From the mouths of babes...

For my mother, who insists that I record such things.

Ashton finished her inaugural year of CCD after dropping out last year. A year from now she'll be making first communion, and managed to overcome her nerves regarding this situation when I mentioned "new dress, party and gifts". Sadly, reconciliation (confession) must come first, and there is no dress, party or present. She's understandably not thrilled, but it was not fear of having a chat with Fr. Jan or remembering which prayer goes where that has her on edge. No, she hemmed and hawed and finally admitted "But Momma, I've taken a LOT of stuff". It's a relief to know I'm not crazy - things really are disappearing on a regular basis.

The trend continued when an actions and consequences activity at school involved listing a few things that she had done wrong at home and what had happened.

A: And for one I said you spanked me!
E: (silently, Oh God) For what?
A: I don't remember.
E: Seriously, what did you say I spanked you for?
A: Hmmmm.... Momma, it's too hard to remember.
E: Well, let's go through the list. Can't be too much, right?
A: Oh Momma, there is. I filled all the lines on the paper except the last two!

Increasingly verbal and yet with a slightly more limited vocabulary, interaction with Sage can be either lightness and joy or an exercise in biting one's tongue. She hasn't been feeling well, and had a bit of a scratchy throat the other day. "Momma, I have the wrong voice today." It's because you're sick. "I'm not sick". Well, maybe it's because you're a little congested. "What's congested?" Your nose and chest are stuffy. "Stuffy? Why do I have the wrong voice? When will I get the right voice???" You're just a little hoarse. "I AM NOT A HORSE!"

Is 7 AM too early for wine?