KIDS & THE THINGS THEY SAY!
I have three boys.
My oldest (MO) is my smallest. He has always been focused, serious, and has a steel-trap memory. A little wiry great athlete who loves the finer things in life: girls, clothes and any stuffed animal that is super soft. Funny how he also has a fiery temper and excels in the art of manipulation! Presently fancies himself as a Momma’s boy.
My middle (MM) son is like fine crystal. Everything about this boy has a pattern with edge. Beyond his years. Often my teacher. There is fragility, studliness, and a big dose of self-awareness. Very modest and shy at first, he prefers to study before reaching out. Great swimmer, and unfortunately for his brothers, a great boxer. He feels everything very deeply and has an affinity for animals. We are very alike. Presently fancies himself as his own man.
My youngest (MY) is big in every way. His head, his tall solid body, his blue eyes, his lips, his laugh. He loves to love and is always the first to compliment. Announces to all that his mom looks beautiful or that dinner is delicious. Loves to eat, and then there is his love for his big brothers. Idol worship even though he endures being the brunt of whatever they decide to do with him. One hour he is the great playmate because he’ll do anything to get their attention, the next he's a punching bag or the victim of their teasing. Never occurs to him that his size would allow him to pummel them. The most cheerful and full of optimism. A humor like an old-school comedian: Johnny Carson meets Jackie Gleason. He reminds me to be so thankful. Presently fancies himself as Dad’s guy.
From when they started speaking, there was so much laughter. The things they would say to us and each other! Their reasoning, choice of words, their frankness; I never wanted to forget. We keep a book in the kitchen. As they say funny things we write them down with the date in the book. Inevitably once a year that book is read aloud, both the old and new entries. So funny. I tease them that I’ll read it to future girlfriends. I probably will! These are some of them.
News
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May 21, 2009
Conversation #1
This one falls under that heading, WHEN KIDS SPEAK THE TRUTH AND PARENTS ARE EMBARRESSED:
It is 2004. Mom and MO are in the grocery store. People try to talk to him with his delicate features, blue eyes and blonde hair. He prefers to sit in the cart seat and stare right back at you, the silence awkward. He is just thinking. People go back to their shopping.
We finally make it to check-out. The line is long, plus we have a lot of stuff. I’m surprised that MO is as silent as he is. I realize he is absolutely focused on the checkout girls’ fingernails. They are incredibly long and curved, painted with a bright colored pattern and a rhinestone on each one. Finally she notices that he is staring at her fancily manicured nails and she starts talking to him about them.
Check Out Girl: Aren’t they pretty? She asks as she flutters them around her face.
MO stares at those nails around her face.
MO: (nods yes) Why don’t you use them? (He speaks!)
C/O Girl: Because they’ll break! She squeals.
MO stares.
C/O Girl: That’s why I don’t press anything with them.
MO stares. The people in line are enjoying the exchange.
The Check Out Girl demonstrates how she only uses the pads of her fingers on the keys of the cash register with extra flair.
MO: You should use them to get that big booger in your nose.
He was right. There it was. Awkward.
