Comments from the kids.

I've said it before, and I'll probably say it again, but life with four young girls sure can generate tons of laughter. We've been traveling around Southern California visiting with family before we head out of the state for our big, 27-state, 9-week, cross-country trek. During the week, Beth and Emily have come up with some real zingers. Two that have stuck in my mind are detailed below.

Emily and Katelynn have taken advantage lately of Papa's agreement to pay a nickel for each rock they pick out of the backyard. Apparently, a previous tenant dumped an aquarium in the back yard, turquoise rocks and all. Papa just hasn't had the time to get to the tedious job of picking the tiny blue stones out of the dirt, but found a few willing volunteers in my two oldest daughters. (Beth has even joined in for a few quarters worth.) Emily was proudly spending a few of her hard earned dollars at Michael's the other night. When the cashier handed her the change, Emily proudly announced to all who were in earshot. "Yeah! Now I have some cents." Well, if you say that last sentence aloud, you'll realize why the cashier and I burst out into laughter. I still giggle when I remember her look of pride.

This next little tidbit comes from Beth, who often amazes me with her understanding of the world around her. It may not be appropriate for young children. (Rich, Mel, read ahead of the kids... *grin*) Much to my disappointment, Hailey decided shortly after her first birthday that she was done nursing. I've been quite sad to let go of that part of our relationship, but thought we had moved on. Well, for whatever reason, my chest has all of a sudden become quite fascinating to Hailey again. While in the grocery cart, she'll "honk" both sides and grin like an idiot. I just about fainted in Albertson's when she did that the first time. So while running errands with Hailey and Beth this week, Hailey reached down and patted me a few times. I tried to divert her attention elsewhere when Beth pipes up "Mommy, she's milking you like a cow!"

It took me a little while to convince Beth that the tears running down my face were not because I was sad. Rather, I was laughing so hard that I began to cry. I definitely need to remember moments like these when the times get tough. :)