more on table manners

We were reminded of how important it is to enunciate when speaking to Little Dude about table manners the other evening. During dinner he demanded, "I want some corn. I WANT SOME CORN!"

"What happened to being polite? I'd like you to be polite," the Good Man insisted.

Little Dude looked puzzled for a moment and then said, "Here you go," handing his daddy a plate.

As for LittleR Dude, he seems to think that the dinner table is some sort of ballet bar. So far, enunciating my wishes for the table to remain foot-free has not helped.

forking around

"No, no, no. Stop forking me!" Little Dude screeched as he raced past me.

I looked up to find LittleR Dude in pursuit with a wooden toy knife in one hand and a fork in the other with his arm extended.

"Don't eat your brother!"
"Way to use a knife and fork, sweetie."

These responses came to mind but remained unsaid. To be honest, I don't remember what disciplinary words came out of my mouth. The knife and fork, however, were confiscated bringing an end to this game of I'm a cannibal.

For what it's worth, Little Dude is not always the victim in these torture tag games. Ping pong paddles were used as a prop not too long ago.

summer fun

I apologize for my recent absence. It seems that blogging is getting the big brush off this summer. We've been away a great deal visiting people and places. And when we are home, the allure of the great outdoors has been much too strong and night time activities have limited themselves to watching a little tv before collapsing into bed by 10 or 11 pm. Yes. I think I'll blame mostly the weather on this bout of truancy. Or, maybe even my kids.

About the boys, they've been busy inventing their own brand of fun. What kind of fun, you ask. Why the giggling, snorting kind brought on by sipping water while sitting on the kitchen floor mat ...


... or by dropping pebbles on their head.

Figuring out their left boot from their right ranks low on the to-do list ...

... when they've got a lush, cushiony (over-grown) lawn beckoning them.

Yep, the Dudes have their priorities straight. When the sun is beating down on the patio, they know that a hat and boots are a definite must.


Well ... at least the sun hat, anyway.


Bright, warm weather. Lunch served outdoors. And great conversation. What more can you ask for?

How about some ski jumping fun on the Wii?

I hope you're enjoying this summer as much we are.