Childhood Wisdom
How Boys Pray
Finnian: “Mommy, how do boys pray?” Me: “In the name of the Father, and…” Finnian (interrupting): “I mean, how do boys pray?” Me: “They pray, ‘In the…’” Finnian (interrupting again): “I asked, how do boys pray?” Me: “I don’t know what you are trying to ask.” Brendan: “I think that he wants to know how…
Read MoreHow Boys Pray
Finnian: “Mommy, how do boys pray?” Me: “In the name of the Father, and…” Finnian (interrupting): “I mean, how do boys pray?” Me: “They pray, ‘In the…’” Finnian (interrupting again): “I asked, how do boys pray?” Me: “I don’t know what you are trying to ask.” Brendan: “I think that he wants to know how…
Read MoreTemporary Pet Anecdote
We have been watching my niece’s aquatic turtle, Squirt, while my sister and her family are on vacation. Tonight, at the dinner table, Finnian asked, “Mommy, why doesn’t the turtle talk to me?” I responded, “Because turtles don’t talk.” He replied, “Well, the turtles in Nemo do talk!”
Read MoreMaking Siblings Happy
The other night, Brendan and Theresa were upset because they had lost a privilege. Knowing that his siblings were upset, Patrick told them the following, “Brendan, you will be happy. Theresa, you will be happy.” Then he paused and with a silly face and funny voice he exclaimed, “I’ve gone mad!” He elicited smiles from both of his…
Read MoreGetting What He Wants
Finnian: “Mommy, is it time to come inside? It’s been a long day!” Me: “You can come in if you want.” Finnian: “I mean is it time to come inside? It’s been a long day!” Me: “Yes, it’s time for you to come inside.” Finnian (overheard a few minutes later): “Children, Mommy says it’s time to…
Read MoreCatechism Lessons in the Garden
We have been trying to spend a little time working outside in the garden each day. It needs a lot of attention! A couple of days ago, as I pulled grass out of the flower bed, I heard an interesting conversation between two of my children. Patrick asked, “Why do the bleeding hearts always come…
Read MoreFinnianism #1999
Me: “Wait, Finnian, your shirt is inside out.” Finnian: “Oh, are you going to turn it outside in?”
Read MoreBen Who?
Finnian has a wonderful imagination and enjoys pretending that he is a saint, a knight, or a soldier. A few weeks ago, the following conversation took place: Me: “Who are you?” Finnian: “I’m Ben Who.” Me: “You mean Ben Hur?” Finnian: “No, I’m Ben Who.” Me: “Finnian, there is no such person as Ben Who. There is a…
Read MoreMy Little Bishop
On Wednesday, we enjoyed watching the FSSP Seminary Chapel Consecration. Yesterday afternoon, the children were playing outside when I saw Finnian walking towards the sliding glass door with one of our child-size brooms. As soon as he reached the door, he raised the broom up and banged on the door with the handle. I immediately…
Read MoreHe Usually Knows What We Will Say
After returning from Mass on Sunday, Finnian ran into my room and said, “I was very good at Mass, so I had my throat blessed.” A few minutes later, he returned and the following conversation took place: Finnian (whispering): “Mommy, please may I have a hotdog for lunch.” Me: “Go and ask Daddy.” Finnian (in a…
Read MoreWords to Warm the Heart
Finnian: “Mommy, I love you! You are my best friend.” Thank you, God, for blessing me with such loving children.
Read MoreOut of the Mouth of a Child
Theresa: “Mommy, you look like you have a lot of tinsel in your hair.” Me: “Yes, I will be totally gray by the time I’m 40.”
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