Special Needs

TJ got pots, pans, and play food for Christmas because he loves to cook.  He had this spread ALL over his room.  Adam Sr. asks him, "TJ, please pick up your toys."  To which TJ replies, "I can't daddy."  "Why not?" is the obvious follow-up question.  TJ elaborates, "Daddy, I don't have FIVE arms, I only have TWO arms, I cannot pick up all that stuff!"

Brotherly love

The kids were playing a video game the other day and began fighting.  It was 2 days before Christmas and we had to be out the door about five minutes earlier for my nephew's birthday party.   I had had just enough and said, "Turn off the game, turn off the TV, and just spend some quality time with one another until we leave."  To which Adam Jr. replies, "But Jen, we don't even LIKE each other."

A season of giving

In our house the boys buy their sisters a gift for Christmas and visa versa.  I took the boys out for haircuts and shopping a few weeks ago while their dad was at the Bengals game.  I saw one of the girls' favorite shops where we NEVER go, so I suggested, "Hey guys, do you want to go to Justice to look for clothes for the girls for Christmas?"

To which TJ replies, "Clothes are not toys mommy, clothes are JUST CLOTHES."

Manners 101

TJ's birthday is in December, so we were preparing for his family party.  In anticipation of a variety of gifts, some which might be clothes, and TJs love for things other than clothes, I decided we should do a little coaching.

Mommy: "TJ what do we say when someone gives us a present?"
TJ:  "Thank you," he answers proudly
Mommy: "Good.  And TJ, what if you don't really like the present, then what do you say to someone who gives you a present you don't like as much?"  I ask tentatively
TJ: "You say, 'No Thank You.' Mommy, because you don't want it."

Not quite buddy, let's just be glad there were no, 'No Thank You's' that night.

More religious education needed

At Larosa's having pizza before we pick out our family Christmas tree, the boys are reading a book my aunt had sent them when little Adam looks up and exclaims, "Jen did you know Jesus's birthday is CHRISTMAS morning!"

To which his sister replies, "DUH.  And he died on Easter."

I correct, "Actually Jesus died on Good Friday and rose from the dead on Easter."

To which Ashley replies, "Now that's just FREAKY,"  as if I had taken things just one step too far.

Be Quiet...what?

TJ informed me the other day, that he had to miss a few minutes of outside time.  When I asked him why he responded, "Mommy, when Miss Joann says 'Be Quiet' she means BE QUIET.  I did not know that."

Guess you do now buddy.

Just what I needed

The night of parent-teacher conferences at school, and I was home with the kids.  I am a little sensitive about being left behind as it is, so after 2 pick-ups, homework fights, dinner fights, and a poopy pants disaster, I was on the edge.  I went upstairs only to realize that TJ's bed was wet and not only had I not even noticed that morning, but now they were not clean and it was getting close to bedtime.  I started to cry.  Without realizing it, Laney had come upstairs.  She asked me what was wrong.  So I honestly answer her, "I guess I am just a little overwhelmed tonight without daddy here to help."  To which she shrugs and responds, "That's ok, that's just how daddy is when you are not here!"

Thanks Laney, good to know its not just me.

Saturday morning cartoons

The other day the kids were discussing what to watch for their Saturday morning cartoons.  TJ says, "I am NEVER allowed to watch Power Rangers, except if Daddy is here."  I roll my eyes, and make a mental note to speak with my husband.  Laney looks right at me, holds her hands out to the side and says, "Can't we just give the kid a break?"

Occupy Bellevue, KY?

All the kids and I were out walking the dog a few weeks ago, and TJ likes to stop and hug each and every tree we pass.  The older kids get quite annoyed by this.  They have told him that dogs pee on the trees, that he is going to get a splinter, and numerous other discouraging comments.  However, on this particular day Adam Jr. just looks at me and says longingly, "When TJ gets older I hope he grows up to be just like me and not still hugging trees and stuff!"

Lapse in posting...

So just  a quick note to let you all know, the following posts are a composite of ones from November and December.  I have been busy, but my lovely sister-in-law gave me a journal so I could jot down my stories and blog on them later.  So you won't have missed a beat...just get a lot of stories at once.