Kids are legendary for making their parents notice the little things in life, by which we are to understand we mean the Truly Important things. I’ve read the diaries of many other mothers, and it’s a recurring theme: the flowers in the crack of the sidewalk, the shape of the clouds, the busy little ants–all the beauty and wonder that life has to offer. Mine? Tacky novelty lamps.

While Robert was in school, William and Elizabeth and Edward and I went to Target. I was walking right past the lamps when William found the lamp that rises above all other lamps in his estimation. It is made up of shiny silver round cut-outs, dangling in rows. I never would have noticed this lamp, except to think, “My god!” The lamp is 75% off (because everyone else had my “My god!” reaction), and so I bought it for him. I like it better than standing around looking at the stupid ants.