Don't Compliment Hank

Beware of saying anything nice to my son.

Each evening Hank is anxious to show Joe how well his reading skills have improved throughout the day. Hank's face breaks out in a mile-wide grin when Dad says, "Hey, Hank, want to read me a book?" Hank dashes to a basket designated for library books or a near bookshelf and grabs something he's worked on that day, settles into Joe's lap, and reads away.

Last night this scene played out almost exactly as written above and later, when Hank read the final words, closed his book, and leaned back against Joe awaiting his praise, Joe enthusiastically hugged Hank and said, "Wow, Hank, that was such great reading!"

Hank grinned and, without missing a beat, came back with, "Dad, you smell like worms."

Madeleine's Future Husband: Beware

While sitting around our dining room table eating lunch today Madeleine, out of nowhere, blurts out, When I have kids someday, if I get a girl I'm going to give her fairies in her room, you know, like wallpaper? And if I get a boy I'll do, like, soccer balls.

That sounds interesting, Madeleine, I respond.

And then Hank chimes in, If I get a girl I'll paint her room pink with purple fairies.

I think a purple room with pink fairies would be better, responds the older, and in her eyes, wiser sister.

Well Hank, are you going to let your wife help decide what your kids' rooms should look like? I ask.

Hank thinks for a moment, Yes, she can help.

Well, Madeleine declares, when I get married and have kids my husband is not helping me decorate our kids' rooms. He'll be at work.