Recent Quotables

(I apologize for the repeats for those on facebook and/or twitter)

1)The other night, Kev asked Parker to let the dogs back in the house. He said it in such a way that it gave Parker the impression that it was an optional request. (parenting tip #476 If you request something in the form of an optional question, do not be surprised when the answer is no)

Parker's response: A short pause and then "No, I'm a King and kings don't do that kind of stuff"

2)This isn't as funny reading it, but trust me it's funny. Every single time someone mentions an odd odor, Parker blames Rocklin. Poor Rocklin has done nothing to deserve this honor. We have no clue why he picked Rocklin over others in the family. Someone will say, "what's that I smell?" and with no thought and in a very matter of fact tone, Parker will just say "it's Rock of course".

3) Parker: "I think I'm gonna die." Why do you think that? "cause I'm hot and I have a headache, I can't clean 'cause I'm just gonna die". It was an effort to stay inside, but avoid chores. The other kids are outside and I told him "go outside with your siblings or stay in and help me clean".

4)Aaron wrote Parker's name on a slip of paper...P-a-r-K-e-R. Parker is insisting it's wrong. "my name is 'pelled O-R-A-and some other ledders"

5)Aaron and Parker had dentists appointments last week. I was trying to prep them for what it would be like, etc. Aaron did not believe me that he really had to go. He said, "I thought you was just trying to trip me".

6) The next morning, I was getting them ready to go. Aaron took in a deep breath and said, "I am so not excited about this" and Parker said, "I do NOT want him to touch my teef". I think I've mentioned before that Jerald just loves going to the dentist. He asked if he could go to help keep them calm. When they got home, everyone was happy. Aaron said he really liked going and that "Jay was such a good helper to me. He told me 'bout everything and so I wasn't scared as much like." Parker was just thrilled that he got a new toothbrush. He would have a toothbrush in his mouth half the day if I let him, and he loves getting new ones.

7) Jerald is on this holiday kick. He keeps looking up obscure holidays to share. His favorites so far, National Chocolate Chip day (May 15th) and National Packrat day (May 17th). He knows that he and Kev are the packrats of the house. He told Kev, "I think we should both celebrate it"...I was thinking, "you celebrate it every day, just look around the house".

8)The children brought home baby frogs and tadpoles from the pond at church. I heard Parker say, "Look, I made a rock". I turned to look and he had dumped an entire box of baking soda into the center of their home to make a "rock". We have no more frogs or tadpoles :-(

9)Parker's learning the art of flattery: "Your belly is like a big boulder and your hair is like a camels hump."

10) Aaron's favorite blanket was dirty and he asked me the other night to be sure and wash it yesterday. I washed it, but forgot to switch it to the dryer until just before bedtime. He went to bed only to come out a few minutes later. He was very concerned and quite serious when he said, "it seems we have a serious problem here. My butterfly blanket is not on my bed." I apologized and told him it was in the dryer, that I would bring it to him as soon as it was finished. He replied with "it's okay that you messed up. You can just put it on me when it's finished. Waking me up would really not be a good thing though, so do it gently and very very quiet like".

11)Rocklin doesn't say much that sticks in my mind. He's fairly quiet as far as words go. He's definately not quiet in volume, but he's more of the sound effects, always drumming on something kind of guy. He is constantly doing funny things though. He is very dramatic in his play and does things like...take the stuffing from a destroyed dog toy and put it all around his head/under his hat to make it look like clown hair. He is the master of costumes and nearly every day is dressed up like an explorer, or an HVAC guy or a football player, etc.

12) A few weeks ago, the children were pretending to be various explorers. They dressed up and I asked them each who they were pretending to be. Jerald was Magellan, Rocklin was Columbus, Magdalyn was Vespucci. I asked Aaron and he said, "no one special. I'm just a pirate. Arrrgh". I looked at Parker, he pulled on his shirt, which happened to be Kev's Grinch shirt again. Then he said, "I just a grinch that's all, just a grinch".

13)During this playtime, Jerald decided to make "hardtack, but without the bugs" so they could be authentic explorers. After enjoying their treat?, it was announced "it tasted like half-dryed playdough". I am not even going to ask how in the world they know what half-dryed playdough tastes like.

14)I was in the shower yesterday when Mag needed to use the bathroom. She came in to do her business and said, "just so you know, I took my hat off for you because you are a lady" ???? Okay. Deep sigh. "I'm pretending to be a Union soldier, you know those were all men and you are a lady so I took my hat off for you until I go out".

15)Last night, Aaron had a belly ache and was ready for bed. He does not enjoy brushing his teeth nearly as much as Parker does, so he's always looking for an excuse to skip teeth brushing. He mustered up the most pitiful tone and facial expression he could and said "My belly hurts so so much that I cannot even open my mouth. So, can I just skip brushing my teeth?"

16)My recent favorite is Aaron's request for grilled cheese...

"I don't want a sandwich. I just want grilled cheese."

I assume he thinks that a sandwich= cold, so a grilled cheese sandwich is not a sandwich?

While I'm preparing it, he says "I want a grilled cheese without the cheese"

I have no idea what he means.

We go back and forth for a few minutes, neither of us understanding the other.

Finally in exasperation he says, "Nevermind. Can I just have toast and be done with it?"

After much thought, I think what he really wanted was crispy bread, prepared the same way that you prepare a grilled cheese sandwich.