Reilly came home from school on Friday, the letter of the week was G, and he had a big red gumball in a little ziplock bag. He carefully brought it to me with puppy dog eyes. He knew that it’s against house rules to have gum before your ten. I said you can save it for three years OR I can eat it for you. (NOTE: this is why I’m Mother of the Year) He opted for the savings plan.

A day later with Kate:

Mom, when can I get rings in my ears like yours? How old do I have to be?

TEN

Okay, when I’m ten I can have gum and get rings in my ears?

YES