I love the individual personalities of my children and how they reflect what I have said to them at various times. Since I had forgotten to start the hard-boiled eggs this morning, Rebecca came to remind me. "I leave [in 18 minutes], so you have just enough time to get it done. Go! Go! Go! Go! Go!"


"Share with one another, for that is the happy way. That's what my step-mom's nanny taught her, and she taught it to me, and now I'm teaching it to you," I told Rebecca this morning. Julia piped up, "Jenny taught us something. I am a long, tall Texan. I ride to Texas on my big, white horse, and people look at me, and they say, 'Yeehoo! Is that your horse?' 'Yeah, that's my horse.' "


Rebecca was practicing her piano and singing at the same time. She announced to me that her class would be having a talent show. "This time, I'm not going to be afraid to sing. I'm gonna sing my heart out!"


I asked Sarah if she would put her camera in her purse before we jumped out of the car. "I'm not bringing my purse," she explained with perfect teenage disdain. "It doesn't match."


"TIME FOR SCRIPTURES!!!" Anna yelled at the top of her lungs, followed immediately (in a very normal, satisfied, conversational tone) by, "That will do."


Peter wanted to finish watching the army movie he and Lane started last night. "It's called 'Bridge at Remagen,' " Lane inserted. "I know," Pete said, condescendingly. "You told me last night." "I know, Lane retorted, "I'm telling you again."Those smart children! (P.S. I don't recommend this movie.)


I worked on a special French dinner tonight which included roast chicken (see food blog). Julia walked in and asked, "Is that Top Ramen?"