Scott Themepark Features the Emotional Rollercoaster

Here's a recent conversation between me and my eight year old boy, Matthew. But a little history first: When he was in first grade, for a guest reading day that all the parents participate in throughout the year, I read Matthew's favorite story "Barnyard Boogie". I also happened to dress up as a Appalachian style farmer and chatted with the first graders, in character, as they asked me questions about how I got to school (by donkey) and why I was missing my teeth ("missun' teeth? why I brush 'em hard evry na-ght wuth a good 'ol snail shell"). While Matthew's classmates were totally into it, Matthew wasn't. He folded his arms and glared at me the entire time. Fast forward to last night, when I read Barnyard Boogie to Mason and Michael.

Matthew: "Mom, why did you have to dress up like that when I was six?"
Me: "Because, I wanted to have a little fun with you and your class, do you want me to be like a normal mom?"
Matthew: "Well, no, not normal. Just that everyone else's parents just came, and read."
Me: "Well, I wanted to bring the story to life. I'm like Disneyland, I bring imagination to life."
Matthew: " 'cept without any rides."
Me: "Yuh-huh, from what I remember, that day you were on quite the emotional roller coaster."
Matthew: ....can't talk because he's laughing so hard.

So, that's the punchline. My eight year old little boy can now comfortably roll with my deadpan, sarcastic humor. Talk about a proud mama; my work here is done.

From Matthew First grade