Speaking of lipreading, some funny things happened over the years with my kids. A lot of times I mis-read their lips and threw their friends for a loop when I gave some crazy answer to a question. Sometimes we would laugh and laugh about it later, though I can't remember any of the details now. I wish I had written all my weird bloopers down.
I remember one time though. My son was about twelve and he had invited a new friend over. They had just started playing Nintendo when I began to walk through the room. The friend shouted something I didn't hear, then covered his mouth in embarrassment. My son, sitting on the sofa bragged, "It's OK, my mom is almost deaf, so you can cuss all you want at my house."
Then I added--"But I read lips-- so make sure your back is turned." Both boys pitched and gawked -- mouths hanging open in perfect O's. They did not realize I was in the room. I winked, and walked out laughing wickedly.
I remember one time though. My son was about twelve and he had invited a new friend over. They had just started playing Nintendo when I began to walk through the room. The friend shouted something I didn't hear, then covered his mouth in embarrassment. My son, sitting on the sofa bragged, "It's OK, my mom is almost deaf, so you can cuss all you want at my house."
Then I added--"But I read lips-- so make sure your back is turned." Both boys pitched and gawked -- mouths hanging open in perfect O's. They did not realize I was in the room. I winked, and walked out laughing wickedly.
Ever since, I have wondered just exactly how much swearing went on behind my back. I'll never know. But my kids have turned out OK . . for the most part.
