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