It’s worked out pretty well that D and J are nearly three years apart. They aren’t too close together where constant comparisons would probably be in the air, and they aren’t so far apart that they don’t have anything in common. Even though they have had their little beefs with each other over the years and, back in the day, each used to respond “No, not really!” when people would ask if they got along, they really have treated each other better than many other sets of brothers do. (I don’t think they realize how poor some brotherly relationships are!)
Now that D goes to college they get along even better with only an occasional regression, but their best squabbles have always been when they prank each other. They are so darn creative that I normally laugh my head off. (Most recently there was that issue that came up when we asked J to run to the store for a new toothbrush for his brother, which totally sent me over the edge into hysterics.)
Five years ago we got Photoshop Elements for our PC from my father-in-law. The boys were thrilled about it and set out to learn how to use it.
Just a few days after installation, J (then twelve) wanted to show me this “awesome picture” he altered. The picture was taken at Walt Disney World in 2003.
After some alterations:
Now of course, as a mother it would have been prudent for me to tell him that perhaps it wasn’t nice to give himself movie star-like baby blues and a thick and glorious (??) head of hair while making his brother bald. I could have told him that it would have been nice if he enhanced them both instead of making himself look so superior to his brother. The defacement was not respectful.
I laughed instead.
I mean, come on, it’s hilarious.
Naturally, after seeing that, D (then fifteen) wanted to do his own “tribute”. The photo was taken on our way to Bike the Drive that year:
After his alterations:
Yeah, I would have done the same thing. Ask my younger sister.
I mean, “Choose your battles”, you know?
16 Comments
Liz
Your boys make me laugh too 🙂 I mean, how would one reprimand such creativity? I wonder where in the world they get it from?
Toni
I physically laughed out loud at that first picture…kids are SO funny. My husband and I are both only children, and of course we have an only child, so reading about sibling relationships is so fascinating!
Momo Fali
That? Is awesome.
Tara R.
That is hilarious!
Lisa @ Oh Boy Oh Boy Oh Boy
so what should I do if ALL of them are altering pics like that…of me??? hmmm 🙂
Jennifer, Playgroups are no place for children
Ha! I could use some of their photo altering skills myself. Impressive!
Paula @ Frosted Fingers
Haha love it!
Siobhan
This makes me excited to see what.my boys’ll get up to!
Rachel - A Southern Fairytale
Definitely choose your battles 😉
By not choosing this one, you’re just helping them to realize their creative potential. :=) 🙂 🙂
Miss Lori
Ah, it really is about the moments: The one’s where we have to say to ourselves, “This too shall pass.” and the one’s that web know we will cherish forever. The trick is not to take any for granted. You are doing a great job.
SMILE!
ML
Laila @OnlyLaila
How cute! There is something special about the bond of siblings, glad to see they have good fun with each other.
Michelle
Love it! This is awesome, and I’d laugh, too. Totally no harm done. Interestingly, J in that picture looks remarkably like Mr. man, down to the shoulder shrug and the “what, who me?” smile… No the flaming eyes, though 😉
Lisa
Those pictures are awesome. 🙂
Tiaras & Tantrums
oh Lordy – I was so horrible to my little brothers – twins – 6 years younger – they drove me batty! But today – LOVE them to pieces – call them everyday and annoy the hell out of them!
Colleen
SO funny! I love reading things like this on your blog cuz it gives me a pretty good idea of what my boys’ll be doing in just a few years!
Annie @ Mama Dweeb
That is sooo funny!! It is awesome that they can laugh together. You are so blessed!