A few Friday afternoons ago I could hear a young girl calling for Pup. Absolutely convinced I was hearing things I hopped up to investigate. Especially since no other male in the home heard this. But no, my ears were not messing around with me, there was definitely a young girl, friend close behind, standing at the bottom of our driveway calling for Pup.
Fortunately, (or unfortunately, depending on your perspective) I recognized the girl calling for Pup. It was GA’s next-door neighbour’s daughter, Little Miss K. To give her some credit, she actually blushed when she saw me but she didn’t miss a beat.
Little Miss K: Hi Carolyn. Can Pup come out to play?
Me: No, sorry sweetheart, not today. He’s been a bit sick. (I might just add that I have never seen that boy get out of his PJ's so fast but I won't)
Before you start on me being 'all overprotective and all'- he had NOT been at school for the last 2 days and I didn't think it was right that he should be running around the park with anyone!
After seeing her disappointment, I told her that he should be right by Saturday. No flies on this girl because she’s then asked if Cub was free. I said yes and the three of them wandered off to the park.
Her mate was Little Miss M and it turns out that she shares our back fence. She has a stupid Doberman and she reckons that, “Hey, we can jump the fence at anytime!”
Just to catch everyone up:
- Pup is in Year 8 at school
- Little Miss M is in Year 7
- Little Miss K is in Year 5
- Cub is in Year 5
Quite obviously, Little Miss M knew all along that we shared the back fence but she was very surprised when I asked about her dog by it’s name. I then told the girls that it’s not a good idea to just hop the fence because sometimes Nana, Pops and their dog, Shayla, are here. (Shayla will simply not let just anyone 'hop the fence')
Since that Friday afternoon, the girls have since:
- Asked to hop the fence to play a game of cricket with the boys (permission given),
- Taken all three of my boys to the park a few times. (Foal is brilliant as a chaperone because he’s more than happy to tell – perfect age!)
The last time the girls turned up at our front door, they got the chance to actually meet Shayla. That is if you consider an introduction behind a fly screen door with two adults (Pops and I) close by.
It's not that us adults were paranoid, mind you. Shayla loves kids but I have no idea of how she might feel about another female stealing Pup (her absolute favourite) away from her. Pops wanted to take Shayla for a walk down to the park but we agreed that that would be called spying on his grandsons.
Anyhow, after their introduction, Little Miss K admitted that she was very relieved that they didn’t climb the fence...
I do think that interesting days lie ahead.
Saturday, 30 May 2009
Friday, 22 May 2009
Toothfairy Sagas
Foal has lost his first top tooth.
Literally.
He has absolutely no idea where it is. One minute it was right there, in his mouth where it belonged. Admittedly, it was very loose but all of a sudden – Poof – it was gone.
We searched everywhere (his leftover breakfast cereal, his bed and bedroom floor and I reckon he swallowed it) but it still hadn’t turned up by bedtime. So we (he) wrote a note to the Toothfairy explaining what had happened and said we were sorry. He’s then decided that the letter needed to go in an envelope and that the envelope must be stuck onto the front of the microwave oven’s door.
And so, that’s exactly what we did. Maybe Foal thought the Toothfairy was going to rip out another of his teeth and get a "two for the price of one" deal. I’m a bit unsure of the details behind his reasoning but I’m learning that sometimes it’s best not to ask. (Read the previous post)
Funnily enough, something similar happened to Pup when he lost his first top tooth. He rinsed his mouth out and it went down the sink. He then tried to hide the fact that he had this massive gap in his mouth from me. It took me all of 2 seconds for me to notice. He was so amazed at my powers of observation (I’m not really sure what that says about me) but at least he readily admitted to what had happened. I got Dad to undo the pipes under the sink and check to see if it was still there but unfortunately it was gone. That’s when our notes to the Toothfairy started.
Ever since then, Pup has been quite content to leave the tissue-wrapped tooth on his bedside table. Even now he is more than happy to remind me that the Toothfairy forgot again (Growing up with the benefits of childhood?)
Cub, on the other hand, was absolutely determined that not one single tooth disappeared without his knowledge. He also decided that the Toothfairy must have a challenge. (Does he not want the money?)
His rules are simple:
- It must not be on the bedside table. (Pup’s thing, obviously he can’t copy that, he's an original)
- It must not be in a slipper by the door (Like I used to do, you know, in the old days, before dinosaurs)
- It must not be in any other room of the home. (Foal’s thing, but he wasn’t really old enough to start it)
- It must be inside the center of the pillowcase, on the other side of the pillow (because he doesn’t want to lie on something uncomfortable)
And finally, just a quick note to the Toothfairy
---------------------------------------------------
Dear Toothfairy,
I know you can get a bit busy especially after sugar filled holidays, but you do seem to forget sometimes.
I’m not complaining but mum says you could be running late because of bad weather, or my tooth fell out after you left for work and now I’m not on today's list.
I am sure you don’t want to start a playground war so I’ve been wondering:
- What is the going rate for teeth these days?
- Does it change depending on which tooth falls out?
- Is there a bonus incentive for really clean teeth or bravery when a dead tooth has to be pulled out?
- Is there an age limit?
Thank you for a job well done,
From
Me
PS We are still not sure if you are a boy or girl, so don't be upset if we get it wrong
Literally.
He has absolutely no idea where it is. One minute it was right there, in his mouth where it belonged. Admittedly, it was very loose but all of a sudden – Poof – it was gone.
We searched everywhere (his leftover breakfast cereal, his bed and bedroom floor and I reckon he swallowed it) but it still hadn’t turned up by bedtime. So we (he) wrote a note to the Toothfairy explaining what had happened and said we were sorry. He’s then decided that the letter needed to go in an envelope and that the envelope must be stuck onto the front of the microwave oven’s door.
And so, that’s exactly what we did. Maybe Foal thought the Toothfairy was going to rip out another of his teeth and get a "two for the price of one" deal. I’m a bit unsure of the details behind his reasoning but I’m learning that sometimes it’s best not to ask. (Read the previous post)
Funnily enough, something similar happened to Pup when he lost his first top tooth. He rinsed his mouth out and it went down the sink. He then tried to hide the fact that he had this massive gap in his mouth from me. It took me all of 2 seconds for me to notice. He was so amazed at my powers of observation (I’m not really sure what that says about me) but at least he readily admitted to what had happened. I got Dad to undo the pipes under the sink and check to see if it was still there but unfortunately it was gone. That’s when our notes to the Toothfairy started.
Ever since then, Pup has been quite content to leave the tissue-wrapped tooth on his bedside table. Even now he is more than happy to remind me that the Toothfairy forgot again (Growing up with the benefits of childhood?)
Cub, on the other hand, was absolutely determined that not one single tooth disappeared without his knowledge. He also decided that the Toothfairy must have a challenge. (Does he not want the money?)
His rules are simple:
- It must not be on the bedside table. (Pup’s thing, obviously he can’t copy that, he's an original)
- It must not be in a slipper by the door (Like I used to do, you know, in the old days, before dinosaurs)
- It must not be in any other room of the home. (Foal’s thing, but he wasn’t really old enough to start it)
- It must be inside the center of the pillowcase, on the other side of the pillow (because he doesn’t want to lie on something uncomfortable)
And finally, just a quick note to the Toothfairy
---------------------------------------------------
Dear Toothfairy,
I know you can get a bit busy especially after sugar filled holidays, but you do seem to forget sometimes.
I’m not complaining but mum says you could be running late because of bad weather, or my tooth fell out after you left for work and now I’m not on today's list.
I am sure you don’t want to start a playground war so I’ve been wondering:
- What is the going rate for teeth these days?
- Does it change depending on which tooth falls out?
- Is there a bonus incentive for really clean teeth or bravery when a dead tooth has to be pulled out?
- Is there an age limit?
Thank you for a job well done,
From
Me
PS We are still not sure if you are a boy or girl, so don't be upset if we get it wrong
Saturday, 9 May 2009
Mother's Day
I’m fairly intelligent so I’ve noticed that absolutely every single person has a mum. I know – major news flash! Not about my intelligence (mainly because the jury tends to disappear on that question) but the mum bit… Admittedly, some mums are absolutely brilliant and some mums should simply not exist! Who am I to pass sentence? Until recently, I thought I was a fairly decent sort of mum. This was the chat where I found out the truth.
The scene: Cub in the bath with me washing his hair and the conversation was as follows:
Cub: Do you ever feel bad about some things?
Me: Yes, sometimes… (Thinking, “We’re sharing a moment”)
Cub: Like what?
Me: Oh… like sometimes I don’t think I’m a good mum.
Cub: Yes! Me too!
(There was a bit of a pause so I could rinse the shampoo out. Actually, I was trying to digest this bit of information. I was also trying to figure out whether he had figured out that he was in an extremely vulnerable position – you know with him in the bath and all. Anyhow, after deciding that I would rather not go to prison, I chose another tactic)
Me: Do you think you are always a good son?
Cub: Yes! Always!
In one respect, he is honest. At their primary school, the P&C provide stalls for every occasion, for example: Mothers Day/Fathers Day/Christmas… When it comes to buying a present for Mother’s Day, he is a good son. Actually, they all are. Normally.
Each year I’ve given them a $5 note. Each. Yes, I’m the first to admit that I want something fantastic.
Over the years, with the $5 note I have given each of them, I have ended up with 2 coffee cups, a candle in a watering can, and numerous necklaces and bracelets made for a 1 year old.
Seriously.
My wrist is 14 cm all round (I know I just checked) and the bracelets cut off all the blood flow to my fingers. I can’t measure my neck because I don’t like things around it. Maybe I could sell them to the mafia…
I’m not allowed to burn the ‘candle-in-the-watering-can’ (Foal’s present, “In case it runs out”) But I’m supposed to wear the strangling things?
The coffee cups were the best ever yet! I almost had a complete set but the P&C no longer get their supplies from the same place.
Each year, the boys have ended up with the change from the $5 note.
This year, with Pup being in high school and all, where they obviously don’t do the stall or make cards in class, conned Dad into taking him to the shop.
Because I still want something fantastic, I gave my blessing and off they went.
To Toy World.
I can hardly wait for morning.
To all the Mums out there:
May all your necklace and bracelets be too small and you can experience my joy.
Especially if you actually get the brand new advertised washing machine/iron/or my personal favourite – a real chainsaw! We all need one of those!
Thanks to all the mums out there! We wouldn’t be here without you. (Told you I was a genius)
The scene: Cub in the bath with me washing his hair and the conversation was as follows:
Cub: Do you ever feel bad about some things?
Me: Yes, sometimes… (Thinking, “We’re sharing a moment”)
Cub: Like what?
Me: Oh… like sometimes I don’t think I’m a good mum.
Cub: Yes! Me too!
(There was a bit of a pause so I could rinse the shampoo out. Actually, I was trying to digest this bit of information. I was also trying to figure out whether he had figured out that he was in an extremely vulnerable position – you know with him in the bath and all. Anyhow, after deciding that I would rather not go to prison, I chose another tactic)
Me: Do you think you are always a good son?
Cub: Yes! Always!
In one respect, he is honest. At their primary school, the P&C provide stalls for every occasion, for example: Mothers Day/Fathers Day/Christmas… When it comes to buying a present for Mother’s Day, he is a good son. Actually, they all are. Normally.
Each year I’ve given them a $5 note. Each. Yes, I’m the first to admit that I want something fantastic.
Over the years, with the $5 note I have given each of them, I have ended up with 2 coffee cups, a candle in a watering can, and numerous necklaces and bracelets made for a 1 year old.
Seriously.
My wrist is 14 cm all round (I know I just checked) and the bracelets cut off all the blood flow to my fingers. I can’t measure my neck because I don’t like things around it. Maybe I could sell them to the mafia…
I’m not allowed to burn the ‘candle-in-the-watering-can’ (Foal’s present, “In case it runs out”) But I’m supposed to wear the strangling things?
The coffee cups were the best ever yet! I almost had a complete set but the P&C no longer get their supplies from the same place.
Each year, the boys have ended up with the change from the $5 note.
This year, with Pup being in high school and all, where they obviously don’t do the stall or make cards in class, conned Dad into taking him to the shop.
Because I still want something fantastic, I gave my blessing and off they went.
To Toy World.
I can hardly wait for morning.
To all the Mums out there:
May all your necklace and bracelets be too small and you can experience my joy.
Especially if you actually get the brand new advertised washing machine/iron/or my personal favourite – a real chainsaw! We all need one of those!
Thanks to all the mums out there! We wouldn’t be here without you. (Told you I was a genius)
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