P's and Q's

Friday evening Sam is going to dinner and the symphony with a gaggle of other preteens. Our neighbor, who is preternaturally patient and passionate about the arts, is chaperoning.

I look at it as a good opportunity for Sam to socialize in an environment that doesn't allow atomic drops or choke slams, and a chance to practice table manners while using real utensils and cloth napkins.

Although it may be Jake that needs help with table manners. During lunch over the weekend he actually wiped his nose on his hot dog bun.

What Is Love

Ever since she could speak Abby has been in love with Caleb, a classmate she's known since she started day care. This fall Caleb left day care to attend a neighborhood preschool, so Abby only sees him on Sunday at church. Most Sundays she prepares notes, drawings or wrapped trinkets to bring to him. And her love does not fade.

Last night we were coloring at the dining table when she told me we should invite Caleb over, move all my candles to the middle of the table, and they could be "romantic" with each other.

"Abby, I know you love Caleb, but why do you love him? What makes you love him instead of another of your classmates?" I asked, not really expecting any relevant answer.

"He's kind. He's funny. I love his curly hair. And when I look in his eyes I see my life."

Maybe she's on to something.

Lost

Jake lost his first tooth last night. It was so loose and wiggly I think a stiff breeze could've blown it out. But late last night he got tired of it, gave it one hard push with his tongue and out it came.

This morning he had $3 from the Tooth Fairy. According to his classmates, $3 is quite a bit for a tooth.

I bet the Tooth Fairy really had to scramble to come up with $3 cash on a Sunday night.

Something Funny

So yesterday afternoon, driving home from school, Jake asked me, in all seriousness, "When I have a girlfriend, can I call her Jugs?"

If you're lucky, my friend.

Halloween Tricks

I'm not sure what got into me (or didn't get into me) but we kind of ignored Halloween this year. I have tubs full of decorations that remained in storage, the few scattered pumpkins on our porch were never carved, candy was bought at the last minute.

Maybe I was picking up on Sam's disinterest - maybe he was picking up on mine - but he didn't want a costume or want to trick or treat this year. Neither did Jake until he saw Abby, who was oblivious to our lack of Halloween spirit.

Eventually Jake donned a costume and he and I made a few loops through our neighborhood.

And it was a beautiful night. The air was cool and crisp, there was a sliver of a moon, the trick or treaters were friendly and excited, neighbors chatted on the sidewalk.

And now, midweek, the costumes have been put away, the candy has been picked through and a cold front is on its way.

Time to work on the Christmas spirit.

Perfect Sense

Felix the Cat was snuggling with Abby and me early this morning. When he yawned inches from Abby's face, she scrunched up her nose, waved her hand in front of her face and said, "Whew, Felix! You smell like cupcakes."

"If he smells like cupcakes, that would be a good smell," I told her.

"Not if the cupcakes had fish on top," she said.