Serendipity Mine: Kids

Showing posts with label Kids. Show all posts

A Princess and Her Story

It's hard for me to believe that Liberty is as big as she is. Part of me is so excited that she is in Kindergarten, yet another part of me is still in total denial. I still want her to be my tiny smiley little baby girl. Instead I have this amazing, bright, intelligent and sassy (in a good way..mostly) young girl. She both excites me and scares me with these changes.

Today a whole new world opened for her. She sat down with me so I could read her a book and decided to try and sound the title out. And she did it! So from there, of course, I had her read the book as much as she could. And with the exception of a few big words, she did that too! Her sense of pride, joy and accomplishment was only outshone by one ting.

Her Brother.

Alex was so proud of her and happy for her. He encouraged her and hugged her. He sat there listening to her with the most gigantic smile on his face. He distracted Bean so I could finish reading with Liberty. He was absolutely beaming with pride over his little sister's accomplishment. I realized how excited he is to be able to share stories and his favorite books with her. I am so proud of them both and just think it's so unique and wonderful that soon they will have their own book created world to escape in together.

This growing up thing, it's pretty hard on my heart. But at the same time it's an amazing journey.

My Two Weeks Notice

May 30, 2007
10:30 A.M.
Via E-mail

Dear President of Prince Charming Family Co.,

I am writing to inform you that I am resigning. I have decided after careful consideration that I no longer wish to be employed by this company.

I was informed upon hire of the long hours, almost non existent benefit package, and the "little or no" pay off until years of services have been provided. However, I find that circumstances in my latest assigned project are unacceptable and unreasonable.

Copy Of Official Complaint Form:

The '2 Year Molars' Project
Project Start Date: May 14th, 2007
Project Goals and Description: To keep lower level management (my boss) as professional, in the right state of mind and make process as painless and easy as possible.

My Issues:

It is impossible to keep anyone happy when they are running fever, constantly screaming, being as defiant as possible, and using everything within reaching distance as either a sibling torture device or gum pain removal device.

During this project my boss would consistently request a snack, then for no reason decide that she no longer desired original snack, and begin screaming hysterically, demanding the proper snack be brought out. As difficult as the yelling and shrieking was to tolerate, the worse issue was my bosses total lack of communication skills, which prevented me from knowing which snack was the desired snack. This, of course, would contribute to a highly stressful and exhausting process of guessing what my boss wanted as quickly and efficiently as was expected of me. Simply put, there should have been a secondary project launched with the extra staff required and titled 'The Snack Project'

I have tried numerous times to inform my boss of scheduled meetings outside of our office. She refuses to be reasonable and refuses to leave the premises. She insists that she must be required to continue work on her favorite current project 'Fisher Price Peoples' as opposed to the very necessary meeting required to ensure continuation of project' The Family Must Eat'.

I have attempted many times to indulge my boss in her desired outside activities, yet the moment we step outside the building she begins to get irritable, irrational and insist we go back in the building. Once inside she then begins fretting and trying to coerce me into escorting her back outside.

Her treatment of other lower management personal has also left much to be desired. She suddenly screams 'NO' to them whenever spoken too. She finds great delight in stealing other managements snacks, lunches and drinks whenever possible. She constantly requests they accompany her on outings and then becomes enraged when they do not do exactly as she sees fit. This has resulted in throwing of spaghetti, plummeting with a doll, blanket thievery, sleep deprivation of co-habituating management and exposure to the most ear wrenching, brain stopping, head splitting screams and cries ever known to exist.

This irrational, indecisive, horribly crabby, and unreasonable expectations have left me no choice but to resign my position. I have given all I have to give and simply cannot continue to work under these types of conditions and pressure.

Sincerely,
Chris
(Your Wife)

P.S.

I have enclosed evidence that validates some of my claims:

Liberty-isms of the week

1. 'I wove rock and roll put another one in the juice-box baby'

2. 'Mom, can I watch pirates from the Cara-Bean?

3. ' Dad, lets watch that show. You know. The one we watch before bed sometimes: No one likes Chris.

4. 'Dad, why did mommy get a ring and not me? I'm your princess! She's just your wife!'

5. 'BROTHER..that's gross! I don't like worms!!!'

Less than 10 minutes later

6. 'Mom...I found a mouse tail! Just the tail! The cat must have eaten the rest! Isn't that cool?'

Our Favorite Party Recipes

If you'd like to see the party schedule read here.

A party is always better with food! So today I'm going to give you four recipes. Two of them are 'party food' recipes that I can guarantee will be a huge hit. They are fun and easy to make and my kids love to help make them. The other two recipes are for breakfast tomorrow to help make the morning a little easier after two days of partying. They are both recipes I have made from RecipeZaar, one of my favorite cooking resources.

This Monkey Bread is AWESOME as Alex would say. My kids love it's sweetness and the name adds a lot of fun to eating antics.

The next recipe, Sausage Pinwheels are a huge hit with the entire family.

Both recipes are easy to make and contain 5 or less ingredients. My favorite type of recipe! Have fun making them and then let me know how you liked them!

The first party food recipe I'm going to share with you, I have been making since I was a little girl. I have seen variations of the recipe with different names.

Chris' Oyster Crackers

Ingredients
2 Bags Oyster Crackers
1 double package dry Hidden Valley Ranch
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
2 tsp. Dill Weed
1 C. Veggie Oil

Optional Spices
(These are what make it my recipe)
1 tsp. Onion Powder
1.5 tsp. Mcormicks Natures Seasoning Blend

Supplies
2 Paper Grocery Bags
Cookie Sheet or 9x13 Pan

Instructions
Place bags inside of each other, open.
Pour all Dry ingredients in bag. Shake bag gently to spread out spices.
Pour Oil in bag. Fold bag tops over.
Give to your kids and have them shake bag as hard as they can for 30 seconds.
Pour crackers into cookie sheet or pan and let dry.
Put in an airtight container and enjoy!
---------------------------------------------------------------------

This next recipe I was given to me by a lady at Alex's preschool. They have always been a huge hit and everyone always asks me for the recipe.

Easy Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients
1 container Cool Whip (Fridge temp, NOT frozen)
1 pkg. Chocolate Chips
1 pkg. Cream Cheese (room temp.)
1 box Oreo Cookie Crumbs
(if you can't find these, crush up a package by placing cookies in a gallon size ziploc bag and use a rolling pin to crush them or have the kids beat the heck out of them ;-) The finer the crumbs the better)
1 tsp. Vanilla

Supplies
Electric Mixer
1 spoon
2 bowls (1 microwave safe)
1 cookie sheet

Instructions

Melt chocolate chips in the microwave.
Place melted chocolate, cool whip and cream cheese in electric mixer.
Mix on Med. speed until well blended.
Add vanilla.
At this point the best thing to do is refrigerate the mix for about 20 minutes.
( If you are in a hurry, you can skip this step, but it is a bit messier.)
Place cookie crumbs in bowl.
Take a spoonful of mixture and roll in the palm of your hand to form a ball.
Place in bowl and gently roll the ball to evenly cover.
Place on cookie sheet. Simply repeat until all chocolate mixture is gone!
Store in airtight container in refrigerator.
They will be fine if they are left out to serve, just a little messier and softer.

Be prepared to share this recipe!

Tomorrow I am going to share some sites for free food samples. Please let me know if you tried any of these recipes and how you liked them. See you tomorrow!

How do I love thee? Let me count the cookies..

"I smell Cookies!"

It's not really a very special statement to most people. But I heard the smile in his voice. It made me feel wonderful. I had put that smile there and helped his day get better the moment he walked in the door.

It all started out as a joke between me and PC about a month after school started. We were watching Commander in Chief and Gina Davis mentioned to her mom that she remembered there were always fresh baked cookies ready after school. Very 50's and June Cleaver, I know. I joked with PC that starting the next day I was going to bake cookies everyday for Alex when he returned home from school. I assured him that if I did this, that our hopes of Alex becoming President were set in stone. After all, it worked for Gina Davis!

I really did bake cookies every week day for about 3 months. Life intervened many times and I just wasn't able to bake them daily, PC was right. But I still baked cookies, brownies or the like 3 or 4 times a week. I figure he still has a shot at the presidency.

The past two weeks I have been having a rough time with my depression. I haven't felt like a very good mom lately. Not for any reason in particular. I just feel overly tired and crabby and short tempered. I haven't baked during this time, either. I didn't realize how much he missed it or just how important it was to him. My little baked goods had become a way to tell him I loved him. That he was super special. And that him being happy mattered to me.

Today I realized how important this was to him. I realized that when I am at my worst the most important thing is letting him know that he is still my world and my baby boy.

Those three words, 'I smell cookies', brightened my day just as much as the smell brightened his. I am so glad that this became not just a tradition, but another way to say 'I love you.'

How do you say 'I love you' without using words?

Alex and the Bomb Threat

Doesn't that sound like it should be a movie title? I wish it were, but it's not. It's what happened at Alex's school yesterday.

When he got home yesterday, as I was going through the take home folder, I found the ominous piece of paper.

To Parents of all School Students,

Today there was a bomb threat at the high school. All students were eveacuated from both the middle and high school buildings. All students and staf are accounted for. High School and Middle school bus studens will be dismissed and bused home. Sutdens that walk will also be released at this time. Any student not rididing the bus or walking must be picked up. Elementary school studens will remain in session. Highs school students and staff with cars in any parking lot will not be able to take thier car until the school parking lot is determined to be secure.

The even more worrisome issue? This is the second one in 30 days, and (obviously) they haven't caught the moron responsible for the first one. Alex is in the elementary school and not the conjoined middle/high school, so I should clarify that it was not his actual building that was under the threat.

What upsets me (other than the obvious) is that Alex's school building is less than a 1/8 mile from the high school. His classroom actually looks out across the playground (between the elementary and high school) at the High School building.

Yet they kept the Elementary school kids in session..AND..the building was never swept for bombs by the explosive dogs. EITHER TIME. I get that the Elementary school was not the 'intended' target, but you would think common sense would dictate.

Yes, I know. Everyone keeps telling me to calm down and not over react. But how do you NOT over react a little bit with two bomb threats in one month...even if it is most likely a hoax!

How would you react and what would you think should be the proper response?
Am I over reacting?

The Wright Brothers Are COOL!

Just in case you don't know, THESE are the Wright Brothers. They are also the subject of a biography assignment Alex had been given two weeks ago.

It was actually a lot of fun getting ready for today's presentation (a special biography breakfast at school).

Last night he finished writing up the paper he was to read. I thought it was pretty cute that his final sentence was 'The Wright brothers are COOL!'

The kids were each supposed to come up with another project that related to their person. Alex decided to build a replica model of the Wright brothers Flyer with Lego's! I have to admit to being very anxious proud of this idea! There was a kit, but at $70 I wasn't buying it!
I will post a picture of the finished model later today. I was soooo sooo impressed! Especially seeing the only picture he had seen was from the book.

The last thing the kids were asked to do was dress up as their character. So we scoured the biography book he'd been given and decided on one picture that he wanted to copy. I ended up making the suspenders and the mustache as no store carried either. Here is Alex before he left this morning :

And here is Mr. Orville Wright, our Inspiration:

How'd we do?

Trouble Maker Parent., Part Deux

Me: Hello, ms. Very Snooty, I was just calling to let you know Alex won't be at school today.

Ms. Very Snooty: Really, and why won't he?

Me: Because he's not feeling well and I've decided to keep him home today.

Ms. Very Snooty: I see. Is it a cold?

Me: No, he's been having severe headaches since Saturday

Ms. Very Snooty: Are you taking him to a doctor then?

Me: Yes, I am. And I'm pretty sure that we'll probably end up at the hospital for a few tests.

Ms. Very Snooty: Hmm, Really? Well, just so you know this is Alex's 6th day of missed school this year. I really think you should send in a Dr. Note.

Me: That's fine. I will get you your doctor note and send it in tomorrow.

What I wanted to say: Who the hell do you think you are? This is my son. And if I think he's too damn sick to send to school...then he's not going! Last time I checked you were in charge of his educational career, and I was in charge of his physical well being. If he is not physically well, he's not going to do well in his education IS HE!!??

GUH!

I was shaking when I got off the phone. Seriously.

I did take Alex to the doctor and I got their damn note.

We did end up in the hospital for a CAT scan. And do you know what I did? I am actually embarrassed to say this, but I told him how cool his bracelet looked so that he'd want to leave it on and show his friends at school. Just to prove to Ms. Very Snooty that he HAD gone to the hospital.

How pathetic is that!!! And why do I feel the need to justify myself to HER! I'm all sorts of annoyed with myself.

The majority of my frustration comes from a few different sources. I am getting harrased because my son missed 6 days of school. Here's why:

September: 1 day : His grandma (she lives 3 hours away) was in town for 2 days. It was the first time they'd seen her in 2 months.

October:1 day: We had an appointment with his eye surgeon.

November:3 days: On doctors orders I had him home because he had a severe sinus infection and ear infection.

February: 1 day: I kept him home due to sever headaches so he could see the doctor. Turns out he has a minor sinus infection.

The other reasons are that 3 days this month they have spent class time watching movies. Not educational films. Movies. One was Chicken Little. One was Sky High. I don't know the 3rd one.

Also, the whole perfect attendance award and pizza party with the principal. Because of this many parents send their kids to school while ill and then my son brings it home. Then before I know it everyone in my house is sick and I've spent $40 in co-pays and another $60 in prescriptions.

And last: Every single adult there gets sick days, personal days, emergency days and mental health days. I even ran into his teacher one day in great clips and then found out that the kids had been told that she was sick with the flu. She wasn't.

So is it really so horrible that I have allowed my A+ student son have 1 personal and 5 sick days??

The Dentist

Liberty had a dentist appointment this morning with a new dentist. She had been awakened the past 3 nights with a toothache, and the orajel/motrin cocktail I was giving her while half asleep wasn't working.

The poor baby ended up having her tooth pulled, due to an abscess. Yes, I know. How on earth did I let it get that bad. It's a long story. One I also tried to explain while in tears to the new evil dentist who had just told me what a horrid mother I was. Okay, he actually said 'I'm leaving now so that ms. assistant can explain to you how life works and why you should be ashamed that Liberty is here like this'. Basically, I was a horrid mother.

Anyway, I do not feel like spilling the story out again. And yes, it is because I am to scared to be judged or reprimanded by anyone who reads. I'm feeling very vulnerable and hurt right now, and I simply couldn't handle any more. But. for the record. I am NOT a horrid mother. The simple version (and less weepy me one) is No Insurance, Not enough $$, and a previous horrible dentist visit (Liberty's, not mine).

So that dentist can kiss my arse.

What did you want to be ....

Today's Oldie But Goodie Sunday Post:

When You Grew up??
Originally Posted Sept. 7, 2006

Monday, Approx. 10 a.m.

Liberty: 'What did you want to be when you grew up, mommy?'

Me: 'Well, I wanted to be a mommy, a teacher, or a marine biologist.'

Liberty: 'What's a.....Barine Iologist??'

Me: 'Well..they're scientists who take care of animals who live in water...like Dolphins, Seals, Penguins...that kind of stuff.'

Liberty: 'Wow..that's so neat! I'm gonna be a Barine Iologist when I grow up too 'cause I love dolphins and penguins and then they will love me too!'

Monday, Approx. 7:10 p.m.

Liberty: 'Hey Brother...I'm gonna be a Barine Iologist when I grow up!'

Alex: 'A what Liberty? You don't make any sense goofy sister.'

Liberty: 'I am not silly! And I said Barine Iologist..they are skyentists who work with dolphins and penguins and things who live in water. That's what mommy wanted to be if she wasn't a mommy!'

Alex: 'OH...that's cool! That's what I want to be too! Hey..Liberty...do you think we should work together?'

Liberty: 'YEA....then we could work at the same place and live together and help all the animals together and we could be brother and sister Barine Iologists and if mommy wants she could be the Mommy Barine Iologist!'

Alex: 'Mommy can't be a Barine Iologist anymore 'cause she is to busy taking care of us and daddy...but we can live together still. But you can't come in my room.'

Liberty: 'Okay...I hope mommy won't be sad she can't be a Barine Iologist. And I have to come in your room 'cause I am gonna marry you brother!'

Alex: 'No Liberty..Mommy told you...You can't marry me..I'm your brother. And don't cry about it! I said we could still work together and live together when we grow up!'

Liberty: 'Okay...I can't wait to be a Barine Iologist, brother.'

Happy Birthday My Little Man...

Eight years ago today, at 4:55 p.m., I became a Mother. It's so hard to believe that it was eight years ago...yet it seems even longer in some ways. Of all the things in my life that took me by surprise, I am so 100% thankful and joyous for the chance to be a mother.

I am so utterly amazed and impressed and proud of my little man. Who he is and the ideas and things that make him unique. The funny questions that he asks me (Mom, how do I make my tail bone wag?), the way he copies his dad in picking on me, how he cares for his sisters when it really matters, the fact that he's sensitive, His love of reading, and his dreams of the future.

Sometimes when I look at him I truly feel my heart is going to burst wide open. It is the most amazing thing to be able to feel love like this. And because of Alex, I can not only feel it, but I can see it everyday when I look at him. He is the ultimate proof of my accomplishments in this life, of the love humans are capable of feeling, and of simple pure all consuming joy.

Alex is 8 today. I promised him this morning that I would post his pics this morning and see if anyone wished him happy birthday. He thinks this blog is so cool (another reason I adore him). So if you have the time..drop him a note :-D

The Ultimate 8th Birthday Before School Breakfast:
Scooby Doo waffles with cool whip and sprinkles.

The Ultimate 8th Birthday Class Treat
Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY!
THANKS FOR MAKING ME A MOMMY!
MUAH!

Tales of The Trouble Maker Parent

Alex went back to school today. Neither of us was overly excited by that fact. We both bemoaned getting up early again, the homework and not having him home during the day. I had cookies and milk waiting when he got off the bus, hoping to make the slip back into after school routine of chores and homework a little easier. As he was emptying his folder he started to hand me two slips of paper, then stopped and looked them over.

He said, 'Mom, a lot of people got one of these one's today..but I'm the only one who had a green one too. Some of the other kids were laughing at me saying I was in trouble. Can you please send lunch money in tomorrow?'

I took the sheets and one was informing me of his lunch $$ balance (-$3.10) and the other was a slip stating the new lunch procedure that became effective in November. Here is what it says:

New Lunch Procedure
Last year and this year, we have struggled with students having negative balances in their lunch accounts. Beginning in November we will start a new procedure to deal with negative balances. Any time a student's balance reaches -$3.20 (equivalent to two lunches), that student will be charged for a lunch but will receive a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and milk. Low balance notices will be sent home on Mondays and Thursdays and negative notices will go out every day. If you have any questions, please contact the school office at 555-1212.

When they sent these notices out in November I was highly irritated. First, it doesn't seem fair to embarrass a child in front of other kids. Nor does it seem right to punish a child, especially with food, for the forgetfulness of the parents or circumstances that may be out of their control.

Their system is flawed this year as many times a lunch balance will go below the cost of one lunch on a day that is not a balance notice day. So when you receive the notice saying that it is $1.25, and does not reflect that days lunch purchases you are already in the negative. Last year you were notified if it was under $2.00 the same day. Very rarely has this been an issue for us, but on occasion we have simply not had any money until payday to put into the account. We could of course pack a lunch, but again...we have gotten to the point where I have been out of bread and realized on that morning he had no choice but to eat school lunch. The only reason this happened this time is because The last day of school, before Christmas break, was on Wednesday. Therefore no notices were sent out. Obviously his balance was already low.

I know in the grand scheme of things...lunch procedure and policy is not a huge burning problem. I am however furious that my son was laughed at today, made to feel embarrassed and that I feel reprimanded by the school for an honest oversight. And I honestly believe that the policy itself is wrong and unfair to the child. Prince Charming is furious..not because of today..but just because of the policy in General. He is upset that I won't call the school and voice how we feel. But..I am already known as the trouble maker parent to many. The sad thing is that I know that other parents share my concerns now and have in the past. But for the sake of my son I refuse to be the one to voice my opinion first and single him out any more than I already have.

Do you agree with the policy or not? Why?

What am I gonna do with you girls??

This past Christmas Liberty received her most desired gift of the past two years...Elizabit (Elizabeth ) the American Girl Doll. It was a priceless moment....She literally jumped almost 4 ft. in the air...screaming at the top of her lungs and crying hysterically...all at once. Although it is a bit overpriced for a doll....I swear to you..in that exact moment...it was worth twice as much to me.

Before Elizabit..there was Aubry, the Cabbage Patch purchased with her own $$. Aubry went everywhere, slept with her ever night and was her baby. She has Magic Touch Color Silk Hair that changes color with the warmth of your hand. Today her hair is all matted and melted as my very smart 4 year old realized that putting it in front of the space heater was a much more efficient way to change the color quickly and evenly. She even calls me Grandma.

As we were wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve, Prince Charming and I mused what would happen to poor Aubry. Would Liberty forget the little girl who had been her best friend for over a year? Elizabit had been in her dreams for so long that we were sure Aubry would become another toy on the shelf. I actually had pangs of guilt. Maybe I had just seen Toy Story one to many times.

My fears have been put to rest as Aubry has not taken a back seat..she has simply gained a sister. It has been adorable watching Liberty as she plays 'Mommy'. She takes the job very seriously, and it has given me a chance to see how I'm doing as a Mom in many ways. When we have had a particularly rough day together then she is a little more short tempered with the girls. If we've had a fun day, that also reflects as they are allowed to have extra dessert.

Overall, my granddaughters have a happy and go lucky mom. I'm pretty proud of her. Most moms at 5 tend to be a bit immature and think they know everything. Luckily my daughter doesn't mind advice from her old mom ;-)

Liberty: Mom, Whenever Elizabit has something and I don't have enough for Aubry, then Aubry tries to take it from Elizabit.
**As she says this she is placing the girls away from each other in a 'time out' style**

Me: Well, Maybe you could split the cookie in 1/2 and the girls could share?
***DOH...Bad Grandma...I didn't realize Aubry was down here!**

Liberty: I did that but Aubry is still trying to take it from Elizabit 'cause she's mad now. **Liberty sighing** I don't know what I'm gonna do wit you girls.

Why did the Chicken Cross the Road?

Well, for me....the great mystery may be solved. To infect my household with chicken pox!!!! After the worst two weeks in the history of my mommy hood (we've all recently gotten over pneumonia, sinus infections, strep throat, eye infection and stomach flu) Alex told me tonight as I was putting him to bed that his stomach was very itchy. So I pull up his shirt to take a look...not really expecting to see anything as the room was dark. But..there they were...red dots..ALL over his stomach. So I asked him to come into the bathroom so I could take a better look. The poor boy was covered (his back, sides and stomach) with small and large bumps. At first I thought it was his Eczema flaring up....but it's never acted up like this. So...now I have to wait to morning to find out if I should take him to the doc's. OYE. So...here's a pic of the poor boy. Tell me what you think!

The Cereal Box..

Every morning is pretty routine around here. I drag myself out of bed....pour a cup of coffee...take a sip....then drag myself up the stairs to wake up Alex for school. While he gets dressed, I head back downstairs and switch laundry loads then make him breakfast. Breakfast varies depending on my level of zombiness. He loves cereal, which really helps on the zombie mornings, so 3 out of 5 days that is usually what he asks for. I am not a big fan of the scooby doo, captain crunch, cinnamon toast crunch crowd. The sugar content is soo out of the world, plus the kids always fight over whatever prize there is. My kids can actually tell you that the reason cartoons and special toys are on cereals is to make kids want to buy them and they usually aren't the healthiest choice. Usually we have Life, cheerios, raisin bran or so on. So..back to the routine. Once dressed he comes down and sits at the table eating his breakfast. Usually we chat while I get a headstart on the girls breakfasts. Well, three weeks ago the grocery store had a sale. Cinnamon bun cereal, halloween lucky charms, peanut butter captain crunch, and spooky scooby doo cereal...all for .50!!! Okay...so...saving money won over healthy eating. My kids were soooo excited...they jumped and yelled and I even got 'Wow...you are the best mom EVER!'. The fun thing about these cereals..were the games and jokes and activities all over the back. My kids LOVED these and we've had a lot of fun in the mornings playing the games...deciphering the puzzles. It has really stepped our morning activity up a notch. This morning as we were trying to unscramble a word I realized how much more we have been enjoying our morning. All because of a simple, silly thing like a cereal box! I still won't buy those brands on a regular basis. But I will look now for our cereals that maybe have something like that on the back. I mean really...so simple...such a thing most people over look...has brought such fun times! Who'd a thunk it.

As Defined by Alex....

Scientist: A scientist is someone who puts red chemicals and Green chemicals togeather. Then they clap and say 'Eureka!' or something else like that.

Portal: The thing in his closet that opens on some nights. A (nice) guy comes out and carries him through the portal and into his world. His world is in a war but Alex helps him by working on a ship that stinkys (farts). When the guy asks mikey how long he wants to stay...4 minutes or forever...Alex says '4 Minutes....my mom says I have to clean my room tomorrow.'
* He told me about the portal in his closet as I was putting him to bed one night. It really was very creepy. I checked on him a lot that night! LOL.

Clean Room: "It IS clean mom....I know where everything is even if it is on my floor or under my bed...and you say that we have to clean our room so we know where everything is!!!"