Friday, February 13, 2009

Well, when you put it that way ...

When Kendrie got up this morning and got herself dressed for school, I noticed what she was wearing: a black undershirt, light blue t-shirt, and royal blue sweat pants with a red stripe. I noticed because I knew they were having Valentines parties at school this afternoon, and that I would be there with my camera ... but of course, hoping she would wear a pink and red striped Hanna Andersson dress with matching tights was out of the question. She was ensconsed comfortably somewhere between "what not to wear, elementary school version" and "street urchin" .... but she was dressed, which was most important, so I decided not to fight it.

Tonight, we went out to dinner with our family for Brayden's birthday. (More on the fact my baby turned twelve years old today later .... for now, I'm too busy rafting down the river of denial to talk about it.) Kendrie asked me to take her to the bathroom at the restaurant, and when we got inside and I took a good look at her, I realized she had changed clothes.

One of my pet peeves is my kids changing clothes for no reason. Because Heaven forbid they hang anything back up and wear it again ... oh, no. Straight into the dirty laundry it goes. My mantra is: "Do you think I do laundry for the fun of it???" and my kids have had it burned into their little brains at this point in their lives, but still, with no real success.

I noticed Kendrie's change of clothes, and was about to launch into my lecture for the million and ONE time ......

"Kendrie, why did you change clothes before dinner? What was wrong with the outfit you had on? Do you think I do laundry for the fun of it?"

And she looked at me, like I was clearly clueless (which if I am, it's only because these kids have sucked every brain cell out of my head) and replied ....

"Mom. The other outfit didn't match."

Her new outfit??? A white undershirt, gray and purple t-shirt, and navy blue sweats.

So, yeah. I guess when she puts it *that* way ...... clears everything up, doesn't it?

10 comments:

Amy said...

LOL! I was hoping she'd put on something pink for the holiday. :)

Happy bday to Brayden. It's my Annie's 12th bday too. She spent the day waffling between snippy, can't be bothered pre-teen and lovable, funny, favorite kid.

M&Co. said...

This is one of the reasons my teenager does her own laundry.

Cindi said...

I have an 18 year old son who will go through up to FIVE changes of clothes a day. He started doing his own laundry when he was 8 and was upset that I hadn't washed his favorite shirt yet.

From all that you've shared with us about Kendrie, that comment just seems typical of what she would say!

Sally said...

OMG - my 4 year old is the same way!!

He will change shirts when he gets home from school (from one school shirt to another). It is not unusual for him to have on 3 different pairs of pajamas on a night and then end up falling asleep in the clothes he wore to school.

It is driving me crazy. We are on a short trip to my in-laws in Florida and I told him I only brought enough clothes for one thing a day....we will see if that works!!

Anonymous said...

In the spirit of Valentine parties, I suggested the boys were red shirts. Ryan wholeheartedly agreed and went with it. Kody had a million excuses for why the jersey he had on was perfect, blah, blah, blah and Keith totally supported him. I fussed both and them and screamed something mature like "be the only one in class that looks stupid." Today Keith and I went to lunch and I laughed at him with his RED shirt on. He truly is a pleaser at heart....

Anonymous said...

p.s. Happy Birthday Brayden -- hope it was very fun!

Pam D said...

I love the fact that Kendrie has remained true to herself since she was little. And I love even more that you simply "let her be", instead of forcing her into being what YOU want. Honestly? I'm sure she fit right in .. it's a crazy world out there!
Happy Valentines Day!

M said...

HAPPY 12th Brayden!
On the other hand,I have to beg my son to change clothes here!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like Nicholas! He gets dressed by himself and is as mismatched as they come. Only once did he ask me if he looked okay.
Did Kendrie get the box he sent?
Happy Valentines Day!

Susan, Ray and Nicholas

Anonymous said...

Oops! Happy Belated Birthday Brayden. Can't believe she is 12 already. They all grow up too fast.

Susan Ashworth