Random Conversations and a Neurotypical Break*

Princess: Mom, are we going to be in a parade?
Mom: Yes.
Princess: That's weird! I didn't know we were going to be in a parade!
Mom: That's weird! Because usually you listen to any conversation I have with anyone!
Princess: (goes inside and comes out with ankle-skip-rope-thing)
Mom: Please put that back where you found it.
Princess: Why?
Mom: So I know where it is tomorrow morning when I need it.
Princess: But I wanted to practice.
Mom: You couldn't have wanted to practice, because if you didn't know you were going to be in a parade, you couldn't possibly know that's what you were to do in it. GAH!


Peanut: Dear Jesus. Thank you that Mom is so funny. And help Daddy get the rental finished. Amen.


Princess: I miss school.
Mom: Oh? What do you miss most?
Princess: Homework, and reading, and free time in art.
Mom: Hmmm. I don't think so. You refused to do your homework, you pretended you didn't know how to read, and "free time" in art is the same as "markers and paper" at home.
Princess: Oh yeah. I miss clay.



Buddy was invited to go the the big family-reunion-camp our neighbor has every year. They take over the campground, have tons of organized activities, ride bikes and go to the beach, and have an RV. So, basically, Buddy's vision of heaven. He is thrilled, and I am thrilled for him because he really needs to go. For the first year, Josh and I kind of wish we had looked into overnight camp for him. He's been very tolerant of Princess's behaviors until now, but now he's starting to wear real thin. He's at that stage in child development where rules and norms are very important, and I think he knows Princess's social behavior will not fly and, maybe, could be embarrassing for him at school. And for everyone, tantrums get more annoying as the person having them gets older. So he needs to get out. Be part of a pack of boys. Roam freely (within the campground confine and in a helmet, of course). Get sticky and filthy.

I'm happy for him. And sad for me. Because I'll be home with three jealous girls. Which brings me to the last random conversation:

Buddy: I'll tell the girls to be nice to you before I leave, Mom.
Mom: No need, but thanks.
Buddy: (evil grin) Or.......you could give them to Mrs. E for the weekend!
Mom and Buddy: Mwa ha ha ha HAAAAAAA!

So see. My son and I can laugh evilly identically. I have passed on something of value.




*A regular person doing regular things with other regular people, lacking vigilance in regards to: screaming, kicking, throwing, biting, scratching, pinching, pe.eing, lying, stealing, hoarding, faking, triangulating, and manipulation in general.