Like Mother, Like Son

Caleb is very skilled in the "art of the technicality." He has been spared many a time-out using this technique. On several occasions, I have been fussing about various mishaps only to hear things like, "I did put all of my toys away. These are books." or "I didn't jump off of the couch; I jumped off the loveseat." (Keep in mind that all of these things are said in a purely 'stating the facts' kind of way, with no smartallecky undertones...otherwise, we'd be dealing with a new set of issues. :) ) While these responses are both cute and chuckle-worthy, they have forced us to be very specific in our rules. We now go down very detailed lists of things we can't climb on, jump off of, throw, put in our mouths, feed the animals, flush down the toilet, etc. And, just when I thought we'd covered everything, we had this conversation yesterday:

After spreading a blanket over his kids' table, Caleb proceeded to climb on top of the table.

Mommy: Caleb, we don't climb on tables. You know the rules.
Caleb: (Looking me dead in the eye) I didn't climb on the table.
Mommy: (Shocked that he is lying right to my face) Yes, you did! I just watched you climb up there.
Caleb: But it's not a table anymore; it's a cave.

House Rule #2,075: No climbing on top of caves.

And, just to be on the safe side...

House Rule #2,076: No jumping off of caves.
House Rule #2,077: No throwing caves.
House Rule #2,078: No putting caves in our mouths.
House Rule #2,079: No feeding caves to the animals.
House Rule #2,080: No flushing caves down the toilet.

Puppies!

OK, after yesterday's post, I feel I owe you something more upbeat and completely adorable! This is quite possibly the cutest thing I've seen in a while. Watch the whole thing, and make sure your sound is turned on.

Electronic Everything!

::RANT WARNING::


In shopping for Caleb's Christmas gifts, I have come across a lot of neat toys, but the biggest thing I have noticed is that almost everything is electronic now! And, sadly, that's what most parents are looking for. At Target a couple of weeks ago, I overheard a child really excitedly showing his mom some animal figures (basic, non-electronic figures). Her reply (no joke) was, "What do they do?" What do they do?!?! They inspire imagination! That's what they do! She then redirected his attention to a set of animal toys that also made animal sounds. What ever happened to making the sounds yourself? This was only the beginning of what has proven to be a very frustrating shopping season.

While scoping out toys at Toys R US, I came across a Doodler that plays music and sounds! Why in the heck would a kid need all of that to draw/write? No wonder so many kids are ADD! It truly makes me sad that kids' toys don't really encourage creativity anymore. Play kitchens are SO similar to the real thing that you may as well bypass that purchase and let them hang out in the real thing. As kids, didn't we have just as much fun imagining those cooking sounds? And don't get me started on the dolls! I don't think I ever had a doll that did anything more than open and close its eyes, but I can't imagine having had any fonder memories of playing "mommy" with all of my "lifeless" babies. Though they never "did anything," I remember changing imaginary dirty diapers, wiping imaginary tears, and responding to voiceless cries for comfort. And I loved every minute of it!

And now, probably my biggest current electronic pet peeve is the new Leapfrog Tag Reading System. I think the commercial itself pretty much makes my point. Please watch it:

"That book doesn't talk." That's EXACTLY what kids are going to think about books! They will want nothing to do with a book that just sits there and demands to be read solely by you. I DO understand the point of this toy. I get that it is supposed to help kids learn to read. But, I also know that Caleb never needed a talking pen to teach him to read. He only needed parents who were willing to take the time out to read to/with him. We were even capable of using funny voices (imagine that!). And, not only did he learn to read, but he also learned that he is loved and that time spent with him is something that we value greatly.

I'm not saying that there is no place for electronic toys. Educational toys CAN be a good supplement to the things that you are teaching, but they should never become a substitute for hands-on parenting, and it seems like that is increasingly becoming the case. We are purchasing a Leapster for Caleb this year, so that he can play games that will reinforce his math and reading skills, but we will NOT rely solely on it to teach him these skills nor to encourage him. We had considered getting him a toy that promotes writing skills, but later decided that we'd rather use good ol' paper and pencil/crayon. That way WE'RE the ones saying, "Great job" and not some electronic pseudo-parent. What ever happened to parents actually doing the teaching and praising? Kids need to hear approval from their parents' lips.

There are many more toys that I could mention, but I've probably stepped on enough toes for now. If you have bought any of these toys or are planning to, please don't be offended. I'm not saying that ALL electronic toys are bad or that kids should never be exposed to them. Caleb has several "just for fun" toys. They are completely useless except for a quick giggle and that's fine IN MODERATION. I just wish companies would go back to manufacturing toys that foster imagination and creativity. And, more importantly, I wish that parents would go back to wanting these types of toys. ::Sigh:: At least we'll always have Legos. :)

Isaac posted this on Facebook yesterday. I thought some of you who don't have Facebook might like to read it too.

Thoughts elsewhere on November 5th
Yesterday at 11:32pm

In the midst of this election, amongst thoughts public and private of the new president (some happy, some angry), I couldn't help but to feel uneasy. Perhaps the political air was too thick. People reveling, some proclaiming their ignorance openly. Mostly though, my thoughts were not on the election, as prevalent as it was. They were on my late father, Gary Phillips. Today would have been his 54th birthday.

I felt like sharing with everyone a bit about him because he was very dear to me, and much more I to him. He grew up in Augusta, Georgia, but made his way to Columbia in the early 80's. I was born when he was 30. He and my mom divorced when I was pretty young. In fact, I don't actually remember a time when we were all together. I think I was about 4 or 5 when my mom, sister, and I moved into a trailer on our own. Over the years, I would visit him every other weekend.

I learned a lot about my father. I always thought he was hilarious. Most people found him very funny. His usual, cooky behavior bought him the name "Wildman" that he would keep for the rest of his life. The name seems so appropriate. He loved the wild. He cherished open skies, trees, plants, and even animals. Many animals appeared at his door and he couldn't help except to take them in, no matter how much he told himself that he shouldn't keep them. He felt strongly for the wild. He likened it to his slight (1/32) Cherokee heritage.

My dad was also a writer. When I say writer, I mean a writer of all types. He wrote short stories, essays, letters, memorandums, poetry, songs, and even one full novel about King Arthur (that I am in the middle of reading). He was a great writer. I hope to later include quotes from some of his work as I continue to organize and read it all.

The most important thing I learned from my father was love. As a person that most would not consider to be a Christian, he understood and showed love better than many Believers I know. He chose many times to not better himself in order to be with me. He got it and I understand it now so much more because of how he showed it to me. He had his rough side. He was very crass, had a fondness for certain illegal substances, and had some serious anger issues that I even carry today. However, I can't ignore the love he showed. I honestly don't know if I'm going to see him again. I can't sit here and think I will and wish for it or think that I won't and despair. Neither does me any good. I can only hope that I take the love that he showed me and give it to those close to me, praying that God helps me to leave behind the bad things I got from him and cultivate the good.

I loved my dad. I still do when I think of him. It still hurts that he's not here because I've gone through a lot of hard stuff in the past 4 years that I really could've used him for. Sometimes I'm mad about him being gone and sometimes I just desperately miss him. Feel free to ask me about him. I love to talk about him.

Romans 13

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Halloween 2008

Caleb decided that he wanted to dress as Super Mario for Halloween this year. He was also adamant that Isaac dress as Luigi and I dress as Princess Peach. Caleb later revoked my title, and gave that honor to Jessie. Yes, I was replaced by the dog! What?!? Instead, he said that he wanted me to be Bowser. Gee thanks, Caleb! Yeah, Bowser was not happening. I have to admit, though, that Jessie did make an adorable Princess.

After searching for a child's Mario costume to no avail, I realized I was going to have to make one. It sounded easy enough... some overalls, a red t-shirt and a red hat. Little did I know that Caleb had become a picky little Mario expert (as if I needed another one of those in my house!). Mario, he informed me, did NOT wear regular overalls or a baseball cap. ::sigh:: Luckily, Isaac had bought me a sewing machine for Mother's Day. I had not had the time to sit down down and figure out how to use it yet, so there was no time like the present! After tons of failed attempts, I figured out how to effectively use my machine and got started making a pair of authentic Mario overalls and an acceptable hat. I also managed to throw together a felt mask and a question block pail. The pail was just a wooden tissue box cover. It worked out great!

This was Caleb's first year trick or treating. We'd done fall festivals and Boo at the Zoo in the past, but had never gone door to door. My friend Wendy lives in a great neighborhood where almost everyone knows one another and participates in passing out candy, so we headed out to Lexington for some fun. Caleb stayed in character ALL night. If anyone mistakingly called him Caleb, he'd say, "Actually, I'm Mario tonight." He even referred to Isaac as Luigi the entire evening. It was SO funny.

The Mask


The Hat


The Overalls


The Question Block Pail


Mario, Princess Peach, and Luigi


Wendy and Brynn (in utero) as a jack-o-lantern


Quintin as Wolverine


Collin as a Storm Trooper (minus his mask)


Jordan as Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty (with a tiara just for fun) and Will as a spider


Vince as Mickey Mouse


Victoria and Will


Mario and Luigi


The trick-or-treaters in action