Yesterday afternoon, my daughter Claire and I were lovingly encouraging Grant, the baby of the family at three years old, to skip the rodeo and stay home with my mom Julie. It's not that he doesn't enjoy my mom, because he does--he loves her very much. His reason for hesitating was that he really wanted to see the rodeo again. I wanted him to be with Mom so that I knew he was safe, and I didn't have to worry about him all night. (Translation--one less child to watch. Yes, I'm a terrible mother.)
Claire: Grantie, you get to stay home with Juju and watch movies all night. You're so lucky!
Grant: But Claire, I want to go to the rodeo.
Me: Grant, don't you want to watch movies and relax? I bet Juju will let you
have an ice cream sandwich and maybe some popcorn!
Claire (so nicely playing along): Wow, Grant! You're so lucky!
Grant: Yeah, I'm going to stay with Juju. But Claire....will you watch the bull riding for me?
Claire: Yes Grant, I'll watch for you. I'll even take pictures of them for you.
Grant: Thanks, Claire.
I tell ya, at that point I was really doubting whether my desire to watch one fewer child was worth that little sweetie missing the bull riding. But then I got over it. And to hear Mom tell the story, Grant really enjoyed that popcorn and ice cream.
Max picked a heck of a day to become #1 Steelers fan. You see, Trish and Chase invited us over to watch the Super Bowl at their house. Trish being an Arizona native was naturally going for the Cardinals. Max being an ornery toot decided that Pittsburgh was his new favorite team just to be contrary. So much so that he made his own shirt to sport at their house.
Max was lucky Garrett caught this blaring yellow shirt last night at the rodeo. My hubby might have found his calling in t-shirt design. 
Trish was on to his obnoxious ways. Upon entering her house, Trish let Max know he wasn't welcome to any of the food she had prepared. "You are welcome to water." He didn't listen. 
You can see Max clutching his mending chest. Trish threatened to hit him several times.
Trish and Chase, thanks for having us over. We had a great time. Congrats to all you Steelers fans out there. That interception and 100 yard return was absolutely incredible--and how about that catch at the end?I can't wait to see which is Max's new favorite team is next year. And if your team is in the big show, perhaps you had better keep that information to yourself--Max just might root against them and drive you oh so crazy!
Happy week ahead.
