Little Miss has 3 big brothers, the youngest of whom is 3 years her senior.  This little fellow has always been a source of great stories.  He is a great thinker and has continually surprised us with the evidence of his thoughts. 

When he was a toddler he had one request every time we went grocery shopping:  He wanted to buy something from one of those machines at the end of the check outs.  You know, the ones you put a quarter into? And you get a little plastic ball that is nearly impossible to open without breaking it with a hammer? And the thing inside is just some stupid brightly colored piece of junk?  Every kid wants those. But they are such a rip off!  It annoys me! 

So every time he asked for one, I responded “No. Those are a rip off!”  This went on for a looooooong time.  A very long time.  But then one day it all changed. 

As we stood at the check out, Little Mr. had a different request. He cut to the chase and asked, “Mom, can I have a rip off?”

and we have all laughed about it ever since!

But no, he still did not get one.