And a Good Ken Griffey Day to You, Sir!

For about the last 10 years the third Monday of January is a very special day for my family. No school. No work. We sleep in...and we honor Ken Griffey, Jr. It all started in New Orleans when my middle son, Bub, was in 1st grade. I asked him if he knew why they didn't have school one particular Monday and he announced it was Ken Griffey, Jr. Day. Hence, a new celebration was born.

In honor of this holiday, in no particular order, I am posting some memorable things my kids have said.

Our oldest son, Buddy, is (sometimes) a man of few words. His mantra from the time he could put words together has always been "Be nice to Shane." I don't know what injustices were forced upon him as an infant - but we have lived by these words ever since. Say what you mean and mean what you say - Be Nice To Shane!

Since we're always being nice to Shane, some sweetness must have rubbed off on him at some point. When he was about 7 or 8 we were talking about a dog that I used to have -Teddy. I said he was now in heaven. Buddy popped up and said "Is he with your dad?" Oh, my heart just filled with love - as I answered "yes, absolutely." To which he replied "Do they know Abraham Lincoln?" (I'm guessing they do.)

Now I've mentioned son #2 before - and his shock and disdain at graffiti spelled wrong on a bathroom wall. (I have humongous balls.) The graffiti itself was ok - his displeasure was that the word humongous was spelled incorrectly. Lesson learned - if you are defacing property - the least you can do is spell it correctly!

But, Bubby for all his political correctness has a sweet side. At about the age of 5 we were playing "My Favorite" - where you ask what your favorite whatever is - vegetable, fruit, tv show, etc. I asked "Who's your favorite Mom?' to which he unblinkingly replied with glee "MISS LORRIE." Ouch! But, who could blame him - he and Miss Lorrie had a mutual adoration for each other. But still....I thought I was a gimme!

Now Sissy...for those of you that knew her as a young girl - we were lucky to hear her voice let alone have a conversation. I know that is surprising for those that know her now - but believe me when I say - Bubby was her voice for 5 years! But, every once in awhile she would say something that would stop us in our tracks. My favorite took place when she was 6. We were walking into Target and she had a horrible look on her face and then started crying..."Why would you want to be tortured with your pet?" I had no idea what she was talking about and she kept saying they were doing it next door. I told her no one was being tortured and we didn't have a pet - so we were safe. When we were walking to the car it occurred to me what she had heard. PetSmart had salespeople saying "come in and get a portrait with your pet." Yes, we've had her hearing checked since then.

But my favorite Sissy quote is recent - not from her "tortured" childhood. It doesn't even need an intro...."I do have a good memory. I just forget things." Amen, sister!

And a happy Ken Griffey, Jr Day to all!