Streams of Consciousness

While kids are learning to communicate they will often speak whatever is on their minds. And that's great, because we (adults) could all use a little more honesty. In what we say, for sure, and even to say more! My mom would always ask us, "How was your day at school?" and then parrot our uninformative answer back to us, typically like a neanderthal, "GOOOOOD." She wanted a better answer, and some days a more honest answer, and really, just wanted to know what was on our minds.

Our kids are little now, and will say what comes to mind without reservation. Like Hugh the other day. My birthday is coming up and the Jess asked him, "What should we get daddy for this birthday?"
He thought for a moment, then said, "Some hair."
"Why would we get him that?" (holding back laughter)
"He could use a little bit more."
"Where would get this hair?"
"From a horse!"

Ahhh, honesty : ) But why not? Horses do indeed have hair to spare.

Sometimes the words come before thinking much about them. Miah is often heard saying, "I'm not so happy 'bout this," which is often an expression of how she's feeling. Though sometimes it is just the first words out of her mouth. Recently I asked her if she wanted to do something good - it was get dessert or play some game - and she almost instinctively says, "I'm not so happy about this . . ," then pauses, "oh wait, yes I am!"

Honestly is also in the eye of the beholder. Hugh was telling me the other night of things he would do all by himself, when he got big. That is hard for me to think about, he is my little guy! He told me, "I'll be able to drive a car. And lift heavy things . . .  like milk." Those gallon jugs ain't light! : )

Another funny one happen this past weekend when Gramps and Nana came to visit. Gramps was helping me run some new wires in the house, and by "helping" I mean "he's the one who can actually wire things without shocking himself or starting fires", and by "me" I mean "he basically did it all."  At dinner Hugh said, "If we finish our food quickly, we can go play. Gramps, if you finish your food, you can go back to work!"

Which he did. Gramps crushed it that weekend! We like hearing these things and hope there will be plenty more conversations with our kids in the years to come. Who knows what we'll learn from them next. Also, if you see any horses, particularly one with a nice, flowing, brown mane, don't be shy about speaking your mind ; )