Oh Crap! – Musings of an Unperfect Mommy

Boys and Fire

June 1, 2011

I already had too interesting of a morning today – all before 9:30am *sigh*. I had let the 4 youngest go outside to play on a break during school, but when I told them it was time to come in I found out what had been going on out there. Joe had got hold of the box of matches – apparently my husband had left them out when he grilled on Monday – and decided to see if he could set a piece of charcoal on fire. The girls never told me and they know that it’s wrong to play with matches too! So, I told them to turn on the hose so I could douse the matches and charcoal and that’s when the second crisis of the morning occurred – no water! I went in the house and turned on the faucets there – no water. Apparently, there was work on a house down the street and they either shut the line of temporarily or something broke. Either way, it was a surprise to me. So, I found a cup of water in the sink and poured it over the smoldering matches. Then, I took the kids to the store to get bottled water just in case we didn’t have any water for awhile. And lettuce for the tostadas as well (our lunch).

I didn’t get really angry at the kids, but I did let them know it was wrong and that the girls were wrong not to tell me what Joe was doing. They are also inside for the rest of the day. ON the way back from the store, I was able to think through a conversation with Joe about why we don’t play with fire and that he was to write me a little essay on the very same subject. Immediately when he got home he started on his essay. After I read it, we talked further and the case is closed. For now. There is a book called “Tin Cups and Tinder” and it’s a book to show boys, young boys, how to cook, sew, and handle things like fire and pocket knives. I think I will get it – the boys need to learn about these things anyway and what better time than in summer and to reinforce a lesson learned.

I don’t know what attracts boys to fire, but it does, and they need to learn early that it is a tool and not for play. I think Joe learned that today and I’m glad I was able to keep my cool – thank you God for that grace!

4 comments
Comments

On June 1, 2011 at 8:12 PM, dxprog said:

I would argue that there have been some very successful industries made out of playing with fire (demolition, special effects, MythBusters, etc.). Fire is wicked awesome, but I suppose not for children.
Interesting thing, though, my water was all borked up when I returned from work yesterday. It did come back (perhaps better than before), but was an annoyance all the same.

On June 1, 2011 at 10:18 PM, java_queen said:

I'm not disputing the fact that fire and all the things you can do with it is great - it's what pulls boys/men towards it that escapes me! Women have been around it and cooking with it for a long time - why do men view it so differently?
Our water is still borked up in the master bath - UGH. I think it's just going to need to be run to flush the pipes out. It's not been a great day.

On June 5, 2011 at 3:21 AM, Joyce said:

Yeah for keeping your cool! :hug:
I am a firebug and passed that trait to JP. Oopsie! Can we still be friends? :)
I hope you weren't out of water for long. Ack!! When our power is out, our well is run by electricity, we have to let the livestock drink first when it comes back on. Good thing we think patiently!

On June 6, 2011 at 12:52 AM, java_queen said:

I am amazed I was able to stay calm - maybe it's because all his other brothers have pulled the same thing at one time or another. *sigh* YOU? A firebug?? Joyce!! :-) The water wasn't out long, in fact by the time we got back from the store with the jugs of water, it was back on. Luckily there hasn't been a repeat either (saying this with fingers crossed).

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