Grace and the Exchange Theory

The exchange theory posits that those who invest the most in a relationship have the least power; in other words, those who care are vulnerable, less power. While people have made salient arguments against this idea in some settings, Grace has been doing her best to support the theory in her family relationships.

For example, a couple of nights ago, our family sat around playing video games and reading and such. Grace ran into the room and hugged Weston around his waist. Weston ignored her and continued to watch Allen play a video game. Grace walked by me, and I held out my arms for a hug. She squealed out, "No!" and ran over to hug Weston again.

Soon Kimball and Cooper were both vying for her hugs, which she refused to give them. Instead, she hugged Allen and Weston repeatedly, but both of them were too involved in the game to pay any attention. Meanwhile, her older brothers were trying to lure her over with treats, toys, books, and noises. She never would let them hug her.

Scary to think how this tendency might play out when she starts dating.

Christmas is coming and coming and coming

The kids are bouncing off the walls, and Kimball keeps asking me, "Can't Christmas come any faster?" every time I make eye contact.

This year the kids have requested a different present from Santa every couple of seconds, particularly Weston. Weston's Christmas list has grown to such epic proportions that if he does get everything he wants, we will have to move into a bigger house to fit it all in.

Kimball and Cooper have grown more philosophical about the Santa situation and are willing to give Santa a little wiggle room, asking for surprises or general things.

However, when we visited Santa last Saturday, Cooper asked for a surprise and Santa offered him a variety of gift ideas: pink tutus, ball gowns, etc. So Cooper decided he better narrow it further to a "boy surprise."

Actually, the most stressful part of the holidays is attending the holiday parties. Before I had children, I actually enjoyed these get-togethers. Now I am on edge, waiting to see which of my children will throw up first. Yes, throw up.

Allen and I come up with all kinds of excuses to avoid parties, but really, it's all about the kids and puke. The problem started last spring at a wedding reception when one of the kids did little projectile action towards the wedding party. The next event occured when we went to a family member's 40th birthday party. Of course, right in front of the food line, blah.

So really it's not just Christmas parties that make me nervous, but any family gathering.

On Christmas Eve, we're having a few relatives over to celebrate. Perhaps for a party craft, we can make those paper bag reindeer puppets. Then the kids can flip them over and use them as airline-style emergency bags.

Joining the Craze

While hesitant to put anything personal on the Internet, I decided to join the blog craze, figuring that my blog will be lost in the millions of others out there. I'm planning on the kids to keep this blog going, as they are the most anxious to be online.