i don't pretend to know the psychology of it. all i know is that when boys are five years old, they'll tell you anything. and not just because they know you want to hear it. they actually mean it.

dinner at chick-fil-a tonight turned into a one-sided flirt-fest from a small child to me. we sat outside next to the window to the play area. as i sat down, i glanced behind me and saw a chubby caramel-colored face staring at me through the glass. i waved and thought that would scare him off. after a few fries, i heard a banging on the window. as i turned around, i caught a glimpse of a round face ducking out of view.

this continued. for about twenty minutes. he got his friend involved. they took turns standing on each others' backs to try to get higher in the window. they fought for time behind the glass. after i started ignoring the knocks on the window, i turned to my right when i heard a yell from the exterior door of the restaurant. he had come outside to find me. i gave him a "you-need-to-go-inside-right-now-or-you're-in-trouble" look. a few moments later he was back behind the window.

no insecurity. no fear that if i didn't reciprocate, his life would be O-V-E-R.

larkin's students tell her every day that she is pretty and smart and nice and why doesn't she have a boyfriend and when is she getting married and on and on and on. at what age does this become "creepy" and no longer sweet? just a thought.


in other news, jenny just exclaimed "SCRABBLE IS ALLOWING PROPER NOUNS?!?!? WHAT IS THIS WORLD COMING TO???" a woman after my own heart.