The "Real" Christmas card

Yes, I sent out a traditional Christmas card with my children looking angelic, clean and sweet.  But every year I like to make a second Christmas card; a card that shows who they really are...and it is usually my favorite.
This is the "real" card for Christmas 2014

                 

 

The Holiday Boutique

Katie's elementary school has a holiday boutique every year so that the children can buy presents for whomever they wish.   Katie gets very excited at the prospect of shopping for gifts, and was greatly looking forward to this year's boutique.  As the date approached, I asked her , "What are you going to buy at the Holiday Boutique on Friday?"  She asked, "For who?"  I said, "Well, how about for Dad?"  Seeming like she knew exactly what she was going to purchase, she stated, " Something with #1 Dad on it."  Then I said , "How about James?" 
Again, with a matter of fact tone, she said, "Something with #1 brother on it." I then asked, "What about Danny?" She looked at me with a sly smile, paused and said, "Hmmmm....#2 brother?"  Then she laughed and laughed.  (12/9/15)

The Logic of a Teenager

Looking out the window at the wind driven snow at the beginning of a big storm,  Danny announced, " I'm going to run around the block without my jacket in the blizzard. " 
It was intensely cold; a bone-chilling  day, and I couldn't imagine why anyone would want to venture outside at all, let alone without a coat.  The only response I could muster was "Why?"
With a matter of fact, logical tone, he said, "Well, for one, when I get back I will appreciate how warm our house is."   I couldn't argue with that.   (1/26/15)

Glasses No More

     
     When James reached his 12th birthday, he no longer needed to wear glasses.   This fact seemed to excite Danny more than anyone.  Upon hearing the news,  he said, " Wow!  That's awesome that James doesn't need glasses anymore.  Mom, isn't that AWESOME?!"
I was surprised at his enthusiasm being that it was totally out of character for Danny to show interest in an event that didn't directly affect him.   I replied, "Really? Why?  What difference does it make?"
He stated, " Whenever I would jump on James to attack him,  he'd  say, 'Hold on...let me take off my glasses' and then he'd run away.  Now when I do it, he'll have no excuse."  (2/11/15)