The Joy of OTHER PEOPLE'S kids

We have a particularly delicious kid in the neighborhood who could charm the pants of Prince Charming.  In fact, I think he may grow up to BE Prince Charming;  Heaven help all those little girls who won't snag him.

Sweet boy is just brimming with boy genes, climbing trees and jumping around helter-skelter and yelling for joy when appropriate.  For a kid his size and age, he says the most mature and hysterical things.  I don't think I've ever left his presence without another Sweet boy gem.  This past week was no exception.

See, The Babe got a new toy, courtesy of his long-term savings, and he wanted to show Sweet boy, his sister, and his oldest brother.  So, over to our house they came.  That's when things got interesting.

See, Doug dog is not particularly charmed by our Sweet boy.  For whatever reason, Doug sees him as a real threat.  And, when Sweet boy came running through the kitchen, Doug barked at him something fierce.

Since Sweet boy doesn't have a dog of his own, this came as a bit of a surprise.  He pulled his hands up to shoulder level and stopped dead in his tracks, looking at Doug, waiting to figure out what should come next.

And that's when it got funny.  Apparently, with one bark, Doug made his point, a point which was either:
"Dude.  Don't run in the house."
OR
"Dude.  Howdy."
OR
"Dude.  I just feel like controlling someone short."
and, point made, Doug was done.  He just stood there, looking at Sweet boy.

And then the quote of the week came out of Sweet boy's mouth, as his startled face looked down at Doug:

"DOG.  Bless you!"

I'm not sure if Sweet boy was trying to excuse a sneeze, startle Doug into a bark less mode, or just be his usual, cute self, but it worked!  Doug didn't say another thing to Sweet boy, and Sweet boy, blessing conveyed, turned and ran out of the kitchen to find the other kids.

I do love a boy who understands when a dog means business and when he should just pass along some of his cuteness and move on with life.

Once again, this is a reminder of what an amazing neighborhood God placed us in.  It seems, weekly, I am blessed by someones kindness, gentleness or forgiveness.  Or by something random that happens here.  Just when I think we've seen, heard, and witnessed it all, the blessings flow again.

Thank you, Lord, for a neighborhood community of believers who love and support one another.  And for precious Sweet boy and his amazing sense of timing and wonderful sayings and full-steam-ahead boyhood.  GOD.  Bless HIM!  Amen.