February 24th, 2010
Just a reminder here..italicized verbage constitutes interruptions and side conversations to “what is really being highlighted.”
Is there such a thing for a mom?!
We now resume our “shout out” for Love of Learning…
and the profile of Son #4 who’s in it.
And his obsession with LEGO…
which in turn, has spawned an obsession with all things oceanography related…
for now.
“Mom, Manta Rays come in several varieties.”
“Do you think that they are poisonous?”
“Well, I know that at least one variety is.”
“Do you remember Steve Irwin?”
“Yes. He was the Crocodile Hunter.”
“Yes, and he was doing a special on Manta Rays and was stung. That is how he died.”
“Son #4, I think that we should look up Manta Rays and get the information that we can.”
“You’ve talked about them a lot lately.”
“Okay!”
Can we sing a round of “God Bless America” for Google here?! However, when possible…
I love to go to a book as a resource.
They are the backbone of knowledge and a concrete example to a young child.
Son #5: “No one ever asks what I would like to do.”
“Yes, we do. A lot of the time.”
“Remember?”…give examples.
“Well, I think what I was trying to say then, is that I don’t WANT to study about dumb ole’ Manta Rays.”
“I think that it will be fun. We can each take a turn reading so you can practice.”
“There will be big science words, though.” ( Still Son #5)
“I am here to help you.”
We go out to the library, which will be discussed in depth and featured later…promise…
for the top two books pictured here.
Right now, the library needs a priest, a canoe, a couple of camels and a lot of prayer to right itself…SIGH.
It’s definitely a work in progress and the focus of much rectifying at the time of this dialogue…
After we’ve made ourselves really comfortable…
and Son #5 has his arms locked in a seemingly permanent crossed position.
Mom: “Wow! I had no idea that there were this many varieties of Manta Rays in the world. Would you look at that?”
#5 voice “from behind” and muttering…
“I’d really rather not.”
#4: “I’ll read. Some of these words are big, Mom.”
“Told ya.” ( Do you need a number?!…5)
“Wow, Mom, those spotted ones must live on the bottom in the sand because of their coloring.”
“Yes, I think that you’re correct. And look at this one, it says that he lives in the center of the ocean’s waters…
where the temperatures are best for his design features.”
“Hey, I can’t see.” #5 moves to where he can see….and adds:
“You know, I already know everything that there is to know about Manta Rays.”
Mom: “Really?”
“Yep.”
Son #4, who’s getting irritated asks, “Okay, how many species are there in all?”
Son #5 assumes deer in the headlights look.
Hey, Mom ( Sons #1-3) we’re leaving for music lessons and taking the car. #2, I’m still needing some help with my Dred Scott arguments, okay?
Mom to Son #5: ” I believe you were asked a question? Speak into the microphone, Mr!”
Son #5 starts to giggle and then laugh.
Hysterically.
“Okay, ya got me! I don’t know everything…except that some of these are kinda funny looking and interesting.”
Mom: Can you draw me a picture of your favorite one when we’re finished?”
Son #4: ” I have something way better planned!” smiles.
Son #5: runs for colored pencils, paper…smiling.
Son #5: “Hey, Mom!’ yells as he’s coloring…
“Yes?”
“I think that I’m happy now!”
Son #4: “Wait until you see mine!”
Are you all ready?!…
Top side of a Manta Ray
underneath view…
You were expecting something else after the LEGO disclosure that started all of this?!
Better yet, here he is at dinner for Valentine’s Day the other night with his order!
Yes, there was a very detailed discussion of crabs…
their eyes, their claws, their joints, their predators, their food sources, their speed, agility, color, size variations…
you get the idea.
Here’s #5’s finished product…
apparently, if you look closely at the top of the paper…
the number of species was quite impactive…
that’s 300-456, in case you can’t make the numbers out.
Bet he doesn’t “know everything” again…
for at least a couple of days.
If you’ll excuse me…
the mentor is going to go and apply for a spot on either “Jeopardy” or “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”…
because I am a plethora of knowledge thanks to #1-#5.
Or, I may study up on schizophrenia…
bipolar disorder…
ADHD
multi-tasking for personal effectiveness…
or the side effects of Xanax.
Today, #4 announced that he is going to look into the logistics of what it takes to build golf courses!
Beautiful.
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