shoots & ladders

mom.
we should play shoots, together.


but if we do...
i have my own rules.
and they're the rules you have to follow too.


and if you don't then i'll have to use my
serious face to help you play my way.


{it's a good thing i have years of practice- in shoots & ladders}
{with auntie s. & uncle j., of course.}
{and...i think we most likely played by our own rules too.}




n:mom.
i am not happy.
my rules mean i don't have to go down the slide.


m:buddy. you have too.
have a happy heart when you're winning....
and a happy heart when you're losing.




n:okay mom.
i will have a happy heart.
because even though you got to 100 first....
i am thinking in my head...that you're still not the winner.


and so, i know i can win too.




n:mom.
you know- you always tell me i should share.
so shouldn't you share winning our game?


{oh my.}
{i need a nap to answer all these questions....}
{i should have you call your daddy to field some of these.}


m: well, nboy, i do think it's a little more complicated-
sometimes it's good to win...and sometimes its even better to lose.

{but both build character- right?....maybe more when you lose?}
{too many deep questions!}
{come now, contemplative oldest boy...let's just play a sweet & simple game of shoots!}




mom. now that i'm at the top too.
i'm the winner too, right?

well, honey. mama did get there first.
but, since you brought up the point about sharing....

sure.

i'd love to share my win with you.
{today.......}




n: thanks mom.


i think you're SUPER!
i love you, mom.


{sweetest son words.}
{mama heart is melting.}
{best game WON LOST to darling five year old son...EVER}