Eat'cho heart out, Spielberg!

Fade In:
The room is lit with three of four bulbs in the overhead ceiling lamp in the boys' room.  The children are snuggled up under Aaron's chin and he reads from a library book characterizing voices.

Aaron:  "Then as Captain Amazing flew from the garbage can, the slimy creatures within called after him.  Come back, don't go.  Come back."

Andres:  No, Dad.  No.  Um, can you read that part again, but this time, say it like they really want him to come back?  Because the way you read it, I don't believe they really want the captain to come back.  Say it like Gollum would say it.  Scratchy.  Whispery.  A little bit scary.  Okay?  Go.

2012 in a Flash

Phew!  2012 went by in a blur!  Turn up your volume, and see it through our eyes.  (For best images, click the gadget icon and increase quality to 720p).

Active Listening

Sometimes, and this will always surprise when it happens, the children parrot my voice, my language, my gestures.  I worry about what I model.   But once in a while, it's adorable, and this dialogue not only made me laugh but impressed me, too. Way to go on those healthy "I feel" statements, Andres!

Me:  Son, will you please brush your teeth and comb your hair before we go [to school].

Andres:  Um, let's just take off combing hair.

Me:  Why?

Andres:  When you tell me I need to comb my hair, it makes me feel like you don't like my hair the way it is.  And it hurts my feelings.