Learning about Money

ET sometimes likes to play games, like club penguin and animal crossing, that imitate some aspects of life.

While we were driving in the car, he made a usual request to go to McDonalds and get an egg. (An actual visit to McD's is a somewhat rare occurence in which I let him have the egg off my breakfast sandwich.) I told him that we needed to save our money instead. He wanted to know why. I told him that daddy works hard to earn the money so he can have food, clothes and toys.

"But, Mom, I played the game and earned coins. So, you can have money to buy me a egg."

Oreo Melt

This story occurs on a nice Sunday afternoon. We were home from church and had begun to make lunch.

ET what do you want for lunch?

Oreomelt.

Buddy, you need to eat something else before you can eat oreos. How about some chicken nuggets?

No, I want oreomelt.

Oreos and milk?

No, oreomelt. I am completely wracking my brains at this point. What on earth is oreomelt?

What about some of that yummy meat you liked?

No, I want oreomelt. We are on the verge of a major meltdown at this point. Daddy comes in to help figure it out. At one point ET agrees to Ramen Noodles, but then reverts to oreomelt. We keep offering other foods and he insists on oreomelt.

ET is starting to actually cry in frustration. Then, in the midst of my chaotic thought process, I remember that he had had oatmeal for breakfast.

ET, you mean oatmeal?

Yeah, I want oatmeal.

Calm begins to resume after the miscommunication has ended. A simple mispronunciation can be the end of the world to a three year old.

Mommy, I Made a Mistake

ET likes to do many things. Among those activities are playing games, coloring, playing with trains and reading stories. One evening he was given the choice to continue playing a game or to have Daddy play trains with him. ET chose to play the game.

After his sister had gone to sleep, ET decided that he wanted to play trains. As the noisy toys are only a thin wall away from her bed, he was then denied that chance by his father. He came to me almost in tears.

Mommy, I made a mistake. I want to play with my trains.

Buddy, ME is asleep. We can't play with them now.

But I made a mistake. I want to play with trains. Please?

No, ET. You can play with them tomorrow.

His voice rising in pitch-Please, I made a mista-a-ake. Full blown tears now.

He knew that our answer was no. He also knew that he had made his choice. Now that time had run out, he had to live with the consequences, but didn't like them. After many tears, explanations, and snuggles, ET calmed down. It is yet to be seen if he learned anything from that night.

ET's New Favorite "Diet"

As happens each fall and winter, viruses are now sweeping our portion of the country. When ET had a recent cold he was extremely congested. Due to an inability to smell, nothing tasted very good to him. For several days he would request certain foods, which he usually likes, but upon beginning to eat he would dislike the taste and refuse to eat.

He could, however, still handle peanut butter. In an effort to get some carbs in him in addition to the protein and fat, I added a little sugar and some flour. At that point the consistency was easily edible. ET ate it quite quickly. He then began to brag to his father that he got cookie dough for dinner. He wanted the dough for just a couple more days. Once the cold passed, his diet was returned to normal, much to his dislike.

He occasionally still requests "cookie dough" for some of his meals. Oh, the frustration of trying to reason with a 3 1/2 year old.

Today Daddy Visited with the President

Well, not really. But I was invited to hear him give a speech. Whether you like his politics or not, (and I really don't want to turn this into a political blog), it is still fun to come home and tell your kids that Daddy sat three rows from the President of the United States, right next to the Aussies, in front of the Chinese, and behind the Portugal delegation. Not bad for a kid who grew up in the middle of no where rural America.

Sweet Spiritual Moment

We live in an area with heavy traffic and rude drivers. I can have a bit of a temper, so I tend to listen to religious music while I drive in order to help keep me calm. I began to sing along to one particular song that referenced getting closer to our Savior. The lyrics talk about crying to, dancing for and flying to Jesus.

ET asks, "Mommy, why do we fly to Jesus?"

"The song just means to get to know him better and trust him. He loves us and helps us."

"Does Jesus keep me safe?"

"Yes, ET, he does."

"Is Jesus in the car?" I look around at the clutter. Wrappers, extra clothes, toys, shopping bags.

"Probably not sweetie. Jesus likes to be where it is clean. Is the car very clean?"

"No." A few moments of silence follow. "Mommy, we need to clean the car so Jesus can have a place to sit."

I start to choke up on how sweet his reasoning was. Once I could talk with a normal voice I ask him to help me clean the car that weekend. He agrees and we continue with our otherwise ordinary, but blessed day.

Has to Learn the Hard Way

It seems to me that my son has to learn the hard way on many things. I can tell him over and over not to do something, but he won't stop until he actually gets hurt. Examples? Oh, where do I start.

ET loves to run. Even when we are on concrete, going downhill, he will run. "ET, don't run or you could fall and get hurt." (In one ear and out the other.) "ET, please don't run on the sidewalk." (Still no response.) "ET, please stop. You could get hurt." (The front edge of his shoe catches and down he goes. Wailing and gnashing of teeth ensue.) ET says, "Mommy, you let me fall and get hurt."

At that point I sometimes can't figure out which emotion I am supposed to have. Do I get angry he didn't listen, cry with him, or laugh at his ridiculous conclusion that it is somehow my fault? No, I am not that callous. I usually pull him close and comfort him. I then gently and quietly tell him that it was for precisely that reason I asked him not to run downhill on the sidewalk. I tell him that he should listen the next time I tell him to stop. (ET nods and lets me console him.)

Five days later, we get to do almost the same sequence all over again.

Beginning of ET & ME

No, we are not huge alien fans, other than our own little ET. Those are simply the initials of our beloved, sometimes frustrating, children. And that brings us to the URL of this site. In our society there are times when we feel like and even threaten to sell our children to the gypsies. Some of the postings will undoubtedly display those moments but more often we will place some of our more beloved moments and stories for friends and family to enjoy.

Thank you for those who read and share in the joy of our little ones.