Increasing in Love

Tuesday June 29, 2010

I think that a good way to fall more in love with someone, or to increase your affection for a person is to spend time with the people who love them as much as, if not more than you. So, I spent Tuesday with my niece, Ariah.

I'm pretty sure she loves Austin as much as, if not more than I do. Her mom drops her off Tuesday morning and Ariah looks around the house

"Where's Austin? Is he coming over today?"

"Sorry, Riah, he's still at camp." Her face falls a little bit.

Later, "I drew a picture. Take a picture and send it to Austin."



"When's Austin getting back from camp?"

Is he working with little kids?

Does he play with them?

"Time to go to school, Ariah."

All holy hell breaks loose. Ariah does NOT want to go to school. She cries. She wants to call her mommy. She wants to stay home and play with her bubby. She hates school. It's BOOORING. She hates reading. She hates recess. She hates math. She. does. NOT. want to go to school.

So, I tell her, "Ariah. Let me share with you the hard truth about life. Everyone works. Do I work?"

Yes.

Does Your mommy work?

Yes.

Does Austin work?

Yes! He works at Rock Bridge High School. He's a teacher.

Up to this point all her answers have been whiny, but on this one, she perks up and answers with some more enthusiasm.

"Well, Ariah. Where's your job?"

In my classroom?

Yep.

Will you pick me up from school?

Sure.

After school we go to Target.

"Look! A picture frame, Turtle (that's what my niece and nephews call me...long story). I can put a picture of Austin in it."

And it begins again.....

I tell Ariah I have to make a phone call to the lady about my dress because I need to go try it on.

"Did Austin already try on his stuff?"

When's Austin coming back again? Austin's funny.

Can we get something for Austin at Target?

We make it home from Target. Sadly, with nothing for Austin (sorry, babe).

Take a picture of me! Send it to Austin.

I go to make a phone call.

"What are you doing?"

I start to answer "getting ready to..."

But Ariah cuts me off. "No, not you. That was to Austin".

I should have known.

I think I may have some serious competition on my hands :)