Family car rides are always an adventure, often filled with unexpected treasures—whether it’s a child’s lost sock or, in my case, a talking Furby. Let me take you through the latest chapter in our car ride chaos, where six pairs of bare feet meet a toy with a mind of its own.
The Mysterious Case of Toe Jam
My husband, for reasons unknown, decided to teach our children to look for what he called toe jam—the TUFF (The Unidentified Foreign Fluff) between one’s toes. He cautioned that it should be removed from time to time.
The three-year-old twins took this lesson to heart. Whenever they had a moment—especially during car rides—they would inspect their toes, ripping off shoes and socks in search of toe jam. It became a ritual that kept them busy, but it didn’t stop there.
Unfortunately, they convinced their older siblings to join the toe jam inspection squad. So, on any given drive, I would glance in the rearview mirror and find six pairs of bare feet with shoes and socks scattered across the car floor, mixed with toys, snacks, and blankets.
Arriving late for appointments with this scene unfolding became the norm.
When Furby Takes Over
Fast forward to last week. I took my grandchildren to a used book library to hunt for bargains. After they went home, I checked the back seat for any forgotten treasures—as had become a habit. To my surprise, I found a real gem tucked under the seat.
When I pulled it out, much to my shock, it spoke! Its ears lit up, its eyes blinked, and I heard the words, “I love you,” followed by something that sounded like, “Someday cow will be president.” Now there’s a thought to ponder.
At first, I was charmed, but after a while, this little Furby became insistent—chatting endlessly and even suggesting that we start exercising together. Desperate for some peace and quiet, I hid it in the closet and emailed my son for instructions on how to silence it.
For those of you lucky enough to have a Furby, here’s a tip: Put it on its back. Apparently, that’s how they sleep. Thankfully, there’s been no sound from the closet since. I’ll peek in when I’m in need of an “I love you.”
How to Survive Family Car Chaos
When the noise from bickering children gets too distracting when I’m navigating through the city, I just pull over when it is safe and there is a place to do it and remain quiet. The first time I did it, noise abruptly stopped and then the kids asked,
“Why are we stopped here?”
I just told them that our car won’t go when it is too noisy. They hated the delay and kept silent for at least another few minutes. After a few stops along the way, it only took me slowing down and pulling over for the racket to subside. Arriving late but in a more or less relaxed state was worth the effort.
All in all, family car rides may be chaotic, but they come with their own brand of humor and heartwarming moments. Whether it’s toe jam inspections or Furby conversations, these are the memories that keep us laughing—and slightly stressed—all at once.