"I want a new mother. "

An actual conversation and situation that occurred in my home yesterday.

The Middle Apple looks up at me from her school desk and asks, "Can I have a cookie?"

"Not until you have finished your math page, honey." I replied.

Middle Apple, putting her head down on her desk with a pout, says, "I want a new mother. One that will give me cookies."

I quietly crossed the room, open up the front door and say to her, "Okay. Well, I love you. I hope you find a really nice new mother."

The Middle Apple drops her pencil, puts on her shoes and heads out the front door. I wave at her and blow her a kiss. I close the glass storm door and stand there watching her. She waves back and heads down the sidewalk. I watch her closely.

Exactly 2 minutes later, she returns with her head down low. She knocks on the door. I open it slowly and say, "Back so soon?"

She looks up at me with an angry look on her face and states very matter-of-factly, "I am not allowed to cross the street by myself."

I have a very very hard time keeping a straight face. The Middle Apple flings off her shoes and plops back down to her schoolwork.

"So, you aren't going to go find a new mother, huh?"

"No. I'm not. "

"Okay. That's good. Because I sure would miss you. Alot," I tell her honestly.

"Can I have a cookie now?"The Middle Apple asks.

"Just as soon as you finish your math page, honey."

"Fine." she says, with a slump.