Seth has been playing video games since he was in diapers and before he could read. As a result, he was notorious for deleting saved games and after lots of chances, lost his priviledge to play the Nintendo DS. Actually, it was a combination of that plus the tendency to throw the DS when he was frustrated with how the game was going. When he was a baby he ruined a Gameboy that way. So… no DS for Sethy.

Here’s a picture he drew recently that shows how he feels about it.
Key:
Pink stuff on the left = window and blinds (ours aren’t really this color)
Blue rectangular shapes = beds (Zack’s top bunk and his bottom one – their bunk beds are painted the same as Daddy’s blue room and the walls in their room are also blue)
Green figure with aligator tears = Seth (his arms really aren’t red, but maybe it’s to show frustration…? And green is probably for his discolored face when he whines about wishing he could play the DS)
Green outline with pink fill = Nintendo DS (I believe Mario is on the top screen)

After receiving this picture, I felt sorry for him. He really has grown up a bit and understands more the horror of losing all game data — he sees it as not being able to use the rocket nozzle in Super Mario Sunshine (Game Cube). So… I told him that I would probably give him another chance, but not until the school year is over.

What do y’all think? Should I let him play again? Or am I a sucker for artistic expression?

The kids had fun in Daddy’s music studio today. Here is a picture that Seth drew of the event.
Key:
purple line over top = Arched doorway into Daddy’s office
two black rectangles = Daddy’s two monitors on his desk
red shape = Daddy’s red chair (it’s actually more of a burnt sienna color, but to Seth it’s just red)
purple/green figure = someone singing “Black the Sky”
long purple outline/black filled shape = microphone

Earlier today, I finally got the red flag (opened the warp canon) in the Haunted House in World 3 of Super Mario Bros. on my DS. The kids and I got a look at the cheat book at Fry’s on the way home from League City yesterday. We went to Fry’s for that purpose, but incidentally found out that Super Paper Mario is coming out on Nintendo Wii next week. (We might have to splurge to get this new toy.) We were also able to try shooting pool with the Wii. Kinda cool.

Anyway, the kids all gathered on my bed to watch me get into the door fast enough. It took me about 20 tries (yes, they stuck with me for a full 15-20 minutes). I tried it mini, with a fire flower, with a shell, and finally without anything at all and got it. There was great rejoicing and yelling when I got it. Josh could hear us from the other room.

So I did it! Opened up every stinking thing and have three stars next to my game in the start menu. The kids wanted to see if it would let me hold three items instead of just one, but nothing happened. I guess because I already finished the game it didn’t register. Now that I know where everything is… I guess I’ll just have to start all over!! And the madness continues.

Currently playing : New Super Mario Bros. Release date: By 15 May, 2006

Is there anyone who can help me and finally put me out of misery??? I could totally drive over to Fry’s Electronics and read that dang Mario book without buying it to get answers… but it’s too far away for my lazy self and I just need one little thing answered.

How in the name of Zeus’ *hole (Nick Cage reference, y’all) do you open the canon in World 3? That’s all I need. I got everything else open and spent all my coins, too. I’ve been going into the haunted house with a mini mushroom, a turtle shell, a mega mushroom… and I cannot find the red flag.

Help me Obi-one…

Currently listening : Corinne Bailey Rae By Corinne Bailey Rae Release date: 07 March, 2006