This morning I walked Evan out to Shaun’s car in my pink bathrobe, then I rolled the trash to the road.  It was cool and crisp, and when I headed back up toward the house the sun was rising from behind it, making it only a silhouette against the starburst of orange rays.  Chickens were bawking from somewhere nearby, and it seemed so very fall in that moment, with Charlie trotting briskly beside me.  But that all changed, of course, when we got in the car and the kids wanted to hear Jimmy Buffett for the 5th morning this week.  I would have no problem with that- I love summer year-round, and I love Jimmy Buffett (how do you think they know about him)- except that Jack loves The Volcano Song.

And ONLY The Volcano Song. 

It’s one of those avenues he uses to show us all JUST how strong-willed he is. 

After listening to I don’t know- I don’t know- I don’t know where ima-gonna go when the vol-ca-no blows 500 times this morning, Madalyn politely asked to hear The Cheeseburger Song. 

Sure.  No problem.  (Except, of course, that you won’t be able to HEAR it over your brother’s blood-curdling protests.)  And our poor car-pooling friend that had to witness the fury… 

Really, Jack?  Really?  Over THIS? 

But their song choices are fitting this season of life.  Right now, Madalyn has the disposition of a cheeseburger in paradise, not too particular, not too precise- and Jack is an unpredictable volcano, ever-ready to erupt.  I should be the one singing “I don’t know where ima gonna go when the volcano blows.”  Okay, but to his credit, he’s getting a little better, choosing his battles.  (Why The Volcano Song was one of choice, I’m not sure.)  But  after drop-off he asked to go to Gracie’s house, and to the store, and was told no to both.  Instead of making me suffer, though, he gave a very emphatic, OH, MAAAN!  But I will take that ANYDAY to my bleeding ears.  Ear-bleeds for 18 months is enough to make anyone crazy… SO crazy, in fact, that that person might decide to have another child and add to the madness.  (I mean, does it really matter at this point?)  I say that with a smile, not pessimism; with a crazy, foaming, shaking, drooling smile.

Labels: autumn, beach, dumbhead parenting, humor, Jack, Madalyn, making music, phases