Bacon

We've been struggling a little bit with school lately. #1 is in the middle of lots of organized "play group" sessions for the schools we're applying to for next year. Yes - applying ... and Yes - he is only four ... don't get me started. I do my best to keep the whole situation light - we're just going to meet some new friends and play for an hour, then we'll do something fun just the two of us ... But, I can imagine it is a stressful situation for children, even our love everyone Mr. Mayor. Anyway, there has been a lot of morning tears (mostly fake tears, but some real ones too) and drama about not wanting to go to school.

#1 says "I don't want to go to school. I don't like school."
Mr. Right says "I know buddy, I don't want to go to work."
#1 says "Then let's stay home and play."
Mr. Right says "No, I can't. I have to work so I can bring home the bacon."
#1 breaks out in laughter, the mood has changed, all is good.
#1 says "Bacon? That's silly Daddy."

Yesterday was a disaster upon returning from Grandma's house. It normally is and has nothing to do with the spoiling by Grandma, and everything to do with coming down from the the extra special big boy trip - packing his bag, flying on the plane, spending time away from your parents and all things normal. We're learning somewhat quickly that even though #1 is an excellent communicator at age 4, he's got some trouble with expressing disappointment ... unfortunately it is expressed as most 4 year old minis express it. He dumped his lunch on the floor yesterday at school. When his teacher (which by the way, HE LOVES) asked him to clean it up he screamed at her, "I'M NOT YOUR FRIEND. I DON'T LIKE IT WHEN YOU SAY THAT TO ME. WHAAAAAAAAAA!"

So on the car ride home from school last night I asked #1 how his day was. He is brutally honest and will throw himself under the bus when necessary - I can only hope this continues.
#1 said, "I didn't have a very good day today. I told Daddy I didn't want to go to school, but he made me go and I wasn't very good."
We talked about how it was disappointing to be home from Grandma's house and what a special trip it was ... and how much #2 and I missed him and that we're so happy he's back home so we can see him. He was all smiles ... for 30 seconds.

#1 says, "Is tomorrow a school day?"
I said "Yes, it is. Mommy and Daddy both have to work tomorrow."
#1 says "But I've told you a thousand times, I don't like school." (wonder where he got the thousand times ...)
I'm starting to panic, I can feel the tantrum coming on, I'm sweating ...think Momma think ... change the mood! Bacon! I've got it!!
I say, "I know you would like to stay home tomorrow, but Daddy and I both have to work so we can bring home the bacon."
#1 says "Well I don't like bacon, so you don't have to bring it home."