In came Miki (a Mexican neighbor and pastor's kid) shortly before our guests were to arrive, carrying a flashlight full of concealed gunpowder -- (don't even ask, I don't get it either!)-- which he carelessly set down while going to look for my boys. Meanwhile Debbie, our non-verbal toddler, discovered the flashlight and proceeded to take it apart. She managed to communicate that there was something in the flashlight that did not belong there. Taking a quick glance, I assumed she had filled Miki's flashlight with dirt, and told her to take it out and dump it in the flower bed.
About the time our guests arrived, I was made aware of the real substance Debbie had deposited in the garden outside the living room door. Miki and the boys wasted no time running out to scoop the gunpowder back into the flashlight canister. Then in sheer boyish stupidity, Tim decided to do a simple experiment to verify that no more gunpowder was left in the dirt. Yes, you guessed it! He threw a lit match over the dirt pile, at which time our guests heard an ominous hissing sound followed by black smoke pouring in through the screen door and windows.
Yes, that was another proud moment in my parenting career. Those folks never did transfer to Oaxaca. I wonder why?
Sigh. What is it with boys and explosives?
4 comments:
I absolutely LOVE your blog!! I'm ashamed to tell you that it's taken me this long to actually visit your blog. I thought I should see what Hannah looks like (beautiful!) But I started reading your stories...and laughing! So good! Now I'm officially hooked on this, my first visit! Your stories are so good and told soooo well! I really feel I've sat down with a new friend over a cup of coffee.
Keep posting, Jamie!
Hugs from Manila! I'm getting ready to text the Moffitts and see what the latest report on your beautiful daughter is!
-shelley.
Thanks, Shelley. The encouraging words mean a lot. I'll look forward to hearing about the meet-up later this week and seeing a Bimbo shirt photo (at least on SL if not on your blog)....
I resent that you blamed my boyish stupidity, when in fact my actions were motivated by heroic love for my family. I just didn't want anyone to get hurt if it... you know, simultaneously combusted or something. Besides that, you have no solid proof that it was me. I believe that by the time you got over the shock of your house suddenly filling with smoke, I was several miles away, probably eating Tacos with Miki.
True, my accusations would never stand in a court of law, but I seem to remember a few eye witnesses clearly IDing you as the one who struck the match. Never let it be said that you were not a heroic loving son and brother! We could have blamed Miki, but y'all taught him English so well, he might read this and dispute your version of the truth.
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