June 30, 2010

Caterpillars

When Daniel and Blayne were in preschool, they got to learn about caterpillars.

Now, I need to preface this story by saying: I am a bug girl.

I like bugs. My children's bedroom is all about bugs.  I use them to decorate my home, I even have some that are dead, pinned, and framed... I FULLY APPRECIATE BUGS.


So when Danny and Blayne came home from school with a bug jar and caterpillars, I was fine.

"What do they eat?"

"Is this a mommy or a daddy?"

"Why is it hairy?"

I got out my Audubon Society Field Guide and we looked up the answers to all their questions.

Awhile later, we parted ways, as they had important kid stuff to do.

I answered a few emails, then switched over the laundry. I picked up the basket of freshly laundered clothes, and climbed up the stairs.

When I got to the top, I found the kids in my bedroom.

I began putting the clothes away, "What are you doing?"

No answer.

I stopped folding the clothes and asked again, "What are you doing?"

Danny grinned.

It was then I noticed that the bug jar was open.

Empty... and open.

"Where are your bugs?"

Danny answered proudly, "Sleeping!"

The caterpillars, along with some extra new buggy friends, were tucked as gently as a four year old boy can tuck, into my bed.

I yelled and grabbed the blankets off of the bed.

I took off the sheets and shook them out the window.

And then, because I don't trust a certain short person, I removed all the other sheets from all the other beds and hosed off the bug guts in the shower before washing them in hot, hot water and bleach, twice.

I have enforced a strict "No Bug" policy at my home and I have discovered that maybe I'm not as much of a bug girl as I thought I was.