Benson and his date Whitney
Homecoming 2010
Conversation with my teenage boys and nephew took on a whole new twist this weekend.Why are they suddenly asking me about what MY dating life was like? Isn't that a little bit creepy to think about your mom kissing/dating ANY boys?
I was happy to share a few things, generalities (which do not include kissing) just to help them realize I'm not so old that I can't relate. But then. Then it turned ugly as I was harassed and grilled and pressed for names. In my wisdom, I chose not to engage. Naming them seemed like ammunition that might get used against me, somehow, someway. Nuh-uh. Lips sealed.
Smugly, I kept driving, loving that my life is suddenly interesting.... but that I hold the keys.
"Hi, Grandma! It's Benson! Yeah, I was just calling to see if you could tell me who was the first boy my mom kissed?"
I almost slammed on the breaks.
Me: "MOM!! NO! NO!" I'm shouting, hoping she can hear me over the phone.
Benson: "Grandma, I'll pay you two dollars if you tell me."
Really?
My dad gets on the phone.
Benson: "Wait, Grandpa, so his name was *****?" (name with-held again, well, duh)
Note: For the record, I never kissed this particular boy, but he was my first date.
Benson: "They made out in the back of a van?" Boys erupt laughing.
Benson: "The van had CURTAINS?"
(I might emphasize -swear on the bible- that this never happened. Well there was a van, but that's it.)
Me: "Let me talk to Grandpa." He hands over the phone shaking in laughter. "Dad. Why did you say that?"
My Dad: "Seems to me, that maybe you shouldn't have done something that you didn't want your kids to know about someday."
Me: "WHAT? That's not even true!"
My Dad: "Well, you better pay up or there are more stories coming."
And with that, he and I both know there are a few true stories that do NOT need to be shared.
Now, Benson. I'll tell you right now, don't you dare do anything that you don't want me to tell/embellish to your kids someday.
3 things I'm grateful for:
1. dance photos from the 80's that are hard to find and then scan so remain hidden forever
2. Benson explaining that according to the Strength of Youth pamphlet, kissing is not a priority until after a mission. (So. Let me understand. It IS a priority after a mission. Got it.)
3. I have more money for bribes than my kids do. Sweet.
13 comments:
Oh, I just love Benson and Whitney. They're such a cute couple! And they're both super sweet. Oh, and I love this post. Your parents seem like seriously awesome people.
STOP GROWING UP, BENSON! j/k, you look great!
I love this!! I remember doing this to my mom. But she gave me names, and has regretted it ever since.
That is hilarious!
I've never been as smart as you are, Emily! Yes, I did give names and the girls FOUND my old journal. (Not a good idea!) One of the boys mentioned in such journal passed away from a heart attack a couple of weeks ago. Now THAT was a wake up call! Life goes too fast. Hang on tight!
Benson can call me. I've got all kinds of stories I could tell him. And I could use some extra cash too :)
I've got some pictures for Benson...mwhahahaha!! But I cost more than $2. Cost of living in New England and everything, you understand.
I had a much less exciting but equally surprising moment with my oldest son recently. It was odd that he was actually interested. What is this phenomenon?
Benson tried giving me $10.00 to give up names. But no, I wisely kept my lips sealed. I think I might need this special "information" for blackmail - oops, I mean timely information for future use...
Benson, could you have smiled just a little more? Oh no, you weren't having a bit of fun...
I think I burned all my dance pictures...you know something about bringing an end to all those boys and days. I kind of regret it.
Is that Whitney Alder? She lives right by us, used to be in our ward! How do they know each other? Do you live in Bountiful? Duh! Kinda wierd. Em Allred Ashby
Well, you did it again. Such a cute story, and from true life experience. I agree, never tell your children anything about your life, you may not want them to repeat. They always take license from Mom and Dad's experiences. Love the picture.
Hey Em, I'd love to hear your old stories; they sound juicy. But don't worry, I won't share them.
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