Join Me in Snarkville

Duke has discovered monsters. Oh sure, there was this brief experience, but I think that was more because of a commercial than a real understanding of the scariness that is monsters. Now, you need to know that Duke has no real fear of monsters, in that he doesn’t think they will take him away, eat him, or even steal his covers. He has much more of a sibling relationship with monsters (not that Prince and I have given birth to monsters, either — but you get my point). He doesn’t want monsters in his room, probably because he’d rather they not get to play with his toys while he sleeps, I think. (Every so often he decides he doesn’t want a cat or a dog in his room either. I think this is more about declaring his space than actual dislike.)

So, need less to say, monsters are fun to talk about and we talk about them a lot. Mostly it is fun and giggles, but every so often I notice that Duke is more than a little concerned. Normally, I take the chance to grab him up and whisper in his ear that I’m here to keep him safe and as long as mommy and daddy are here we will keep him safe. (I also told him that Mommy sprays for monsters and put special tape around the house to keep monsters away.)

[Big sidenote: I talk to the Queen Mum and Dad rather often. Months ago, I told them of this increase in monster talk and about my "putting tape around your room plan." My folks were perplexed and kept asking what I was going to do when he wanted to SEE the tape. I said "Tell him it is special tape only monsters can see." They thought that wouldn't be enough (they can be wise) and had some thoughts. I even thought of a little crepe paper streamer to wrap around the room -- festive AND protective. But the Queen Dad trumped us all by producing a full roll of "Fire Line Do NOT Cross" tape. I tucked it away for the future.]

So, a few nights ago, Duke and I were alone and he was expressing his concerns for the monsters in his room. I tried to just turn on the light, but you know monsters scurry when the lights go on. Thus, I pulled out the roll of tape and said, “I’ve got special tape. I cut a length and tacked it up across his door.

When Prince arrived home, he wasn’t impressed with my protection system. I think there was eye rolling, but frankly I didn’t care. I thought I had performed Mama duties smartly and moved on. Well, little did I know that Prince had another plan brewing.

You see, Prince has introduced Duke to Star Wars. While Duke gets that Darth Vader is a bad guy and Luke is a good guy, he is fascinated with Stormtroopers. I’m not kidding. I thought he’d be all over the Ewoks, hey, fun to say, funny to look at. But no, Duke likes the Stormtroopers. Prince has theories as to why they may not be all bad. Because of all of this, Prince had this idea to use the SpudTrooper Potato Head to his monster busting advantage.

Prince told Duke that Stormtroopers were good at keeping monsters away. Together, they have devised the ultimate protection system.