Sharpies are used for many things in this house. If you’re a regular reader (thankyouverymuch!), you’ll recall that not only are they used to make ridiculous marks on food containers for the purpose of claiming them–much like a dog marks his territory by urinating on it–but they are also used to mark clothing tags with a dot so Jim and I know whose clothing is whose*.
Recently a Sharpie was put to yet another use.
The older boy’s clothing has a natural path:
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Worn by older boy
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Handed down to younger boy**
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Never*** given up by younger boy
The younger boy’s dresser drawers hang precariously open approximately 137% of the time because he has so many items of clothing. He doesn’t clean out his dresser unless I remind him approximately 2,394 times, and when he finally does “get around to it”, his “get rid of” pile is the size of a toaster, or maybe a toolbox.
Some of the shirts he wears to bed look like those of David Banner, once the Hulk takes over:
We’ve tried telling him that he has enough shirts that fit him properly and it wouldn’t be a bad thing to toss some of the itty bitty ones, but…no dice.
Jim took matters into his own hands last week when he and I were folding laundry, grabbed a Sharpie, and threw the gauntlet down.
Surprisingly, it was well-received. (By the way, enjoy the gun show. His pose was intentional for you blog readers.):
Need a close-up?
Unfortunately, his strategy backfired and the younger boy likes the shirt even better now. At least we’re saving on our clothing budget…I guess?
*That’s right, laugh it up. YOU try having two teen boys who wear *nearly* the same size in everything.
**I DO buy new clothing for the younger boy also. I’m just saying that the older boy’s clothing automatically moves down the chain.
***Ever.
©2010 Suburban Scrawl
15 Comments
Charlie on the PA Turnpike
Oh, I get it now… I thought the title of this post had some Seinfeld connotation.
Carry on.
Eternal Lizdom
That is hilarious!! I think it's a challenge thrown down by your boy- time to get more creative with what is written on the shirt…
WeaselMomma
I'm glad the boys mark food items with a sharpie and not urine.
Maybe you could try dying all of his shirts pink.
surprised mom
I have one with the clothes hanging out of the drawers, too. But she hasn't tried the Sharpie technique with me. I'd probably have to leave the room laughing. That was a very creative move on your son's part.
Tara R.
With only one boy and one girl, we didn't have many problems with them wearing each other clothes… at least I hope not.
On the other hand, I've been wearing the teen boy's jeans when he out grows them. What? They're still in good shape and they fit great!
Oscar
I still have tee shirts from High school. We just don't want to part with 'em!!!!
Fun idea!
Jack
I have had more than a few days like that and shirts too. 😉 It is one of the joys of being a boy.
Lindz
Ha! Hilarious. Isn't that the way it always seems to work with teenagers!? I don't even own one yet but from my classroom experience they tend to have the opposite reaction of what you were hoping for – especially when it comes to something that you wouldn't expect to be cool.
ciara
i find some teen boys like to wear their shirts one size smaller than what they wear…trying to figure out why considering most of them still in 'developmental' stage lol i wish you could see a cpl of shirts my son made w t-shirts…oh yeah, if it doesn't fit 'just so' he doesn't buy it (usually shops @ thrift stores)
Sue
Hahaha! Jim is funny!
There is something about hand me downs. My kids love them!!!
nycgirl0501
My sister (also the youngest) has kept clothes handed down from me. She can't give up anything.
She is also a bear-napper…she stole the teddy bear my dad gave my mom when I was born. But that's really another type of post!
Michelle
I LOVE that shirt. I'm with the younger boy, sorry 🙂 And ummm can maybe Jim come help me clean out my closet, too? I can't get rid of anything.
I love the sexy look older boy is tossing off in the background of the picture!
Mrs4444
Kyle wears tiny shirts, too. I'm just glad I don't have to buy new ones, haha.
This Belle Rocks
At least he's not like my oldest, who will sometimes not even wear something that HE wanted for an entire season. Drives me up the wall!
Heather
I am not looking forward to the clothing battles that I am sure I will have with my future kids. Heh. I never had clothes handed down to me as I was the oldest, but I always handed my clothes to my BFF (cause I didn't have a sister until I was 11!)