One Sunday in February a woman I recognize but do not know well approached me after Mass and said she was so proud of how well the boys had been behaving recently and asked if it was OK with me if she gave them a treat. I figured she had a piece of candy for each and thanked her. She went and talked to the boys while I was talking to another friend and out of the corner of my eye I see her hand a dollar to each! They were over the moon! She said her husband was Italian and it's an Italian tradition to reward kids with money. We thanked her again, but on the way home I had to be sure to let them know this would not be a weekly occurrence.

Not to worry. The very next week Daniel returned from the Children's Liturgy to report to me that Edward had been performing his latest skill: armpit farts. Edward denied it, but I knew Daniel would not make up something that specific. I also knew how enthralled Edward was with this skill and its ability to both impress and draw attention/laughs.

Not to be outdone in seeking attention and laughs, Daniel composed the following notes as the Mass progressed, handing the top one to me and the bottom to Edward:

Mine says: Mom I (heart) you you are funny
Edward's says: Poop I (heart) you you are good

Of course passing Edward a note referring to him as "Poop" led to uncontrolled giggles and poking and whispered one-word reminders "Poop" (ha ha ha ha ha!) I finally said they were both losing their iPods for one day and that sobered things up, slightly.

I was furious when we got home and sent them to their rooms. John was even more furious when he heard what happened and went up to collect the iPods and demand explanations. Edward tried to continue in his denial of the rude behavior at the Children's Liturgy, but when pressed, admitted he'd actually done it. For the lie on top of the bad behavior, John imposed a further punishment of writing a note of apology to the Liturgy leader. Unfortunately I didn't copy it before he presented it to her. But John also told Daniel he was to write an apology to me, giving no further instruction or assistance regarding content or spelling. This is what he wrote:

(I am sre for riting a not to Edward abwt poop I wil dust the TV stand for a weck Daniel)
Translation: I am sorry for writing a note to Edward about poop I will dust the TV stand for a week

I appreciated that he gave himself a punishment even though this was not part of John's instruction. It should be noted, however, that the TV stand was never dusted.