How to enjoy your child.

1. When she says, "Mom, can we press flowers?!" Say, "Yes!"

2. Allow her to mangle the mums you just bought.

3. Watch as she mashes 5 blooms into the pages of a book with no paper, flattening, arranging, etc.

4. Say nothing as blooms disintegrate and leave trail of blossoms all. over. the. floor.

5. Sweep.

6. Offer help, but stand back and wait until she's ready to receive it. Ignore the air being punctuated by her loud, grunty, "Ugh!"s. Yes, I mean ughs. As in plural. Many. Nonstop.

7. When she is finally in the mindset to accept some help, teach her to put paper or waxed paper in the book, flatten the flower, then close the book gently. Place stack of books on top.

8. When asked, "Can we do it again? Right now?" Say, "Yes. With your father."

9. Laugh while you watch him reenact the entire scene.

10. That is how to enjoy your child, her sense of curiosity, lust for spontaneous exploration, and willingness to try something new at the drop of a hat.

Happy Sunday!