Magic or not?

Dad has been debating with Kate for some time over what constitutes actual magic. Making M&Ms disappear used to be magic, but Kate doubts the validity of that claim these days. Grandaddy sending M&Ms to her via video chat from his library in Utah? Not magic; that's technology.

We reached a milestone this morning while dad was making chocolate appear in the milk already in Kate's glass. The exchange went something like this:

Dad: Voila! Now there is chocolate in your milk.

Kate: No, it was already there. I saw it.

D: It's magic or I take it away.

K [heaves a prolonged sigh]: Okay, it's magic.

Teach them young

Given half a chance to sit in dad's car, Jane goes straight for the driver's seat. Someday soon, she'll be tall enough to reach the clutch. Happy Father's Day.

See Jane's dog

The pup is growing well and fitting a schedule quite well these days. Cassie does particularly well with Jane, who really isn't intimidated by a frenetic beast larger than she.



Jane's current feelings on the subject.



And Stephanie's.

Parenting Advice from Kate and More

After a particularly difficult day when Kate was put down to bed early for not following directions AGAIN, I went to discuss our reasons with her and comfort her:

S: "You know, even though I was upset that you didn't follow my directions, I still love you."

K: "It's not about love, Mom, it's about consequences."

I also recently found a note where I scrawled a Katism from a couple of weeks ago in my church bag:

K: "You know, there are spirits of dinosaurs all around us."

No swimming

Kate: Even if you made a river of death, I wouldn't go swimming in it.

Word association

As a reward for working very hard on his homework, Andy earned a trip to "the DQ." He almost gave it up, though, as he ran over to dad, who asked: "Did you finish writing your story?"

Andy: Yeah!

D: Want to go get ice cream?

A (suddenly looking very serious and concerned): No shot, Dad. No shot.

I guess we've used ice cream to counter too many doctor visits. We'll have to find another medicine.

Cassandra

So we bought a family dog.



We welcome Cassandra, who tested at a solid 3.5 on the personality scale employed by our neighbor, who lists professional therapy dog trainer on her resume. The first week has been really fun. All pups are excitable, prone to accidents, and anxious at night, however, Cassie has been great. She sleeps through the night. She recognizes Steph as the alpha dog. And a majority of the kids love playing with her.

She's a lab, 11 weeks old, and a gorgeous black all over.