As a family, we’ve had some of our most meaningful conversations in the car.
We’ve discussed various historical, theological, political and social concepts like basic manners, the deficit, World War II, human reproduction (I kid you not!) and the Trinity.
However, we’ve also had our fair share of disharmony in the back seat. For example, the other day we’re driving to C.G.’s and Super Girl’s various activities…one minute we’re happily belting out “Yellow Submarine” and the next…I hear name-calling.
“Well…you’re old and moldy!” C.G., my almost nine-year-old boy, shouts at his sister.
“Well…you’re a little wee baby!” Super girl, my thirteen-year-old, exuberantly responds.
“Whoa, whoa, guys! Stop the name-calling!” I command and then continue, “You know I have a very low tolerance for arguments. I can’t believe you’re actually calling each other mean names.”
Surprisingly enough, I hear lots of laughter from the back seat.
“No mommy. We’re just kidding around,” my oldest replies.
“Yep. Daddy gave us those names. He calls us by them all the time,” the other proudly declares.
What?
I need time to process this little tidbit.
*******
The next night, I finally think to ask Craig about it.
He’s just gotten home from a long day at work, so, of course, it’s the perfect time for me to ambush him with my incredible interrogation skills.
“No. I don’t remember calling them those names,” he absentmindedly answers.
“Are you sure?” I say in my most skeptical tone.
“Okay, okay…wait. Yes, now I remember. Yes, we were joking around and I did call them by those names…the little beggars.”
At this point I’m thinking I should just give up.
I mean, if you can’t beat ‘em….you know the rest.
So when bedtime rolls around, instead of calling out their names, I decide to use a few I’ve come up with over the past few hours.
“Hey, Quasimodo and Esmeralda, get in beh-ed!” I sing-song up the stairs.
I know I’ve left something out so I pause to think on it before adding, “Oh yeah. I almost forgot! I love you!”
*******
Authors note: I’ve used a bit of artistic license to round out the ending of this story, but the name calling did happen…and it originated with Craig.
Oh my. Another nail in the coffin. ;)
Posted by: Laura | Jan 21, 2011 at 10:18 PM
Don't know if this provides another clue, but last night the kids started laughing about the old and moldy name. I guess they heard it used by Little A. while they were in the car in Houston, and it did have Craig's approval. Just thought I'd help. ;)
Posted by: Super Bluebonnet | Jan 21, 2011 at 08:04 PM