The Mouths Of Babes

Mega Star

On Monday Ted took the children to get their Halloween costumes. Teddy chose the blue Power Ranger. The 'blue' is very important. You cannot say, "Teddy, you make a great Power Ranger!" You must say, "Teddy, you make a great Blue Power Ranger!" If you leave out the 'blue' you will be admonished. Severely.

Erin chose a costume called "Mega Star." The picture on the costume bag looks just like Brittney Spears - exposed midriff and all. When she first put it one my eyes nearly popped out of my head. I told her there was no way she could were it to school with her belly hanging out. I suggested we get a leotard to wear underneath. She agreed since she really wants to wear it to school.

That evening Ted brought to my attention the fact that Erin was a little sad at my reaction to her costume. He pointed out that I didn't tell her how she looked great or what a great costume it was. He was right. In my shock at seeing her belly button I forgot that she wanted to be told what a super rock star she was. I knew I had to correct this.

So yesterday I got her the leotard - a shiny one. I also got her really wild hair bows, a rocking belt, and some glitter make up. When Erin came home from school I showed her all of her new stuff. Then I helped her get on her costume with all of the new accessories. She was thrilled and even liked the leotard. I made sure to tell her what agreat rock star she was. I told her that she could really be a super star.

She spent a half an hour prancing around and singing and looking at herself in the mirror.

The best part about having a great husband is the way he helps me self-correct.

Pay to Play

Last Saturday night Erin and Teddy spent the night at my Mother's house. When we were dropping them off, Teddy found his old wallet in the pocket of his coat, which he hadn't worn since last year. When we looked in the wallet, we found $7. Obviously this was a moment of pure joy for Teddy. Seven whole dollars!

Erin took one look at the money and said to Ted, "Since he found $7 he should share it with me, right? It's only fair that he share it with me, right?!?" We decided to give her $7 as well - mainly because she had helped clean her room that day. Both children were very happy at this turn of events.

Teddy had brought his most recent favorite PS2 video game: Crash Bandikoot, Wrath of Cortex. I explained to Teddy, and to my Mom, that he was not allowed to spend the entire time at my Mom's house playing video games. I told them he could play an hour that evening and an hour the next day. Teddy was not happy about this.

During the commotion of 'dropping off the children' I noticed Teddy looking into his wallet at his newly found $7. I heard him say under his breath, "Maybe I could give Googy money." I wasn't sure what he meant. A minute later he walked up to my Mom and said, "Googy, if I give you a dollar, can I play video games longer?" She laughed and said, "No, honey." Teddy got a sad look on his face and looked down at his wallet again. Then he reached into his wallet and pulled out the five dollar bill. He handed it to my Mom and said, "What about FIVE DOLLARS? Will you let me for FIVE DOLLARS??"