Liar, Liar...Pants on Fire

There are things that make me mad, annoy me, disappoint me but none so quickly or fully as lying. It makes me crazy. Satan is the father of lies, that's one reason. The other is because I firmly believe (and have witnessed first hand) that if you can succesfully lie to others and/or yourself -you can and will justify any other behavior no matter how wrong or hurtful. It is the first step down a treacherous path. So, to summarize...truth -good; lying -bad.

And having taken my stand on the issue, I must now confess my sin. I lied. Yep. It was a real doozie too. I could tell you that the devil made me do it but that would just be another lie. It was me, all me. The mommy me, that is.

We were sitting at dinner the other night discussing various events of the day when the children began sharing (read: teasing each other) about who they "like" and want to marry. Nathan was under fire for his usual obsession with Faith Millender. They will be an adorable couple --in twenty years! =) The conversation continued as Mamoune explained how Javon (one of the neighborhood crew) had explained that he liked her as a friend but did not like her "like muah, muah, muah like" (visualize Mamoune making a contorted kissing face).

I couldn't help it, something came over me and I asked, "You guys do know the laws about dating, right?" Three "huh?" expressions looked back at me. "Do you know the laws in North Carolina about dating?" Clearly, no one was familiar with them. :) I continued, "According to the State of North Carolina you cannot date until you are 18 years old."

"Eighteen?!!" they shrieked.

"Uh, yah. Oh, and you are not allowed to kiss anyone until you're married. If you kiss someone that you aren't married to, you will sooo go to jail."

Mamoune, always willing to testify against her brothers, pointed an accusing finger and said, "Nathan kissed Faith." Well, yes. But he got a stern talking to from his parents and what can I say? Every now and then one slips through the system.

They didn't ask anymore questions. Because they bought it? Nah. I think it was more because they were completely grossed out when I leaned over and said, "Hey Tim...I like you...like muah, muah, muah, like you."

Now, you are grossed out, too. My work here is done.