Directing traffic...
I’m quoting my sister-in-law Nancy when I say, “Directing traffic”. This phrase is used for navigating company and making sure everything runs smooth.
Christopher had a sleepover this weekend. I have yet to observe Christopher in a sleepover with someone who had a sibling. So far the friends have been only children - guaranteed competition, and one upping.
I tried to get Christopher to take a nap on Saturday so he could be rested for the evening competition - xBox, but he lasted for about 3 minutes. Later that evening, when I felt like it was time to direct traffic, I overheard Christopher say, “Dude, I’m seriously tired. Let’s go to bed.” That was at 9:30. That was followed by stuffed animal throwing and lots of giggling. Things were finally quiet by 10:30 and I went to bed too - seriously tired.
Sunday morning they were up at the crack of dawn, resuming the competition. We went to church, and afterwards they immediately returned to their game.
When I repeatedly heard,
"Duuuuude - stooooooop"
"No faaair-yeeeer"
"Nooooooah!” …
Then I knew it was time to direct traffic.
I said, “C’mon let’s go. We are going for a walk on the trail.”
They groaned, we went.
Along the trail, starts the whining.
“Ugh bugs keep hitting my head.”
“How long is this going to take?”
“Are we almost done?”
“Those are poisonberries.”
“I think I’m going to be woods sick.”
“Did you hear that?”
“Did you see that?”
“Are we almost done with this?”
Meanwhile in my head, I’m saying, “Ugh bugs keep hitting my head.” “This wasn’t a good idea.” “I’m getting bit.” “Let me take a picture of the poisonberries.” “I should have used some Off.” “What was that?” “I hope they didn’t hear it.”
I smashed a mosquito behind my ear, and there was blood on my finger. The last comment in my head was, “Ewwwah!”
When we reached the opening of the trail, the boys said, “Finally!”
I came out with two mosquito bites behind my ear, one on my face, one on my arm and one on my leg. Grrrrrrr.
I told them, "If you argue about the game again, we are going for another walk." They collectively said, "Noooooooo."
Christopher’s friend ran in the house saying, “Aaaaah FREEDOM!”
Here’s the thing... I moved to another room in the house where I could not hear the traffic getting congested.