Order

One of the things I love about Reid(6) is that he throws himself completely into anything he does.   One of the things he does is follow his older brother’s instructions.   It isn’t everything Ryan(8) suggests, but a large percentage of his schemes are put into action. Age does have its advantages around here.   There is an implied hierarchy based on the year of birth.   We have spent the week with Grandma and Grandpa which has lengthened the pecking order in Reid’s mind. Reid looked around the room and declared, “I am 1 (Grandpa), 2 (Grandma). 3 (Daddy), 4 (Mommy), 5 (Ryan)…6th in charge!” He commands an army of one rogue soldier, Rhett(4). Quite honestly, that one rogue soldier is a full time job. Last night the whole family was gathered around watching American Idol. It was just prior to bed so during one of the commercial breaks Blog-Stedman sent the boys down to brush their teeth.   Historically, teethbrushing has been a split-second event.   The boys seem to believe that applying toothpaste to toothbrush and holding it in their mouth for a moment qualifies. This time he sent Ryan down with specific instructions, “2 minutes.   I want you to have the toothbrush in your mouth BRUSHING for 2 minutes.” Ryan was back in exactly two minutes. We continued watching the show until the next commercial break when Ryan spontaneously shouted, “Oh no!   Reid!” and sped down the hall to the bathroom. He returned with his brother who had been brushing his teeth for the last 12 minutes. Me:   Reid, you have been brushing your teeth for the WHOLE time? Reid:   Yes!   Ryan told me that I had to brush my teeth for 2 minutes and he would tell me when 2 minutes was up.