Tag: playing outside

Conversations, Digital Technology

Where in the world is Jack?

DN

He’s never home, that’s for sure!


Jack was always a very social kid. He likes to be around other kids, was never afraid of leaving my side and going to play with other families, and always ready for an adventure.

I think I’m the one that ends up missing Jack more than he misses me, possibly?

I came back from a work trip to Chicago and only saw Jack for a little while before he went to bed. The next morning he was outside playing with friends all day, riding his bike, and then did a sleepover at another friends house.

He doesn’t have a cell phone yet so it is a little tricky keeping track of him. I know, I know he’s 12 and everybody has a phone. But I really felt like he didn’t need one until just recently.

I mean, if you have to text Jack’s friend’s mom to tell her to text her son to tell Jack that you’re going to be late meeting the bus, then maybe it’s time he has a Phone of his own. What do you think? How old were your kids when you got them phones…And what type of phone did you get them??

Jack: mom I’m going next-door to play outside.

Me: just let me know if you leave the yard next-door and go anywhere else please, OK?

Jack: OK!

Later on I go outside looking for Jack next-door… He’s nowhere to be found. I walk up and down the street with the dog looking for his bike or listening for his loud voice… nothing.

I call his friends house to ask if he’s there… no answer. I called a friend cell phone, and Jack answers.

Jack: Hey mom! What’s up?

Me: Where are you?

Jack: I’m at my friends house! You just called him!

Me: I called his cell phone… that doesn’t mean I know where you are. You were supposed to be next-door.

Jack: Well you knew I had my bike so we were also gonna ride bikes, and then we rode down here, and we’ve been inside ever since.

Me: OK I get that, but how do I know where you are? You have to tell me.

Jack: OK let me see, I’ll just pull out my phone and call you….wait! I don’t have a phone! Oohhh!

Me: But you have two legs. Next time walk over and tell me where you’re going so I know where you are. I don’t want to have to walk around the neighborhood looking for you.

Jack: See?? Me having a phone is going to make your life a lot easier!

Maybe he’s right. 🙂

Uncategorized, Weather

1st Snow Day of 2016!

DN


It’s finally snowing. For real. We are all still not sure how much snow we’re getting, because the stories vary from a few inches to over a foot. Luckily it’s Saturday and we really don’t need to go anywhere. And luckily Jack’s big birthday bash is scheduled for next weekend. Haha to you weather! You didn’t get me this time!

Jack was born during a blizzard and historically, well for the last 10 years anyway, the weather has been SHiT-Tay on the weekend closest to his birthday. We’ve had cars stuck in the driveway, power outages, frigid temps, and who wants to travel to a party during that weather! Ugh.

Today was kinda funny because we went to our Taekwondo studio for an hour of practice, then Jack and I stopped at Goodwill for his weekly search for nerf guns at rock bottom prices (he got two huge ones for $9) and then we headed home for some Skate 3 and Halo 3. We tried to cram stuff in and get home before we got stuck at the bottom of the driveway. That sucks! The wind has been howling and the windchill is bringing the temps down into single digits. Hating the cold.

We got a few chores done and then we heard a knock at the door. Wha????

Jack: It’s Logan! He wants to go sledding! Can we get my stuff?

me: You mean can I get your stuff? (He was already darting around looking for his clothes)

Jack: Do you think there’s enough snow to sled? Is it the packable kind? How many inches did we get anyway?!!! Awww I wish I still had my old snow pants with the suspenders! (He was upset when I pulled out his regular ski pants with the camo print)

me: You outgrew those… There’s not too much snow yet.., it’s all blowing around…

Jack: Whatever, there’s enough MOM. So THAT’s where my scarf went! (He ripped it out of my hand after I pulled it out of the closet) Let’s go!

me: Ok ok easy with the grabby hands…hold on let me put it on you.

Jack: It doesn’t go around my neck like THAT! Here let me show you how I wrap it. (he demonstrates his very NYC way of wrapping his scarf).  Wait! Why do I even NEED a scarf?? He rips it off and tosses it.

me: It’s freezing out, so you can pull it up over your face. (I wrap the scarf again, and he redoes it AGAIN)

Jack: Oh… I guess that’s ok…So where are my gloves??? Hey don’t put my hood up over my hat!!

me: Jack it’s still snowing out so you’ll get all wet if you don’t put your hood up. Your gloves are probably in the car.

Jack: Ok ok put it up then! (I see he’s losing patience, and he pulls his hood up before I can do it).

me: Hold on, we have to tuck your pants into your socks.

Jack: ARGHHH! Fiiiinnneee! Ok ok let me go.

me: You need your boots. I got you new ones luckily. These are military grade.

Jack: They are NOT military grade! Are they??? Well you tie them. Make sure nothing is inside! Wait I can feel something, it’s the tag take it out!!!

me: OMG Jack pretend you’re going out to survive in the wilderness, you’ll be nice and warm so don’t worry about a little tag. That’s a bit too much high maintenance. Sheesh.

Jack: I’m not high maintenance!

me: Here are your gloves. Let me zip you up, and the scarf goes in the inside of your jacket. (I tuck it all in).  Ok, I think you’re all set. Here’s some Chapstick. Now give me a kiss…

I inadvertently kiss his glasses and smudge them, OMG, 10 minutes of wiping and near hysterics from Jack because I’m “wasting” his time, and he’s finally ready to go.

me: Have fun!

Jack: Geez I woulda been outside a LOT sooner if you actually helped me get my stuff on!!

me: Grrrrrrr!!

A minute later I was settled on the couch with my tea, a show and a pile of laundry to fold peacefully. I could hear ranting coming from the garage.

Jack: MOOOOOOOMMMMMM! Where’s my snowball maker!!!!????

I ignored him. But he stomped back upstairs into the laundry room and threw open the door.

Jack: Where! Is! My! Snowball maker?!

me: No idea. Guess you’ll have to use your hands?

Jack: Oh what a concept. (Slam)

I had to laugh at that one…

Do mom’s really have to wonder why we’re tired all the time??