Self-realization; Age 9

So Tuesday evening we were all working in the yard. Audrey was helping Jen pull weeds and Claire was trying to kill herself climbing our Dwarf peach tree. After a few hours of not quite back-breaking work, Audrey informs us that "we should just get rid of all the TVs".

SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH!!!!!!!
What?!?

For better or worse, Audrey is more a child of TV than I was. Who's to blame for that? Well, that would be me. And I take full responsibility for getting her hooked on the idiot box. So for Audrey to say that we should just get rid of them came as something of a shock to Jen and I. But you may safely assume that I was dancing in the grass with glee (and no, there is no video of my madly happy jig!).

After about 20 minutes of me fantasizing what life with limited TV would be like, I decide to get back to work. I go inside to grab something and I see Audrey sitting on the couch, eyes glued to the TV. I joke about how her wanting to get rid of TV didn't even last 20 minutes, to whit she replied, "I was just being dramatic".

At least she's smart enough to recognize it, and aware enough to admit it!

Personalities, Part 2...

For those of you who have not read part 1, click here.

I truly lament not having that crystal ball now. Claire, the middle child in all of this, is most definitely the Alpha of our house. Its almost pathetic to watch Audrey lose all control of her emotions because (or cause-be, as Claire says it) Claire tortures her relentlessly. As an example, Claire like to drink bath-water. I don't know why, and I try to get her to stop, to no avail. So two nights ago, Audrey and Claire were taking their baths when Claire gulped a huge mouthful, then got another and dribbled it out onto Audrey's legs. Well, as you can imagine, this set Audrey off, made worse by Claire's delighted laughter. Audrey screams at Claire that its not funny, and that Claire is not funny. Claire's reply?...YES I AM!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

I try not to laugh (or at least not laugh in front of Audrey) but its just so damn funny. My 9 year old is being bullied by my 2 year old. The saddest part is that Claire wants to be around Audrey all the time, for everything. *SIGH* A bully with a soft spot for her victim.

Why You Should NEVER Eavesdrop...

Audrey had a friend over two Saturdays ago. I was happy that she was outside playing. After all, the only thing she's done the last month is complain about not being able to play outside.

So, her and her friend Ethel (name changed) are in our maple tree. I was swinging Claire (ad infinitum) and listening in on their 8-9 year old babble. Audrey suddenly voice uncertainty about continuing. When I asked why, she was concerned that I would get mad. I assured her that wouldn't. Boy do I wish I hadn't.

Apparently, Clark (name changed) and Billy Bob (same) are...HOT! My baby thinks boys are hot. Deep down I'm excited for her. But damn it! this is my first born. The absolute last thing I want to hear is that she's interested in boys. Why can't she just play with her Troy and Gabriella barbies?

So it begins. Anyone know of a good convent?