Friday, December 26, 2008

The Apple Really Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree

Frank and I are very different in a variety of areas. And I have learned to accept those differences, even embrace them from time to time. But, what I wasn't really prepared for was that my children would pick up on those differences and they would embrace them each in their own way.

For example, Frank and I are very different in the way that we show our excitement. When Frank and I had been dating for about 2 years, our second Christmas together I think, I had saved for months and months to buy him a shotgun that he wanted. I worked my tail off to buy that thing AND to keep it a secret (I am not great at gift secrets). When I gave it to him, he looked it over and stood up. Walked over to me and basically, in front of his whole family, gave me a pat on the back and said "Thanks!". He walked to his room, put it away, and didn't mention it again for the rest of the evening. Needless to say I was crushed.

This is how he typically reacts to things. Even when deep down inside he really is very excited. He just doesn't show it very much on the outside. Unless he's crying and that's another ballgame. I on the other hand react quite the opposite. You can give me a piece of gum and I act like it is the greatest thing in the world. Partly because gift giving is one of my love languages and partly because I am easy to please.

What I discovered this Christmas was that Jackson is very much like Frank and Wyatt and Mallory are alot like me in this area. No matter how excited that Jackson really was, he pretty much just kept it contained. He would give a little smile. He would go off by himself and play with his new games. Then he would surface later to get another one. No jumping up and down or screaming with glee.

Wyatt, however, would tell everyone at 40 decibels above normal listening capacity how whatever dinosaur he was currently holding was the coolest thing he had ever seen or how it was the one he had always wanted. He would also holla things like "Oh Yeah Baby" and "awesome" several times. Mallory would also jump around and giggle at her gifts. And she would loudly tell us how much she liked them.

Made for a great Christmas. I guess what I have always heard is true. The apple really doesn't fall too far from the tree after all. Hmph! Scary!

13 comments:

Lisa said...

I am right there with you girl. I get so excited and happy over the small things and my husband... well, he doesn't get real excited over much of anything. You could buy him a new car and he would still be so mellow and laid back. I know that he gets that from his parents, but I also know that he appreciates all the small and large things in life. I am just hoping and praying that my son gets his excitement from me as he gets older.

Rae said...

We are very similar here as well. I'm all bouncy and squealy and DK just isn't. After 13 years of marriage I now realize it will never change!

CntryMomma said...

I react exactly like you.

Jackson was SCREAMING on the inside. ;o)


LORI

Paige Hinrichs said...

Oh my! You and your husband sounds just like us. I know, being the happy, enthusiastic person that I am, that it can be frustrating when others don't express it in the same way. When something wonderful happens to my husband or us, I say, "Aren't you excited?" and he'll answer with a straight face, "Yes". Arggh!

I'm sure your husband is thrilled by your gift. : ) He'll soon be bragging about it to all his friends. By the way, my son is like his father too.

momstheword said...

My fifteen year old is kind of quiet that way. He will love something but you will have to watch for his smile. Occasionally he will be a bit more verbal but mostly it's just a smile.

He & Me + 3 said...

So true. All my kids take after Agent and are as loud as mega phones about everything. Gotta love earplugs. Cute post!

Davisix said...

I love how they're all so different. Sometimes it's hard to believe they siblings, isn't it? My Thing 1 is our reserved one. He smiles a lot but doesn't explode with thanks or excitement. Thing 4 is loud and excited enough for all 4 of them. LOL!

Jen Talley said...

I love seeing what character traits our kids pick up from us. Glad you guys had a great Christmas!!!

Keisha said...

That sounds soo much like me & Matt! lol!! MEN!

Us said...

Same here sistah! Mr. Mom and J just smile a little and move on. Me and Moo? We get way excited and everyone knows it!!! xo Keli

Yellow Beads said...

funny!! You know, I don't keep gift secrets either, ha.

Amanda said...

I love how observant you are about your childrens character traits! That is a very good thing.

I would have to say that I am very over the top when I get gifts as well... I always want others to know how much I appreciate them thinking of me and all... usually I just sound fake and insincere. I think. I dont know.

Anywho.

I think a shotgun is a great gift. FYI. lol

God bless-
Amanda

Lisa Noel said...

LOL, we get a lot of "Oh yeah baby" here. Both of my older boys are excitable and I love it. But both my husband and I are fairly reserved.