Get that boy a dictionary!

Nathan is quite entertaining during school. He typically attacks his school assignments with the same enthusiasm he uses as he fights imaginary bad guys. I love to watch him completing his worksheets with his tongue slightly out because he's deep in concentration. Loud, demanding concentration. And he is so funny about it. I'll say, "Circle all the pictures that start with the /s/ sound." He'll obey, but then he'll come to a nest. He'll say, "But n is my favorite letter. I have to circle it." And then he'll see a yo-yo. "I like yo-yos. I can't cross it out." If I didn't watch him completing the worksheet, I'd think he has no idea what /s/ sounds like. But he knows. He's just Nathan. I'm trying to teach him the concept of following instructions, but until he learns, I'll sit next to him and enjoy his unique style of learning.

Oh my goodness. I am not telling the story I intended to tell. Let me start over.

The other day, Nathan turned the page in his math book to find an exciting page. He said, "I've been longing to do this page!" And then he said, "I don't even know what longing means!" But he used it right anyway.

Yesterday was a bad school day. There was very little in way of cooperation. I got frustrated. I said, "Nathan, please concentrate!" Nathan said, "I never concentrate!" (That is largely true.)

Then after a little pause he said, "I don't even know what concentrate means." (That could explain a lot about the way Nathan lives his cute little life.)

Boys...

During Sarah's dance class, the boys usually hang out with Chris at his work. And then he brings them home. But tonight, Chris couldn't have them there, so they had to come with me to dance. They were whining and complaining about it. I told them that Sarah's new dance class is different than the old one because at the end of every class, they spend a few minutes learning some Hawaiian words. I told the boys (Ammon, especially) that I would like them to learn the Hawaiian words with the class. Ammon said, "The only thing I'm interested in is Hawaiian food!"

Sweet little one.

I like how Beth asks me, "Can you get the water out of my eyes?" when she wants me to wipe her tears away. That's all.

Funnies....

1. Ammon does not enjoy using silverware. He likes his hands. This is cute in, say, a 9-month-old, who tries to eat his soup with his fingers. Not so cute in a 9-year-old.

The other night we were eating rotisserie chicken for dinner. Our children call this "greasy, slippery chicken." That description just makes your mouth water, no? Ammon was disgustingly using his fingers. I attempted to correct his behavior and reintroduce the concept of manners. Ammon said, "When I grow up, I'm going to open a freestyle restaurant, where people can eat however they please."

2. After he was sent to bed last night, Nathan came into the room where I was. The following conversation then took place:

"What are you watching?" 
"Psych."
"Can I watch it?"
"No. Come give me a hug and then go to bed."
"I love watching t.v. It's my favorite thing in the whole entire universe."
"You love t.v. more than you love your mommy?"
"No. I love you more than the whole entire universe. But I almost love t.v. more than you."

Do you have the time?

The kids were excited for Chris to get home. He said he'd be home at 6:30, so they were anxiously waiting. Nathan had been counting the minutes (so to speak) since about 4:00. I told Nathan to check the clock so that we would know how much longer until Chris got home. He said, "But I can't tell time!" I suggested he check the digital clock on the stove and tell me the numbers. He looked over and said, "It's 2:22."

I said, "I think you mean 5:55." He disagreed and I let it go. (That's because I'm the mature one.)

Sarah said, "I know how to tell time. I'll check the clock." Then she announced, "It's 11:00!"

At this point, I reminded my parents that my children are homeschooled. (That's a little home-educator humor. It's just sounds funny.)

This seemed a lot funnier when it was happening. Sorry to waste your time with the reading of this non-funny story. (Sarah had mixed up the long and short hands. That's for those of you who didn't figure out the clues.)

And with regards to the door in a previous blentry: Cami, Dad fixed the door immediately. Probably within the hour. Chris and I were planning to fix it; we just wanted to know the best way, but Dad beat us to it. And Rachel, only you would have a "favorite" door in your house! That's pretty funny.