Conversations with Grant

Pretty Awesome

2011-08-22T20:00:00.000-05:00

Mom: How was your first day of school?

Grant: It was pretty awesome.

Mom: That's great! What did you do?

Grant: Well, we mostly learned about rules. But we also made a sculpture out of marshmallows. It was supposed to be something that we liked.

Mom: Oh yea. What did you make?

Grant: A single-celled organism.

Mom: A single-celled organism? Really? What did the other kids make?

Grant: Well, Jake made a football. And Cambria made an iPhone. And Scott made an army guy. And Lucas made a DS or something like that.

Mom: And you made a single-celled organism?

Grant: Yea. Like an amoeba or like when a baby is first made. You know, when it's a single cell.

Mom: A zygote.

Grant: Yea, like that.

Mom: (laughing)

Grant: Why is that funny? I like science. It's the best way to describe me.

Mom: That's why I'm laughing. Other kids made footballs and iPhones and you made a single-celled organism. It's just funny. Good funny. Like the funniest and best thing I've heard all day.

Grant: You're weird.

For my teacher friends...

2011-08-03T10:22:00.001-05:00

I love this clip of Matt Damon defending teachers to a reporter from Reason TV. I'm sure you've already seen it but watch it again anyway. You tell 'em Will Hunting.

How ya like them apples?

La la la, di da da

2011-07-22T19:05:00.000-05:00

While at the store Piano Man started playing on the overhead speakers. I did like an other red-blooded American would do. I started singing. Grant gave me a look. You know the look . The one that says PLEASE STOP EMBARRASSING ME. I kept singing.

"Now John at the bar is a friend of mine. He gets me my drinks for free. And he's quick with a joke or to light up your smoke but there's someplace that he'd rather be."

Grant: MOM.

Me: Dude, it's Billy Joel. Piano Man! I think it's some kind of rule or something that you have to sing it out loud.

Grant: You are so weird.

Me: Sing us a song, you're the Piano Man. Sing us a song tonight. Well, we're in the mood for a melody. And you've got us feelin' alright.

Now tell me you didn't sing along just then. Cause I know you did.

See, I'm not weird. I'm totally normal.

Mary was a school

2011-07-12T21:44:00.001-05:00

Maggie's version of Mary Had A Little Lamb. She sings it all day long. ALL DAY. I've tried to teach her the correct lyrics. But apparently I'm the one who is wrong because SHE IS ALWAYS RIGHT. Right.

And yes, Maggie dressed herself. This beautiful ensemble includes a Hannah Montana shirt, which Maggie is convinced is iCarly, and a Superman cape. Oh and no pants. Apparently when you get home from school it's NO PANTS time.

Yea well, they're still better than The Beibs

2011-06-24T12:15:00.001-05:00

listening to the radio on the way to work this morning...

Grant: Why are they talking about Michael Jackson so much?

Mom: Because tomorrow is the 2 year anniversary of his death.

Grant: Why are they calling him the King? I thought Elvis was the King.

Mom: Elvis is the King of Rock n' Roll. Michael Jackson is the King of Pop.

Grant: Well, they are both the King of Old People.

Micheal Phelps in Training

2011-06-08T22:34:00.000-05:00

Grant is a confident kid. He's always been that way. He's pretty sure he is the smartest kid in his class. Or any class for that matter. He is extremely smart. But probably not the smartest ever. He always thinks he's the best on the ball field. When he is very obviously not. Same with basketball. Last year after a swim meet he was positive that he got first place. In every event. Every time. I don't necessarily encourage this attitude. But I don't really discourage it either. I mean, how great would it feel to think you are awesome at EVERYTHING. I'd be happy being awesome at just one thing.

This summer Grant is swimming for the Brookhaven Country Club Swim Team. They are a little bit more hardcore than the team he was on last year. Actually a lot more hardcore. They practice 5 days a week and have all day swim meets on Mondays. Unlike last year, you actually DQ if you do the wrong stroke or kick or anything really. It's kind of intense.

But like all things, Grant was pretty sure he would be awesome.

And he kind of was awesome. Really awesome. His form was great. His strokes were great. And he was FAST. Like really fast. I couldn't believe how much he'd grown since last year. It was amazing.

He placed in three events:

8 & Under 25 Back - FIRST PLACE

8 & Under 100 Relay Free - FIRST PLACE

8 & Under 25 Free - EIGHTH PLACE

His coaches are great. Really great. It always drove me nuts that the coaches on his last team were never in the water. How can you help with a stroke if you aren't in the water? These coaches are always in the water. They find time to help with each kid individually. I firmly believe this is why he's done so well. So YAY coaches.

And last but not least...Maggie got tired of me only taking pictures of her brother so here she was after a very long day. Saying cheeeeeeeeese.

Top 10 Reasons Why I Love My Mom

2011-05-06T19:13:00.000-05:00

By Grant Watkins

1. I love my mom because she's the...BEST MOM EVER!

2. I love my mom because she works so hard at...college.

3. I know my mom is smart because she...yells at me.

4. I know my mom cares because she...plays with me.

5. I love my mom because she finds time to...play little cat fell in the toilet.

6. I love to hear my mom sing...Justin Beiber's Never Say Never.

7. I love my mom because she taught me to...arm fart.

8. I love my mom when she makes me laugh by...tooooouch game.

9. I love my mom because she helps me...with homework.

10. I love my mom because she reads me...Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

This is filled with so much hilarity and inappropriateness that I don't even know where to start.

Blueprints

2011-05-05T18:44:00.000-05:00

Mom: What do you want for your birthday?

Grant: A trampoline.

Mom: Dad and I measured the backyard and I just don't think we can make it work. Anything else on your wish list?

Grant: A tree fort.

Mom: We don't have a tree big enough.

Grant: Then just a fort. I'll work on the blueprints and Dad can build it.

Mom: Oh sweetie, you're Dad is not very...crafty.

Grant: If he will just follow the directions on my blueprints, then I'm sure he can complete it.

Mom: How about we look for a wooden swing set that has a fort too.

Grant: That might work but I'll need final approval.

Dear God, it’s me Margaret

2011-05-02T21:31:00.001-05:00

We have got to work on this kids taste in music

2011-04-12T07:42:00.001-05:00

Just caught Grant sing We like Big Butts. Sigh. Now I may or may not have thrown in a “No other brother can deny” before I asked him to please stop singing that. Or at least stop singing it in front of adults.

Grant: But it’s HILARIOUS.

Mom: I don’t care.

Grant: But MOM! Butts in a can? Now that is funny.

Mom: It’s “and I can” not “in a can”

Grant: Oh. Well it’s still funny.

Head like a hole

2011-04-07T18:18:00.000-05:00

Grant singing while doing homework...

Wake up in the morning feeling like P Diddy
Grab my glasses out the door I'm gonna hit this city
Before I leave brush my teeth with a bottle of Jack
Cause when I leave for the night I ain't coming back

He stops...

Grant: What is Jack?

Mom: It's alcohol.

Grant: And people brush their teeth with it?

Mom: Only those who have a problem.

Grant: I do not understand that song.

Mom: Don't sing it then.

Grant: Eh. I don't really care if I understnd it. I like it.

A seven year old probably shouldn't be singing Ke$ha, right? Or Eminem. Or whatever else Grant sings. I just keep telling myself that it's just music. It has a fun beat. Harmless. Right? Plus I wasn't that much older and was obsessed with Nine Inch Nails. I grew up normal. And eventually so did Trent Rezner. He's an Oscar winner for goodness sakes. And dresses like someone's dad. Not my dad but someone's.

Yea, it's totally fine.

The Science Fair

2011-03-13T20:26:00.001-05:00

Erosion – How Did The Grand Canyon From?

It was pretty much a given that Grant would enter The Science Fair at school. I mean, he’s the smartest, most knowledgeable kid at his school when it comes to science. According to Grant anyway. We just had to make a decision on a project idea. First he wanted to do something on hydroelectricity. Which included building this huge system of channels and this and that and things I really never understood. Luckily I steered him away from that. Then he wanted to do erosion and build a huge mountain and lake with a hole in it filled with sand and he would pour water on it showing it erode. And blah blah blah. Again, things I wasn’t sure we could do. So we decided on “The Grand Canyon and how it formed.”

He wasn’t super pumped because he thought everyone should already know how The Grand Canyon formed and what would he be teaching people? I somewhat convinced him that was not necessarily the point.

And so he began…

Flattening out the clay for the sides of the canyon.

Building the base for the canyon.

Covering the base with clay.

Sprinkling sediment and placing rock on the canyon. (somehow I didn’t get any pictures of him making the Colorado River)

The finished product!

Grant did not place. Something else he wasn’t super happy about. We had to have a little lesson about being a sore loser.

Because Charles Darwin was hilarious I’m sure.

2011-02-11T18:51:00.001-06:00

Grant: I’m gonna be a comedian when I grow up.

Mom: What? I thought you were going to be a scientist?

Grant: Oh, I am. I’m just gonna be a funny one.

Mom: Hmmm. Interesting.

Grant: Cause I’m pretty funny and I’d hate to waste it.

Mom: Very true.

I was going to title this “Because Einstein was hilarious” and realized he probably was hilarious so I changed it to Darwin. Score another one for Grant and his infinite wisdom.

Stir Crazy

2011-02-02T22:37:00.002-06:00

We’ve been iced in for 2 days and we just got word that school is cancelled tomorrow as well. We are all going a little nuts. I don’t know how much more “togetherness” I can take. To pass the time today (and get the kids away from me for just a little while) we made a fort under the kitchen table. It seriously kept them busy for several hours. And mama stayed sane.

Disclaimer: Maggie dressed herself today. She was pretty proud of this fabulous ensemble.

Proud Mama Moment

2011-01-28T17:40:00.001-06:00

Grant made the A Honor Roll. AGAIN. Two times in a row. All A’s. Do you people understand the enormity of this? Do you? Cause it’s big. Really big.

This is the same kid who was practically failing 1st Grade. And Kindergarten. Can you even fail kindergarten? Well, if you could, then Grant was doing it. And now look at him! I am so proud. And happy. And thankful.

Go Grant!

This is all the 2nd Graders that made the A Honor Roll. Again, so proud Grant is a part of this small group.

And a few cute pics of Maggie and Dad waiting for Grant’s name to be called…

What if Grant had a Chinese Mom?

2011-01-14T12:48:00.002-06:00

I know you’ve all heard about this on the news.

The whole Chinese Mother thing.

What would a Chinese mother do with Grant? How would they handle him? I mean I’m perfectly aware that Grant is who he is partly because of environment (me and Jeff) and partly because of who he is. So if I drastically changed his environment would it drastically change who he is?

Last night during basketball practice Grant was awful. Just awful. He didn’t listen to a thing the coach said. He ran around with his hands in his pockets refusing to play. He joked around instead of working. Like I said, awful. When he got home, Jeff and I let him have it. Seriously have it. Told him we were embarrassed. That he was lazy. Disrespectful. That no kid was ever going to want him on their team because he didn’t care. That he would always be the kid who is picked last. He does this in every aspect of his life. He’s lazy and he charms his way out of everything in his life. Every sports team he’s ever been on. He wants to be a part of a team but doesn't want to put in the work. We both had just had it with him.

After it was all over and Grant was in bed crying himself to sleep, Jeff and I just sat on the couch. In silence. We both wanted to cry. How could we have said those things to our child? We are horrible parents. Was this what was going to put him in therapy? Beat him down so bad that he really does think he is nothing?

But what do you do? Mediocrity is NOT ok. Not trying is NOT ok. Laziness is NOT ok. I read the article again this morning. It actually made me feel a bit better. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not going to go all crazy and start making my kids practice the piano 4 hours a day and take away all play dates. But I am going to stop making excuses for my children’s failures. There is absolutely nothing in Grant’s world that he is not capable of accomplishing successfully. And I expect him to do it.

Opinions?

How do you go from brownies to a laptop?

2011-01-08T22:25:00.001-06:00

Mom: Grant, you made straight A’s again!

Grant: I did? Cool.

Mom: Let’s do something special. What would you like?

Grant: Can I have a brownie?

Mom: Yes, but I was thinking something a little bigger than a brownie.

Grant: How about 2 brownies?

Mom: I was still thinking bigger. Like maybe a movie or Cherry Berry? Or both?

Grant: Hmmmm. What about a laptop? I still really need a laptop.

Mom: No.

Grant: Fine. Cherry Berry then.

Mom: Done.

(Cheery Berry is a frozen yogurt shop.)

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-17T07:19:00.003-06:00

Last Thursday, kind of a spur of the moment thing, we decided to take the kids to see Santa. You can tell it's spur of the moment by the fact that the kids aren't wearing anything even remotely holiday related and they kind of look homeless. Oh well.

The Villages at Allen now has a "virtual line" to see Santa. You give them your telephone number and then they will text when it's time. Genius really. Anyway, we were told it would be an hour so we went to dinner. As soon as we ordered, I got a text. No problem. We left Jeff at the restaurant while I walked the kids over to see Santa. Easy? No. There were still 10 or so kids in front of us. And as soon as Maggie saw Santa she wanted to she him NOW. She kicked and screamed for the 20 minutes we were in line. I was mortified. And, of course, there were other mothers there that I know. Again, mortified.

It was finally our turn and Maggie was SO HAPPY. She kept patting Santa's beard saying "Hello Santa. I like your beard." You can see from the pic that he had to hold her little hands down. You can also see that Grant was a bit frustrated with her by this time. Sorry Grant.

Santa: What would you like for Christmas?

Grant: A TV but I'm not allowed to have cable so just bring me the TV if you could.

Santa: I will see what I can do.

Grant: Great!

Santa: What do you think your little sister would like?

Grant: She's two. You can pretty much bring her whatever and she'll like it.

Giving Thanks

2010-11-24T15:22:00.002-06:00

I am so thankful for these two beautiful, intelligent, and relentlessly funny human beings.

Lejind of the Dragins

2010-11-16T16:57:00.004-06:00

Translation:

Legend of the Dragons

We have fallen under disaster. A reign of evil is here with no stop. Ready your positions.

This is the story Grant started in free time today. Besides the spelling and the handwriting, I think it's pretty awesome. And stories like these are why his teacher and I wanted him to try out for UIL Creative Writing. He chose Storytelling instead. Why? Because it takes him "hours and hours to come up with these stories" and he just doesn't think he'd "ever in a million years" be able to do it in 30 minutes. He's probably right.

It's not my job to teach the class

2010-10-15T16:19:00.001-05:00

Mom: I just had a meeting with your teacher.

Grant: Oh yea. What did she say?

Mom: That you were working really hard this year. And it is paying off because your grades are amazing!

Grant: Yea. It's been hard but I'm doing it.

Mom: She did say you still had one small thing still to work on.

Grant: I talk too much.

Mom: You talk too much.

Grant: And I keep getting yellows.

(Behavior is graded on a color scale. Green = Great, Yellow = Needs Work, Red = Trouble)

Mom: And why do you think you keep getting yellows?

Grant: Because I talk at inappropriate times, it's not my job to teach the class, and I've got to learn to raise my hand.

Mom: Yep, that's pretty much exactly what Mrs. Benjamin told me.

Grant: Sometimes I can't stop myself when I've got something to say.

Mom: I know it's hard but you have to try. Mrs. Benjamin said she is always very interested in what you have to add, you just have to learn to wait until it is appropriate.

Grant: I'm trying.

Mom: I know.

Cause I'm a genius.

2010-10-07T16:21:00.005-05:00

Grant: Mrs. Benjamin and Mrs. Hartsgroves think I'm a genius in science.

Mom: Oh yea, why's that?

Grant: Cause I am.

Mom: Hmmmm.

Grant: They were talking about what causes smoke. I told them I already knew and that there was no need to tell me about it.

Mom: And how did that go over?

Grant: Well, they just kind of smiled and didn't really say anything. I'm pretty sure that meant they think I'm a genius.

Mom: I'm not so sure that's what it meant.

Lerk the Seas

2010-09-29T19:26:00.004-05:00

There is a brief period in Grant's school day when the class is allowed to do free work. Meaning they can silently read to themselves. Or write a story. Or pretty much whatever they want as long as it is quiet. Grant always writes a story. With illustrations.

Translation:

There is a story about a shark named Jaws. He was the biggest great white shark and the most dangerous shark to ever lurk the seas. He sinks ships.

Dad: This is a great story.

Grant: Yea, I learned the word lurk from Monster Quest and I've really been wanting to use it in a sentence.

7 Simple Words

2010-09-26T08:32:00.003-05:00

This was the first sentence of an email I got from Grant's teacher last week:

Grant has been doing well this year.

It brought tears to my eyes. Those 7 simple words. Simply greatness.

The Great Gabba

2010-09-15T10:19:00.002-05:00

Mom: Maggie, look at the cute shirt I had made for your party! Do you love it?

Maggie: I don't yike it.

Mom: What do you mean you don't like it? It's Foofa! Don't you like Foofa?

Maggie: No. I don't yike it. Where's Toodie?

Mom: I don't have a Toodie shirt. But Foofa is great!

Maggie: No. I don't yike it. Not Foofa. Toodie!!

Mom: Well, the Toodie shirt wasn't as cute so deal with it.

Maggie: NOOOOOO! I DON'T YIKE IT!!!

Mom: Tough. You're wearing it.

Maggie: NO FOOFA! TOODIE!

I was so excited about that stinkin shirt. I just knew she would love it. Obviously, I was wrong.

We were so glad so much our our family could come to celebrate with us. Maggie had a great Gabba party. Foofa shirt and all.

Toxic Waste

2010-09-05T01:44:00.002-05:00

Grant: MOM! You've got to come in here. There's some sort of toxic waste in my room.

Mom: What? What are you talking about?

Grant: Toxic waste! Just come look.

I go look. And he's right. There is some sort of neon green toxic waste looking substance on his night stand. I immediately look at the ceiling to see if it's dripping from the sky.

Mom: Grant, what is that?

Grant: Toxic waste.

Mom: What did you spill?

Grant: Nothing. How would I get my hands on toxic waste to spill it?

Mom: It's not toxic waste. What did you spill?

Grant: Nothing!

I go get a damp wash cloth to clean it up and it has COMPLETELY EATEN THROUGH THE FINISH. I think he might be right about the toxic waste thing.

Mom: How long has this been here?

Grant: I just noticed it today.

Mom: Grant, I need you to tell me the truth. What is this?

Grant: I really don't know but I hope we don't all start glowing in the dark.

I'm pretty sure he knows but he's still not talking.

That's all I need

2010-08-29T16:51:00.003-05:00

Maggie's daycare is near my office. It's generally a 45 minute drive. Sometimes an hour. Sometimes more. So I let her take whatever she wants to entertain herself along the way. As long as she can carry it to the car, she gets to take it. And every morning it the same thing. Or a really close variation. A blanket. A doll. A pacifier for the doll. Another blanket. A frisbee. Another doll. Spiderman. You get the picture. But the funny part is she picks up one thing and then walks to the door. When she gets there she decides she needs one more thing and goes back. Then at the door again, she decides it's not enough and goes back for more. And so on and so on.

I can't help but picture THE JERK every time she does this. I laugh out loud each morning.

And that's the only thing I need is this. I don't need this or this. Just this blanket... And this doll. The blanket and the doll and that's all I need. And this pacifier. The blanket, the doll, and pacifier, and that's all I need... And this other blanket. - The blanket, the doll, and pacifier, and other blanket... And this frisbee. The blanket, doll, pacifier, other blanket, and the frisbee, and that's all I need. I don't need one other thing, not one... I need this. The Spiderman for sure. Well what are you looking at? What do you think I'm some kind of a jerk or something! - And this. That's all I need.

(What? Can't everyone recite this word for word? Of course you can.)

Only 40 more weeks to go.

2010-08-25T18:40:00.005-05:00

The first week of 2nd grade is halfway over. Now only 40 more weeks to go.

I have been a little bit apprehensive about the start of 2nd grade. Anyone who reads this blog would surely understand why. But maybe apprehensive isn't the correct word? Concerned? Fearful? Angst-ridden?

Schoolwork isn't exactly Grant's forte. Knowledge and understanding, yes. Schoolwork, no. BUT this is 2ND grade. They actually grade your work. GRADE. Up until this point, Grant has somehow scraped by because he knows the material. He may not complete the work. He may disagree with the assignment. He may misplace it before he can turn it in. But he ALWAYS knows it. None of that matters now. If he doesn't complete a required assignment. ZERO. If he loses his work. ZERO. If he refuses to do a particular project because he deems it somehow unworthy of his vast knowledge. ZERO.

So you get it, right? You understand why I could possibly be apprehensive? Concerned? Fearful? ANGST-RIDDEN?

So what do I do? How do I solve the unsolvable problem? OK, so unsolvable may be exaggerating a tinsy bit. I realize he's only 7. But you haven't lived these last 2 years in our house. If you had, you'd be a tinsy bit dramatic too. But I digress...what do I do? Well, I'm not totally sure but my new approach is this...Grant will be successful. I have decided that this is the only way I can think. I must believe it will happen. He knows exactly what we expect of him. He knows the consequences if that doesn't happen. We have set into place a schedule and environment to make it happen. So I have to believe it will happen. He will be successful.

So this is me putting it out there. DO YOU HEAR ME UNIVERSE? I just want to make sure you are listening because this is important...Grant will be successful.

Kindergarten

First Grade

Second Grade

Oh, because the guy is dumb?

2010-07-26T08:09:00.004-05:00

Grant was watching an episode of Futurama yesterday (yes, I know he shouldn't be watching Futurama but I'm trying to pick my battles. And there are far bigger battles than this one.) Fry and Leela were lost on the moon and running out of oxygen...

Random Character: What? Do you think oxygen grows on trees?

Grant: That's exactly how we get oxygen. From trees.

Mom: That's why it's funny.

Grant: Oh, because the guy is dumb and doesn't know it comes from trees?

Mom: Something like that.

Parlez-vous français

2010-07-13T16:41:00.003-05:00

I walk in to find Grant and Maggie watching The Backyardigans in French...

Mom: Why is that in French?

Grant: Oh, I'm trying to teach Maggie to speak French.

Mom: You don't know how to speak French.

Grant: Sure I do. Listen...they are talking about cavemen.

Mom: Put it back on English please.

Grant: Oh Mom! You never let me learn anything.

Mom: Yes, my goal is to keep you as ignorant as possible.

Only the Yo Gabba Gabba fan will think this is funny...

2010-07-09T10:35:00.001-05:00

Grant was sitting at the table working on his handwriting. Maggie was also at the table doing her "homework."

Grant: I hate this. I am just no good at handwriting.

Mom: Oh don't hate it. You will get better. Just keep practicing.

Grant: I don't think I will. It's just too hard.

Maggie: (singing to Grant) Keep trying. Keep trying. Don't give up. Don't give up.

Just cute...

2010-06-20T15:07:00.001-05:00

Mom: Hey Maggie Sue! Whatcha doing?

Maggie: I playing Mommy Sue.

Out and about pronouncing things wrong

2010-06-16T13:50:00.002-05:00

Also on the way home form Pittsburg...

Grant: Some of the kids at my school pronounce quarter like "corder."

Mom: I can see how they would make that mistake.

Grant: I tried to explain to them it starts with a qu. Like Qu Qu (sounding it out). And they just wouldn't listen. They still say "Nope, it's corder."

Mom: Well, some people don't like to be corrected. And sometimes it's not always necessary to correct people.

Grant: Even if they are wrong?

Mom: Yes, even if they are wrong.

Grant: Well, I told them "It's fine with me if you want to go out and about pronouncing it corder but don't expect me to do it."

Mom: And I'm sure they don't expect you too.

Grant: Well, I hope not because it's wrong.

That's why I used it. (duh)

2010-06-14T11:32:00.000-05:00

On the drive back from Pittsburg...

Grant: I estimate we will be home at 7:00.

Mom: I think you are probably right.

Grant: I said estimate because that means guess. Since I don't know exactly what time we will actually be home I have to estimate.

Mom: That is the correct use of the word. Good job.

Grant: Well, I like the word hypothesis better but it would not really be accurate in this situation.

Mom: Yes, estimate is better.

Grant: Yes. That's why I used it.

Mom: Hmmmm

Su side

2010-05-17T18:44:00.003-05:00

Maggie: Su side. Su side.

Grant: MOM! Maggie won't STOP saying suicide!

Mom: Grant, Maggie is not saying suicide.

Maggie: Su side.

Grant: See. She is too.

Mom: She is saying gibberish. Not suicide.

Maggie: Su side.

Grant: I'm pretty sure its suicide. And I'm not totally sure what suicide means but I'm pretty sure a baby shouldn't be saying it.

Mom: Grant, she is not saying suicide. Now let's stop talking about it.

Grant: What does suicide mean?

Mom: Its not really a word you even need to know about.

Grant: But what does it mean? I won't worry about it if I know what it means.

Mom: Grant, we are no longer talking about this.

Grant: When can we talk about it?

Mom: When you're older.

Grant: 8?

Mom: No.

Grant: 9?

Mom: No.

Grant: 10?

Mom: Will you drop it if I say 10?

Grant: Yes.

Mom: OK. 10 then.

Grant: OK. I'll ask again when I'm 10.

Now throughout this entire exhausting exchange of words, Maggie has continued to say "Su side. Su side. Su side." Over and over again.

Happy 7th Birthday Grant!

2010-05-17T07:37:00.003-05:00

So I tried to have a super low-key party for Grant this year. We all know I can't do anything low-key but whatever. I tried. Either way, Grant had a great day and a great party!

Enjoying the Sun

2010-05-07T18:47:00.002-05:00

The kids were playing in the backyard with the sprinkler and rather than get my camera, I just took a few pics using the Hipstamatic app on my iPhone. I totally LOVE this app! It turns crappy iPhone pictures into this...

I can't argue with that.

2010-05-07T10:07:00.000-05:00

Mom: How was PETER PAN?

Grant: Oh it was really great! Except Tinkerbell was just a light not a real person.

Mom: Well, it's probably hard to have a Tinkerbell on stage.

Grant: And!!! Peter Pan was played by a girl!

Mom: Yes, Peter Pan is almost always played by a girl when done on stage.

Grant: WHY!?

Mom: I'm not sure. It's been that way for many years. When I was little, I thought Peter Pan was supposed to be played by a girl. It's the only way I'd ever seen it.

Grant: But why? It just doesn't make sense.

Mom: I guess it's just a tradition.

Grant: Why would you make that tradition when there are plenty of perfectly good boys around to play Peter Pan?

Mom: I don't know, Grant. I can't argue with that.

How many people have you told...

2010-04-22T07:32:00.000-05:00

Grant: Are you drinking another one of those giant Vodka Cranberries?

Mom: What?!

Grant: (pointing to my drink) Those huge Vodka Cranberries that you drink all day?

Mom: Grant, that is water with a splash of cranberry. NOT Vodka Cranberry.

Grant: Oh.

Mom: How many people have told told I drink Vodka Cranberry all day.

Grant: Hmmmmm. Just a few.

Mom: GRANT! Please don't do that anymore. Where did you even hear about Vodka Cranberries

Grant: Oh who knows? I hear something once and it stays with me forever.

Watch out for the bats, Maggie.

2010-04-18T16:11:00.002-05:00

Another conversation I overheard...

Dad: My brothers used to make up stories all the time. I thought I was adopted until I was like 10.

Grant: Ohh I am gonna make up some good ones for Maggie.

Dad: I bet you will.

Grant: Like I'm gonna tell her that a bat came in her room in the middle of the night and sucked out all her blood and she had to have a transfusion cause there was no blood left in her.

Now, I get that this conversation wasn't all that great BUT my 6 year old used the word TRANSFUSION in a sentence. Correctly.

Just thought it was interesting...

Please just let him be sick

2010-04-15T08:05:00.004-05:00

My cell phone rang Tuesday afternoon. The caller ID said Baker Elementary. Please just let him be sick. Please just let him be sick. Yes. That's me wishing my kid was sick. Horrible, I know. But the alternative is that he's not doing his work or in trouble. Sooooo I always say the "Please just be sick" prayer when I get a call. It generally never works. It's always the alternative.

Mom: Hello

Mrs. Burns: Mrs. Watkins, this is Mrs. Burns. I've got Grant here with me and I'm going to let him tell you about his day.

CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP!

Grant: Mom

Mom: Yes, Grant.

Grant: Well...

The "well" was that he didn't do his work. Of course. After numerous chances. Numerous numerous numerous chances. So he got Science Lab taken away. Grant lives and breathes for Science Lab. So he was furious. Really furious. So he pinched a kid.

ARGHHHHHHHHHHH!

The pinching is so not like Grant. The not doing his work is. But the pinching is not. So, he's grounded. For ever. Among other things. Will this work? I don't know. He did his work yesterday. Not in the allotted time. But he did get it done. Say a prayer that he does it today too.

The Next Justin Bieber

2010-04-08T18:17:00.005-05:00

I came in on the middle of this conversation...

Grant: I am too gonna be the next Justin Bieber!

Leyton: No you're not.

Grant: Oh yes I am! Aren't I, Mom?!

Mom: What?

Grant: I'm gonna be the next Justin Bieber, right?

Mom: Is that what you want to be?

Grant: Mom! You said just the other day "he's gonna be the next Justin Bieber."

Mom: I think I was talking about your long hair.

Grant: Oh. Well, whatever. I'm still gonna do it.

Leyton: How are you gonna be Justin Bieber?

Grant: I just need to put some videos on YouTube. Then I'll get discovered like Justin Bieber.

Oh yea. That's all.

Nothing ever works

2010-04-06T16:16:00.002-05:00

Mom: Grant, how was your day?

Grant: Great!!

Mom: You got all your work done?!

Grant: Oh. Well, no, but I had a really great day.

Mom: Grant, what are we going to do to get you to finish your work? I've punished. Encouraged. Yelled. Cried. Nothing works.

Grant: I know. Nothing ever works. I just don't know what you are going to do with me.

Mom: Me either.

He did promise us...

2010-04-01T21:04:00.002-05:00

Grant: Mom, I heard on the news that there is a horrible flood somewhere.

Mom: Yes, I heard that too.

Grant: Like the worst flood ever.

Mom: I think it's pretty bad.

Grant: Are we gonna build an ark?

Mom: What?

Grant: An ark? It's the worst flood ever. We need to start building.

Mom: I don't think they mean it's that bad.

Grant: You're probably right. I mean, He did promise us that wouldn't happen again.

Mom: Yep, He did.

There's no point in wondering.

2010-03-22T21:00:00.003-05:00

Maggie brings Grant a book...

Maggie: Gra reeed. (Grant read)

Grant: Twinkle Twinkle little star. How I wonder what you are? It's a big ball of gas Maggie. So there's not point in wondering anymore. The end.

He hands her the book and walks off.

Leprechaun Traps

2010-03-09T07:48:00.002-06:00

Grant had a 1st grade project to build a Leprechaun Trap. His initial design had levers and pulleys and was extremely complicated. In fact, so complicated that I never really understood what he was talking about. After numerous, long explanations, I guess he gave up on me and designed this instead. Now, I will tell you that I covered the box in the green paper but he did the rest!!! And what a great job!

He built a ladder in between the rainbow (which I forgot to take a picture of) and a trap door for the Leprechaun to fall in. He was afraid the Leprechaun might be afraid of the dark so he made a window. And a bed. And put some Lucky Charms in just in case he got hungry. No bad treatment of Leprechauns here.

I think it looks great. And he is a seasoned glue gunner now. Loved the glue gun. I had to make a quick trip to Wal Mart for more glue sticks. You may not know this but it takes a LOT of glue to make something like this. Less is not more. More is more.

A boy and his dog.

2010-03-08T06:38:00.008-06:00

Daisey has been gone for over a month now. Wow. I can't believe it's been that long. A day doesn't go by that I don't think of her. Accidentally call one of the children by her name. Miss her. I had no intentions of getting new dog anytime soon. No one could ever compare to Daisey. I didn't want to try. But Grant needed a dog. So we rescued a dog. We've actually had her a couple weeks but I felt like I was not honoring Daisey in some way or another if I talked about her. I know it's stupid but it's how I felt.

So now the time has come to introduce you to Lily. She was abandoned about 7 months ago in Arlington. She was in the Arlington pound for about 3 months and ended up on Death Row. A no-kill shelter rescued her and she was with them for about 4 months. She's a beautiful dog but black. Apparently black dogs are always the last to get adopted. She's a strange little dog. Part dachshund part rottweiler. Yes, you read that right. Grant calls her a Rot Dot. She's super short but super strong. Strange little dog.

Anyway, we haven't had a puppy in the house in 10 years. It's taking some getting used too. Plus the fact that Lily was in a shelter for a large part of her life. She has a bit of separation anxiety. So, here are a few things that Lily has gotten "confused" about...

This poor dinosaur no longer has a brain. Brain or no brain, Lily loves this dino.

Oh and this! What do you think this was? No idea? It was a shoe. A shoe from Maggie's Madame Alexander doll I brought back from FAO Swartz in New York. Yep.

And this is the WORST of all! Maggie's beloved blanket "bankee." She loves that blankfet more than anything. I've been trying to find another one. No luck. Ohhhh "bankee" what are we going to do?

But it's worth it. Grant is happy. So happy. And I will be happy again soon. I really like Lily. I just miss Daisey.

And yes, I know I said I was done with the " woe is me, I lost my dog" stories. But whatever, it's my blog, right?!

You can't blame a whale for being a whale.

2010-03-02T06:56:00.002-06:00

Grant: I am so tired of these news people.

Mom: Why?

Grant: They keep saying horrible things about Shamu.

Mom: About the whale that accidentally killed one of his trainers?

Grant: Yes. The whole thing is making me so mad.

Mom: It's kind of making me mad too.

Grant: Why do they keep blaming the whale?

Mom: Well, that particular whale in question has had incidents before where another trainer died in a similar fashion.

Grant: Mom. You can't blame a whale for being a whale. They are swimming next to something nicknamed "the killer whale." I mean, come on.

Mom: I agree.

Grant: They need to just take that whale out of the shows. It doesn't even know what it did wrong. Quit blaming it.

Mom: Too bad they don't ask us for advice.

Grant: When I'm training whales, they will.

We did not choose wisely.

2010-02-19T19:54:00.002-06:00

A conversation I overheard...

Leyton: Go tell your mom we are still hungry.

Grant: Oh, you don't tell my mom anything. You can ask her, but she's just gonna say no.

Leyton: Why?

Grant: Because we've already had a snack. If we are still hungry, that means we did not choose a good snack.

Leyton: But what are we supposed to do?

Grant: Just starve until dinner. That's what I do.

Leyton: Oh man.

Grant: Yep. We did not choose wisely.

Conversations with Jeff

2010-02-11T08:26:00.002-06:00

Jessica: Maggie threw her plate (full of food) on the floor again.

Jeff: Oh Maggie.

I pick up the plate. I'm literally just staring at the food on the floor.

Jeff: What's wrong.

Jessica: What am I supposed to do with this food?

Jeff: You pick it up.

Jessica: Oh.

I can honestly say, I was at a loss. I haven't had to pick up after my kids ever. Daisey was always around to do it for me. I don't know how people without dogs do it.

Now, that is my last "woe is me I lost my dog" post...maybe.

A kid is supposed to have a dog.

2010-02-10T07:46:00.002-06:00

Grant: Mom, it's too quiet in this house without Daisey.

Mom: I know.

Grant: I want my dog back.

Mom: I do too.

Grant: It doesn't work that way though.

Mom: No, it doesn't.

Grant: I just don't know what to do without a dog. A kid is supposed to have a dog.

Mom: I don't know what to do either.

Grant: Are we ever gonna get another dog?

Mom: Of course! Just not right now. Maybe when our hearts don't hurt so bad for Daisey.

Grant: OK. But my heart is always gonna hurt for Daisey.

Mom: Mine too.

A Tribute to Daisey

2010-02-08T14:59:00.004-06:00

Daisey Head Masey 1994 - 2010

I remember sitting in the exam room when the vet told me Daisey had cancer. That she only had a few good months left and to just let it run it's course. That was 6 years ago. Grant was only a few weeks old at the time. I was devastated because I thought he would never know her. I don't know why I'm surprised that she lived as long as she did. Daisey has always been the wonder dog. Surviving the things that no dog should survive.

Daisey was a good dog. Technically she was a really horrible dog, but I loved her dearly. To me, she was a good dog. She was a member of my family and I do not know what I am going to do without her. Who is going to pick up the crumbs that we drop? Who is going to guard the children at night? Who will protect our house from horrible buggers like the mail man or garbage man? Who will knock over my trash every day? Who will be excited to see me when I just walked outside for 3 seconds? Who?

I can only hope that she now has an endless supply of birds to chase and a never ending pot of spaghetti to eat. I love you Daisey.

Body Parts

2010-02-04T19:54:00.002-06:00

Grant: Mom, where is my book of body parts I'm drawing?

Mom: On the bar.

Grant: Excellent! I need to work on my brain drawing. Tell me again the name of that part of your brain on the very bottom.

Mom: Cerebellum

Grant: Yep, that's it! I need to draw the cerebellum.

Mom: Sounds good.

Grant: I would know exactly how to draw it if you would take me to the Bodies Exhibit.

Mom: Grant, we have been through this. I have to think about it.

Grant: You told me last time it was here I was too young and now I'm older!

Mom: You were 3 last time it was here and you were too young.

Grant: MOM! It's science.

Mom: It's also human cadavers.

Grant: Yes. Science.

Karma...again

2010-01-29T17:14:00.002-06:00

Grant often gets interested in a certain thing or subject and sticks with it for a while. Right now it's karma. A couple of months ago it was cancer. I'm glad he's moved on from that one...

Grant: Maggie just doesn't understand karma.

Mom: Well, she's a bit young to understand that concept.

Grant: It still happens to her.

Mom: Probably.

Grant: Yea, cause she just came up and hit me for no reason. Then she stole the book I was reading.

Mom: That wasn't very nice of her.

Grant: Oh it's OK. When she turned around to walk off, she ran into the coffee table and fell over. Karma.

Mom: I guess so.

Grant: Yep.

The Earthquake

2010-01-23T15:07:00.003-06:00

Grant: Did kids die in the earthquake in Haiti?

Mom: Yes, Grant. Many children lost their lives.

Grant: Babies too? What about babies?

Mom: Yes, sweetie, babies died too.

Grant: Oh no!! Not the babies! I just hate hearing about that.

Mom: Me too. But unfortunately, mother nature doesn't discriminate.

Grant: Well, that's just about the worst thing I've heard all day.

An Epiphany!

2010-01-06T15:14:00.004-06:00

Grant walked in the door from school holding some plastic thing over his head...

Mom: Grant, what is that?

Grant: It's a light bulb pencil sharpener. Ethan gave it to me. But I took the pencil sharpener out.

Mom: Why?

Grant: Because! What if I have an epiphany?! Now I have a light bulb to go on top of my head too.

Mom: Ohhhh. OK.

Grant: Yea, that way you'll know I've had an epiphany and I won't have to tell you.

Mom: Excellent!

I'm an Elvis Man

2010-01-05T16:02:00.002-06:00

Grant: They have a Beatles Kids Bop cd now.

Mom: They do? I guess we will have to get that.

Grant: Yea, I'm really more of an Elvis man. But I like The Beatles a lot.

Mom: An Elvis man?

Grant: Yea, you're either an Elvis man or a Beatles man, but you can't be both.

Mom: Have you been watching Pulp Fiction?

Grant: What?

Mom: Nothing. Where did you hear that?

Grant: Dad. He says he's an Elvis man but you are a Beatles girl. And he doesn't know how you are still married.

Mom: I don't either.

Grant: Yea, and since Dad's an Elvis man, I am too.

Mom: Well, you can be an Elvis man if you want, but I think you are really a Beatles man.

Grant: Why?

Mom: I just know you.

Grant: I know me too.

Mom: You do, but you're still a Beatles man.

Poor AT&T

2009-12-18T07:45:00.003-06:00

Grant: I feel bad for AT&T.

Mom: AT&T? Why?

Grant: Because Verizon is always bragging about how big their map is. I just feel bad for AT&T.

Dad: Don't feel bad. I think AT&T is going to be OK.

Mom: They are talking about coverage area for cell phones and they are just trying to sell their product.

Grant: Well, Verizon needs to stop rubbing their nose in it. It's not really nice. And I'm sure AT&T's map is plenty big.

Mom: I'm sure it is.

Dear Santa

2009-12-16T19:12:00.002-06:00

Grant: I wrote a letter to Santa at school.

Mom: You did? What did it say?

Grant: Well, I started it "Dear Santa, I need" instead of "Dear Santa, I want"

Mom: Oh yea, what is it that you need so bad?

Grant: A Razor scooter.

Mom: You don't really need that. You want it.

Grant: No, I need it. All the other kids my age have 2 wheel scooters and my scooter has 3 wheels. I need one with 2 wheels so I can keep being the coolest kid in my class.

Mom: I didn't realize you were the coolest kid in your class.

Grant: Of course I am.

Mom: Well, you don't need a scooter to keep being cool.

Grant: No, but it helps.

Have they cured cancer yet?

2009-12-13T19:35:00.002-06:00

Grant: I wish Dad would become a chemist.

Mom: A chemist? Why?

Grant: Because he could figure out a way for the water in my slime to stop evaporating. I don't have as much as I used to.

Mom: You could just become a chemist.

Grant: I'm just a kid.

Mom: Maybe when you get a little older

Grant: Have they cured cancer yet?

Mom: Nope. Not yet.

Grant: Well, if I'm going to become something as a kid it should be a scientist so I can cure cancer.

Mom: Oh that's a wonderful idea.

Grant: Yes, and I'm going to start running with you for Team In Training to help raise money.

Mom: That would be awesome!!

I'm Just Trying to Learn!

2009-12-11T07:20:00.003-06:00

Mom: So Grant, what are you reading this week at school?

I have to ask because he can't remember to bring his book bag home. In his defense, he generally reads the books in entirety while at school and doesn't need to bring them home, although he is supposed too. Hmmmm.

Grant: My A/R book (accelerated reading) is the Red-Eyed Tree Frog. It was pretty good. I learned a lot.

Mom: Oh that's excellent! What about your library book?

Grant: Well, you know Mrs. Linkletter never lets me pick the books I want.

Mom: Why not?

Grant: Because the level is too high on the ones I want. She says they are for 4th and 5th graders.

Mom: It's probably not a good idea to get a book that you have lots of trouble reading. Mrs. Linkletter knows which ones are good for you.

Grant: Mom! I'm just trying to learn! I don't like story books! I like books about science and stuff! I'm just trying to learn as much as I can and sometimes I need a higher level for that!

Mom: Well, why don't you check out the books you are supposed to at school and then we can go to the library ourselves for the higher level books.

Grant: OK. Or we could just Google the stuff.

Mom: That would work too.

Maggie May

2009-12-04T17:18:00.002-06:00

Grant: Where does the May come in?

Mom: What do you mean?

Grant: May? As in Maggie May? I thought her name was Maggie Margaret Sue.

Mom: Well, her name is Margaret Sue and we call her Maggie for short.

Grant: So where does the May come in? You always call her Maggie May.

Mom: It's from a song.

Grant: Ohhh. Why don't you ever sing her the song?

Mom: It's kind of a grown-up song. Not really appropriate for kids.

Grant: Then why would you call her that?!

Mom: That's an excellent question. I guess just out of habit.

Grant: Hmmmm. I'm not sure that's good.

Mom: It's probably not.

Grant: You should really try to just call Maggie by the right name.

Mom: I'll try.

Get Karma

2009-11-19T12:21:00.002-06:00

while watching HOTEL FOR DOGS...

Grant: That guy is gonna get karma.

Mom: What do you mean?

Grant: He's mean to that dog and he's gonna get karma.

Mom: Ohhhhh.

Grant: Yea, cause when you do bad things, then bad things happen to you. And that's karma.

OK, Earl.

Dr. Watkins

2009-11-16T10:05:00.003-06:00

Mom: Ohhh my head hurts.

Grant: Are you taking Omnaris?

Mom: I'm sorry? What?

Grant: Omnaris. It's side effects are headache and sore throat.

Mom: What is Omnaris? And where did you hear about it?

Grant: It's a nasal spray for allergies and the commercial is on all the time.

Mom: No. I'm not taking Omnaris.

Grant: OK. Well, I don't know why you have a headache then.

Run Maggie Run!

2009-10-29T13:02:00.001-05:00

Grant: Run Maggie! Run!

Maggie was, in fact, running as fast as her little legs would go.

Grant: Faster Maggie! Run!

Mom: Grant, why are you yelling at Maggie?

Grant: Oh, she's in Team In Training and I'm her coach. Now Run Maggie!

Maggie starts running again.

Mom: Our coaches don't normally yell at us.

Grant: Well, you've got to yell at Maggie to get her motivated. Now Run!

Never Say Never

2009-10-20T09:54:00.003-05:00

Grant: They should NOT make 1st graders get up this early for school. It's practically the middle of the night!

Mom: I know it seems early but it's not the middle of the night.

Grant: I hate it. It's not fair to make a kid get up so early.

Mom: I felt the same way when I was your age but unfortunately it has to be done.

Grant: I'm going to ask Mrs. Burns to change the time. This is just not right. Kids can't learn this early in the morning.

Mom: OK, let me know how it works out.

Grant: I really am.

Mom: Ohhh I'm sure you will.

This Conversation with Grant reminded of something that happened at preschool 3 summers ago. Grant was 3, about to turn 4. I'm paraphrasing. It has been a long time...

Mom: Grant, what fun things do you think Ms. Sondra has planned for you today?

Grant: Well, there's this huge mud puddle outside that I've been dying to jump in. I hope it's that.

Mom: I doubt that Ms. Sondra has plans for the kids to jump in the mud puddles.

Grant: Ohhh I think she does.

Mom: Hmmmm. Well, please don't ruin your new shoes.

I actually never believed that he would talk his teacher into a class activity of mud puddle jumping. Oh how I was wrong. His plan...The students (whose parents approved) would carry a set of "mud shoes" specifically for mud puddle jumping. They would then be responsible for cleaning themselves up after outside time. How could I or Ms. Sondra say no? It really was a good idea.

It was a rainy summer and Grant spent every minute of his outside time in the mud puddles. I got many calls from the other parents asking if I was really allowing "mud puddle" time. Sure. Why not? He's having a blast. What's the problem? By the end of the summer, every kid in that class had a pair of "mud shoes."

I've learned there's no point in telling Grant that something can't be done. It's best if he figures it out on his own. Besides, if anyone can get the City of Prosper or the State of Texas to change the time school starts, it's probably Grant.

Marley and Me

2009-10-16T13:32:00.004-05:00

I made the huge mistake of watching Marley and Me with Grant yesterday. He is a bigger animal lover than anyone I know. Ohhhh what was I thinking? I wasn't.

Grant: Marley is not going to die. I know this movie will end happy.

Mom: Oh Grant. I think he is going to die. But they were very lucky to have had such a wonderful life with him.

Grant: Oh no. You are wrong. It is going to end good.

Mom: I don't think I am wrong.

after the movie...

Grant: (crying) Why would they make that movie? It was awful.

Mom: (crying) I don't know. Why did we even watch it?

Grant: Daisey is old. Is she going to die soon? I don't want Daisey to die.

Mom: Yes she is old and yes she is going to die eventually. But not today or tomorrow.

more crying...

Grant: Ohhhh no!!!! Nana is really old! Is she going to die soon?

Mom: Grant, Nana is not that old and no she is not going to die soon.

Grant: Are you sure?

Mom: Yes, I'm sure.

Work first. Daydream second.

2009-09-29T09:37:00.002-05:00

Grant: I'm going to get all my work done super fast today.

Mom: Ohhh I think that is a great idea.

Grant: And I'm going to try to do it right. Just the way Mrs' Burns tells me too.

Mom: Wonderful!

Grant: I have a plan.

Mom: Really? What is it?

Grant: Work first. Daydream second.

Mom: That is a really good plan.

No it's 5

2009-09-28T11:06:00.004-05:00

Parents were asked by the 1st grade teachers to practice story math problems with their kids as part of homework. Grant and Jeff were sitting at the table having ice cream...

Dad: Grant, what if I had 3 bowls of ice cream, mom had 2, and you had 1. How many bowls of ice cream have been eaten?

Grant: Why would mom have 2 bowls of ice cream?

Dad: It's just pretend. Just tell me how many were eaten.

Grant: But that doesn't make sense. Mom would never eat 2 bowls of ice cream. She doesn't even really like ice cream.

Dad: Grant, it didn't really happen. It's just a story problem. Can you please just tell me how many bowls of ice cream were eaten?

Grant: And why did you get 3 bowls? That's not even fair. I love ice cream just as much as you. Why didn't I get 3 bowls?

Dad: GRANT! I didn't have 3 bowls!

Grant: And what about Maggie? She loves ice cream.

Mom: Grant! What is 3+2+1?

Grant: It's 5.

Dad: No Grant, that is incorrect.

Grant: No it's 5 because I didn't count mom's second bowl. She would never eat 2 bowls.

ARGHHHHHHHHHH! And this is why Grant has trouble in school. Dear Lord please help me. Honestly. I need help.

It's gonna come out...eventually

2009-09-23T10:26:00.005-05:00

Grant: I swallowed a penny today.

Mom: WHAT!?

Grant: I swallowed a penny but I'm ok.

Mom: Why was a penny in your mouth?

Grant: Oh it wasn't. I was laying on the floor and flipping the penny. I flipped too big and it landed in my mouth. Before I could stop it, I swallowed it.

Mom: Grant, that is really dangerous. You could have choked. What did your teacher say?

Grant: Ohhhh I didn't tell her. I had the situation completely under control and I figured she would just send me to the nurse. I didn't want the nurse performing any surgeries on me.

Mom: Nurses can't perform surgery.

Grant: Well, she could have sent me to the doctor and he could have done it. Like I said, I had it under control.

Mom: No one is going to perform any surgeries on you without my permission. But please don't flip pennies laying down anymore.

Grant: OK. And don't worry, it's gonna come out eventually.

Mom: Yes. I know.

Grant: In my poop.

Mom: Yes Grant. I know.

Grant: I'm gonna watch for it.

Mom: I'm sure you will.

Cake, Ice Cream, and Chaos

2009-09-15T10:01:00.010-05:00

Maggie's first birthday was a success...all things considered! It rained. And rained. And rained. And then rained some more.

My house is small. Way too small for the amount of people we had at this party. My intention was for the kids to play in the backyard and the adults to visit inside and out. We finally sent the kids outside to play in the mud pit (formally known as my backyard) and things calmed down for a little while. Oh well, things rarely go as planned. Everyone had fun. Maggie loved all the attention. And the sugar! Oh the sugar! That girl was so hyped up and crazy. Funny stuff.

Check out the rest of the pictures here.

Random Old Guy

2009-09-15T09:55:00.002-05:00

at the Heroes For Children 5K Saturday morning...

Mom: Grant, how did you spill all that orange juice all over you?

Grant: I didn't do it. Some random old guy ran into me.

Pops: Grant, that was me. I ran into you.

Grant: No. It was some other old guy.

The Divine Miss M is one!

2009-09-10T13:15:00.006-05:00

I have a hard time believing that Maggie is turning one in just 2 short days. Wow! What a year.

In honor of Margaret Sue's big day, I am copying both my cousin Christin's blog and Kelly's blog, and have written a few facts about the birthday girl...

Maggie's first word was Dada (daddy). She wasn't necessarily referring to Jeff, but just repeating what we said.

She also says Mama, brother (pronounced duder), mine, uh oh, hush Daisey, no Daisey, and bye bye.

I thought Maggie would never crawl. When she finally did, she wasn't happy about it. She really prefers to be carried everywhere. Now, she is taking a few steps but gets too excited and falls over.

Her nickname is Grumpelstiltskin. And sometimes it's Grumpelchubskin. (She is both grumpy and chubby)

She has an extremely deep voice. Other little girls squeak around and she kind of booms where ever she goes.

She is a great sleeper. I can put her down at 7:00pm and she will sleep until 8:00am.

Her favorite toys are anything of Grant's. Oh, and spoons.

She is a "Mommy's girl." I always thought I would love that (especially since Grant is not a mama's boy at all) but it kind of drives me crazy. If I am in the room, she needs my undivided attention. I know that sounds awful, but it's exhausting.

She has the most beautiful blue eyes and the sweetest smile.

She is very bossy. If she doesn't get her way she falls to the floor or balls her fists up and screams at you.

I put a bow in her hair every morning. She promptly throws it on the floor and says "no."

She loves Daisey so much! And Daisey just sits there and takes all the poking and prodding that she dishes out. She calls her "No Daisey." Sadly, I think she thinks that is her name.

She has the loudest laugh (it sounds a bit like Uncle Steve's laugh. Hmmmm)

For those of you that read some of this last week...sorry. I have added a few new things.

The earth revolves around the sun...not me.

2009-09-08T10:49:00.003-05:00

after watching a movie clip for "Halloween II"...

Grant: Mom, I have got to go see that movie.

Mom: No you don't. It's rated R.

Grant: Mom, you know that I never say any of the bad words they say in movies.

Mom: Yes, I know that but it is also rated R for adult content.

Grant: Adult content? What's that?

Mom: It means the movie contains things that are adult in nature. Meaning only adults are allowed to see them.

Grant: Why would anyone make a movie that I can't see?

Mom: I know this is a strange and foreign concept, but there are other people and things in this world that have absolutely nothing to do with you.

Grant: What? Why?

Mom: Because it's a very big world and it does not revolve around you.

Grant: No, it revolves around the sun.

Mom: Good point.

We really like the missiles best

2009-09-03T11:03:00.009-05:00

On the way to school yesterday...

Leyton: The school store opens today. I forgot to get money.

Grant: Mom, do you have any money for us.

Mom: I might have some change.

I dig around in my purse and give them 50 cents each.

Grant: The missiles are a dollar.

Mom: Well, you've got 50 cents, so get something else.

Leyton: We really like the missiles best.

Mom: I gave you all I have. Maybe next week.

Leyton: Well, could you work harder this week at your job so we can both have a dollar next week.

Mom: I'll do my very best.

Grant: Good, cause 50 cents can't really buy the good stuff.

Mom: Well, it's all I've got so you guys just need to say thank you.

Leyton & Grant: Oh! Thank you! Sorry!

Leyton: But we'd really like more next week.

Mom: Uh huh. I'll try to remember that.

Grant: Good.

Neither boy was being ugly or meaning to be unappreciative in any way. They really were just stating the facts.

Again...where did you hear that?

2009-09-03T10:48:00.004-05:00

OK. So I debated about posting this one. It kind of bothered me a bit but it is still somewhat intriguing. Hmmmm. What to do? Post it, I guess.

At Academy Sports & Outdoors buying new shoes for Grant...

Grant: These shoes are awesome. I don't want to take them off!

Mom: Well, I've got to pay for them so take them off.

Grant: But they're like a drug. I just can't give them up.

Mom: I'm sorry? They're like what?

Grant: A drug. I don't want to give them up. I just need them!

Mom: Grant, where did you hear that?

Grant: Why do you always ask me that question? It's just a saying.

Mom: It's not just a saying...at least not one a 6 year old should be using.

Grant: Oh. Why not?

Mom: Because drug use and addiction is something you should not be joking about. Especially at 6.

Grant: Oh. I didn't know that's what I was doing. Sorry. Drugs are not good.

Mom: No they are not so let's don't use that saying anymore.

Grant: OK. What am I supposed to use?

Mom: I'm sure you'll think of something.

I am losing it

2009-09-02T20:25:00.002-05:00

Yes. The "Maggie is one" post was an accident. Seriously, I am losing it. I had 15 extra minutes of down time at work today and I thought I'd get the Maggie post written. I have been so busy and I see no end in sight. I'm afraid that M's birthday will suffer because of all the craziness that I have going on. I was trying to get ahead of the game. So much for that.

Aghhhhh!

Anger Issues

2009-08-30T08:16:00.002-05:00

Mom: Grant, you and Leyton have GOT to stop fighting so much.

Grant: We can't help it.

Mom: Oh yes you can help it. He's your best friend. Why are you guys so mean to each other? Both of you refuse to compromise on anything.

Grant: It's not my fault. I have anger issues.

Mom: You have what? Who told you that you have anger issues?

Grant: Nobody. I told me.

Mom: But where did you hear it?

Grant: From me. When I just said it.

Mom: Grant, I don't think you came up with that on your own. Did you hear it on TV?

Grant: I did come up with it. I'm really smart.

Mom: Yes, you are smart. But you do not have anger issues.

Grant: Oh I think I do.

Mom: You don't. You and Leyton just both like things done your way. You have to learn to compromise and not fight.

Grant: Well, I sometimes have anger issues.

Mom: We all have anger issues sometimes.

Constant Entertainment

2009-08-24T16:01:00.003-05:00

Background noise in our house...

Please excuse the horrible mess that is my house. I'm embarrassed to say that it is not much cleaner now. Hopefully things will calm down soon and I can at least get things presentable.

Dear Lord, please keep the grasshopper safe

2009-08-21T11:39:00.002-05:00

A grasshopper landed on the hood of my car while dropping Maggie off at daycare...

Grant: Mom, look at that grasshopper! He's gonna get hurt if you go too fast.

Mom: I bet he will jump off when I stop.

Grant: He didn't jump off! He's gonna fly off and hit the windshield and die! You have to stop!!

By this time we are on the highway

Grant: You are going too fast! Slow down!

Mom: Grant, I'm on the highway. I can't slow down too much.

Grant: Dear Lord, please keep the grasshopper safe. Don't let mom kill it.

Mom: Grant! It won't be my fault!

Grant: Yes it will. All you have to do is pull over and help it.

Mom: I'm on the highway. There is nowhere for me to pull over.

Grant: Dear Lord, please keep the grasshopper safe. Don't let mom kill it.

Mom: Fine.

Grant is now in panic mode. I pull over. I will never hear the end of it of I don't.

Grant: (sticking his head out the window) Did you get it? Where is he?

Mom: He flew in front of the car.

Grant: Mom! You are going to run over him! Move him!

Mom: I'm trying.

Cars are flying by at warp speed.

Grant: Well, be careful. And don't let him poop in your hand. A grasshopper pooped in Cameron's hand once.

Mom: He's not going to poop.

Grant: Well, just get him out of the way. And watch out for poop.

Mom: Grant, I'm trying. And quit talking about poop.

I get the grasshopper to safety.

Grant: Thanks mom.

Mom: You are welcome.

I then realize I've stepped in mud. Perfect! I'm late for work because of a stupid grasshopper. AND I'm covered in mud. Great. Just great.

I want to be a part of it, New York, New York!

2009-08-19T11:37:00.015-05:00

OK. It would take me a week to write down everything that happened the last 6 days while on our NYC trip and nobody really wants to read all that. So I thought I would just share with you a few of the funny things Grant said while we were gone...

at the airport
"Steve, you know, I've never been to New York before. This is all pretty new to me."

in the crown of The Statue of Liberty
"I think it's time to go down now cause I'm freaking out."

at Dylan's Candy Bar referring to Serendipity's
"I'm glad we stopped here. That other place was so uncandyish."

in the subway
"The only problem with the subway is having to sit by all these random people."

looking at the huge dinosaur in Toys R Us on Time Square
"Are you kidding me? Is this the greatest city or what?"

during intermission of BILLY ELLIOT
"Why did the play stop? It's not over."

after seeing BILLY ELLIOT
"I'd really like to be Billy's friend."

to my mom, when talking about Rockefeller Center
"I'd like to meet Mr. Rockefeller when I go there."

talking about the Swarovski crystals in Rockefeller Center
"This building is gorgeous. Just gorgeous. Look at all these beautiful diamonds."

looking at The Chrysler Building from the Top of the Rock
"Oh I hope we are not going to The Chrysler Building cause mom says Annie sings there."

in Uncle Steve's apartment
"Steve's apartment is great but I'd like it a lot better if it had a bedroom."

walking down the street
"Hey look! There's a hobo."

at The American Museum of Natural History in response to my saying "That's a petrified tree."
"Petrified? It's scared?"

at Hayden Planetarium
"I'm not criticizing or anything, but why are we watching a movie on the ceiling? That's just crazy."

on the way home after a very long day
"If taxis were free, I'd totally take one right now."

coming out of the elevator at The Empire State Building after the nice man let Grant run the levers
"I can't believe I drove an elevator. I've never even driven an elevator before."

Click here to see all our pictures of the trip. It really was amazing to see the city through Grant.

Crazy

2009-08-10T22:41:00.002-05:00

Dad: Star Wars is on tonight. Do you want to watch it with me?

Grant: I can't. I'm grounded tonight.

Dad: Why? What did you do?

Grant: I was disrespectful and rude at the doctor's office today.

Dad: Why would you be that way?

Grant: Oh I don't know. You know I just go all crazy sometimes. I guess I was just out of my mind.

Dad: Well, lets try to stay in our right mind from now on.

Grant: I'm trying.

Funkytown

2009-08-06T12:18:00.003-05:00

I went into Grant's room last night to put up some laundry. Grant had his iPod in and was singing as loud as he could..

"Won't you take me to Funkytown. Won't you take me to Funkytooown. Talk about it. Talk about it. Yeaaa."

He was dancing and shaking his hips. There was quite a bit of finger pointing too. I snuck out before he saw me.

The next time I walked in I heard...

"Somebody call 911. Shawty Fire Burning on the dance floor. Whoa."

He saw me this time.

Grant: Hey. Did you see my moves?

Mom: I did. They were pretty awesome.

Grant: Yea. I need to go to a club to dance.

Mom: I don't think they have clubs for 6 year olds.

Grant: How old do I have to be?

Mom: 21.

Grant: Hmmmm. Well I'm almost there.

Mom: You'll be there before you know it.

He resumed dancing.

Rocket Man

2009-08-03T10:37:00.003-05:00

Mom: What do you think you and Grandad are going to do today?

Grant: Oh, I hope we are going to fly into space on a rocket!

Mom: Hmmm. I'm not sure that Grandad has the capability to take you into space on a rocket.

Grant: Well, that's what I want to do today. I'm ready to start my job.

Mom: Your job? What do you mean?

Grant: My job as an astronaut. I'm pretty sure that I'm ready for it now. And then I can move on to training whales. Then I've got to invent something when I become a scientist. And then I'll coach baseball. I should get started now.

Mom: That's a lot of stuff. You probably should get started now.

Baby Maggie

2009-07-31T22:01:00.004-05:00

Grant: Do you get sad when your kids get older?

Mom: Yes. Sometimes.

Grant: I can see why parents sometimes get sad because babies are just so cute and sweet. I love baby Maggie.

Mom: And she loves you.

Lovin Life

2009-07-27T11:32:00.003-05:00

To Uncle Jeff:

Grant: I have the power to make it rain ice cream in Hawaii.

Uncle Jeff: You do?

Grant: Yep. And I invented a time traveller.

Uncle Jeff: You did? That's cool.

Grant: And I invented a robot with $6.

Uncle Jeff: Whoaa! A robot? No way!

Grant: And everyone in the world paid me $6 for inventing the time traveller.

Uncle Jeff: I wish I had $6 from everyone in the world.

Grant: Yea, if you were me, you'd be lovin life right now.

Conversations with Nana

2009-07-24T23:02:00.004-05:00

Just a few of the conversations Grant and Nana had this week...

Part 1

Grant: Slugbug!

Nana: What?

Grant: Slugbug! I just saw a bug drive by.

Nana: Ohhh

Grant: Did you know that everyone drives those cars in China.

Nana: Everyone in China drives a Volkswagen? Are you sure?

Grant: Yep. Well, except for the president. He drives a Mustang.

Nana: He does? Why does he get a Mustang?

Grant: Cause he's the boss.

Nana: Well, that's not very fair.

Grant: Nana, life is not very fair sometimes.

Nana: Good point.

Side note: Grant thinks the Mustang is "just about the best car in the whole world." He would really like a Shelby when he grows up, but will settle for a GT.

Part 2

Nana: Grant, can you put your plate in the sink?

Grant: Oh Nana, I have to do that at my house ALL the time. When I come to your house, you always do that stuff for me.

Nana: You're right Grant. I normally do, but we are kind of in a hurry. Do you think you can do it just this one time.

Grant: Oh Nana, I don't think I can.

Nana: No? OK, I'll get it for you.

Hmmmmm

Running is for Crazy People!

2009-07-22T13:54:00.010-05:00

Grant has been at my parent's house this week so I've had nothing to post. I have started a new project that I'm sure that most of you have heard about...

Team In Training! I'm really excited about it and it's such a good cause! Click here to donate to my fundraising campaign. I hate having to ask people for money but it has to be done and it's not actually for me. And it's the only way to save lives! Remember it's tax deductible and we really need your help!! No amount is too small!

I've also started a new blog to chronicle my my training. I'm trying to be brutally honest without embarrassing myself too much.

Check it out:

Running is for Crazy People

Leave your comments! Encouraging things only please!

Anger Management

2009-07-16T13:25:00.008-05:00

I am a working mom. I have always been a working mom. I will always be a working mom. My children are daycare babies. They are good kids. Well-rounded. Smart. I have many friends, both working and stay-at-home, and they all have wonderful children. I do not believe that whether or not the mother works defines the child. Ohhh But I digress...

While standing in line for Harry Potter yesterday, I experienced the most anger I think I have ever felt toward a complete stranger. Grant and I were patiently waiting behind many people, including a woman and her 3 children, when a group of kids came out of the theater. They were obviously there on a field trip and were all extremely well behaved. I probably wouldn't even have noticed them if it weren't for the woman in front of us. I will refer to her as "Holier Than Thou" from this point on.

Holier Than Thou: Look at those poor children over there. They all have to go to daycare because their mothers work.

Child: Why would their mothers work? Why wouldn't they just stay home with them?

Holier Than Thou: I guess because their mothers just don't want to have to take care of them all day. Being a mom is very hard.

Child: Oh

Holier Than Thou: Yes. Look at them. They all have bags under their eyes because they wake up at 6am to be carted off to daycare and are probably there for 12 hours.

Child: That's sad.

Holier Than Thou: Yes, that is very sad. But don't you worry. I would never do that to you.

Child: Good.

Everyone around us heard this horrible exchange of hateful words. Holier Than Thou was not speaking in a quiet voice. The kids on the field trip were looking down, trying not to make eye contact with her. I wanted to scream! And cry.

Grant: What's wrong with daycare?

Mom: Absolutely nothing! Working moms generally do it to provide a better life for their children. Most have no choice. But look how well-behaved those children are! And look at you! You are a great kid and you've always gone to daycare!

Grant: Yep! I am great!

Mom: Yep!

Honestly, I was so angry at that stupid woman! I really had to stop, take a breath, and calm myself. Me going psycho would not have been such a great message to the kids either. I really wrote this in hopes that some of that anger would go away, but no, I am still angry.

New York State of Mind

2009-07-15T09:43:00.011-05:00

Most of you know that Grant and I are going on a mother and son trip to NYC in August. Yes, I know it is still quite some time away, but in the words of Grant…”I’m so stinkin excited. I can’t stop thinking about it!”

Grant has been putting together a list of things he wants to do and see while there. He is the main creator of this list. I’ve just helped out on a few things here and there.

Go to the top of The Empire State Building.
Climb to the crown of The Statue of Liberty.
Ride the subway.
See the dinosaur at The American Museum of Natural History.
Look at the stars at the Hayden Planetarium.
Go to Rockefeller Center.
Ride The Roosevelt Island Tram and hope that Spiderman has to save us.
Go see a show.
Buy a toy at FAO Swartz.
Go to the Central Park Zoo.
Ride the carousel in Central Park.
Explore Belvedere Castle.
Eat in Chinatown.
See The Chrysler Building shine.
Go to see the art (I think he means the met).
See the lights in Time Square.

What do you think? Good list, right? Can we cram it all in?

Grant has been filling the above cans with his money and spare change for the trip.

Conversations with Maggie

2009-07-13T21:29:00.007-05:00

Conversations with Maggie go something like this...

Mom: Mag, let's go change your diaper.

Maggie: No! No! No! No!

or...

Mom: It's nap time.

Maggie: Oh No! No! No! No!

or my favorite...

Maggie: (reaching for the dog bowls, remote or anything she's not supposed to have) No! No! No! No!

Some of Maggie's favorite pastimes...

I'm not sure how they got behind her bed

Smiling at the pretty baby on the dishwasher

One of her favorite toys...Batman

Another favorite...dinosaurs

And probably her most favorite of all...a tarantula

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

2009-07-12T07:50:00.003-05:00

While playing Indiana Jones Legos on the Wii...

Grant: Mom! You need to be Short Guy to do this part. Turn into Short Guy.

Mom: His name is Short Round.

Grant: Yea Yea Yea. That's what I said.

Anyone who remembers this movie, will realize how funny that statement was.

Poop Goes the Weasel

2009-07-09T11:42:00.003-05:00

Grant: (singing to Maggie) Poop goes the weasel. Poop goes the weasel.

Mom: Grant, why poop? Does everything have to be about poop?

Grant: She pooped! What else am I supposed to sing?

Mom: Why didn't you just tell me she pooped so I could change her?

Grant: Ohhhh you'd smell it eventually.

Grounded for Life

2009-07-08T11:13:00.002-05:00

We are on the 2nd day of Grant's 2 week punishment. I won't get into what or why (no need for my blood pressure to rise this early in the day) but he's not allowed TV or Wii while grounded. Grant is a pretty good kid overall. Sure he does the normal boy stuff that keeps him in a bit of trouble but never anything major. Well, hardly ever...

This was kind of major. Mostly it's a lesson about responsibility and respect. I'm finding those are hard things to teach. You wouldn't think so, but they are.

I've had a few observations in the last couple of days that I would like to share:

No TV and no Wii is a punishment for the entire family.
Grant didn't even flinch when I punished him. Not because he didn't care, but because he felt he deserved it. He cried for a solid hour yesterday morning.
We have all been extremely productive the last 2 days. Our house is small, so like I said, no TV means all of us. Last night I got a ton of clothes marked for the upcoming garage sale and I cleaned out my linen closet. And this morning I got dressed, did 2 loads of laundry, and unloaded the dishwasher all before the kids were awake. I normally get side tracked with the news or Good Morning America. Grant has read 2 books and put together 3 Lego Star Wars ships.
Grant asked me last night if he saved his money again and maybe sold a few of his things in the garage sale, could he replace the item in question. I said yes.
Secretly I want to just give in and replace it myself. I feel bad for him. But I won't. I'll be a good parent. Teach the lesson.
Trying to be a good parent really sucks sometimes.

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-05T22:32:00.011-05:00

Hot! Hot! Hot!

My friend Trinity and I took the kids to the parade at 10:30am on July 4th. We, of course, arrived right at 10:30, so any and all spots that had shade were taken. It was 102 degrees! The kids were ready to go home within 5 minutes. Did I mention that it was hot? But, we kept our eye on the prize...the Killis Melton Ice Cream Crank Off in downtown McKinney. Tasting began at noon. Since the parade was done by 10:50am (yep, that's right folks - 20 minutes), we had some time to fill. Lemonade and french fries at Herbie's Soda Shop! We sat down for a bit and cooled off. If you could call it cooling off. I don't think the a/c was working at Herbie's, but at least we were out of the sun. Again, 102 outside! At 15 till 12:00, we decided to venture off to the Ice Cream Crank Off. In previous years it has always been held on the square. Convenient and reasonable, since that is the parade route. But no!! Not this year! This year it was several blocks off the square in a gigantic parking lot. No trees! No shade! 102 degrees people! Now, I doubt we would have even decided to make the trek to the ice cream if we would have known how far away it was, but alas, we did not. So off we go following the signs, 4 kids in tow, in the 102 degree heat. Now, I know that I've mentioned the heat a few times, but I just want you to understand the gravity of the situation. We finally make it to the ice cream! But lines! Oh the lines! They were a mile long for a sample. An itty bitty sample! I wasn't sure who would have the meltdown first...the kids or parents! Anyway, we decided to just go to Sonic for ice cream. Seemed reasonable, right? But we had to get back to the car (which I swear was 10 miles away)!

A few things I heard along the way...

Leyton: This is the worst 4th of July ever! The worst!

and...

Grant: I wish our car had a remote and I could press a button to make it just come to us. This walking stuff is no fun! I'm not going to make it.

and...

Leyton: Why didn't you bring some water?

Jessica: I just wasn't thinking.

Leyton: You should be better prepared next time.

Jessica: Me? What about your Mom? She didn't bring water either!

Leyton: I know. Neither of you prepared for this. I think I'm dying!

Jessica: Well, please don't die.

And poor Maddox! When we finally made it to Sonic for ice cream, he ordered water. That's it!

I think Maggie might have been the only one who really enjoyed the parade!

Disclaimer: I was watching closely to ensure that she did not poke her eye out!! No need for calls regarding my parenting skills!

Suggestive Advertising

2009-07-02T10:01:00.003-05:00

Blue Bell Ice Cream commercial on the radio...

Grant: I've heard that commercial a million times.

Mom: Yea, me too. Does it make you want some ice cream?

Grant: Why is it that commercials always say that they are the very best and that you should go out and buy that right away? Everything can't be the very best.

Mom: That is a very wise observation. Advertisers want you to think what they are selling is the best so you will go out and buy their product.

Grant: You said I was wise.

Mom: You are wise.

Grant: Why am I wise?

Mom: Because that was a very smart and grownup observation regarding commercials.

Grant: Oh. Yea, I am pretty wise.

Baddddd!

2009-07-01T11:56:00.002-05:00

I've changed the names on this one to protect the innocent.

Grant: John quit smoking.

Mom: I know! Isn't it great!

Grant: Yep. But he wants a cigarette baddddd.

Mom: How do you know that?

Grant: Cause he said "I need a cigarette baddddd!"

Mom: Well, it's really hard to quite smoking.

Grant: Yea, I'm not sure he's gonna beat it. (He sounds like a 40 year old man when he says this.)

Mom: You don't think so? Oh I think he will. It's just really hard.

Grant: I hope he beats it. It's just gonna be really tough. (Again, wise beyond his years.)

Age is just a number...

2009-06-30T11:20:00.002-05:00

Grant: I'm pretty much just pretending I'm seven now. I don't even feel six.

Mom: You don't? Why not?

Grant: Because I'm actually taller than a lot of six year olds. (Grant is average. Not tall. Not short.)

Mom: Who are you taller than?

Grant: Evan. He only comes up to here (pointing to his chin). And Jacob. He only comes up to here (pointing to his nose). And Zoe. She's just a little shorter than me but still.

Mom: What about Leyton? Isn't he taller than you? Do you think he feels seven too?

Grant: Well, Leyton is waaaaaay older than me! That's why he is taller. But he proably feels seven too.

Mom: He's two weeks older.

Grant: Yea, waaaaaay older.

Mom: I think he's taller because his mom is super tall.

Grant: No, I don't think that's it. He's just older.

I wish

2009-06-29T08:26:00.003-05:00

Leyton: Grant, I'm going to look for a dandelion to make a wish. I'm going to wish that we can have a playdate everyday!

Grant: Yea! That's a great idea!

I overheard this conversation last night while the boys where playing outside. It was just too sweet not to post.

Thanks again for the great picture Trinity!

I'm not a Zorgon

2009-06-28T11:40:00.003-05:00

Grant: I'm starving. I need some more food.

Mom: You just ate?

Grant: Well, I just need a little snack. I'm not a Zorgon or anything.

Mom: I'm sorry?

Grant: (rolling eyes) A Zorgon. It's an alien who eats everything it sees. (Duh!)

Mom: I guess that it's a good thing you're not a Zorgon.

What story or movie has a Zorgon in it, I don't know. He could have made it up. I don't always ask...sometimes I'm afraid of the answer.