Funnies

I need to make sure I document this here...

When we were at the lake for our vacation Madeline started this thing where she would introduce our family to people at the lodge and she would say that she was "born of her Mommy and Daddy, Tyler and Allison." I don't question where she comes up with this stuff...I just smile and nod.

When we got back she got a serious face one night and said she had a weird question to ask me. She wanted to know if she was really "born of" Tyler and I or if she had been "born of a King and Queen." I told her that she was ours and she asked how she could be a princess if she was "born of commoners."

I had to think quick so I told her the truth- that she was not born a princess but that I believed that some princess were princesses because they were princesses in their hearts. I explained that she was smart, kind, brave, gracious, and all of the things that a princess is supposed to be so she was a princess in her heart. A true princess. Please understand that she has ALWAYS introduced herself as "Princess Madeline" and I was not about to let that stop. She seems happy with that explanation. When we went to her school's open house I pointed out the Superintendent to her and she went right up to him, curtsied, and introduced herself to him as Princess Madeline.

And, as a side note, while Princess Madeline is at school guess what I discovered about Tucker?! He can TALK! A LOT! He makes very full intelligent sentences and we have nice conversations with one another. Our dear friend Emily helped me with Tucker the other day and she had no idea he could talk. She said they had such a great time together playing trains and talking! Emily is one of Madeline's very favorite people and Emily gives her so much time and attention when she comes. Tucker LOVED having Emily all to himself.

Madeline is doing great this week at kindergarten. When she's happy I'm happy. I volunteered at the school office Tuesday. I think every parent should have to spend at least an hour in the office. It helped me so much. I saw that the school secretary knows every single person that walks through that door. And every person she does not know had better be prepared to fully explain why they are there and leave their keys with her if she asks for them. I learned that she knows every single student there and the names of their parents. I know that I made muffins and that she took one at 9:30 and did not get a chance to eat it until 1 when I was leaving. I am going to help Madeline's teacher tomorrow morning.

One last funny about Madeline...when I told her about her Daddy's new job and how proud I am of him she asked if his new job meant we weren't commoners anymore. She wanted to know if we would be able to buy her more toys. The answer was NO.

OH, and I want to tell on myself about something. I am 34 years old and for all of my years I never understood why people used the "spare the rod, spoil the child" verse when defending the use of corporal punishment. I have ALWAYS interpreted that as a suggestion, not a warning. A suggestion that one SHOULD spare the rod and INSTEAD spoil their child. Oops.