Critters

Since we're having a baby in December, I'm starting to wonder what they'll be like. If it's a boy, there are some definite traits I hope he has from his Dad - like being a handyman, inventive, etc. But I also know there could be some traits from the same said parent which may need to be nipped in the bud - like jumping off roofs (which Bobby did quite a lot of as a boy from the sounds of it). If this trait does get inherited, we'll have to find a way to channel that urge into a more productive and safe hobby/sport I think. I don't know that as a Mom I would appreciate going outside to find my little son standing on the roof about to take the plunge. (How on earth did our mothers survive our childhood?!!! How does any mother?! The things we did...)

Yesterday we discovered another trait which has created a new and absolutely non-negotiable Jordan Family rule which will stand from now until eternity: "ALL CRITTERS STAY OUTSIDE". There are NO exceptions. This applies to all boys - big or little (because even big boys are still little boys at heart).

Here's what inspired our new family rule. Bobby went outside to get the mail and a few minutes later came back in and called to me to come check out a surprise. Surprise, hpfmm. I was expecting something nice and lovely - not a slithery, scaly snake wrapped around his hand with its tail twitching and tongue darting in and out. Yes, he brought a snake. into. the. house. It took a bit longer than I would have thought for him to understand my shrieks of "Do NOT bring that thing in here!! Get it OUTSIDE!!!"

So. We now have a rule. All Critters Stay Outside.

We did have to compromise a bit. Bobby pointed out that if we do have a boy, he'll probably want to show his discoveries to his Mom as well. Sigh. So a supply of jars and odd containers are about to make their way to the outside shed to provide the necessary catching and housing equipment for any such discoveries. Which discoveries will then stay outside so they don't have to be brought inside for display. (Bobby couldn't understand why I couldn't find a container for him to keep the snake in...or my concern over snake bites, because, after all, he did check for a rattle before picking the snake up. Yes, he did bring home a rattlesnake once as a boy too. Shudder.)

Thankfully he pretty well understood our new rule, even without it being said outloud, because he didn't bring in his next discovery a few minutes later...


Instead Bobby decided to take a picture of him on the camera. Oh, yes. All Critters Stay Outside.