Sunday, November 22, 2009

My Little Runaway.

Now, before you watch this and think of what a horrible mother I am, just know that all this drama was self-inflicted.

The story:

While Josh was working a dental clinic for veterans a couple weeks ago on a perfectly wonderful Saturday morning, I made chocolate chip pancakes and then I put the boys in the bath. After warning them several times that bath time would be over when the splashing was out of control, I finally took them out of the bath, kicking and screaming. Having had a bad week with misbehaving children, I was in no mood when a soggy Ethan, standing on my carpet, told me that I was a mean mommy and that he was going to run away.

"I am going to get in the shower," I said. "By the time I get out, I want your things packed. Oh, and don't forget your toothbrush and underwear."

To my surprise, he was, in fact, packed when I got out of the shower. Since this kind of scenario has happened before, I decided to really ham it up. "Don't forget to tell your new mommy and daddy that you need to go to the dentist in December. Oh, and try to stay in the school district, won't you?"

It was when he tearfully requested photographs of his "old mommy and daddy and Sloan and Mason", that my heart broke and I knew that both of us had taken it too far. However, unwilling to lose ground, I prepared for his departure. I'll let the video take it from here:

13 comments:

  1. oh sad that made me cry, well at least get most eyes!

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  2. That is so sad! Saxon thought it was hilarious though. I think he's getting some good ideas for his next time running away.

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  3. I think it's sad too! In fact I didn't watch the whole video. I only have a two year old who has never threatened to run away, but I want him to know that no mater what he is ALWAYS wanted in our home. :(

    Still I believe you are a good mom!

    How old is Ethan?

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  4. He's gonna show this video to his therapist. Ha ha!

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  5. oh my gosh that is that saddest thing i have ever seen. i love that he had to take his blanket with him. they might think they are all big now that they are in school, but they are still so little. miss u! monica

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  6. Sad!! I even cried a little! but...I was laughing a little inside too. Kids think they know it all. I have a nephew that did the same thing! I'm glad that you have toys at your house, we'd miss ethan too much. :) You are an awesome mom!!

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  7. If I had a nickle for every time my kids said they wanted a new mom...! Way to stand your ground. Especially when the running away is just a rebellion thing. I also hear that when their much, much older.... they still come back! Too funny!

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  8. I can see why it broke your heart, it broke mine too! As a mother, it is so hard, at times, to know what you can do to drive home a lesson you are trying to teach your child! For some kids, it takes a very "memorable" experience for them to truly learn their lesson. Hope Ethan learned his!

    I just wanted to tell you that from our time that we lived in Pocatello with you guys, I always admired you and your parenting skills. Your kids were sent to you because they need what you can give them, in the unique ways that you do it! And, of course, we need our kids as much as they need us!

    If anything, Ethan will respect you because he will always know that you will stand your ground, and it is so important that kids see that in their parents, or how else will they be able to do that themselves?

    You're a great mom Brooks! Don't let anyone let you think otherwise!

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  9. Dude, who is this Kami girl? You never told Ethan to leave, you were just "following" HIS orders. You told him you would miss him and that you loved him when he was leaving and welcomed him back with open arms. Sometimes kids need a shock of a lifetime to give them a reality check. Funny, very funny and bless poor Ethans sweet little heart. I love that boy!

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  10. Brooks I think you should write a parenting book. I really do love your ideas, and wish I could follow your example. If your not going to write a book, then keep posting blogs. Us parents are in on this together, and you are the closest thing I have to an instruction manual for these kids we are supposed to raise.

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  11. It broke my heart...so sad.. I don't know how you pulled that off, but I had to chuckle thinking how much like your own mother you are Brooks!! And that is said with the highest regard and compliment.

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  12. I think you should write a parenting book, I love your ideas! thanks for a good laugh! but sad of course. . .-

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