December 6, 2007

Time out

Somehow Sage convinced Eliza to share a chair with her. Eliza was content for a while. A short while. But Eliza (inevitably) got sick of having a book smashed into her face by "the librarian" or "mommy" or whatever Sage was pretending to be. Unfortunately, "the mommy" wasn't ready to relinquish her child. [Note the gritted teeth in the second picture.]

__

When I realized what was going on, I pulled the chair out, causing Eliza to fall lightly to the floor.

Sage, still fully immersed in her role play, wasted no time in flexing her mommy muscles and lecturing me:

"Don’t do that. Don’t bonk Eliza off. That was a problem. Go to time out.”

There was a problem, but I don't think it was my rescuing Eliza. I think the problem might be the three-year-old dictator. [Do I sound like that when I issue time outs?]

On second thought, maybe next time I'll accept the punishment, and flee to the time out for a little respite from the dictator. I could use 3 minutes of banishment here and there throughout the day.

6 comments:

Danielle said...

I laughed for at least a full minute when I was reading this (maybe it was partly out of relief that the title of the post didn't refer to Sage's abusive cousin Jacob). Sage the dictator, trying to give her mommy a time out. Also I love the pictures (one of Eliza crying, and especially the one with gritted teeth!). Oh my gosh, why is that so funny? (Because it didn't happen to me, probably.)

Linda said...

That reminds me of the woman who'd cleaned up messes all day. When her husband came home and one of the children spilled the milk again, her husband, trying to support her said, if anyone else spills their milk, they'll be sent to their room. His wife promptly picked up her cup, dumped it on the table and headed for her bedroom . . . where she stayed for the rest of the night! --Mom

Jon and Sarah said...

Hello Janel & Mark. It's amazing who you can find when you put your mind to it. Send an email our way, we'd love to hear from y'all.

Love,

Jon, Sarah and Natalie Amundson

jsamundson@sbcglobal.net

www.taketimetosmile.blogspot.com

Ryan said...

Janel, your comment on Suzy's blog made me feel... I'll be honest... pity for you. So, in an attempt to rectify the situation, I decided to drop by the midnight musings and post a comment. I just want to say that your girls are so darn cute. If you get the chance, tell Liza and Sage-Sage that Ry-Ry said hi.

Kelly M said...

I'm a fan of Mommy time outs. There have been times when I just need to go to the bathroom, shut the door, and read a magazine and pretend not to hear the chaos outside for a minute or two. Seriously, I come out with a much clearer head. I love the story from you mom, that's hilarious! I love every comment your mom makes, actually. I need to meet her someday.
I wish Sage were here to put me in time out!! I love that girl.

janel said...

Ryan, My intention was not to rally up a pity party for myself, but thanks for the visit anyway. I hope you're honing your Rummikub skills.