Let's Make a Deal

I'm beginning to suspect that Joseph is using some of our parenting techniques on us.

"Mommy!" He starts, in a bright voice.

"Yes, baby?"

"You should play Mario Brothers when we get home."

"Oh. Well...I really wanted to go out in the garden for a bit today and see what we can do."

"How about you play one player Mario so I don't bounce on your head?"

"I don't mind playing with you, I just need to get some work done in the garden."

"But if you play one player, then you can get through the worlds faster. And you can get the fireballs," he explains patiently.

"Maybe later."

"How about if you play one player Mario, while I watch, and then you can get the fireballs and beat the next level? How cool is that?" He asks as if I were the four-year-old.

"Are you cajoling me?"

"No! I think you'll have a lot of fun playing the next level. You'll never know unless you try. And I can watch. And you can get the fireballs."

"How about a compromise. We work in the garden for a little bit until it gets too dark and then we play Mario while Daddy makes dinner."

"Wait a minute!" Chad interrupts.

"What a great idea, Mama! How cool is that, Daddy?"