Sponges

Ok, I realize that "sponges" is not a very exciting title for a blog....but that's the only thing I could come up with on 1/4 cup of coffee.

We often say Children's brains are like sponges.  They absorb everything.  Funny, cuz when we are adults and end up with a spongy brain we are diagnosed with "Mad Cow Disease" (not the scientific name, but you get what I mean).  So, WHY do we want children to have spongy brains?

I think they have spongy ears.  I am always amazed at the things they hear that they shouldn't hear.  Perhaps it's more of a selective sponge.

Bubba: "WOOHOO! PIZZA FOR DINNER!!"
Me: "Who said?"
Bubba: "You just whispered it to Dad."
Me: "Two seconds ago I was standing right beside you and told you to do your chores but you didn't hear that! NOW you hear me whispering to dad in the other room??"
Bubba: "When did you tell me to do my chores?"
Me, repeating my new daily mantra: "Don't kill anyone today, don't kill anyone today..."

In the meantime, Banana loves school.  I'm not sure exactly why.  She spends a chunk of the day on the phone calling me at which point I remind her to behave and work hard.  "Ok, Mom", she always replies.

Shortly after that phone call from Banana the other day the school Principal called me.  Apparently, my little spongy head FORGOT that she had said, "OK Mom" just a few short minutes before.  Part of the problem with sponges is that they dry out and everything that was absorbed is gone and all that is left behind is yucky stuff.  So apparently, Banana was left with a yucky stuff brain that day.

Principal: "Banana is sitting like a rock on the floor and refuses to do anything.  Usually if we tell her we are going to call Mom it works to get her moving.  It didn't work this time, so we are calling you"

Me (in my head wondering what exactly I'm supposed to do about it when I'm at work 20 minutes away): "Ok, let me talk to her"

Banana: "Hi Mom!"
Me: "I thought I just told you to work hard and you said you would"
Banana: "I changed my mind"
Me: "That isn't an option."
Banana: "But I don't WANT to"
Me: "You are at school to learn and I expect you to go DO that.  Do I have to come out there? Because if I have to come to your school YOU will not like the consequences"
Banana: "No"
Me: "So, you are going to go work hard now"
Banana: "BUT I DON'T WANT TO!!"
Me: "Banana, I am NOT giving you a choice.  GET YOUR BUTT OFF THE FLOOR AND GO WORK HARD!!!"
Banana:" FINE, MOM!!" followed by slamming down of the phone as she hangs up on me.

I didn't receive another phone call that day.

When cows have spongy brains they put them down.  If I put my children down for having spongy brains I'd get time in a place I would not be happy to be in...I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like the food or the company.

Do rabbits get spongy brains?