While on a walk to the post office a few dyas ago, I noticed a rather large stick in my 4yr old son's hands.  I asked him where he got it from.  He said he found it in the front yard.

"That's interesting," I mused, "since we don't have any trees that big in our front yard."

"Maybe God threw it down for us." was his matter-of-fact reply.

Just maybe He did, to bring delight into the hands of a 4 year old boy!

Today's quote is courtesy of my 4yr old:

"When I have a cold, my smell is bumpy."

I love how kids think!

"When I grow up I want to fiddle around with wires."

The above quote was said by my soon-to-be 8yr old son after playing with a new science kit from Christmas.

My response:
"Maybe you can be an electrician...as long you're safe!"

As we began our dinner the other night, gathered around the table, 9yr old Raven began our dinner conversation by saying this:

"I think I've finally figured out how to get people to Mars."

(My response was "What, with a big sling shot?!" which, of course evoked laughter.)

What followed was a discussion on space travel.  What impressed me most about his statement, though, was that he had actually been thinking about how to get people to Mars!  And that he'd 'finally figured it out'!  Should I be amazed? Well, I am. I've never given a fleeting thought to space travel!

His solution, by the way, was solar power.

I finally have it!
A great comeback for the 'socialization' question.

Hubby is out and about as part of his job.  He sees many different people during his day and since he's an extrovert, he has many conversations.  Often they're interesting and often he gets questions about homeschooling.  He has become quite tired of people asking "What about socialization?".  If you've homeschooled for any length of time, that is the #1 question people ask.
Well, he was asked that again yesterday and his reply was this:

"Isn't it a shame that you are more concerned with  my children's  'socialization' than you are their academics?"

He did go on to say more, explaining that the family is a better place for being 'socialized' as there are all different ages.  He usually says something about 'being in a room with 30 people your own age all day, isn't normal'.

I thought that was an original thing to say, especially when you've answered the question so many times.

I don't mind if you want to borrow it the next time somebody questions you.

First, I'll give some background:
My sons had a small flashlight that did not require batteries. It was one where all you do is shake it to recharge it.  It became broken.  I know not how, but I think it involved Skylark, who is 3.  It was in pieces and Kingfisher was attempting to fix it.  I came over to see what he was doing and this is what he said:

"Don't worry mom, I know what I'm doing." 

He's 6. 

This caused me to ponder on a couple of things.

First: He knows I worry about him hurting himself.
Well, he may not really know that I worry, but he assumed I thought he'd get injured.  I'm the Mama, it's my job!

Second: He has everything under control.
He doesn't actually, but the key is that he wants me to trust him.  This idea is true not just of our sons, but also our husbands.  They want us to know that they are capable, we can trust them and even if they don't know what they are doing, they will figure it out!

My young 6 year old will probably repeat his phrase many times on his journey to manhood.  It will be hard, but I will have to step back and go "OK".  All the time I will be hoping and praying that he does know what he's doing, that he doesn't forget what he's been taught and that he's given his control over to the Master.

I walked away, chuckling to myself,
Don't worry son, I'll leave it in your capable hands. (I wouldn't know the first thing about fixing it anyhow!)

This is a reluctant post today and you will see why.  It is only for the humour factor that I share this.
Just a little bit of background, my toddler, who is the author of this quote, is in the midst of the toilet training process.
While talking about his baby sister he said, "She has a little baby bum." About himself, he said," I have a big boy bum." and then without hesitation he announced: "And Mama has a big, huge, bum!" (Yes, the emphasis was his!) 
Thank-you dear, how kind of you to notice!
Well, if you can't laugh at yourself....!

From my 8 year old son:
"I can't wait until I can eat again!"
He already eats more than me some days.  How much will he consume as a teenager? Scary! And I have 3 boys. Hubby will need 3 jobs to keep them fed!