swept the floor in the bathroom, brushed his teeth and was in bed 5 minutes before bedtime.
Impressed? Don't be. When I went in to check on him, he relayed that list of accomplishments in short order, then asked, "Now can I take my DS on the bus?"
Sigh...
Saturday, January 10, 2009
It's a Wrap
For a week filled with its share of stressful moments, it wrapped on a pretty good note.
When I find myself still in bed at 8 a.m. on a Saturday, then I know it's going to be a good day. Doesn't mean I'm going to get motivated any easier, but I can probably do it on a few less cups of coffee!
Our first objective for the day was to un-trim (or is it un-decorate) the tree and put away Christmas decorations. After bribing Carter with fresh out-of-the-oven cinnamon rolls for breakfast, he was willing to help. We got that done, the living room dusted, the carpets vacuumed and floors swept -- all by noon. Whoo-hoo!
Our second objective was getting to Wal-Mart. (Oh twist my arm.) Carter has had a gift card burning a hole in his pocket since Christmas. He wanted to use it to buy a particular game for his new Nintendo DS. However, every time we've gone since Christmas, the game -- apparently quite popular -- has not been in stock. Today, thankfully, was our lucky day. They had it, he got it, bring on the smiles.
Now don't think he spent all day playing that game. Oh he wanted to. But we had another objective -- far more important than the other two. He has to get a book read so he can be tested on it Monday. He knew earlier in the week he'd have to invest enough time each night reading so it would get done. Since he blew off Friday night to go sledding (which was fine), he had to do twice as much today. Amazing how motivated he was to get that out of the way!
That was it for objectives. Since we had permission to relax, I got some scrapbooking done, baked a turkey breast for supper and wrapped a birthday present for my sister-in-law Sherry.
This evening, we went over to her place for some cake (yummy carrot cake, I might add) and ice cream. The big boys showed up, too -- Casey with his shy but cute girlfriend (who stayed only a minute) and Clay with a fresh Mohawk (just rolling my eyes). Had a nice visit.
We're home at a reasonable hour and now I am just waiting for my side of the bed to warm up. Too bad they don't make remote starters for electric blankets. I could of hit that button on the way home and I wouldn't have to wait. Of course, hubby says, "Now we'll just have to snuggle." Well that's not a bad way to wrap up the week either ;)
When I find myself still in bed at 8 a.m. on a Saturday, then I know it's going to be a good day. Doesn't mean I'm going to get motivated any easier, but I can probably do it on a few less cups of coffee!
Our first objective for the day was to un-trim (or is it un-decorate) the tree and put away Christmas decorations. After bribing Carter with fresh out-of-the-oven cinnamon rolls for breakfast, he was willing to help. We got that done, the living room dusted, the carpets vacuumed and floors swept -- all by noon. Whoo-hoo!
Our second objective was getting to Wal-Mart. (Oh twist my arm.) Carter has had a gift card burning a hole in his pocket since Christmas. He wanted to use it to buy a particular game for his new Nintendo DS. However, every time we've gone since Christmas, the game -- apparently quite popular -- has not been in stock. Today, thankfully, was our lucky day. They had it, he got it, bring on the smiles.
Now don't think he spent all day playing that game. Oh he wanted to. But we had another objective -- far more important than the other two. He has to get a book read so he can be tested on it Monday. He knew earlier in the week he'd have to invest enough time each night reading so it would get done. Since he blew off Friday night to go sledding (which was fine), he had to do twice as much today. Amazing how motivated he was to get that out of the way!
That was it for objectives. Since we had permission to relax, I got some scrapbooking done, baked a turkey breast for supper and wrapped a birthday present for my sister-in-law Sherry.
This evening, we went over to her place for some cake (yummy carrot cake, I might add) and ice cream. The big boys showed up, too -- Casey with his shy but cute girlfriend (who stayed only a minute) and Clay with a fresh Mohawk (just rolling my eyes). Had a nice visit.
We're home at a reasonable hour and now I am just waiting for my side of the bed to warm up. Too bad they don't make remote starters for electric blankets. I could of hit that button on the way home and I wouldn't have to wait. Of course, hubby says, "Now we'll just have to snuggle." Well that's not a bad way to wrap up the week either ;)
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas Surprises
One of the fun parts about Christmas is the element of surprise. Maybe there is some gift you've tucked away that a person isn't expecting. Maybe a person is surprised because they actually got something they wanted. Or the giver is surprised how much the receiver likes it. I just love the smiles that surprises bring -- especially on Christmas morning.
Our first surprise today is that we started our day later than we expected. Nice. We had told Carter last night that no matter how early he got up, he could not wake the older boys (naturally late-sleeping teenagers) before 8:30 a.m. What a surprise that Carter actually slept past 8:30, too! That was a nice surprise for all of us.
Now the older boys are tough to surprise. We take them shopping and they pick out what they want so they know what they are getting and are happy with it. Sometimes they might forget one thing but that's about it.
Last night at Grandpa and Grandma Austin's they were drooling over some new jackets that both Daddy and Grandpa got from our aunt and uncle's bar called Austin's Pour House. Very cool black jackets with their names (Jimmy and Johnny) stitched on the front. I heard both Casey and Clay mention they were going to put that on their list for next year. So we were quite pleased to see their looks of surprise and delight this morning when they each got one, too. (Of course, I got one for me, too. How could I not?) Carter did not get one because he would outgrow it too soon. We told him it was because he didn't have a Y in his name. Whatever works, right?
Carter was surprised at some of his gifts, but really only had one item on his list -- a Nintendo DS (handheld video game system). He got that and was thrilled. But not really surprised. He thinks his new Vikings shirts and T-shirt from Pepe's in Texas are cool, though.
I got a big surprise around 3 this afternoon when Daddy and Carter remembered a gift they hid under Carter's bed when I was gone on my Sisters Weekend in early November. (So it was kind of a surprise to them, too, once they remembered.) That same weekend Jim took Casey down to UW-La Crosse (my alma mater) for a campus visit. They didn't dare leave town without a UW-L sweatshirt for me. Yay.
Jim and I got a wonderful surprise from Carter, who is getting pretty good at keeping secrets. We received a special hardcover book, his autobiography, which looks back over his life (as it says) and shares some of his thoughts and goals. Very, very cool. I will be sharing that with anyone who will look at it! That's the best kind of surprise. The kind that makes you so happy, you cry. Nothing tops a gift that truly says, "I love you, Dad and Mom," and, in his words in the introduction, "Thanks for always being there."
I hope everyone had just enough surprises to make your Christmas merry, too!
Our first surprise today is that we started our day later than we expected. Nice. We had told Carter last night that no matter how early he got up, he could not wake the older boys (naturally late-sleeping teenagers) before 8:30 a.m. What a surprise that Carter actually slept past 8:30, too! That was a nice surprise for all of us.
Now the older boys are tough to surprise. We take them shopping and they pick out what they want so they know what they are getting and are happy with it. Sometimes they might forget one thing but that's about it.
Last night at Grandpa and Grandma Austin's they were drooling over some new jackets that both Daddy and Grandpa got from our aunt and uncle's bar called Austin's Pour House. Very cool black jackets with their names (Jimmy and Johnny) stitched on the front. I heard both Casey and Clay mention they were going to put that on their list for next year. So we were quite pleased to see their looks of surprise and delight this morning when they each got one, too. (Of course, I got one for me, too. How could I not?) Carter did not get one because he would outgrow it too soon. We told him it was because he didn't have a Y in his name. Whatever works, right?
Carter was surprised at some of his gifts, but really only had one item on his list -- a Nintendo DS (handheld video game system). He got that and was thrilled. But not really surprised. He thinks his new Vikings shirts and T-shirt from Pepe's in Texas are cool, though.
I got a big surprise around 3 this afternoon when Daddy and Carter remembered a gift they hid under Carter's bed when I was gone on my Sisters Weekend in early November. (So it was kind of a surprise to them, too, once they remembered.) That same weekend Jim took Casey down to UW-La Crosse (my alma mater) for a campus visit. They didn't dare leave town without a UW-L sweatshirt for me. Yay.
Jim and I got a wonderful surprise from Carter, who is getting pretty good at keeping secrets. We received a special hardcover book, his autobiography, which looks back over his life (as it says) and shares some of his thoughts and goals. Very, very cool. I will be sharing that with anyone who will look at it! That's the best kind of surprise. The kind that makes you so happy, you cry. Nothing tops a gift that truly says, "I love you, Dad and Mom," and, in his words in the introduction, "Thanks for always being there."
I hope everyone had just enough surprises to make your Christmas merry, too!
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