Fairly routinely the girls like to stir up conversations about mine or the Spouse’s childhood. It amuses them to think about what it was like growing up in the days before smartphones, iPads, and on-demand television. So, last week I was talking to them about how my early childhood TV was a huge piece of furniture, similar to this:
I explained how in the days before the remote control we had to actually stand up, walk to the TV, and touch buttons to change the channel. And, of course, if you shuffled your feet on the carpet, you could give yourself a little shock when you touched it. They were appalled.
“Your TV shocked you?!”
Yes. Yes, it did. And, we had limited viewing options and were forced to watch only what was actually on in real time. No rewinding, recording programs, or skipping commercials. It’s a wonder I survived to tell about it.
What I most love about having these conversations with the girls is the way they can’t separate the 1900’s into decades but naturally group all history before their births into early American history with questions like:
“Did people ride around with horses and buggies when you were little?”
No, sweet ones. They did not; because I’m 38, not 108.
When I was a little girl my grandfather {aka “Papaw”} introduced me to his favorite show, The Dukes of Hazard, on a television much like the one above. In no time, I was hooked on watching Bo and Luke Duke outrun and/or outwit Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane and Boss Hogg with the assistance of their beloved high-jumping Dodge Charger. I was especially a fan of Bo {John Schneider}, and for many years I kept an autographed picture of him from the state fair under my bed.
In addition to my love for the Dukes of Hazard, I was also into cowboy boots, vests, and Converse high tops. I had a sizable collection of stuffed animals, but I had absolutely no interest in Barbies or princesses. I vaguely recall owning a pair of Star Wars shoes with velcro.
I guess you could say I was something of a tomboy… until somewhere around late elementary school when I decided it was way more fun to be girly. And, at that point my interests shifted toward things like Davies purses, Brighton belts, and shoulder pads.
It never ceases to amaze me how all three of my girls are obsessed with dress up, make-up, and royalty. Some days I think they would rather go to Claire’s than a theme park.
The Preschooler is especially still into donning her princess costumes. It never goes well when she parades these costumes in front of the dog. But, last week she decided she should teach Rosie to respect her by training her to bow when she enters the room. So, she gave her lessons.
The gloves were a bad idea from the start.
Demonstrating proper bowing form…
Predictably, the lesson ended with her being pinned down by her most rebellious subject.
Maybe in a few years this will go better. But, for now, I think Rosie herself rules this roost.
Also last week… after much drama and many tears, the 1st Grader lost her first front tooth. And, last night, in slightly less dramatic fashion, she lost her second front tooth. So, she now has a sweet, nearly toothless grin.
She has always been a child of many questions. So, naturally, she had a few for the Tooth Fairy and left her this note:
Do you know how hard it is to creatively name the Tooth Fairy at 11 PM?
Well, she’s now Tiffany the Tooth Fairy. Yours may go by a different name… I’m sure there are many. But, from now on, ours will need to be known as Tiffany.
Leave a Reply