1989
While playing Jackpot at 2046, Mom screamed this unforgettable warning at Lem when Vinny and her tousled trying to get the ball.
"Lemma don't you ever let a boy get on top of you!"
This would be visible from the top of Vernondale, as a result of Lem refusing to wear shoes while riding her Razor scooter.
Bloody Stubbed Toe
Doon's invented language famously included this phrase for a sharp kitchen utensil.
Knifer Alifer
Before Mom woke up in the mornings, we could be found experimenting in the kitchen and giving our creations this shared name.
Earl
On trips to Conneaut, we could be found jamming to this banger about a young red headed scientist in Dad's car.
Dexter's Laboratory CD
This repeated household moment involved Mom yelling our names, us answering, and her doing what until we finally approached her face-to-face.
Ignored Us
Growing up, Lem had a crush on this next-door neighbor of Tate.
Tommy Soza
During a snowy day playing outside at 2046, Doon accidentally hit Yas in the nose with this item while swinging it back.
A Stick
When taking the bus to Tate's house, we coined this nickname for the man on seats nearby with a very noticeable odor.
The Pee Guy
Every day at Franklin Elementary, Adnan Kayat could be seen buying this delectable treat for Yas in 1st grade.
Mom and Mrs. Muller used this phrase to describe kids with poor behavior at the Madison Pool.
Capital T
These flowers filled the front garden at the Bunts Rd house while Lem kicked her ball in the net or did handstands while Mom watered them and gave her ratings.
Day Lillies
This term, coined for the mysterious sounds that echoed through French and Pre-Calc, referred to noises that may or may not have come from Doon who always denied it.
Dolphin Noises
At the Bunts house, we could be found eating these frozen treats and climbing up the doorway, which we believed gave us superpowers.
Marvel Superhero Popsicles
This line from Ned in the movie introduced to us by Aunt Colleen after Mom's appendix surgery, became a commonly quoted phrase between the three of us.
"And soon I'll be a certified teacher."
Mom warned Yas with this phrase whenever Maggie Rowell picked her up in her small black Toyota.
"You're not going to be zipping around in her Yaris."
Lem frequently used these two items to get out of doing household chores such as washing the dishes, often resulting in Yas doing them for her.
Ace Bandage and Yellow Glitter Baton
Mom said Doon had to do this chore growing up because it would be his job as an adult if he didn't go to college.
Cleaning Toilets
At this family's house, Lem and Yas had to stay for dinner while waiting to be picked up, and Lem laughed when the family prayed before eating.
The Martis
Erik once hurled these cherished childhood items off the front porch into the garden of the Bunts Rd house.
Build-A-Bears
This line, delivered by Mom after loud noises erupted in the living room, became a long-remembered reminder from our high school years that she did not tolerate any nonsense.
"Yasmeen! Can I see you for a minute!?"
This repeated bodily reaction happened whenever Lem answered the phone against our warnings, only to realize it was the owner calling for payment.
Heavy Breathing
This was the activity Mom was caught videotaping on the camcorder in the front yard of 1509 when Doon was in high school.
In Cars with Driving School
This household appliance became the centerpiece of a chaotic childhood "game" where we'd put each other inside, spin it without turning it on, then freak out and yell to open it.
The Dryer
At Doon's baseball game, Erik did this on the swing set so Lem and Yas couldn't use it anymore.
A Loogie