X vs Y

Over the past decade I have been slowly developing a theory on the difference between men and women when it comes to sickness and pain. I've noticed that there is a high tendency for men to take something as simple as having a cold and morph it into being something as serious as a death-bed sentence. Truthfully, I thought this trait was something that was either developed over the years or something that was fostered into them by their parents. This past weekend, however, I was proved wrong. This tendency is not something that just grows over time - no, it is gene deep. The differences lie in the tiny distinction in our chromosomal make-up - the addition of the Y chromosome.

Carson and McKinley came down with a cold this weekend (yes, the same cold - so my little research study is still valid) and the differences between them were quite surprising. Here were their different responses to very mundane events:

Eating dinner:
Mckinley: Takes a few bites, lays her head down on the table, takes a few more bites.
Carson: "I can't, I'm sick. I might throw up." Pushes his food away.

Walking up the stairs:
McKinley: Deliberately and slowly makes her ways up the stairs, taking breaks every few steps.
Carson: "I can't, I'm sick. Carry me." Lays down on the floor like a limp fish.

Taking a bath:
McKinley: Endures the bath, without making a peep.
Carson: "I can't, I'm sick. It's too cold." Keeps trying to turn on the water to make it warmer - and then when it is, complains it's too hot.

Going to bed:
McKinley: Lays down on her pillow, snuggles up to her blankey, and goes right to sleep.
Carson: "I can't, I'm sick. Lay down with me - it's too dark." Screams when Ben tries to leave the room.

Watching movies:
McKinely: Lays down quietly on the couch, not really caring what is on, just as long as her mommy or daddy is close by for cuddles.
Carson: Throws a fit when a movie gets put on that wasn't his choice, sits down on the floor with his arms folded in defiance, and then when asked to get back up on the couch exclaims, "I can't, I'm sick."

By the time last night was over I was at my wits end. Clearly, the reaction to a simple cold lies in the Y chromosome's ability to handle anything negative. Obviously it is beyond it's capacity to deal with anything painful or slightly annoying. Therefore, my conclusion to this study, is that anyone in possession of a Y chromosome is not only incapable of dealing with any kind of ailment appropriately, but also they must really, truly think they are worse-off than anyone else in the entire world.

Midnight for Twilight

So, I'm not terribly certain if anyone else is as quite as obsessed as I am about this hole Twilight phenomenon, but I just can't help myself.  I think I have read each one of the books in the series at least 7 times (including the unreleased 5th book - Midnight Sun).  Tonight, at midnight, the first movie in the series is being released on video.  Now yes, the movie was certainly not as good as the book (I mean, seriously, how could it be); but as it's own entity, it was great.  If you still aren't a fan of either medium, perhaps you might be able to appreciate the music.  I've grown to like this band more and more - and because I can watch Edward's gorgeous face in this video, it makes it that much better.   Enjoy!

Paramore - New Music - More Music Videos

Great Example Dad

Today in Carson's Primary class his teacher was talking about all the different things you can do on Sundays to help bring the Spirit into the home.  She went around the class and asked each kid about what they did this morning, trying (I assume) to get a variety of different examples.  My son, trying hard to be honest responded:

"I ate donuts and watched Pinnochio."

Great.  So not only did he not respond with a more well-rehearsed response of "read the scriptures, pray, or sing church hymns;" but it also shows how poor his eating habits really are.  The only saving grace that I have is that I happened to be working today - although I'm not quite sure the outcome or response would have been much different.

So Dainty

McKinley has become quite the little eater lately - although she is still as picky as ever. If you put something on her plate that she likes (or feels like eating at that particular moment), she can literally eat more than myself. The other night we had Cafe Rio, and she loves their black beans. Ben ordered her an entire side-order of beans, which she enthusiastically dipped into their creamy sauce. It was quite the disgusting spectacle to watch, and the outcome resulted in a very messy little girl. We had to put her straight into the bath, but I don't think I can complain too much, because at least she ate.

Secrets

Carson and I had a funny conversation last night, that had me giggling for several hours:

Me: Carson, we really need to think of a good present to give Grandma for her birthday.
Carson: Ok. Nana already got her something.
Me: Really? Well, what did she get her?
Carson: Some things.
Me: What kind of things?
Carson: I don't really know. I'm not a good secret keeper, so nobody will tell me.

Subconcious Favortism?

This last Saturday Ben and I took the kids to Toys-R-Us to let them pick out a toy and spend their "toy money" Christmas gift certificates. Carson was very methodical in his search criteria, ensuring we went up and down every single isle in a very direct pattern so he would be able to look at all his options and choose correctly. McKinley was just pleased as punch to be out of the house, and didn't seem too eager for anything but the dress-up clothes. By the time our tour of the toy store was complete, Carson had picked out a "loopy-loop" Geo Trax airplane set and McKinley decided on a purse and accessories set. I was pleased that McKinley had picked out something so inexpensive - but Ben insisted on making it "fair" and also encouraged her to get a Little People house.

When we got home, we immediately put together Carson's track, but didn't really think about McKinley's toys at the time. We finally got around to opening up her toys and setting up the house on Sunday. She played with her toys every waking moment on Sunday, and has continued playing with them since. Ben and I were both pleased at how much McKinley was enjoying her toys, when we both suddenly realized that McKinley doesn't really get that many new toys to play with. What kind of parent am I to only get one child a toy, and when I do get them both one, only set one of them up? Grrr...and here I thought I was treating each kid as fairly as possible. Luckily, I have come to this realization early enough to change my ways, but I'm sure she will be quick to remind me of any unfair treatment she notes when she's older, further pouring salt into my wounds. Oh well, I guess I deserve it.

Brainwashed

Ok, so I apparently need to apologize to the blogging world out there for not posting anything for the past few weeks. I've been a little crazy at work, and truthfully, I did just start reading a series of books for the fifth time this week- and despite my over-familiarity with them, I can't seem to put them down.  Despite my lame excuses, I did have a funny event happen today that I knew I had to share:

As many of you may know, Carson has been a little slow to develop his speech, much to the dismay of his so-called "speech-language pathologist" mother.  I started getting a little concerned that McKinley was going to follow suit, when at her 18 month check-up, I could barely count on 2 hands how many words she had.  My pediatrician was overly encouraging, but the pessimist that I must be, was sure she would end up being a mute, or be completely unintelligible to everyone but her mom.  Over the past month, however, McKinley must have sensed my angst and began saying so many words that I started losing track.  It was fabulous.  Every day there seemed to be a new word that she would know and say, and seemed even more responsive with a round of applause from her parents and brother.  Tonight, she totally caught me off guard when she picked up a football that had the University of Utah emblem printed on it, and proudly exclaimed, "Go Utah!" while raising her fist in the air.  Now, don't get me wrong, I am totally thrilled that she is using so many words, but a part of me is now thoroughly convinced that my husband is incorporating some highly-skilled brainwashing techniques on our children.  Is it really possible for my kids to be any more aware or supportive of the Utes than they already are?  I guess I shouldn't voice my concern out loud - because I'm sure Ben already has a series of new strategies in place to turn our kids into bigger Utah fans than he is.