Exasperating

During this Advent season, the kids are given daily challenges in school.  Today's challenge was to look at people in the eye when spoken to and to smile at them.

7:20 AM this morning:

Honey Bunches, Gummi, Cucumber and I stop in at the grocery store before school.  As we were checking out, the cashier said, "Good bye kids.  Have a great day."  Not one of my children acknowledged her, which greatly bothered me.

Me:  Do you realize that not one of you returned a smile to the cashier?  She was being very friendly and all of you ignored her.  I have to say that I am disappointed.

Gummi:  But Mom, that's our challenge in school today.  We don't have to do it yet.

7:40 AM this morning:

Honey Bunches had command of the radio on the way to school.  He chose to listen to Christmas music.  A song from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra began to play.

Honey:  I like what they do to Christmas music.

I, in turn, begin to share a few things I know about the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.  When I had finished, Honey responded, "Did I really need to know all of that?  I was just sayin', I like their music."

At 5:00 PM this evening:

Sweet Potato:  Mom.  I have big troubles with Daylight Savings.  

Me:  What's up?

Sweet Potato:  By the time I get home from school, do my homework, and practice piano, I don't get the chance to play outside because it's too dark.  Daylight Savings does not work for me!

5:30 PM this evening:

Me:  Sweet Pea and Pumpkin - you cannot come out of your room until all of your doll house toys are picked up.

About five minutes later, Pumpkin emerges from her room.

Pumpkin:  My legs are too tired.  I can't clean up anymore.

Me:  Well, it's a good thing you don't need your legs to pick up your doll toys.  Now go back into your room and clean up.

Pumpkin turns around with her head down, shoulders slumped over and drags her feet.  A few moments later, she returns to the kitchen.

Pumpkin:  My hands and arms are too tired.  I don't think I can clean anymore.