Pen Pals Post: Behind-The-Scenes

I don't think I write very many behind-the-scenes type of posts. I feel like I would come off as whiny and complain-y and who wants to hear that, right? But I saw this sign at Beckie's Infarrantly Creative Facebook page recently and I thought that a lot of my posts are pretty much the highlight reel. I'm here to remind you that, for the most part, you definitely get the highlights of my life.

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With that in mind here is my behind-the-scenes from yesterday's post, Pen Pals.

It has been a while since the boys crafted so that part went well. The problem began when Sun Kissed Boy #1 started writing the letter.

Me: Use your good handwriting. Make sure you capitalize at the beginning of the sentence and put a period at the end. 

SKB #1: Yes, mom. [Annoyed sigh, already]

Me: Tell the cousins what your favorite things are, books, movies, foods, TV Shows. Then ask your brothers their favorites and write those.

[SKB #1 writes silently for a little bit. Then talks as he writes.]

SKB #1: My favorite TV show is "Curb Your Enthusiasm".

Me: Really. Curb Your Enthusiasm, really? You know you're not allowed to watch that show. You've never seen the show. You've seen a preview, what, once?

SKB #1: But it IS my favorite!

Me: Why don't you write your real favorite show. Phineas and Ferb, Wizards of Waverly Place, one of those.

SKB #1: But Curb Your Enthusiasm is my very favorite. 

Me: [Frustration quickly invading my body] Fine! You know what? Why don't you write the cousins this, "Hi, I'm your cousin from Florida. I'm a liar! I'm a big, fat, liar!" You might as well say that because you don't watch Curb Your Enthusiasm and you're telling them you do.

SKB #1: [Defeated and frustrated all at once] Ok. My favorite TV show is Phineas and Ferb.

SKB #1 to SKB #2: Who's your favorite singer?

SKB #2: Justin Bieber. 

SKB #1: Ok, I'm not gonna write that. They'll think he's gay.

Me: What?! They will not?! That does not! What are you talking about?!

SKB #1: Boys don't like Justin Bieber. 

SKB #2: Yes, I do! I'm a boy!

Me: [Not wanting to get into a "gay" discussion in front of my 4 and 5 year olds.]  I will talk to you about that later. For now HE likes Justin, NOW WRITE IT!

SKB #1: But Justin Bieber sucks.

Me in my head: He sings better than you!
Me to SKB #1: Give me the letter. I'll finish it.

SKB #1: Ok, ok. I'll write it.

Here's the best thing I did that afternoon, I walked away. Sometimes that's the best choice instead of getting frustrated and letting my 9-year-old push my buttons. I'm hoping he didn't tell the cousins he invented the Internet. 

See? Isn't seeing the highlight reel a lot better?

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