Run Run As Fast As You Can.....

There are those days...those days when you have something really cool planned, but damn, those kids are not behaving. The idea of taking them out of the house is uplifting (because YOU need to get out) and terrifying (because that would involve bringing the craziness out of the house into the public).

Then the shoe drops...

Momma: That's it. Your behaviour is awful. We were going to go to 'The Museum' today but we are not taking you anywhere.

The usual tears and begging ensued when this bomb was dropped...

Jack: Well, you not let us go I'm going to run away!

There it was. That threat and conversation that every parent will have and wonders when it will be. Your kid is going to run away.

M: Are you going to bring an umbrella, Jack? It's really raining. I'd make sure to wear a warm sweater when you get dressed.
J: For REAL. I'm going to run away you not let me go.
M: I know. You picked a rotten day. Quite cold and rainy. Don't forget your rain jacket. You know where your backpack is. You can take that if you want. I'm going to miss you.
J: Will you bake me cookies before I go.
M: Yeah, I can do that. Let me see if I have the stuff.
J: Can I bring my clothes?
M: Yeah, pack what you need.
J: I'll need lots and Lots and LOTS of food. I'll eat some cookies as I'm running away.

.   .   .   .   .

J: Are you going to come with me?
M: Where?
J: When I run away.
M: You want me to come with you when you run away? What about Addi and Owen? I can't leave them.
J: But I be lonely. Addi and Owen can come too.
M: Why don't you stay home with us then, Jack?
J: Well.... I threatened you.... and you didn't say 'Yes'.
M: True..... Maybe, Dad, will go with you.

.   .   .   .   .

J: Dad, you run away with me because mom not...she said we not go...go...go that place with dinosaurs. I be lonely. You come, Addi and Owen and Mom can come too. I'm going to need lot of food.
Dad: Do you have money to buy food?
J: Can I bring my piggy bank?
D: Yeah, you can.
J: But I can't buy food. Don't know how buy food.

.   .   .   .   .

J: I have money. I have enough money to buy puppy?
M: Maybe depends on the kind. (which lead into a pure bred vs mutt talk)
J: Dalmation.
M: Sorry, nope, not enough for one. Those are purebred. Why do you want a puppy?
J: So I not be lonely.
M: Why don't you take Nixon?
J: (BIG SMILE) Really?
M: Yeah! You can take him. He will look out for you and keep you safe.

.   .   .   .   .

J: Hummmmmm...Where I go. I don't know where I go when I run away. Where I live? My money enough to buy house.
M: hahahaha Nope
J: How 'bout you give me your money and we both can buy a house.

.   .   .   .   .

I feel like at this point - or MAYBE a bit earlier - he lost his way in the whole 'running away from Mom because I'm mad at her' thing. Anyway....

He has gotten out his jeans, sweaters, underwear, socks and PJs all out in piles around his room.
He looks around...
J: I'm not running away today. You think it will be raining tomorrow?

5 minutes later he comes down stairs:
J: I'm not running away today OR tomorrow. I'm going to stay. I'm going to stay until I'm an adult.
I give him a BIG hug and "cry".
J: I know those happy tears.
M: When you leave when you are an adult you just make sure you remember to call your momma.
J: Maybe I'll stay even when I a adult.
D: WE'LL HAVE TO TALK ABOUT THAT!!!!