a fly on the wall

Completely random photo of our local hero
Yesterday, I was working at home because Annie was ill. I am not usually at home on Mondays and Sam, my oldest, picks up the little ones from school and looks after them until dinner. I had a lot of work to do and didn't really want to get involved in their after school care yesterday. I asked Sam to keep my presence a secret (I gave him a lift to physiotherapy to seal the deal) and retreated to my bedroom just before the bell. It was a good opportunity to listen to the comings and goings downstairs, for I was quite keen to find out what the boys are up to when I am not at home. The accounts are usually varied and colourful, accusations of naughtiness and non-compliance are a regular occurrence. Sam often complains about Annie interfering with his loving care but that was not a problem yesterday because she was tucked up in bed, listening to her audiobook. Seldom is their a mention of how well behaved and kind everybody was.
So, whilst I was working on a case study lesson on schistosomiasis, I was half listening to the ebbing and flowing of the boys voices. There was some happy whistling, too.

I am very pleased with the outcome of my covert listening activity.

When they all got home after a walk through the storm, Sam made them a cup of tea. As you do. I could hear him ask. They then made gingerbread men for their snacks (using Ikea ready-made dough, it is delicious). Whilst these were baking, the smell was ever so tempting, homework got under way. I could hear Alistair reading. It seemed like a long long book. Sam was encouraging and not overly patronising. Sam then offered Alistair to play to Wii too keep out of James way. James' homework was next. I couldn't hear much because James' voice is much quieter than Alistair's. There was little unrest and every time a voice was raised, Sam intervened firmly but not unkindly. There was a lot of apologising. A bit like at nursery... 'You must say sorry to your brother, you said something unkind' etc etc. It was quite amusing to listen to. James and Alistair are quite cranky at the moment, like all of us, I guess because they are being stuck inside all the time. The boys often make drawings with Sam but not yesterday. Yesterday Sam was teaching them how to play Mario Galaxy on the Wii. We do have a no console game rule during the week but I guess I can forgive the transgression. I wouldn't normally know... 
When I finished my work and went downstairs, all three were playing together. 

I am glad I had the opportunity to listen in today. I am feeling more confident leaving Sam to look after James and Alistair now. Sam can be very patronising and unpleasant to his brothers but it seems that a good pay packet and a feeling of true responsibility go a long way towards him being nice. I am counting my blessings. Sam is 'earning' towards his first own computer (to be delivered today!) and then a ski trip. 

Sam did bring me a cup of coffee and three of the freshly baked biscuits. 

I am still feeling cold but I am definitely feeling less cranky today. I am still working at home because Annie is not quite ready to go back to school. Sam continued to help yesterday evening by taking the little ones to Beavers and back so I could go to my sewing class. The babysitter arrived in time for their return. Did I mention that Richard is away all week? I managed an online shop so impending famine is no longer a threat and I am looking forward to a cosy night in tonight.

Thank you for your encouraging comments! I really appreciate you leaving a comment. I'll be sure to visit you tonight, when I am not officially working. Cxx


Comments

  1. It sounds as though Sam is growing up to be a lovely young man... You can forgive teenage transgressions!

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  2. How reassuring to know all is well in your absence...but you knew that already, didn't you!!!

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  3. hope Annie is feeling better soon, I have a poorly one home today, and I am getting nothing done at all............

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  4. Sam sounds pretty wonderful, his treats are very well deserved I think! I hope Annie is all better soon. CJ xx

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  5. Your son is really great with his brothers and I am so impressed he brought you coffee and cookies - that is a really thoughtful thing to do and not all teenagers would think of it!

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  6. Sam sound like a wonderful big brother and a very dependable helper. I hope Annie feels better soon, and that the rest of your children manage to escape the illness.

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  7. Sounds like Sam has learned a lot from you about how to manage his brothers. Hope your daughter feels better soon.

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  8. That must have been lovely for you, to be able to listen in and hear what a responsible young man he is becoming, at least when you are not around! :)

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  9. Love this, Christina! Sam is obviously a great older brother. Here's hoping that Annie is feeling better soon. I have Alfie laid up with the lurgy. It must be bad; he hasn't even tried to get on his Xbox!
    Leanne xx

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  10. He sounds like a lovely young man, you have done a good job Christina. Get well soon Annie!

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  11. How good that they all got on so well! You must have been very pleased for all of them. I hope that Annie is better soon. xx

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  12. Sam sounds like a dream brother, he handles those two boys beautifully. You are teacing him a great responsibility and he is meeting the challenge. I have missed being here with you.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  13. I'm sure you are very relieved to have been able to listen in and find out that it was all going well.

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  14. Sam sounds like a reliable, responsible older brother and can be relied upon to help out especially when your husband is away. You must be very proud and I'm pleased for you. X

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  15. You must be so proud of Sam. What a great kid. I love that you were able to listen in without them knowing, it must have been both entertaining and encouraging to realize that they do so well together and get along too.

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  16. Hello Christina. I've hopped here from CJ's blog; I've noticed your comments on a few blogs I follow so thought I'd check yours out and I'm so glad I did. Your kids sound lovely. Overhearing our kids' conversations can be really uplifting (but sometimes horrifying!). Sam

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  17. Snap! I did the same as Sam (previous comment), coming here from another blog out of curiosity. Your blog is very well-named as the outstanding impression is that of the colours!
    I live at the opposite end of the country from you, in Cornwall and write/ramble on about my walks with my dog, my garden (when the weather encourages any flowers) and anything that springs to mind, really.
    Your teenage son sounds wonderful, even if he does have his teenage moments - what a great help he must be and a positive influence on his younger siblings.

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Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment, I love to hear from you, I really do. I sometimes reply by email but I am not all that reliable... Christina xx

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