Holy Canoli– High School!!

Well, it happened. Our baby is officially a freshman in high school. Max couldn’t be more ecstatic- he’s been counting down the days since he stepped foot in middle school three years ago. Max always has his eye one the future excitements, while still enjoying every second of the present.

Max, Mary and Therese all ready for their first day of the 2014-2015 school year!

Here are a few highlights of the last 9 weeks:

First day of school

Max did not have much to divulge about this topic. He is a typical teenage boy, a man of little words (well, a man of little words when you’re actually trying to get him to talk). The only things he would tell me are as follows: his locker is number 449, his favorite class is chorus, which he gets to take with Therese and his favorite teacher is Miss Turnbul. His answer to just about any other question is “I don’t know…” or “Pretty good.”

New Friends

Max is honestly the most popular person in our family. I even think that some people only like us because of Max and I’m totally okay with that. Needless to say, Max has had absolutely no problems making new friends this year while still maintain the old ones. He knows everybody and says hi to almost every person he passes in the hallways. Do you all remember Jake, Max’s “man crush”? He was the studly Gaston in last year’s production of Beauty and the Beast. Jake is also in Max’s chorus class, and according to sources the two have become “best buds.” Jake even gave Max his practice jersey to wear to the football games!

BFFs

Homecoming

Max has covetously watched all six older siblings dress up for school dances. For years he has been talking about the day he would get to take his girlfriend, Emma to homecoming. As life would have it, Emma’s cousin got married on the same day as their school’s Homecoming dance and she wasn’t able to go this year! It was such a pity and initially, they were sad about it. Then decided to make the best of it. They had a date the night before instead. Max took Emma out to eat at the fanciest place he could afford, The Golden Arches (McDonalds) before escorting her to the football game. They even snapped pictures before their date—just like they would have the following night if they were going to the dance.

Look at the eyebrow! Wish I knew what he was thinking!!

Now, Max is so cool, he still made it to homecoming, and he didn’t go by himself. A pack of seniors, Therese and her friends wanted Max to come with them. Max got all spiffed out and went to dinner with the crew. Therese snapchatted us while they were at dinner. Max was super cranky. The reason: he wanted to get to homecoming and dance! If you know Max, then you know that he LOVES food, and he especially loves going to restaurants. He must have been really excited about homecoming if dinner beforehand seemed like a nuisance!

Ladies Man. A freshman guy surrounded by senior girls.

When they finally made it to the dance, Max broke. it. down. At one point during the night he had a break-dancing solo. Everyone stood around him in a circle and chanted his name. This kid’s life is something out of High School Musical.

While Max was dancing center stage, his buddy Jake was a wall flower on the sidelines. Max went and grabbed his hand and pulled him out onto the dance floor. Jake stayed out there and danced with our little man. Later he told Therese, “I hate dancing. I wouldn’t have done that for anyone except Max.”

That’s the thing about Max. He gets you to do the things you never want to do, and helps you to have fun while doing it.

His Favorite TV shows of the Fall

These include but are not limited to Martian Marvin (or “Marvin Marvin” as he calls it), Once Upon a Time and Dancing with the Stars. Almost every week he calls me to see if I watched Once Upon a Time, and if I haven’t had time to yet, he tries to spill the beans! Dancing with the Stars has always been a favorite, but it’s a double whammy this season because Sadie Robertson from Duck Dynasty is on. Here’s Max imitating Alfonso Ribiero and doing the “Carlton.”

Shaving

Max now has enough testosterone in his system to require shaving multiple times a week. This is no problem when Dad is around. However, Dad and Mom decided to skip town for a couple of weeks and left Mary in charge. Mary had no idea how to shave Max’s face. Thankfully her fiancé Jan Michael came to the rescue! Look at how cute these future brothers are!

Max felt so grown up!

The School Play

Tess is once again acting in the fall play. This performance is not their usual feel-good musical. It’s a drama about the holocaust and Therese plays a mother who ends up dying. One evening Therese was working on memorizing her lines and cried (since the script called for tears) as she confessed, “I’m a Jew!” Max walked up to her, patted her back and said, “Silly Therese. It’s ok- You’re a Catholic!” The only tears left after that line were the result of laughter.

Soccer
This fall Max got to play in a challenger soccer league. Dad says Max is probably the best one out there. He scored three to four goals every game. “I hear you’re the best one on the team!” I said. “Yep! I am!” He proudly exclaimed. Dad also said he’s never seen Max move so fast or breathing so hard. Maybe we can convince max to lay off the cheese puffs if we tell him that he’ll be faster when he plays soccer…

He is sooo proud of his trophy!

FUS Alumni Volleyball Game

Mary and I got to return to our college Alma mater for an alumni volleyball game. Max, Therese and Jan-Michael came with us. Music played the entire time we were warming up… which means Max danced the entire time we were warming up. It was for almost a full hour and he didn’t run out of moves. He kept right on grooving. Here’s a snippet Therese caught of his twerking skills. He says the dancing was his favorite part even though he got to be a line judge during the game as well.

Chorus

Max got to sing in the fall concert. Emma was also a part of the choir and she and Max were hanging out backstage waiting for their turn to go on. The Middle School choir was singing. Naturally Max and Emma grabbed each other and started to dance behind the curtains. Any music that’s playing they always take as a cue to dance. Talk about seizing the moment! Max and Emma dance so well together. I have no idea where they get their moves. I know they both watch Dancing with the Stars, but it’s not like they get to practice together or anything. Here’s an example of what I’m talking about.

After the concert…

Halloween

Ready to spool some trick-or-treaters!

Mom said Max was too old for trick or treating this year, but that didn’t keep Max from having fun. He dressed up and passed out candy and of course carved his pumpkin. Unfortunately Max’s plans of scaring the kids that came were foiled. Max couldn’t hide anywhere but on the front porch because it was raining! Max said the best costume was a little boy who dressed up as a Power Ranger. No surprise- look at his pumpkin!

Therese’s is the Sunflower on the left. Max’s is the Power Ranger Mask on the right.

And now, the end is near…

The first quarter officially ends this Friday. It has certainly flown by! I keep teasing Max that he’s going to have all F’s on his report card. “No I’m not!” He laughs. “Yes you are, I know, I’m a teacher, remember?” “Please stop.” He says annoyed. “What do you think you’ll get?” “A’s. All A’s. I’m smart.”

Smart, confident and popular. That’s our little man!

I’m Max. I’m cool, and I know it!

Gaston’s Groupie

This past weekend was full of excitement for Max: FaceTiming his nephew, celebrating his birthday, hanging out with his brother and sisters who came into town and… attending Therese’s school play! This semester Tess’ high school produced Beauty and the Beast and our lovely sister played the role of Mrs. Potts. Or as Max accidently informed me, Therese was “Mrs. Teacup”

Mrs. Potts after the spell had been broken. Somehow Max managed to get a picture with everyone except his sister!

Since Therese’s first debut, Max has fallen in love with the theatre. He is so excited to go to high school next year so that he can be a part of all the drama! That’s why I was slightly surprised when about 20 minutes into the first act Max turned to me and said, “Grace, um, what time is dis o-fer?” I had to chuckle and tell him that I didn’t know. I just assumed that the teenage boy was just not as enthralled with this princess as he had been with Javert in Les Mis. (Later Max explained that it was because the beast made him nervous– I mean, it was some really good acting!)

Max…keeping his eye on the Beast

“Mrs. Teacup” was amazing, as always. I had multiple people tell me that her voice gave them goosebumps–she gave me goosebumps too! Max however, was much more interested in another character… Gaston.

Despite the bumpy start because the Beast made Max nervous, Max soon found a reason to like the play. It wasn’t long before Max was obsessed with this macho man. And with each performance, Max’s admiration grew. It started with Max dancing in his seat to Gaston’s songs and at the final curtain yelling out, “Yeah Gaston! I love you!” He insisted on taking a picture with his idol that first night. Jake, staying true to his character, flexed his muscles for the picture. Naturally, Max had to do the same.

Flexin’ just like the big kids

The second night, Max was once again singing and dancing in his seat. After proclaiming his love at the final curtain, he once again rushed out to say hello to all the actors, his sister, her friends…and sure enough… Gaston. This time he managed to squeeze Jake’s bicep. I thought for sure I had lost Max to Machodom on that third and final night when I saw Max flexing in his seat and mirroring Gaston’s moves.

But something happened…a flip-switched. Max found Lumiere’s (the candlestick) performance to be especially hilarious that night. Thus Max has started imitating him as well.

If anyone sees a cute 15 year old with Downs, running around flexing his muscles and saying things like, “oohohoho..” and “yooo-hooo!” in a french accent… he belongs to me.

Maxie with some of his best buds (Therese’s friends)

What Max Said (The Ladies’ Man)

Max has always been smooth when it comes to females… maybe it’s because he has 5 sisters, maybe it’s a part of that extra chromosome, or maybe it’s just because he’s “really really ridiculously good looking.” Seriously, this kid picks flowers, draws pictures and opens doors for girls all the time. We sisters have to be careful when we bring friends home!!

Another thing he’s always had a knack for: competing with Ben for his girlfriends. Max doesn’t seem phased by the fact that Ben is older and stronger then him; he’s not afraid to strut his stuff and flirt with Ben’s girl while Ben is watching. Max has game and he knows it!

Ben and Max showing off their masculinity

The particular occurrence for this post happened about three years ago…
I was home from college for the weekend. Mom and Dad were gone for the night, I was “in charge” and trying to get Ben, Therese & Max to help me clean the kitchen. I washed the dishes while they dried them and put them away. As usual, anytime we have to do something that we don’t want to do, a fight breaks out. This particular time it was between Ben and Therese. It was a dumb fight- I can’t even remember the arguement, but I do remember telling Ben that he sounded like a baby (sorry Ben!). Max agreed and exclaimed,

“Yeah Ben. You do– and if your girlfriend could hear you right now, she’d cry… and break up with you… and I would be there to comfort her!!”

This child is hilarious! That is a direct quote- and I remember it three years later because of how random, unexpected and clever it was!

Here are a few of Max’s female admirers…

My college roommate Sarah aka “Agent 99.” Max thinks she looks like Anne Hathaway’s character from Get Smart.

Millie is a friend, former teammate and the youngest sister of my best friend from high school. This picture was taken before prom about 5 years ago.

Ben’s girlfriend Taylor…she can’t resist Max’s charms either!

Ladies, Fans…if you have a picture of you and Max that’d you’d like me to add, text, message or email it to me!!

Max is waiting for you!

Even I can’t resist!

The Prince of Our Hearts

As mentioned previously, last spring Therese was in her high school’s production of Les Miserables. She was fantastic, she stole the show as Madame Thenardier. Of course she fell in love with the theater…and so did Max.

Madame and her adoring fans…Max dressed up for the arts with his cape and barret.

Backstage after a performance of Therese’s fall play, “The Hustle”

This past fall Max’s middle school put on Rodgers and Hammerstein’s production of Cinderella. Max was ecstatic when he was asked if he wanted to be a part of the cast. Of course he wanted to be in the play!! When they asked him what part he wanted, Max told them that he wanted to be the prince. While Max is clearly theatrical, his teacher pointed out that it was his first time in a play it wouldn’t be fair to the other kids if Max got the lead. Max agreed and his teacher came up with the perfect role for him– the brother of the prince. Max got to be a prince after all! He even got to do a waltz with the rest of the royal family!!

Prince Max! So handsome!!

And just as we do for Therese, Max got visitors backstage after his performance.

Prince Charming with his girlfriend Emma

Mary is so proud!

Max can’t wait until next year when he is in high school and can be in plays with Therese!

“Please pass the rolls…” Thanksgiving 2013

For the past two months, Max has been counting down the days to Thanksgiving break and updating me randomly with phone calls: “Guess what Grace? You come home in six weeks!” Or sometimes I’d talk to Mary who would tell me that Max had been updating her on my pending arrival: “Mary- Grace is coming home in two weeks!!” Then on my drive to Ohio to celebrate Thanksgiving with the family, I got another phone call from Max: “YOU COME HOME TOMORROW!” He yelled into the receiver with such excitement he almost popped my ear drum. Needless to say- this kid knows how to make a girl feel loved.

Max gives particular care, attention and extended amounts of time to the siblings who come home to visit. This particular trip was no different– except this time I was resolved to pay particular attention to what he said and did in order to update this blog. I have a wonderful friend who called us out on our weakness: “I’m a faithful reader,” she said, “you, however, are not faithful writers!” Dang. Caught red-handed (hope you enjoyed your shout-out by the way 🙂 [Yes- you. You know who you are {extra parenthesis just for you}}).  The truth is, everything this kid says and does is hilarious, so it becomes relatively normal to those of us who get to spend time with him and we kind of forget to share it with you. I honestly started writing the things he said down on my phone in order to keep track of it all because it was all gold.

As I said before, Max is a hoot. Each of these moments that I’m about to share with you could absolutely be stretched out and used as a single post. However, I’d rather spend more time with him and less time writing (no offense). I think I’ll give you a timeline of the past 36 hours.

Wednesday:

1:30pm–> I arrive home and Max comes running out the door to greet me with hugs and kisses.

1:45pm–> Max and I watch a movie together. I leave briefly to go pick up a prescription. While I’m out I realize that I haven’t eaten and I’m starving. I grab some Subway on my way home. I sit back down on the couch to watch the movie and eat my meatball sub and Max says, “What’s that? Is it for me? Thank you!”

2:22pm–> Max begins his usual request to play Apples to Apples. He’s turned down by everyone.

4:00pm–> Max: “Grace- I got your favorite. Toy Story 2- let’s watch it.” Me: “That’s not my favorite…” Max: “Oh… oh well.” and proceeds to put it on.

5:23pm–> credits roll while Randy Newman (accompanied by Max) sings “You’ve got a friend in me.” I turn to Max and say: “Hey Max- you’ve got a friend in me.” Max: I love you
Me: (kissing his head) I love you too- ew! But you smell! When was the last time you washed your hair?”
Max: a couple years…

6:00pm–> Mary and I get changed to go out with friends. Max gets all depressed to discover that we won’t be spending every waking moment with him this week.

Thursday: Thanksgiving Day

9:00am–> Max serves at Mass in the morning. He’s dressed up underneath– but these are what he chose to wear to keep himself warm.

10:30am–> Leigh arrives home. Max greets her with the same amount of hugs and kisses as he gave to me.

10:35ff–> Max watches the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and is entertained by all his favorite things (NINJA TURTLES). He then followed that up with the Dog Show until we made him help us peel the potatoes.

1:00pm–> Max stuffs his face with Turkey and mashed potatoes- his favorite dishes. Not to mention of course, rolls and all the other carbs available.

4:59pm–>Uncle Dan: Irish girls are great
Max: yeah
Uncle Dan: (poking fun at his wife) they’re better than German girls right?
Max: no
Uncle Dan: what about Italian girls? You like Italian girls?
Max: yeah I like Italian girls
Uncle Dan: are there any girls you don’t like?
Max: yes- Lady Gaga.

6:00pm–> Everyone concedes to Max’s request and we all play Apples to Apples. Max is bummed when Mary wins.

6:44pm–> Max shows off his “twerk” dance moves in the kitchen… he’s soon joined by Therese and Mary… and his godmother  (unfortunately the godmother escaped when I started to record a video).

7:43pm–> While playing “The Greatest Game in the World” Max’s instructions are to draw a picture of Grammie looking adorable. He proceeds to draw a picture of a fox. Next to it are the words, “what does the fox say?”

9:00pm–> Makes the whole family watch Duck Dynasty

10:30pm–>The sisters make plans for Black Friday shopping excursions. Max begs to be included. “Max- you won’t like it” I say, “You hate shopping.” Max: “Not uh. I like it. Please let me come”

10:35pm–6:30am–> Max sleeps on the floor of his sisters’ room, passing gas all night.

Friday:

7:00am–> Max tries to wake me up whispering, “This is not a dream… This is a nightmare.”

7:05am–> Max: “Please, please may I come shopping with you guys?!” Leigh: “Max, I don’t think you’ll like it.” Max: “PLEASE! I will carry all of your bags for you!!” (That of course, won us over. He obviously wanted to come.) Without any prompting he put on his weightlifting gloves to protect his hands from all of our bags.

7:23am–> (Max comes running up the stairs to the attic bedroom) “I hit the jackpot! I found $4!”

7:57am–> Max talks to Miss Jenny, a family friend, on the phone and tries to convince her to come over for dinner: “We’ll have a party and we’ll twerk.”

8:31am–> We arrive at the mall and are walking around the first store. Max dances to the store music; the clerk compliments his talent. Max smirks and thanks her- then hams it up even more.

9:13am–> Max and I go looking for a present for Brandon (the sibling Max got for the gift exchange this year). Max tries to pick out things for himself.

9:58am–> (Preface for this one; every Friday after school, Max goes with his friend Emma to get milkshakes.) Max: “What day is it?” Leigh: “Friday.” Max: “Yes! Milkshake Friday!” Leigh: “No- you don’t get milkshakes on Fridays that you don’t go to school.” Max: “C’mon- it’s a Black Friday deal!”

10:20am–> I’m standing in line at a store waiting to pay. Max: “Here- let me take your bags. I’ll carry them for you.”

10:40am–> Max starts to loose stamina. Therese and Max take pictures in a photo booth for entertainment.

11:00am–> We eat lunch. Max and I share a combo from “Stirfry88.” He finishes his half way faster than me and eyes my chicken. I dip some into my rice. Max: “That’s a great idea! (reaches across the table with his fork and takes a piece of my chicken)” Me: “That’s my chicken.” Max: “I know.” Me: “Max- that’s my chicken.” Max: “I know. (Dips my chicken into the rice [gets absolutely no rice on the chicken] and pops it into his mouth)”

11:30am–> Maneuvering through the traffic and someone cuts me off. Max yells at me: “Honk your horn woman!”

1:15pm–> We get in the car to go home. Max is nodding off and looks tired. “I’m not sleepy.” Five minutes later he passed out asleep.

4:00pm–> After returning home, Max skypes with Ben who is studying abroad in Austria. The conversation consists of insults including “Chicken Breath” “Giraffe Ears” “Dragon Eyes” and “Rhino Butt.” Ben also shares a story of how he almost missed his train back to Austria from the Czech Republic because he was buying a present for Max. He ran from the store to the train and the doors closed right behind him.  Max is the only sibling Ben would do that for.

4:22pm–> Max looks up at Dad and says, “Are we done talking now?”

Apparently Max has had enough for one day. He and I are done talking 🙂

What Max Means To Us

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month.   We thought this would be a perfect opportunity for each of us to share what Max means to us and how he has totally changed the world as we know it!

Leigh

Max is many things, he is a son, a brother, a friend.  One thing I never expected him to be was my teacher.  But that is exactly what this little man has been in my life!   He has taught me that family is the most important thing in this world.  The joy on his face when his “whole family” is home totally melts my heart.  He has taught me that with patience and perseverance any obstacle can be conquered.  The most important lesson he has taught me is how to love.  Max loves in a no questions asked, no judgments passed, in a one hundred percent unconditional way!  I am beyond grateful to have the One-in-a- million-Max in my life!

Kelsey

Words really can not describe the way I feel for my brother Max. It’s difficult living so far away from him. He has a smile that melts my heart. Whenever I am down I call him to cheer me up. I’m very excited to see what an awesome uncle he will make! (That’s right world, there is a baby Shields due to arrive in March!!!)

Grace

My Max. What to say… any attempt to explain what that boy has brought into my life will fall short. Max is truly the best, most unexpected and most undeserved gift that God has given me… He is also the most needed of all the gifts that have been placed in my life. Max has taught me so much about love: about how to give it, and also how to receive it. Max gives everything that he has to the people around him… he uses his entire capability…when he can’t do something, he joyfully allows us to help him. Max has shown me how to give my all, to accept my own limits and find joy in knowing there are people in my life who will help me when I can’t get by on my own. Also… DANCING. Dancing will always bring laughter. 🙂

Mary

I honestly can’t even imagine what my life would be like without Max. He is the glue that holds our family together… a very, VERY strong glue. I also think he has a sixth sense. He can pick up on what kind of mood I’m in, whether I’m happy, sad… well you get it. He knows how to cheer me up and make me laugh, he also knows when to just give me a hug. I can’t think of a time when I was upset about something and Max couldn’t make me feel better. He’s so smart, witty and goofy. I love my Maxxy, and I’m lucky to have a job close to home and that I get to be around him so much more than my other siblings 😉

Ben

Max is my only brother, and he means the world to me.  I don’t know what I would do without him.  Seeing him just being who he is everyday, has taught me to find true joy in life and not worry about things I can’t control. I love the kid!

Therese

Max is my best friend. He is always there for me and always ready to make me laugh. I love him with my whole heart and always will!

These are a few of his favorite things

1. One of Max’s current obsessions is Duck Dynasty. I guess he is not alone, over a 11.8 million people tuned in for the season premiere . I not 100% sure what exactly draws him in, maybe its all the pranks or the cameo. But if I had to lay down money, my bet would be on the awesome beards! He was a little too impatient to let nature to take it’s course and decided to take matter into his own hands. Well played Max, you make the beard look good!

The newest member of the Robinson clan!

2. A big sister is actually staying in Ohio! He is beyond ecstatic that Mary will be teaching at his alma mater this year! Mary, accepted an intervention specialist position at the same grade school where Max used to rule the halls. Of course this means that she will be close to home and he will get to see her every day!

Congratulations on the sweet new gig
Miss. Burnham!

3. I think we may have a budding Diva on our hands, Max is a huge Les Miserables fan! It all started when Therese was cast as Madame Thenardier in the spring musical. She totally stole the show by the way! It was probably the months of listening to her rehearse around the house and watching the movie over and over again that created our beret wearing monster He now runs around the house belting out the songs and declaring that he will play the part of Javert when he is in high school. When I was home over the 4th of July he found the soundtrack in my car while we were out running errands. Next thing I knew we were cruising through town, with the windows rolled down, and Max singing at the top of his lungs!

The Thenardier’s and their number one fan

A Heart To Serve…

As the oldest, I can only imagine what it’s like to sit on the sidelines of your siblings activities and constantly hear  “when you’re older” when you ask if you can do it too.   Every Sunday, year after year, this was Max’s plight.  He sat in the pew at church and enviously watched his siblings and their friends do the one thing that he wanted to do with his whole heart, be an Alter Server.  Poor Max couldn’t understand why he wasn’t allowed to don the white robe and carry the candle up the aisle.    Two years ago, he finally reached that magical age (5th grade) and was old enough to become a server.

Therese, Max, and Ben after Max’s first time as an alter server

Now of course Max knows the basics of his job, thanks to studying the servers at every mass he attended and from watching daily mass on EWTN in the mornings before leaving for school.  But in addition to his required duties he sometimes adds some new ones like queuing the organist when it’s time to start playing, motions the congregation when they should stand, and signaling for more Eucharistic Ministers. There was one mass he even attempted to bless our pastor before he went to read the gospel.

There was one Sunday he was serving that his girlfriend Emma and her family were sitting in the front pew.  As Max was holding the book for Fr. M, he kept looking over his shoulder and winking at Emma.  Now as cute as this is, flirting from the alter really isn’t something a server should do.  After getting a lecture from both my Dad and our priest, he no longer makes googly eyes while he is serving.

He may not be the worlds best alter server, but he puts his whole heart into it.  And like all things, he puts his very special flare on it!

So happy to finally be an Alter Server!

For Love

I came home from college for a quick weekend trip, only to discover that Max has yet again grown. Not only is he taller, but his voice has gotten deeper. Little brother is growing up… why can’t he be a sweet little boy forever? Anyways, I guess I should tell my story.

My parents have started working with Max trying to make him be more responsible. He has chores every week, and if he does them he is given an allowance. Now he will understand that he needs to use his own money when he wants to buy a new game for his Xbox or his Nintendo DS.
I took Max and Therese to our favorite Mexican Restaurant for dinner so my parents could have a night out. Max had his allowance to pay for his own meal. He proudly walked up to the counter to pay for his meal and offered to buy me a lollipop… so stinking cute. He also went back to the table to leave a tip… He left the restaurant with 5 single dollar bills stuffed in his pocket.
Then we decided to stop at a red box to rent The Hunger Games for the night.  Although Max was a trooper and sat through the movie in theatre, he wasn’t interested in watching again.  As we are pulling into the parking lot, Therese told Max that we will get him a movie for himself as long as he pays for it.
Therese: “It’s only a dollar Max.”
Me: “Well actually it’s now like $1.50 but that’s okay I can just get it for him…”
As I pull into the parking spot Max is fumbling in his pocket, mumbling to himself something about 3 dollars for him and 2 dollars for Mary…
Max: “Here Mary…” (as he is handing me the $2)
Mary:  “Oh Max, you don’t have to give me your 2 dollars. That’s okay I can pay for it.”
Max: “No Mary, for love!”

A smile crossed my face.  He doesn’t need to buy my love, he already has it!  I love him so much!! He is such a sweetheart!

~Mary

What ‘Cha Gonna Do When They Come For You?

As I have mentioned before, Max loves Michael Westen from the TV show Burn Notice.  Maybe it’s his aviators.  Maybe it’s his designer suits .  Or maybe it’s his completely BA (this is a family friendly blog) spy skills.  But what ever the reason, Max is completely enamored with the burned spy.  Many of his afternoons are spent running around the house in a pair of sunglasses and a suit jacket and is trying to convince my parents that he needs to go to Miami.

 

His devotion recently took an unexpected turn.  Mom left Therese in charge while she went out to run some errands.   Max was in the basement lost in his latest game of imaginary espionage and Therese was in the family room on the computer (she assures me she was reading the blog).

The phone started ringing…

“Hello, this is 911 we just received a hang up call from this number.  Is everything ok?”

The realization of what must have happened hit Therese in the face.  “Yes, we are all fine.  I’m sorry my little brother must have picked up the phone and called you.”

“Well we are still going to have to send an officer to your house to make sure everything is all right.”

After apologizing again Therese went down stairs to confront Max.  She found him hiding behind the couch and after a little coaxing she got to tell her why he had called 911.

“I wanted to be like Michael Westen!”

Therese told him that the police where coming to make sure that he was ok and to talk to him.  Max quickly crawled back behind the couch and refused to come back out.  (sidenote: he has had an irrational fear of the police ever since he started watching Cops with Miss. Jenny, a family friend.   We’ve tried to teach him that the police are actually there to help you, but he is convinced that they will chase him down and throw him in jail.  I remember one time when I pulled up next to a police cruiser at a stop light Max exclaimed “It’s the cops!” and threw himself down flat against the back seat!)

When the officer came to the house, poor Therese explained the situation to him again.  He was really kind and said that he didn’t have to talk to Max as long as he understood that 911 is only for real emergencies and not for when you are playing games.  Therese promised to pass along the message.  And I’m happy to report that she is only slightly traumatized, it’s not everyday that the police show up when you are babysitting.  Although  I’m afraid that Max’s run in with the police has torn down any progress we had made in the “cops=friends” lessons.  Guess it’s back to square one!

Max’s fan-boy devotion to all things Burn Notice doesn’t stop there.  A few mornings ago when Dad woke up he found Max asleep on the couch in the family room.  When asked why his wasn’t in his bed Max explained that Michael Westen had called him to come down stairs in the middle of the night.  The season finale was recently on. Dad wouldn’t let Max stay up to watch because school was starting soon and they were trying to get back into a bedtime routine.  Max, with a heavy heart cried himself to sleep that night.  I think it’s safe to say that he is officially obsessed!

Mary attempting to curb his obsession staged an intervention.  She sat Max down and explained to him that Michael Westen is not a real person, that he is really an actor named Jeffrey Donovan.  So now instead of professing his love of Micheal Westen, he professes his love of Jeffery Donovan.  Not quite the result she was hoping for, but it’s a start! One day at a time, right?

~ Leigh