Proper Handling for the Phone

Gavin hands Shawn his phone as Shawn is walking out the door this morning to work.  Gavin has been playing Dragonville--a game--on it.
As he places the phone in Shawn's hand he says "Dad, you need to check in on the Love Dragons and see if they laid an egg."
"Okay, Gavin, I need to go to work" says Shawn trying to pull the phone towards him, but Gavin is still holding on.
"Then if they do lay an egg you should make sure to keep it warm and safe." Gavin adds.
Shawn is distractedly working on finding keys, his computer bag and his mind is already on work things as he nods absently to Gavin.
"Or .....maybe you should take the egg to the nursery.  That way you don't have to keep checking on the dragons."
"OK" replies Shawn looking at the concern in Gavin's eyes.  "Or how about I just log out of the game and you can log back in tonight and take care of it?" Shawn counters.
"OK......"says Gavin with some hesitation.  "But Dad, take good care of the phone at work today and don't use all the battery."

I Think I Am That Age--Old

A few years ago, the girls and I were talking with Shawn's mom, Priscilla.  She mentioned that she had just been to a great sale at Old Navy and picked up some thongs for the girls.  Jocelyn, about 14 at the time, says with exasperation in her voice, "Grandma,  you can't call flip-flops thongs.  Thongs are underwear for skanky girls."  Mental note--don't call them thongs it makes you look old.  And the new word for slutty is skanky.  Check.

Two days ago Shawn and I are chatting with Rissa, eating frozen yogurt (never to cold for fro-yo), and talking about college possibilities.  I suggest that she "hook up with John" a family friend who has just attended Utah State University, and see how he has liked it.
There is an audible gasp.  I look up from my fro-yo to see Rissa with her mouth hanging open.
"Mom!  Do you know what that means?"  Rissa inquires.
"uhhh....I am going to guess no, I don't."
"It means to make-out MOM!"

Identification Issues

Shawn has been wearing a beard for the past 6 years--pretty much Gavin's whole life.  This past week Shawn was called to serve on the High Council, and it was suggested that he shave his beard in an effort to emulate the First Presidency.  Sunday was Shawn's first week in our ward with no beard.

After church, Gavin and Shawn were talking in the kitchen.
"Dad.   I think you should let your beard grow back on."
"Really, Gavin?  Why do you think so?" Shawn asks.
"Well, I was looking for you in your classroom, and I couldn't find you."
"Oh, well I have a new classroom.  Next week I will show you where it is." Shawn replies.
"Okay.  Hey dad?  I tried to see you, but now everyone else looks like you.  Maybe they could grow beards?"

Christmas Tree Games

I hear a small crash in the other room.
"What was that?" I call out.
A meek reply is heard.  "It's okay Mom.  I caught the important one." replies Gavin.
This of course gets my immediate attention, and I start moving from my office to the family room where the tree is located.  I arrive just in time to see Gavin throw a bouncy ball into the top of the tree and jump to catch the ornament which is dislodged from it's position.
"What are you doing?"  I ask.
"Oh...uhh.... hey Mom."  he says adding a little smile.  "I made up a new game.  I throw the ball to knock off the ornaments.  But don't worry," he quickly reassures me, "I know the special ones are at the top and I always catch those before they hit the ground and break."