Advent Time

Advent candles lit, Patrick asks: What are some ways you're preparing for Christmas?
Caroline: Eating chocolate?

Pier One Importants

While shopping in Lee's Summit, Maureen spies a store and says, "Pier One Importants. I hate that store.  We waited there three hours while mom bought pillows."

Cinnamon Existentialism

Patrick: Maureen, what's bothering you?
Maureen: Life.
Patrick: Oh dear, tell me what's wrong.
Maureen: Life Cereal. We're out.

Backseat Sleigh Driver

Caroline: I'm going to write Santa a letter asking him to hide our presents, like the Easter Bunny does.
Patrick: I don't think Santa has the time. He has billions of other kids to visit.
Caroline: Well he's got time to eat cookies, feed his reindeer and write us a note...

First, get a box...

Patrick: Maddie, what are you doing?
Maddie: I'm playing homeless.
Patrick: You're pretending to be homeless? That's not very fun.
Maddie: I'm bored, I'll play anything.

Pundit in the Making, Part II

Maureen: I hope Romney wins. I hate what Michelle Obama did to [school] lunch; everyone does. The mashed potatoes taste like dog food.

Sins of the Father

At Maureen's First Reconciliation last night, I quizzed the girls on sins.
Patrick: If I said, "I'm so awesome," what sin would I be committing?
Caroline: Pride.
Maureen (with big grin): Lying.

Pundit in the Making

Patrick: Maddie (5 years old), who did you vote for in your school election [for President]?
Maddie: The brown one.
[Pause]
Maddie: What were his ideas again?

Witness for the Prosecution

Maureen: We played jury this year to find out who drew on the hockey table. We decided is was [a cousin] but we never knew for sure. We decided if it had been Maddie she would have drawn hearts and peace signs instead of just scribbling.
Maddie: Yeah. I would have drawn hearts.

The Spoiler

It's been a rainy day. Caroline and Maddie are both having friends over. Middle child Maureen asks in frustration, "What am *I* supposed to do? Annoy them?"

2nd Grade Theology

After trying to explain reconciliation and grace to Maureen, she asks, "So is Purgatory a big waiting room where you sit and read magazines about God?"

Patrick: "Uh, yes."