Standing up for each other

When we picked the kids up yesterday, they told us about their day. In the process, Little Man mentioned a kid on his bus who had pushed him around and made threats to him. He said it in a very matter-of-fact way, so we wondered how bad it was - until his mom asked if he wanted her to talk with the bus driver, and he said yes. That, of course, was handled this morning.

Since his sister rides the same bus, we asked if she had seen anything, and she said she thought she had, in a very unconcerned manner. We discussed with them how, as brother and sister, they need to watch out for each other.

Mom had a one-on-one talk with Sweet Pea later about the importance of having her brother's back. Mom asked her if she thought it was OK if someone else picked on or harassed her brother. She thought about it for a minute and said "No. We're the only ones who should do that."

Bad news

I've heard from a couple of different sources that Jim Cantore has checked into a Coast hotel. Now we know where Gustav is going.

Back to routine

The older kids are back to feeling better and headed out to school today. When it came time to wake up Lil Bit, who usually pops up like a jack-in-the-box, she wasn't interested. We gave her some milk and asked if she was ready to get up. She said "No" and pulled the covers over her head.

A little later she was up and in the shower. Normally she loves the shower, but not as much today. Still, she got cleaned up and dressed and was good to go. She sat at the counter and munched on some bread she snagged while her mom and I made lunch for ourselves, and she was happy as a clam. When it was time to go, she grabbed her mini backpack and was ready to load up.

I love it when she wears that little backpack. She looks so cute.

Down and out

Lil Bit had a bit of a bug last week, but she's bounced back fine and seems to be no worse for the wear.

Last night, however, my wife came in dragging. She said "If this is what Lil Bit had, I feel sorry for her" and went to bed. Little Man crashed on the couch almost as soon as he got home, so I took care of Sweet Pea and Little Bit and called it a night.

Almost.

Right about the time I was getting in bed, I hear Little Man stir. Then I hear him lose it, all over the couch and the rug (we've got scored concrete floors, but he's gotta do it on the couch and rug). Mom cleans him up, I clean up the mess. Apparently, it's grabbed him too.

Sweet Pea woke up this morning and made a run for it. She's been taken down too.

Mom and the two oldest are at home now (although I think the kids have a mild case and should be fine). Lil Bit's at daycare and here I am.

Blow out the candles

Today is Lil Bit's birthday. She is two today (to answer Deanna's question from earlier in the week). At this age, it's still small-time, party-wise; it was just us. She did get a cake though. My favorite picture that I took was one of her two siblings grinning for the camera, while she's ignoring everyone else and shoving a big piece of cake in her mouth.

The rules

By Dean P. Johnson

Even though Congress adopted new ethics rules that banned the acceptance of gifts, trips, and meals, among other freebees, Democrats and Republicans will still attend many lobbyist-sponsored events surrounding their conventions. Why? Exceptions, of course.

I've found that while discussion on a rule's merit can be productive, an exception is no child's play.

The other day my 5-year-old son, while sitting in the living room watching TV, was hit by a sudden urge to dash upstairs.

A few minutes later he returned to find his 7-year-old brother sitting in his spot.

"Hey, I was sitting there," he exclaimed, wherein his brother cited one of the house rules: Get on your feet, you lose your seat.

The 5-year-old shook his head vehemently. "It doesn't count. I had to go to the bathroom." The 7-year-old laughed and explained that rules were rules.

A great debate of Scopes proportion ensued. There were certain unavoidable reasons why one must at various times temporarily vacate a location while maintaining ownership of said spot, the 5-year-old insisted.

A society that does not abide by steadfast rules is liable to collapse in anarchy, the 7-year-old retorted.

Complete story (and boy, does it sound familiar)

Lesson not learned?

We picked up the kids yesterday and divided them up; Sweet Pea went on an errand with me, Little Man and Lil Bit went with mom. As I heard when we got home, something upset Lil Bit and she made her unhappiness known. After a while, mom informed her, in no uncertain terms, that enough was enough. Little Man piped up with "You know, I taught her about spankings, but I guess she forgot."

Mom lost it, which let Lil Bit off the hook, because it's hard to get in trouble when mom is laughing.