I think the whole men listening but not always hearing what we say is just part of being a man. Case in point - on Sunday, the following conversations occurred between my 7 year old son, me, and Hayden’s mom:
Jason: Hey Mom - can I go see if Hayden can play?
Me: Sure. But I’d like you to not play at our house today.
J: Why?
M: Because Keira needs a nap.
J: We’ll be really quiet.
M: Uh huh . . . I don’t believe you. Especially with the way you guys run around with Duma. Besides, Hayden was over Thursday and Friday after school, and you and Keira had Josh and Katie over all day on Saturday to play. Today, I need a break from having extra kids in the house.
J: OK.
And he’s off . . . and Keira takes a nap . . . and I do laundry and work on updating my Web site and clean the bathrooms and vacuum and dust and scrub the kitchen floor and all is well with the world. 4 hours later, Hayden’s Mom calls (she has 3 boys - 5, 7, and 11).
Me: Hello?
Jolin: Hey Jodie. Bill is going to take the boys bowling and they wanted to know if Jason could go with.
M: Oh thanks for offering, but we have ice skating lessons this afternoon, so he won’t be able to go bowling.
30 minutes later Jason shows up at home.
Jason: Hi Mom. I’m home.
Me: Hey dude. How was Hayden’s house?
J: It was good. We just played a lot and had fun.
M: Cool. Was Hayden bummed he couldn’t come play with Duma today?
J: No. He didn’t even ask. When I got there, Hayden’s Dad answered the door and I asked if Hayden could play. He said sure. Then I told him that I had to play at their house because you needed a break from me.
OMG! No wonder they fed Jason lunch and asked him to go bowling! I can only imagine what they thought . . . I sent my kid to their house and told him he couldn’t come home because I needed a break from him!
Boys.
Oh, I blushed for you. Ouch. Gotta love how kids embarass the heck out of us!
That is just hysterical!!! I’m laughing so hard I can hardly write this!!! At the same time, I have to feel for Jason because obviously what he thought he heard you say was that you needed a break from him. Poor little dude!! But you are right…what we say and what men hear us say are two totally different things. It’s only just begun…
Love
Mom
Hi Jodie,
I just read a comment you left at “It Couldve Been Worse” and came to check out your blog. I too am a working mother of two children (daughter 5, son 2). I’ve added you to my favorites list. Blessings to you as you juggle working and being a full-time mother. It has its blessings but has many struggles.
I enjoyed your post. My 2-year-olds newest saying is “Mommy, Daddy old people.” GREAT!!!!!
Blessings,
Jana
Oh, I don’t know. After having the both girls home sick all week I am definitely ready to tell them I need a break from them. Thank goodness Megan is going to school today. I’m still stuck with Taylor though. And I was so looking forward to a couple hours by myself!
Ha! They tell it like it is, don’t they?!
HAHA! And just think this boy will grow up to be a man with kids of his own one day!!! He’ll probably tell his kids how Grandma used to sent me to other people’s house when she needed a break!! I love the way kids minds work!!
Ha! Don’t ya just love how kids only get part of the story? I tell parents that I will only believe half of what their kid comes to school saying if they do the same for me….I know most of the time I only hear bits and pieces. I am sure seeing as Hayden’s mom has 3 boys that she is aware of the bits and pieces rule.
I love it. I am sure that the father understood and it was not a problem, or being a man, he probably didn’t get it either. Consider it a break for you.
Love,
Sue