Alison Hodgson

Expert on the etiquette of perilous times.

  • Blog
  • Books
  • Calendar
  • Speaking
  • Contact
  • Home

About a Boy

November 17, 2005 by Alison Hodgson 13 Comments

Sometimes I think God used up all the crazy when he made my son.

Several nights ago I was lounging on my bed, reading a book and just relishing the peace and quiet of a house with children in bed when there came a sound of falling and crashing. I knew C. Riley was behind it, but hated to imagine what could have possibly made the sound.

I stayed put and waited for his father who came out of the office asking, “What was that?”

“Only God and Christopher know.”

Paul walked past our door, headed for the boy’s room and stopped in the half bath that is just down the hall.

“How did you do that!”

I was scared now, picturing the sink pulled off the wall, and hustled to the scene and saw that the top of the toilet tank was shattered on the ground. Christopher was standing, wide-eyed and solemn, next to the mess.

“What happened?! Were you standing on the tank?”

Christopher nodded.

“Was it because you were trying to pee from there?”

Christopher swallowed then whispered, “Yes.”

I slipped away snuffling giggles and thanking God that the man was in the country for this little episode.

After a bit Paul came and dropped down beside me on the bed. “The minute I saw the mess I knew he had to have climbed up on the tank and why would he do that except to pee. With boys it’s all about cause and effect. ‘If I do this, what will happen?'”

“And you guys have that built in toy to experiment with – very handy.”

………………………..

Today I was on the phone when I heard an ominous shattering and tinkling sound in the kitchen. Standing inches from the shards of glass that were once a 3 x 4 foot mirror I found C.Riley and the Bean. He immediately apologized, “I am sorry Mom, will you forgive me? I broke the mirror.”

“What were you doing?”

“I was banging my head on the trampoline.”

Well of course, who wouldn’t bang their head on a trampoline that was propped against the piano next to where the mirror was waiting to be rehung THIS EVENING! We are painting everywhere and the dining room is slightly chaotic, but come on!

Paul had already taken the boy and his wallet to the hardware store to try and replace the tank lid. They didn’t have any and referred them to a plumber. Tonight he threatened that C. would have to replace the mirror too.

Once he was realeased from today’s lecture, Christopher headed outside with Birdie.

“I need a lyre.” He told her.

“A lawyer?” She asked.

“Yes.”

Get in line, Mister.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Comments

  1. Sherry C says

    November 17, 2005 at 3:36 am

    I’m sorry for the chaos and destruction, but these stories do make for some very amusing reading for those of us who are unaffected.

    Reply
  2. Scott says

    November 17, 2005 at 5:07 am

    Funny stories, Alison. Peeing from the top of the toilet – if only I were younger and more lithe . . .

    I remember my brother Todd standing on the top bar of our swingset (yes, balancing on top of the swingset) and peeing from that most majestic height. What a thrill!

    Reply
  3. alison says

    November 17, 2005 at 2:10 pm

    Sherry,

    You know I have long been committed to making my sorrow everyone else’s joy.

    Scott,

    I yesterday I realized I need to get a subject line for C. Riley stories and then went to your blog and read “About the Boy” and said, “Ding!” Tried to acknowledge your inspiration with a link but didn’t have time. I need to call Montana Woman and ask her to help me.

    Anyway, thank you.

    Reply
  4. alison says

    November 17, 2005 at 2:11 pm

    Scott,

    Stay off the toilet tank!

    Don’t even think of the swingset!

    Reply
  5. Mandee says

    November 17, 2005 at 6:50 pm

    I have so much fun reading about your family. You guys are entertaining, loving, forgiving, and inspiring. Way better than any sitcom!
    Thanks for sharing so eloquently!

    Reply
  6. tanner says

    November 17, 2005 at 8:35 pm

    Alternate title: The adventures of Mr. Natural

    Reply
  7. alison says

    November 17, 2005 at 9:19 pm

    Mandee,

    I am glad you are enjoying it and thanks for the sugar.

    Tanner,

    The lurker speaks! I don’t think I want to be comparing my child to Mr. Natural. Isn’t he a bit of a freak? We all know that C. is unique but he is NOT a freak. Unique, yes that’s the ticket.

    Reply
  8. Sherry C says

    November 17, 2005 at 10:43 pm

    Hi, Tanner!

    Reply
  9. K Murphy J says

    November 18, 2005 at 3:36 am

    Did he ever get to pee at all during his stunt? If so, did he make it on target? Just needing a little closure to the gaping questions left unanswered. ;0)

    Reply
  10. alison says

    November 18, 2005 at 4:15 am

    KMJ,

    That is the $1,000,000 question. I will ask tomorrow. I think we need to know.

    Reply
  11. Sherry C says

    November 18, 2005 at 4:17 am

    You know, I think my favorite part of this post is the fact that Paul immediately knew what had happened. I don’t think I know any women who would have instantly surmised, “Oh, he must have been standing on top of the toilet and trying to pee from up there.”

    Reply
  12. alison says

    November 21, 2005 at 9:41 pm

    Sherry,

    I know. It made me love him even more. He is so sane and such a straight arrow but when confronted with a wacky BOY thing he immediately knew.

    Reply
  13. Kim says

    April 10, 2008 at 9:59 pm

    Woman..this is the funniest yet!! I am STILL trying to figure out how Paul knew what C was up to. My thought was…he lifted the thing off to try and fix the toilet and dropped it!! I loved you slinking away hiding your giggles…then the trampoline…I cannot even write..I am laughing jsut envisioning this!! I cannot wait to meet these previous gems of joy you have!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s Connect!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Email Newsletter

Sign up to receive email updates and special notices.

Recent Posts

  • 7 Great Posts to Help You Clean and Declutter Your Home
  • Christmas 2015
  • Survival Diary: The Accident
  • What to do after a Concussion? Not This.
  • How To Figure Out Your Career: Disaster Can Be Your Guidance Counselor

Search

Archive

  • July 2017 (1)
  • December 2015 (1)
  • October 2013 (1)
  • September 2013 (1)
  • August 2013 (1)
  • July 2013 (2)
  • June 2013 (2)
  • April 2013 (3)
  • March 2013 (3)
  • February 2013 (1)
  • January 2013 (1)
  • December 2012 (3)
  • September 2012 (3)
  • July 2012 (4)
  • June 2012 (7)
  • May 2012 (7)
  • April 2012 (7)
  • March 2012 (3)
  • February 2012 (6)
  • January 2012 (10)
  • December 2011 (5)
  • November 2011 (1)
  • October 2011 (1)
  • August 2011 (1)
  • July 2011 (2)
  • June 2011 (4)
  • May 2011 (1)
  • March 2011 (1)
  • February 2011 (1)
  • January 2011 (1)
  • November 2010 (1)
  • September 2010 (1)
  • August 2010 (3)
  • July 2010 (5)
  • May 2010 (1)
  • April 2010 (1)
  • February 2010 (1)
  • January 2010 (1)
  • December 2009 (3)
  • November 2009 (1)
  • October 2009 (2)
  • September 2009 (3)
  • August 2009 (4)
  • July 2009 (2)
  • June 2009 (6)
  • May 2009 (3)
  • April 2009 (6)
  • March 2009 (5)
  • February 2009 (1)
  • January 2009 (11)
  • December 2008 (10)
  • November 2008 (8)
  • October 2008 (11)
  • September 2008 (10)
  • August 2008 (8)
  • July 2008 (13)
  • June 2008 (14)
  • May 2008 (17)
  • April 2008 (19)
  • March 2008 (29)
  • February 2008 (27)
  • January 2008 (30)
  • December 2007 (19)
  • November 2007 (14)
  • October 2007 (9)
  • September 2007 (15)
  • August 2007 (18)
  • July 2007 (13)
  • June 2007 (13)
  • May 2007 (23)
  • April 2007 (19)
  • March 2007 (8)
  • February 2007 (7)
  • January 2007 (15)
  • December 2006 (15)
  • November 2006 (26)
  • October 2006 (8)
  • September 2006 (17)
  • August 2006 (20)
  • July 2006 (11)
  • June 2006 (20)
  • May 2006 (17)
  • April 2006 (15)
  • March 2006 (30)
  • February 2006 (13)
  • January 2006 (17)
  • December 2005 (15)
  • November 2005 (30)
  • October 2005 (33)
  • September 2005 (25)
  • August 2005 (19)
  • July 2005 (13)
  • June 2005 (24)
  • May 2005 (6)

Copyright © 2025 · Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in