Wednesday, February 10, 2010

It Was Wisdom in God to Make Toddlers So Cute

Remember the beautiful flower arrangement John gave me for my birthday from THIS post? In case you don't, here they are...


I really really did love them, and apparently, so did the twins, just in a different way...


Isn't the 8-year-old girl amazing for dutifully attempting to return the floor to it's previous state? (And without even being asked, which always astonishes me)

Twin A, upon realizing I was photographing the event...


...made sure to say the obligatory "cheese" for the camera...


I'm so glad God made toddlers so cute in times of crisis like this. And, Honey, I said it once, but I'll say it again in writing. I really did love the flowers. Sorry about the accident.

Thanks for listening.

14 comments:

The Lesters said...

I've always said to my husband, "God made babies so cute and fall in love with them so that when they get older and test your patience you don't kill them." =)

Amy Snow said...

OH NO! Isn't it the truth, though?

Anonymous said...

Score! The flowers made 4 people happy -
You
The Twins &
ME

Cheryl B. said...

"The Lesters" have a very valid point!!!

And I am glad that John (he thinks we won't know it's him by going under the "anonymous" thing - nice try John o;-p)took their destroying it so well.

But I do have a question/concern for you Jen.

It's just someting I've wondered for awhile. And NO, you are not the only one I've wondered such about, it's just seeings how we HAVE "become great friends" (:-> So-o glad!) I feel freeier to voice it to you.

Does your pulling out the camera and taking pictures of the young ones when they are misbehaving (aka: being naughty) in a way add an aura of approval to their misconduct?

I mean, 'mommy wouldn't be taking pictures if she didn't think I was cute would she?' And even though you might use words to express your disapproval, do your words and actions condradict each other?

Like I said, you are not the only one I've wondered such about. There have been many incidents showcased on 'America's Funniest Home Video's' where I have thought,'you need to turn that camera off and deal with that behaviour!!!' And I really, really, really have problems with them making it to the prize winning show case and pawning all over the child.

And I could list other examples as well. But I'm sure you have got the drift of what I'm trying to say.

Your youngest daughter is always (at least very often) pitching in and helping you cope with those young boys. Good for her!!!

Mom2my10 @ 11th Heaven said...

Cheryl, you could have a point, but as my sister pointed out when she saw what I was doing, "Hey, this looks like one of those Mormon commercials where, instead of getting mad at the kids, you turn it into a fun family activity!" So, I guess it could be looked at either way. Blogging certainly does make people do strange things!

Rhonda said...

I don't think pulling the camera out is promoting or encouraging the bad behavior at ALL. I honestly see it as a way for mommy to capture funny or naughty (which is usually funny too if you deal with it in the right spirit) moments that are all too fleeting, and instead of getting upset, deal with it in a more productive manner.

I could never take myself so seriously that I couldn't find the humorous side of child rearing, even when they do things I don't like.

I mean, my 5 yr old took a perm marker to his beautiful bunk bed when he was 4. But he drew a whole army scene, with ninja stick figures carrying swords. First instinct is to get mad but even though we had a serious talk about not writing on furniture I still took photos. I look at the bed now and think...one day I will never have innocently drawn ninja army scenes from a 4 yr old. :(

I choose to laugh, teach, take pictures and not get as upset as I did in my younger days!

p.s. Sorry about the flowers Jen!

Luvmy9 said...

I can understand where Cheryl is coming from, but I know I sure had a different perspective with my last four than I did with my first five. I was especially relaxed when it came to the ninth. She drew a picture on my wall and, honestly, I cherished it. I would still have it today if some painter hadn't mistakenly painted over it.

What I found was that no matter how I handled these "mishaps" the kids turned out fine, so why not handle it with love and humor. I have the cutest pictures of my youngest in the pantry covered from head to toe in powdered sugar and, at another time, covered in the cheese powder from macaroni and cheese. I wouldn't trade those pictures for anything. She doesn't remember anything about it-she was two-but gets a kick out of seeing those pictures now. And, no, she doesn't hide in the pantry anymore and create huge messes. Life is too short and children grow up way too fast. I miss my babies. Thanks for sharing yours.

Mom2my10 @ 11th Heaven said...

Luvmy9, it's true. I was totally different as a mom 20 years ago, than I am today. Thank goodness! Sorry Daughter #1!

BarbaraJo said...

We've said that before in our home too! Good thing they are so dang cute...otherwise...
We were on our way out the door to visit you today when Benton fell asleep. Maybe next time.

Anonymous said...

Honestly, since my husband and i have done some of the exact things when we were little, it's hard just to keep a straight face. You WANT to be mad at them, but they look up and grin or (better yet) look completely bewildered.
Can you imagine having them as teenagers FIRST? Oy.
Nicole

Anonymous said...

I agree how do you get mad at cute little boys like that! What a wonderful big sister to help clean up.

Expat Mom said...

Oh dear. That looks just like something my littlest would do . . . we call him Dante the Destroyer for a reason. :) And as for taking pictures, I think it's great! Maybe it doesn't discourage the behavior, but I'm sure you talked with them afterwards about it and these photos are going to be PRICELESS when they grow up and have their own kids destroying things. ;)

I agree with the other posters that kids grow entirely too fast. Photos are a wonderful way to capture them at each age and I for one, take photos of everything, including the bad stuff. :)

Unknown said...

Ahhh!! I totally agree with you on that one!

Anonymous said...

this happened to me tonite! only my flowers were 1 day old! argh!!!!