With school back in full swing, Manda and I have gotten used to having the kids around again. The three of them spent six weeks this summer with their respective other parents. Their returns, while certainly joyous, marked the end of freedom for us. Swearing is (mostly) out. Gone are the days of screwing in the living room and kids’ rooms (kitchen is probably still OK). We can’t buy ice cream anymore, because the kids will probably want some too.
The Boy: I ate popcorn I found in the trash!
Me: When did you do this?
TB: I found some popcorn in the trash at school, and I took it to Grandma’s and ate it. It was microwave popcorn.
M: Why would you do something like that?
TB: I saw a kid throw it away. It was still wrapped in the plastic.
Alien: Is that the popcorn you made today?
TB: Yeah.
A: (disgusted) I ate some of that!
So the question is, should I condemn his hobo ways, or applaud his frugality?
![[del.icio.us]](http://images.del.icio.us/static/img/delicious.small.gif){kind=small}
I’m torn. There’s a part of me that’s revulsed at the idea, and yet, in these trying economic times, I suppose you can’t help but appreciate what he’s doing to do his part for the economy.