We are getting to the point with Senia Mae where we are realizing that we have to set limitations, with food, with television, with gifts, because with one child it is very easy to spoil them without even being aware it is happening. There is an unlimited amount of everything and we feel it is important for her to understand that you can not get what you want all of the time.

The other day we were heading home from a packed day that had already been filled with shopping, then bowling, as well as a couple of hours at the arcade. It was a day filled with fun and excitement, and even though we had a great time, by the time we left I had had my fill of lights, whistles,and dinging bells.

As we were driving home Senia Mae said "I want to stop at the big M". I try to divert her from fast food and hoped her idea would pass as quickly as it appeared. I decided to just ignore the comment.

"Momma, I want to stop at the big M and get some meat and cheese...on bread!" She apparently hadn't forgotten. At least she didn't ask for french fries, I thought, but we had already had a very indulgent day and I thought we should settle for a relaxing lunch at home.

"I don't think we are going to stop at the big M today" I said. "Maybe another time." Usually this approach works and she happily agrees. Not this time.

With more zest she said, "I want to eat meat and cheese at the big M" thinking I obviously hadn't heard her. She was not used to me saying no.

"No, we are going to have lunch at home today" I said. "We are all very tired and need to rest."

After a couple of minutes of silence I thought that the issue had been dropped, but as I pulled into our driveway and looked into the rear view mirror, I saw that she was fuming mad. Fortunately when she is mad she doesn't cry or scream, she merely pouts with her eyebrows frowned down and her lower lip stuck way out in front of her upper lip. Trying no to laugh because she looks so cute when she's mad, I had to ask, "Senia Mae what's wrong with you?"

She looked appalled that I didn't know why she was upset. Walking out of the car with her hands on her hips she spouted off, "I wanted to go to the big M and now you're breaking my feelings." I held in my laughter as I had to explain that we can't get everything that we want all of the time, sometimes we have to compromise. Compromising to a four year old can be a big task, but after we talked she took it with stride.

I love having these conversations with her where she uses the wrong words in sentences. Something about the innocence of it makes my heart bubble over with joy. She is trying to copy our phrases and sound more grown up, even though she doesn't understand all the words and the way they should be arranged.

When I think of how soon this phase will all be over, the one where she says adorable things like "are you still working on your beputer?" and how one day she'll be all grown up and talking to me like an adult...I feel like she'll be breaking my feelings sooner than she even realizes.