Bonus points if you learn to cook.

Blaine’s been working a lot of overtime lately, providing evenings with just the kids and I. Last night, as we sat around with our banana splits the discussion turned interesting. (When Daddy’s gone… we try to make things more fun around here. It tries to makes up for the Daddy being gone part.) I asked the question, “What are some of the most important things in your future husband/wife?” I want to get them thinking about these things early… teach them to be picky before hormones fly.

Lots of pat answers flew at me – answers I liked. A good provider in their husbands, a husband willing to allow daughters to stay home and homeschool, one who respected the law, a man who loves God and has similar beliefs were all answers that were thrown at me. I’ve told them these things before, but this was the first time I’d asked them to name things, so I was glad to hear they’d been listening.

Sterling threw another one in there. “A girl who doesn’t stand on the side of the road holding a sign asking for money.” (Pan handlers are a much discussed topic, since a few stand on a corner we pass often.) Since I could think of no good reason a young woman of marriageable age ought to be holding a sign, I agreed he’d probably landed on a good one.

Charlotte named a lot of things that had her potential spouse obeying co-op teachers. Interesting since when she says one particular boy’s name from her co-0p class, it’s always accompanied with a giggle. She really, really likes him. It would seem he sets the bar high with his obedience.

Just for comedic entertainment, I asked Pierce. He told me his wife someday will need a spoon. When questioned, he informed me that the spoon was to cook him supper.

I’m still laughing about that one. Funnier still is that Sterling agreed with him. She will need a spoon.

Take note, girls: if you want a shot at these blond boys of mine, get a spoon. Bonus points if you learn to cook.