Lately

Jensie came home from school bubbling with excitement. When I asked what was up she asked enthusiastically "Mom guess what place I took in the school 5k?!"

"I don't know" I said, thinking Second? Third?

"515th!" she beamed.

"Wow! Now that's something." I exclaimed trying to hide my surprised laughter. "Were there lots of kids that finished before and after you too?"

"Oh no," she grinned. "No one finished after me. I was the very last one!"

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Asher: Mom, is Santa real?

Me: Of course.

Asher: But he's magic?

Me: Yep.

Asher: Like God and...Tyler?!

Tyler is my sister Kate's boyfriend who's got a never ending supply of ear-quarters and magically appearing candy. He is apparently also a near-deity. Thanks Ty!

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The other day, over dinner, Asher asked "Mom, when will you have another baby?"

I did my best to explain that we wouldn't be adding anymore to the Bigler brood, by saying "We're not going to have more babies. Dad and I talked about it and we decided that three babies is just the right number for us."

"Well when you get another husband you'll have more." Asher insisted.

I told the kids I wasn't really in the market for another husband, as I'm really thrilled with the one I've got.

"But if Dad dies you'll get a new husband," added my pragmatic firstborn. "You'll need someone else to give you money!"

I had to laugh--the girl had a point. "That's true," I said. "If Daddy died, I might get married again someday."

"And then you could have another baby!" Asher crowed.

Jensie let that settle for moment before crying out in disgust "Ugh! Then you'd be an old mom."

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Today a napping Frankie was startled awake by the crunch of a Vlasic commercial. I guess they're not kidding about that "Big Pickle Crunch!"

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Jensie: Why are you crying?!

Me: I just miss your dad.

Jensie: Well so do we, but you don't see us choking up and freaking out, do you.