Painting Toes

Sunday night the family came over for our monthly family night. After the lesson and the food we played Sing Star for a few hours. Then, all of a sudden I noticed how quiet it was and I looked around and all the moms and the kids were gone. So, I went looking for them and found them in Madeline's room in what I can only describe as a "Fingernail Polish Hot Box." There were four kids, all painting their toes while their mom's looked on. In our family, girls are abundant, especially at the niece/nephew level. So, when I saw the lone nephew (out of a possible seven) painting his toes, first I laughed, then I felt a little empathy for the boy.

I spent much of my childhood as the lone boy with three sisters. It wasn't until I was nearly 7 before a brother (eventually two) came along, and they weren't any fun for about five years after that :) I had trucks, Hot-Wheels, and Transformers, but I also remember playing Barbie dolls and other "non-boy" activities. I have distinct memories of the dresses and other girl clothes that hung in my closet and the ideas that raced though my young mind as a result. I am told that the dresses were there because the closet that the three girls shared was too small to fit their clothes, but I am sure something much more sinister was afoot.) I think that environment of my youth must influence my life today. For example, last week, at a Summer Training Camp for the teachers in our school we played a game called two truths and a lie. One of my truths was that I wore a dress to my senior dance (it was really that me and a bunch of my friends wore kilts, but that's not really the story.) Not one of my colleagues, and there were about twenty of them there, picked this as my lie. Basically, when confronted with the possibility, each one of them could resolve in their minds that, "Yes, I could see Jared in a dress!"

So, back to my nephew. He is such a trooper to put up with all of the girl things that dominate his little life so far. And, speaking from experience, it will only get worse. But, I turned out ok (I think) and I am sure you will too. I had an advantage, though: there is no video of me playing Barbie's. But, just like the dress, I am sure you can all picture it just fine! So, hang in there Carter! I am sure another boy is on the way (not that I am making any announcements). It takes a man to be comfortable painting his toes with the girls.



ps. Mike and Tiff, I just bought a gallon of acetone, just in case you need it :)