It's cooperate time!

Today, being Monday, had the potential of being a rather lousy schooling day. So to head off exhaustion, frustration, pig-headedness, and collapsing in a heap on the floor (could be Gabby, could be me, you never know), I decided to move our classroom to someplace more conducive to peaceful learning.

We went to McDonalds.

That was not our first plan. I had originally told William and Fielding we were going to Mr. B's -- a fabulous indoor playground and cafe inside a local church. However, as we were putting our shoes on, I remembered that it is closed on Mondays. Ugh. Still, I was grateful that I hadn't driven all the way there before remembering (since I have done that before).

The boys were very excited, so I had to come up with something. The only alternative I could find was McDonalds and while Gabby and I were not excited about the change in menu, William and Fielding did not mind the change in venue a bit.

As it turns out studying at McDonalds is heavenly. Gabby did almost all her math, and -- I think it was because we were out in public -- she didn't give me any attitude about the problems she struggled with. I got to read over the week's biology chapter. Then, this is the best part, I read -- for pleasure! And no one interrupted me.

Not for awhile anyway. But I ended up putting my reading and studying materials aside when I sensed some contention in the air. Hard not to sense it. A lot of angry noises were coming from the giant slide-climbing thing. I listened. I could hear William pretty patiently explaining that he didn't want to play that, Fielding is shy and likes to stay with him... The explanations, though well-meant were not well-received. A child, about William's age, was very certain they should play what he wanted, how he wanted. He was very loud and certain.

I hesitated to interfere because William was doing such a good job standing up for himself and his brother. After some yelling, none of which came from William, I'm proud to say, my boys came down, William helping Fielding, and sat at the bottom. The child's parent stepped in with some well-meaning, but again, not so well-received advice for his son. As tempers began to flare, I sensed that 7 was a crowd, so the 4 of us decided to make our exit.

Despite the scene, William and Fielding very much enjoyed their french fries and their play time. And they had a really cool toy to bring home as well. They each had their own "Thing" courtesy their kids meal. This "Thing" is a Marvel action figure I really don't know anything about except that when you shake it, the toy grumbles "It's clobbering time!"

Yes, "clobbering time."

It is one of several comic book characters featured in the kids meals. Not everyone is pleased with this current selection of preschool toys from McDonalds. The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood is asking people to write to Jim Skinner, the CEO and demand the removal of the toys.

I don't like violent toys. There are no play swords or guns in our home. However, despite the prohibition we have a fair amount of "violence." William and Fielding love to wrestle with their dad. Sometimes, they rob my kitchen of potlids and spoons for a noisy afternoon of swordplay. They also build guns out of legos, although I don't think Fielding even knows the word "gun" and certainly not "clobbering."

They enjoy quieter activities as well. William loves nature. He's gentle with insects and animals. Once, he even caught an injured bird and brought it to me. Fielding is more rambunctious and strong-willed, but the most cuddly of all my kids. When he is stubborn and doesn't want to do something I've told him to, he will sometimes ask if I'll hold his hand while he does it. As if the horror of bending his will to mine is somewhat less horrible if he can at least feel loved at the same time.

As unique and special as William and Fielding are to me, I think they are probably very typical little boys. Wriggly, warm and friendly.

Is that was they took home from McDonalds today? Warmth and friendship? Or anger? Meanness? I hope it was sympathy and understanding, and being strong without being mean, as that is what we talked about on the way home.

However I don't think "The Things" have been hugging tonight when Fielding slams one onto the other. He has both now, because William mostly lost interest and is happy to share.

Fielding growls, and over and over again copies the angry refrain, as he hears it.

"Rrrr, It's cooperate time! Rrrrr!" he says.

Yes "cooperate time."