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Andy gets a car door shut on his fingers

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  January 29, 1997 Well, it was bound to happen. It’s certainly a rite of passage in everyone’s childhood. Getting a car door slammed on your fingers.  This morning Andy and I agreed to change our usual Wednesday sequence of events. Instead of my picking up the boys a little earlier than usual, returning home to change and grabbing a quick bite to eat, Andy decided he’s wear his basketball t-shirt and shorts underneath a long-sleeve shirt and a pair of sweats. I returned home early from work and fixed both boys a ‘lite’ bag lunch: peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a small container of applesauce for Eddie and a bologna and cheese sandwich and small fruit cup (diced peaches) for Andy. I wanted to have something ready for a possible hunger attack since our regular supper time would be delayed by more than an hour.  Once Eddie closed his door after getting into the back seat of the car, Andy started pleading, “Open the door, open the door!”, I thought our efficiency...
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"Eddie made me spill my cereal"

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  The first thing I noticed when I picked up the boys at school today was Eddie’s jacket lying in the middle of the hallway floor next to the gym, looking as though it had been thoroughly stomped on by a herd of elephants with muddy feet. (hooves?) Even the inside of his sleeves were dirty. I’ve previously talked to Eddie about this habit of his shedding his coat instead of hanging it on his designated hook after outdoor play. Of course, Eddie isn’t the only child guilty of this sin. I’m sure it’s a contest among the kids to see who can move more quickly to the next area of activity. This evening I thought I’d take a more authoritative approach.  “Eddie, from now on, if I see your jacked on the floor, do you know what that means?”  He offers no response, gives me no eye contact.  “It I find your jacket on the floor, it means no TV.”  Might as well hit him where it hurts.  Coincidentally, Andy showed me the dirt on his jacket as we left the school....
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Ready for school

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Artwork by Eddie Thursday, January 9   Just as I was finishing up my morning preparations in the bathroom, Andy informed me that he and Eddie were walking to school.  Isn’t it a little bit early yet?” I asked. “It can’t be much past 7:30.”  “But Dad, we want to get to school before the bell rings,” he explained.   It doesn’t take you a half hour to walk to school,” I offered.  But the boys were not to be denied. They both had put on their jackets and boots, and Eddie had even put the two boxes of pre-packaged Rice Krispie bars in a Middleton Public Library canvas bag. (It was his turn to bring the morning treat to his kindergarten class.) His backpack, containing his snow pants and take-home folder, was strapped to his back.   Where are your shoes?” I asked.   In my pack,” he answered.  Let me check.”  I had a vision of Eddie in boots all day, and, sure enough, his shoes were not where he told me they were. We fou...
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Andy's headache. Eddie's school assembly.

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  Tuesday, January 8 I experienced an unanticipated break in the work week yesterday. Andy woke up complaining of a severe headache. Actually, on Monday he spent time in the nurse’s office for the same reason. He said he couldn’t concentrate. I neglected to ask him if it was something his teacher noticed of if he simply asked to be excused from the classroom. The nurse obviously didn’t think that Andy’s condition was all that serious because she didn’t attempt to call JoAnna or me. and Andy spent the second half of the afternoon at the After School program, as usual.    While Andy was still in bed, and while there was still time for him to get ready for school, I tried to talk him out of his sickness, but my words had on effect. Admittedly, I was a bit suspicious about his self-diagnosis; he has never complained of suffering from a headache before. His face looked a bit pasty, but putting a hand to his forehead indicated he obviously had no fever. I thought maybe...
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