Love is Smokin' Here

Every once in awhile my kids say something that really makes me laugh. Here are a few recent ones:

The other day, my 3-yo daughter came home after music time at church and was happily singing the songs she had learned. I admit that I wasn't listening very carefully until I heard my older son correcting the words. I thought she was singing "Love is Spoken Here," but she was really singing "Love is Smokin' Here." Hmmmmm.

Earlier that week she came up the stairs from the basement and told me all about the adventures she was having with her brother and the light sabers. She explained that he was pretending to be Obi Wan and that she was Obi Two.

We were at a cub scout pack meeting with the whole family. One of the night's activities required everyone to introduce themselves by saying their name and either their scouting rank or their relationship to a cub scout. This worked fairly well, with everyone following this pattern precisely -- until this one from my 6-yo: "Hello everyone. I am Braden. I am a righteous man."

Follow-up to the World's Problems

I am proud to say that one thing I have done as a mom is still working. The "quick clean-up" idea I started in August is still a hit at our house, and it's November! My kids are actually EXCITED when I announce that it is quick clean-up time. And my entire house gets "clean" in about 15-20 minutes. Really. I am not joking. Even when there are literally toys covering the floors of every room in my house. It leaves me free to do the deeper cleaning in the mornings (or to just *play* with my two younger ones.)

YAY! I wonder if I should patent the idea?

Getting the Last Laugh

I stare at the enormous bucket of Halloween candy just acquired by my four children. As we share the spoils, I carefully select a Reese's cup avoiding the sticky chewy treats forbidden by the orthodontist. I realize that these new restrictions will require much more self-control than I originally anticipated. The next 9 months with braces will truly be a demonstration of my will power or lack thereof.

He slowly waves the raspberry toffee under my nose, further emphasizing his pleasure in the face of my depravity. He bites. He chews. His temporary crown comes loose. Now who is laughing?