Frogs and other critters

By Staff
Melissa Cason
This week something the day I knew was coming happened at my house. As you all know, I have two boys. I wanted a girl, but God blessed me with boys, and if you know me, I always say my boys are mean. And the truth is they are.
The boys are as different as day and night. Jordan, 8, is sweet, and easy-going, and keeps to himself. He doesn't like to play with the creepy crawly things.
Cameron, 5, on the other hand, is all over the place, and loves to get the critters.
Since he has been old enough to go outside and play by himself, I have been afraid of what he might bring in to me as a 'present'.
Last weekend, I got my first present from Cameron. I was on the computer; Jordan was playing video games and Camery (his nickname) was outside playing.
All of a sudden, he came in the house with my precious gift, and told me he had a present for me. This happens all the time in my house, but usually I get a flower-or a weed they think is a flower. So I really didn't think anything of it. But, this time was different.
I opened my hand to collect my present from my child. I screamed loud when Camery handed me a little baby frog, and asked "can I keep him?"
I was so shocked that my fear had come true that all I could do is scream, and demand that the child get that 'critter' out of my house.
Jordan started screaming because I was screaming while Camery just stood there with a blank look on his face wondering what he did wrong.
After he took the frog out of the house and things settled down, he came up to me and asked why he could not have a pet frog. I explained that frogs don't belong in the house, and that little boys don't bring critters to their mothers as gifts.
I think he understood that he scared me, but doesn't know what the big fuss is about. He apparently plays with critters, which terrifies me to no end.
When I told Jimmy about the frog incident, he said that little boys are supposed to play with critters and that it's totally normal. I am afraid he'll bring me a snake in next time. If that were to happen, I'd probably faint at the sight of my child holding a snake since I am terrified of snakes. I pray that day never comes.
The whole incident will make me think the next time Camery comes running in the house with a present for me. I will definitely ask to see it before holding out my hand.