Today on the way home from school the kids had quite the discussions in the backseat. They started talking about what kinds of shoes they wanted for school next year and named the brands, styles and colors. It was quiet for a minute then James asked Anna what kind of car she wanted when she grew up. Anna replied with what kind of car she wanted for a family car and what kind for a work car. She named the make, model, and color of car. It always impresses me how well the kids know their cars. Then she added that she’d like two kids, twin girls, and if not twin girls then one boy and one girl. But not twin boys because boys can be a handful. James said, “Thanks a lot, Anna! Don’t give mom any more ideas!” Anna replied, “What? She’s not going to have another baby!”
They went on, talking about boys and girls. James said to Anna, “You’re nine, but act like you’re seven. I look like I’m twelve but act like I’m three.” Not sure where they were going with this, but I kept listening. They started talking about how three year olds wouldn’t know their math facts. Anna is currently working on her multiplication facts so math facts have been a topic of discussion lately at home.
Then we pulled into our neighborhood and saw kids sledding at the sledding hill. James said, “What?! Kids sledding on a Monday? What school do they go to?” I replied that our neighborhood school, located next to the sledding hill dismisses at 2:30 pm. (It was almost 4:00 pm at this time; our kids get out at 3:30 pm and we’re home by 4:00 every day.) James replied, “I bet those kids don’t know their math facts!” Not exactly a kind answer; I’m sure those kids do know their math facts, but he was recognizing that he and Anna are in school for an additional hour each day.
The kids went on, talking about a math fact competition between both schools. As we pulled into our driveway I just smiled. I so enjoy hearing James and Anna talk like this with each other. It doesn’t happen often – where they are genuinely enjoying conversation together and almost forget that an adult, let alone Mom, is in the car. I’m thankful for their relationship and pray it continues for many, many years!