Random sights and pre-dinner conversations.

Today felt like Saturday (there was no school and B stayed home the day before due to illness).  So we cleaned.  I asked the kids to pick up and put away the toys in their rooms - I didn't specify the location ... 

Upon entering Little Miss' room, I noticed what I thought was part of a popped balloon on the ceiling.  After closer inspection, I realized it was a sticky dinosaur.  

"Mom, I threw it on the ceiling!"

"Great ..."

So I took a picture!  The bottom image is the view had by Ms. Dinosaur-Sticky.

After cleaning, the Mr. and I tossed around a football while the children played on the playground.  Then we decided it was time to head in for dinner.

As we were cooking, the television was tuned to CNN because the Mr. and  I wanted to learn more about the earthquake and tsunami that affected Japan (we usually don't watch TV while making dinner).  Sometimes I forget we have an attentive 7 year old.  He asked me what was going on and I explained, in simple terms what happened on this morning on the other side of our globe.  I got a little teary eyed and he seemed a little frightened.  He asked what an earthquake was and we went the scientific route and discussed plate tectonics using a basketball and soccer ball (VERY basic - he's 7!).  He also asked about a tsunami.  So we explained that as well.  The TV was off by this point.  We explained where it could happen and he seemed relieved.  

(Interestingly enough, earlier today, before he found out about earthquakes and tsunamis, he approached me and asked if we still had our backpacks (72 hour kits) ready in case of an emergency.  He also asked about our fire alarm.)

What brings me to replay our pre-dinner conversation is this: I remember watching an episode of Sesame Street where they talked about natural disasters and how to comfort and explain their affects to children.  I remember watching it, I just didn't realize I'd use that advice so soon.  Tonight, I wondered if watching the news about Japan was too much for our 7 year old's mind and perception.  What do you think?

B's immediate response to the disaster wasn't fear.  This is what he said:  "Mom, if they're hurt, we can hop in our van and go help them!"  I tried to explain where Japan was in relation to Kansas, but without a map or globe, it got a little difficult.  I think I'll hit goodwill and see if I can buy a used globe ...  

After ensuring fear and other unease was dispelled, we blessed our food and ate dinner.  Once it was time for s'mores ... 

Any semblance of doubt and unease had completely disappeared; and except for 'mallows in hair, on shirts and fingers, it turned out to be a perfect night. 

As I was tucking B in bed, he whispered:  "Tonight was the greatest night, EVER!"