I'm going to marry Dawson Hollenbeck......

says my sweet little kindergartner casually one day.  I panic a little, but keep it together.  I know I must remain calm if I am going to get any additional information. 


Me:  Why?
MC:  Because he has spiky hair and does not pick his boogers.


Well, who was this little romeo and how had he stolen her heart?  Since I work at the same place he goes to pick up chicks, I knew I would be able to launch a full, undercover investigation. 

I needed an excuse to get him to the examination room, er, I mean my classroom.  I had my questions all ready to go:







Who brought this marriage thing up?


Don't you think you are a little young to be talking about marriage?


What are your long term career goals? 




And then I saw him.  Arms behind his back, walking like a sweet, little gentlemen through the hall, while the other hoodlums ran top speed with a line of teachers shaking their fists in the air at them.  
And then he flashed those big blue eyes at me, which can knock a girl blind, by the way.  OK, I thought.  Well, he passed my first hallway check test, but I cannot be won over so easy.  I had to get tough.  On the ride home, I pressed MC for more. 


Me:  So, does Dawson ever get in trouble?   
MC: No, he is the best kid in the class.  He's even better than me.


The following day, his teacher (and his PE, music, and art teachers) confirmed this information.  My "let's find a reason my little girl cannot marry Dawson Hollenbeck" case was full of holes.  But, I would not be deterred.


Me:  So, who decided that you two should get married?


MC: Me.  

Me:  

(in my head)....WHAT?  

All this time, I imagined my little innocent girl to be lured into a very early marriage by the fast talking, spiky haired Dawson when all along, this was actually her idea?!

MC:  Plus, he is my best friend.

Me:

(in my head)

Well, I hope all my future investigations end up with a Dawson Hollenbeck as the prime suspect and may she always fall for the heart of gold-best friend-types (who do not pick their boogers).

A precious memory: 

Mollie came skipping into my classroom right after school on the day before Christmas break.  She said, "Look Mom! Dawson got me a present." She was carrying a small gift bag.  She pulled the two items out as if they were the most delicate treasures one could ever receive and said, "I will be so beautiful" as she carefully sprayed the Bath and Body Works mist on.