I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas

As we were in the car listening to Christmas music, the Brain and I heard a familiar song. 

I asked, "What makes him a hippo hero anyway?"

The Brain replied, "Maybe he wears a cape or something."

Christmas Joy

Overheard in my second grade classroom:

[little girl humming "Jingle Bells"] 

Me: E, you have a lovely voice, but please save it for music class.

E: I just can't hold my jingle in!

Numbers are hard

The Brain (after struggling with his math homework and realizing he was trying too hard): I overthink things a lot, like when I multiplicate.

Ha!

As the Brain headed toward the Walmart bathroom, SuperD said: 

We'll be in women's clothes. [pause] Well, I won't be in women's clothes; your mom will. We'll be in the women's clothing department."

Money, money, money

While doing her Financial Literacy homework for her Government class, Pinky said:

"I don't understand money. Money is stupid."

So, I guess you won't consider an accounting degree next year, huh?

Silence and Joy

I thought I hated Shakespeare. In a style of language which is no longer used, it was hard to understand. Reading hour after hour was boring.

Now I find that what I really hated was reading it for English class. Shakespeare wasn't meant to be read - it was meant to be performed. Shakespeare wrote plays. For the stage. When performed well, his words come alive. His words are beautiful, and funny, and tragic. Each time I listen, I hear something new. 

My favorite play is Much Ado About Nothing. Of the dozens of times I have watched the Kenneth Brannaugh/Emma Thompson version, it wasn't until recently, while seeing the Joss Whedon film, that I first really heard these most beautiful words, spoken when Claudio first discovers that Hero has been won for him:

Silence is the perfectest herald of joy.

I were but little happy if I could say how much.

-Lady, as you were mine, I am yours.

I give myself for you and dote upon the exchange.

I know this feeling. Sometimes, there aren't words to express happiness.

Grammar: it saves family relationships

I heard Pinky say to me, "You're my favorite, Mom."

What Pinky really said was, "You're my favorite mom."