Mr Pig here: Yesterday, Mrs. Snowman called me at work and said that she didn't think she'd be able to babysit my squealers anymore, but she wouldn't explain until I got there. I asked her if she was ok, and she snorted that she was, but my children, on the other hand... Needless to say, I rushed over to her house in a state of mindless panic, though I did have the presence of mind to collect Crystal on the way. Crystal tried to reassure me that surely one of the squealers had done something naughty was all it was. She was betting on Leonardo. I was imagining having to take all three of them to the emergency room, or if not to the ER, perhaps to a juvenile detention center.
When we arrived, the entire family came out. Mrs. Snowman had calmed down a bit, but it was, in fact, Leonardo, just as Crystal had predicted. Apparently, he had objected to boxed macaroni and cheese. Not only had he objected, but he had told Mrs. Snowman (and I quote) "you should get off your fat lazy ass and cook us some real food." Crystal turned paler than usual. I distinctly heard a couple of snickers from Rosy, Alexander and the two snowboys whose names I had yet to learn. I myself had to take a couple of very deep breaths so that I wouldn't start to guffaw in an inappropriate manner. Finally, I managed to contain myself and croaked out, "where did you learn to speak that sort of language?" When Leonardo instantly exchanged looks with the snowboys, I knew, even though it was actually an irrelevant question. "How did it come to pass that you spoke rudely to someone who was fixing you food?" I quickly asked. Leonardo mumbled that he didn't know. Mr. Snowman deep, loud voice rumbled that rudeness was inexcusable and that he should know better. I realized, suddenly, that Mr. Snowman was also working very hard to keep from betraying his own amusement. Oh dear, I thought, why couldn't Crystal have handled this? Just at that moment, she spoke up. "Leonardo," she said, "it's always good to be polite to people. I think that now, the polite thing to do would be to apologize for your rudeness and explain how you'll behave in the future." Leonardo drew himself up and addressed Mrs. Snowman quite eloquently.
She accepted his apology. She actually seemed rather abashed by her reaction to Leonardo's sass. Her usual good humor seemed to be returning as she invited us all into the kitchen for tea and her (homemade) cookies. Soon everyone was laughing and no mention was made of the possibility that the Snowmans would no longer be our babysitter. When we left, they seemed surprised that Crystal and I took the squealers home with us. As for the squealers, they were quite relieved when they found out they would be returning to Mrs. Snowman the next morning.
I am looking forward to discussing this further with Leonardo when it's just the two of us. But I might not share just how hilarious I thought his comment was.
I think "not" is missing in this sentence? >> As for the squealers, they were quite relieved when they found out they would be returning to Mrs. Snowman the next morning.
What a superb story! I enjoyed every word of it - and laughed at Leonardo's comments although I think he could be trouble when he is older and not so cute!
Wishing you and yours Peace, Joy, and Happiness Today and Always, Francoise!
Merry Christmas!
Oh, dear. It looks like the snow boys might have a bad influence on the squealers’ language and behavior. I’m sure they’re good kids, but you and Crystal will have to pay attention to what the squealers are learning from them. Little ones always look up to the bigger, older kids and want to be just like them.
God for you for not chewing Leonardo out in public in front of his friends. A nice calm one on one will be perfect.
Re: boxed mac and cheese, When Dan was little he was a picky eater (still is, actually) and one year we went home for a visit to Kansas from Minnesota. My mother-in-law knew that macaroni and cheese was one of the few things that he would eat, but when we got to her house he turned up his nose at it because it “tasted funny” — it wasn’t Kraft brand macaroni and cheese. I wanted to kill him! (Not literally)
A happy little family gathered here! Didn't know Piggy had a part in it but there he is!
Wishing you and yours Peace, Joy, and Happiness Today and Always, Francoise!
Merry Christmas!
God for you for not chewing Leonardo out in public in front of his friends. A nice calm one on one will be perfect.
Re: boxed mac and cheese, When Dan was little he was a picky eater (still is, actually) and one year we went home for a visit to Kansas from Minnesota. My mother-in-law knew that macaroni and cheese was one of the few things that he would eat, but when we got to her house he turned up his nose at it because it “tasted funny” — it wasn’t Kraft brand macaroni and cheese. I wanted to kill him! (Not literally)