So today I thought I'd share a couple fun stories about my two oldest kids. One of them even has to do with writing. :)
(not this one) Two days ago when my six-year-old son came home from school my husband noticed his pants didn't quite look right. He asked him to lift his shirt so he could see and, sure enough, they were on backwards. Before my husband could say anything my son, Johnny, said, "I know, Dad, I'm not switching them back."
Luke asked, "How long have they been like that?"
"Since this morning."
"Didn't anyone notice?"
"Everyone noticed. I don't want to switch them. I like them like this." He then proceed to explain that with the back pockets in front he had more room to put his stuff. You see, wearing your pants backward is really so much better.
This is so Johnny. He knows everything. I have no doubt that putting his pants on backward was not intentional but when it was pointed out, rather than be embarrassed, he decided 'he meant to do that.'
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| Johnny and Elizabeth |
My next story is about Elizabeth, who is eight. A few weeks ago we had a couple snow days in a row and I pulled out three little white books for my oldest kids to draw and write in. Elizabeth was very excited to write a story. She thought and thought, started up a rough draft in another notebook, then asked me a question.
"Mom, is it still a story if it doesn't have a problem?"
I didn't know how to answer. For one, I wanted her to write whatever she wanted. Also, technically yes, it's still a story, just a boring one. But I thought it was such a good question, I wanted to give her a good answer.
Anyone who has ever written a picture book knows this is one beginner mistake that we are always warned against. Happy little animals having a happy little day is sweet, but not a story.
So she and I brainstormed and came up with a solution to her 'no-problem' problem.
I was very proud. :)
Oh, and I just wanted to share this cute picture, too. :)
That was a tough question! Got a smart girl there.
ReplyDeleteWow, that girl's going to keep you on your toes ;) And that with your son is just funny. Mine use to wear his underwear backwards because he liked to see the big pictures on the backside (I think he was kind of right). Happy Anniversary!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou son's reasoning is adorable. My boyfriend is in his thirties and still wears his oxford shirts inside out half the time. He likes them that way, too.
ReplyDeleteOH my gosh... those two stories were soooo relevant.. are you kidding me, girlfriend:)
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of the next generation picking up the pen and paper early... (I wish I did:) so kudos to you for spending the time to fix the non-problem:)
PS... your son sounds like a very smart kid and while I may not try the backward pants look myself... I bet if you googled it, some designer somewhere has already got a line of "back-to-front pocket" jeans available:)
P.S. Happy ninth anniversary to your and the Hubster... I forgot you guys are only three weeks after the Koopmans' ninth anniversary :)
Oh my gosh what great pictures and stories! I lurrve that Johnny had his pants on backwards but was cool enough not to care. And what a little sweetie pie, writing her little conflict- free story- love it. You are such an awesome mom Rach. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteOh, and Happy 9th Anniversary to you and the hubby!!! Congrats.
DeleteI loved your son's story. Pockets in front is utilitarian-- the heck with what everyone else things. This quality will serve him well as a teenager! We used to call my son Stubby because he was so stubborn. As he grew into a teenager, I seldom worried about peer pressure with him. He knew his own mind-- like your son.
ReplyDeleteLove this! And your son reminds me of my daughter - whenever she trips or falls she says, "I meant to do that!"
ReplyDeleteOh, I love that story about the pants. My daughter does that, but because she doesn't trust the buttons on her back pockets and needs to keep an eye on them.
ReplyDeleteI am so with your son on the practicality of backward pants.
ReplyDeleteAnd your daughter is amazing to realize that stories need problems!
Such cute stories, and pictures :) I am totally like your son--God forbid I get embarrassed by admitting I'm wrong, of course I knew that there was lipstick on my teeth! It's the latest fashion! Duh ;)
ReplyDeleteHello! Happy Ninth Anniversary. Your children are adorable. I love Johnny's pants theory and that your daughter writes.
ReplyDeleteThose pictures are stunning!
A good question of Elizabeth's - there are plenty of far older readers who might not realise the lack of a problem could be a problem.
ReplyDeleteI love trying to work out what goes on in kids heads. You have two very inventive children.
ReplyDeleteThanks you guys! I think they're pretty cool, too. :)
ReplyDeleteRachel, these stories are so sweet. Kids are awesome, and yours sound ADORABLE!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary yesterday!
I love when my kids want to write stories. My son has done a few Pokeman stories. They're so funny cause he repeats the same thing over and over. They prepare for some fight, they fight. then they go to another fight, and battle... etc. At least he's writing. :)
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with the kriss kross look... lol
ReplyDeleteSweet story. You have some great kids.
ReplyDeleteThat is so cute! I would totally do what your son did. Yeah...I meant to wear them like this ;)
ReplyDeleteAww! I love that your son took advantage of the situation instead of getting embarrassed, and your daughter asked a great question.
ReplyDeleteThese stories are priceless! Sounds like you've got some amazing kids, and congrats on the anniversary.
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary!! That picture is adorable! :)
ReplyDeleteI love that picture! And what good writing advice thanks to Elizabeth and life advice from Johnny!
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