One of the worst things about the holiday season is making small talk at gatherings. How interesting can the weather, the economy and Balloon Boy be?

If only all conversations could be as unexpected as those that take place on a daily basis within the confines of our little home.
 
Conversations with Emma, age 6:

"The best thing about the world is living creatures. Like our dog and our fish. And if we didn't have any animals, we wouldn't have any milk or meat. Or water. Wait, I don't mean water."

 
Conversations between Benny, 3, and Jon:

Jon (singing, while giving Benny a bath): "Benny is so stinky, but now he's all clean."

Benny: "Stop!"

Jon: "Scrub, scrub, scrub."

Benny: "Dad, you're ruining my life."

 
Conversations between Emma and Benny:

Emma: "I sort of think that pets and people are even."

Ben: "What, Emma?"

Emma: "Well, we like to chew bubble gum. Dogs like to chew things."

Benny: "Dogs chew bubble gum?"

Emma: "No! But they chew toys and things. We both like to scratch ourselves. We both go poop. I got stung by a bee once. That hurt."

 
Conversations with Emma:

Emma: "Knock, knock."

Me: "Who's there?"

Emma: "Knock, knock."

Me: "Who's there?"

Emma: "Knock, knock."

Me: "Knock it off."

 
Conversations with Benny:

Benny: "We're like two pees in the potty, Mama."

Me:

Advertisement
"You mean two peas in the pod, Benny?"

Benny: "Yup."

Beth Vrabel lives in West Manchester Township with her daughter, Emma, 6, and son, Benny, 3. For more Smart Mama columns visit www.smartmamapa.com.

A great gift

The Smart Mama Handbook, a mama-approved reference guide for parents in southcentral Pennsylvania, is available now.

Get coupons and discounts to local retailers exclusive to Smart Mama Club members.

For details, visit
www.SmartMamaPA.com or call 767-6397.