I Need an Award for not Cussing or something….

I think I mentioned in one of my recent posts that Gage brought home a “herptarium” containing a turtle, 2 frogs and a cocoon. Well, boy do I have something to tell about that. Gage was so excited when we got home and wanted to show his friends his wonderful treasure from the outdoors. So, I told him he could, but that WE’D have to take it out into the hall because his brother was sleeping. Because Gage moves faster than lightening, he arrived at the “herptarium” before I did, picked it up by the lid and pretty much ran to the door to show them. I’m watching this as if it’s in slow motion, trying to tell him to stop because of the disaster I could foresee. However, it was too late and the entire contents of the “herptarium” fell on the floor. Here’s the dialogue that followed (minus the many, many cuss words racing through my head):

Me: (as I’m cupping the frogs onto the floor) Gage, get a plastic container with a lid, now!

Abi: Oh my goodness, I am so sorry this has happened. (repeated over and over for about 5 minutes)

Gage: I didn’t mean to, Mom! (as he’s crying)

Me: (Standing, over the black potting soil covering my floor, hand on forehead) Gage, I know you didn’t mean to, but I am really mad right now, okay?!

Abi: What can I do to help? Oh my goodness, I am so sorry this has happened.

Gage: I’m gonna kill myself! Just get me a dagger now!

Abi: Don’t remember what she said, but something along the lines of “you don’t want to do that, Gage”.

Me: Okay, I just need everyone to not talk to me right now.

We scooped all of the dirt up and were left with a big, black circle on my floor.

I sent Nate and Abi out and Gage proceeded to get the vacuum cleaner out and try to clean, saying, “Mom, I’ll clean it up.” Amazingly, we cleaned it all out of the carpet with a wet rag. I hate this blue carpet, but it’s definitely stain resistant.

As for Gage, he quickly recovered, as usual. But, that night as he was getting in bed he said, “Mom, I’m sorry about what happened today.” So sweet.

We now have a new rule. The “herptarium” stays where it is unless Jared or I move it. Somehow, I don’t think Gage is going to have a hard time with the rule.

My friend, Andrea, called about 10 minutes after the air had somewhat cleared and we laughed as we both exchanged our stories of the day. She, also, had experienced quite a morning, as she discovered her toddler had smeared poop on the walls while she was on the phone trying to pay bills. We came to a couple of conclusions:

1. Silence is really bad. If they’re quiet and we don’t see them for a while, we like to believe everything is okay and sometimes we ignore that inner nudge to go check, because after all, the bills have to be paid, right? It’s NEVER worth it! GO CHECK! LISTEN TO THE VOICE!

2. Anytime you’re having thoughts like “Wow, this day is going really good. I’ve got this under control”, things will probably explode. And you never know what it’s going to be!