Five year old kids can drive you crazy. They say the worst possible thing at the worst possible time. They mess up the house. They puke in the middle of the night. They tell their school teacher that you say bad words some times. They make up stupid jokes. They think dandelions are more beautiful than orchids. They are unpretentious and bring unequaled joy into my life.

I was sad today. My husband's family is talking about bringing Mom home to die. Loren and I were lost in thought when suddenly our son appeared in the doorway in his underware, with his jeans down around his ankles, and arms folded across his chest. We stared at this idiotic looking creature in bewilderment. "So," he said solemnly, "where should I start picking up toys?"

He gets it from his father.