NEWS FLASH!

Something extraordinary happened last night. Jeff used the word "NO." He didn't say "Maybe," or "We'll see." It was a sound, firm "NO." I was taken a little off guard! I personally DESPISE the word. I don't believe in absolutes...and "no" to me is an absolute.

Now, you may be thinking what on earth did you say to prompt the "Yes Man" to use a word that otherwise is foreign to his vocabulary. Well...I asked if we could get another puppy. I love dogs and feel my life is incomplete without one. I know we have a baby on the way, but I still would like to get a dog.

I suggested instead of saying "No," why not say, "Sure we can get a dog...once you are done with school and we figure out how a dog will fit into our lives with a new baby." He agreed that was a better response. The Yes Man prevails!

Hindsight is 20/20...I should have encouraged the use of the word "no," since children need to hear it and respect it. Jeff definetely needs some practice. Maybe I will just ask him every day..."Honey does this make me look fat?" That is one exception to my dislike of the word. I would be very happy to hear Jeff respond to that with a very loud "NO!"