MY 4th GRADE CASANOVA!

I had a funny thing happen at church last night... I work in our "Just for Kid's program" (basically a generic version of Awana) with the 3rd and 4th graders. I enjoy this age quite a bit, they are funny and precocious and just shy of that impending hormonal stage. An extra perk is getting to work with my own child and having an opportunity to observe his interaction with his peers. Usually my keen observation is rewarded with a few good armpit burps and a chicken dance or two. Last night however, I was able to watch with amusement as two older women (5th graders) tried in vain to catch the eye of my completely clueless son. At the end of the evening they sidled up to me and asked, "Are you Christian's mom?" I confirmed I was indeed! They went on to inform me that, "Everyone at school really loves Christian!" I expressed my pleasure and added that I too love him of course. This is where it got good... they elaborated "they don't just love him, they (you really need a visual here, but she then made kissie noises and fanned her face with her lips puckered) Luuuuuuuuuhhhvvvve him!" At this point I was just glad one of those spontaneous snort-laughs didn't burst out of me as a million quirky things about Christian passed through my mind (oh say, having to tell him not to lick people on the bus, the pleasure he derives from Captain Underpants books, the fact that he doesn't think being threatened with the possibility of moving into Calli's doghouse with her much of a threat at all, the fact that by the time I push him into the shower each night he actually smells like he has been living in Calli's doghouse with her, need I go on?) Now, while I think Christian is absolutely adorable, and his enthusiastic approach to life while being exhausting at times, is really very endearing, it amused me to no end to contemplate Christian being viewed as an object of romantic notions! Perhaps it's the "new boy" syndrome, or maybe the unmistakable allure of the formerly homeschooled, or I suppose it could be his new green and red sneakers that he loves dearly. I really don't remember what I looked for in a fellow in the 4th grade, but I am pretty sure it is not his suave, debonair way with the ladies.

Jeff and I are still not too sure we are even ready for Brittany to be dating, and David is just now starting to talk to girls, so needless to say, I am eager for Christian to remain a little boy for as long as possible. My fears were sufficiently relieved by his response to the whole matter... he wanted to know who said these offensive things so he could flatten them. Ahhhh, life is never dull with my 4th grade Casanova!