about bullies...

the kid was telling me about someone who was picking on him at school...

the kid: mommy, why does he do that?

me: not every mommy and daddy teach their kids how to be nice and to use their manners.

the kid: I feel sad for them. people won't like them when they're mean and rude.

beware of dog

the kid: what does that sign mean, mommy?

me: it means "bad guys beware. we have a dog that will chomp you."

the kid: that's awesome. we need to get that dog some time.

the winner

tonight at bedtime...
the kid: mommy, thank you for taking me to school on time today.
me: you're welcome.
the kid: I was the winner.
me: is it a contest?
the kid: no.
me: how can you be the winner if it's not a contest?
the kid: because I was there first, silly.
me: good night, silly boy. I love you.
the kid: good night, silly girl. I love you, too.

if you're not early...

last night at bedtime...
the kid: mommy, I was late to school today. I don't like being late.
me: you weren't late. you weren't as early as you usually are, but you still had plenty of time to get to class.
the kid: yeah, but I was the last one in my class, so that means I was late.
me: did your teacher say you were late?
the kid: no.
me: did you have to go to the office?
the kid: no.
me: then you weren't late.
the kid: but I don't like being the last one to get there. 'cause that means I'm late. and I don't like being late. got it?
me: (sigh) got it. I'm really proud of you for not wanting to be late. I'll do my best to make sure you always get to school on time.
the kid: EARLY.
me: early. got it.
the kid: thank you. I love you. good night.

daddy does homework

the kid: I like mommy better and daddy not so much. for homework.
me: then you need to let daddy help you more. 'cause you know the more he practices, the better he'll get.
the kid: okay. but I won't like it.

computer lab

the kid: mommy, you know what we need?
me: what do we need?
the kid: we need a computer lab. like at school.
me: oh, I don't know about that.
the kid: yeah, mommy. but we don't need a lot of computers. just one for me. and then you won't have to share yours with me.
me: we'll see what we can do.
the kid: yay! hey, daddy. guess what. we're getting a computer lab!
me: I didn't say yes.
the kid: oh. but you want to. right, mommy? please say yes. (bats eyelashes) I love you?
*sigh*

God always...

the kid: mommy, God always hears us, doesn't He?

me: yes, He does.

the kid: yeah, 'cause He's always with us.

me: yes, He is.

the kid: and he watches over us and protects us. 'cause He loves us. He always loves us, doesn't He?

me: yes, He does.

the kid: yeah. that's awesome.

on the list

fisher price catalog = the kid saying "I want that" repeatedly as he turns the pages. I've gotta get off that mailing list.

whose homework?

me: time to do your homework.

the kid: can you do it for me?
and so it begins...

homework pencil

the kid: what's that?
me: this is a homework pencil. do you want to use it to write your name?
the kid: do I ever!
... and so the homework "game" begins.

the talk

the kid: mommy, we need to talk. but it's not a big talk. a big talk means you're in trouble. but you're not in trouble. 

me: okay. what do we need to talk about?
the kid: you need to practice the batman game. 'cause you can't just not play batman. that'd be crazy!
me: oh. well, then. I guess I'll start practicing.
the kid: really? that's awesome, mommy! I'm so proud of you. (big sappy grin)

sharing the last cookie

after eating his dinner...

the kid: mommy, can I have something else to eat? 

me: do you want the last cookie?

the kid: I want all of us to have a cookie, so we can share it.

yeah, I love this kid!

making new friends

on the way home from school...

the kid: David is gonna come over to my house some day and he can spend the night at my house.
me: oh, really? who's David?
the kid: he's in my class.
me: um, well. daddy and I will have to meet his parents and get to know them a little bit before we'd even consider it.
the kid: do you have their phone number? 'cause you have to have their phone number to call them, you know.
me: I don't have their phone number, but I'll see what I can do.
the kid: thanks, mommy. you're awesome.

mr. responsible

as I dropped the kid off at school this morning, it was such a blessing to be told "he's so responsible. he made a little spill at lunch yesterday and picked it all up himself without having to be asked" by a teacher I haven't met before. I can't help but be proud that he's earning a good reputation.

really really?

the kid: mommy, do I have to go to school today?
me: yes. are you excited?
the kid: but I don't want to.
me: why not?
the kid: because I'm really really tired.
me: oh. I guess you need an earlier bedtime.
the kid: oh... um... I mean 'cause I'm I really really sick.
me: well, I guess you can lay on the couch all day. and do nothing.
the kid: but I want to play with daddy.
me: no playing if you're sick. but if you go to school, you and daddy can play when you get home.
the kid: (takes a sip of his juice) I'm all better, mommy. I just needed some juice. let's go.

kidding

the hubby: tell her you're kidding.
the kid: I don't have a kid!
the hubby: (snickering) I mean tell her you're joking.
the kid: daddy! stop it. mommy, daddy's bothering me!

with great power...

"you know, mommy. with great power comes great responsibility. "
... perhaps he's been watching too much spiderman.

work something out

the kid: you know what happens when I stay up too late?
me: you get tired and cranky the next day.
the kid: yeah. I get fussy and cry a lot.
me: so what do you think we should do about that?
the kid: well, you made me do it.
me: so it's my fault because I let you stay up a little later last night?
the kid: yep. but I forgive you.

me: thank you. so no more staying up late?
the kid: no. I mean yes. I mean... I'm sure we can work something out.

do your best

the kid: mommy, can you buy some colors I can use to draw on the bathtub when I take a bath?
me: I'll put them on your list.
the kid: but mommy, that's not a list thing. it's a bath thing. pleeeeeease?
me: we'll see.
the kid: I know you can do it, mommy. just do your best.
me: thank you, my little encourager.

picnic in the kitchen

just finished having a picnic dinner in the kitchen and hearing all about the kid's day at kindergarten. he is most impressed that there is a picture of Perry the Platypus in the principal's office (no, he didn't get in trouble... his class was on a tour). this was after a 10-minute demonstration of the proper way to stand/walk in line, including several "don't" scenarios. yes, kindergarten is proving to be a family learning experience.

who's your mommy?

what an awesome feeling to be recognized as "Matthew's mom" at his school... and to be told what a great kid he is. makes a momma proud!

God is everywhere

the kid: mommy, God is always with us, isn't He?
me: yes, He is.
the kid: 'cause He's everywhere, right mommy?
me: yep. that's right.
the kid: and He watches over us because He loves us.
me: yes, He does.
the kid: yeah. isn't that cool?