It just so happens that DS#1 is grounded for poor grades (I should mention here that he is capable of a 4.0, however that is not "cool" in these parts. So he's carrying something below a 3.0 - arrgghhhhh)

Now being a teenager in our house & being grounded for the umpteenth quarter for poor grades means you no longer have possession of your iPod, cell phone or freedom away from school. :o)

Yesterday, he turned on the stereo on the way to school & I promptly turned it off - reminding him that there is no music for folks who don't make education a priority in my car :o)

This morning starts with a bright & cheery "Good Morning" along with an offer to make me breakfast (I declined)

As we prepared to leave he requested that we bring the AD (adorable dog) along for the ride. One glance outside confirmed the good idea - it was beautiful!

Jumping in the car & pulling out we needed to crack the windows for the AD. Two right turns later he comments that he loves the smell of this time of year.

So, what do I do? I take a deep breath ... then another ... then another - intoxicated by the fresh air, I proclaim "that's the smell of spring"!

Next, he reaches up - turns on the stereo & turns it to the CD with Mississippi Girl on it.

As soon as the beat starts I'm a gonner!

I start humming, then singing & by the next turn I'm bee-boppin' on the steering wheel!

In case you didn't know - I live in small town USA, this kind of behavior so early in the morning is not only noticed - but rest assured I will be having a conversation about it later that will go something like:

"I saw you the other morning taking the kids to school!"

"Oh, really (smile/grin)"

"You looked like you were REALLY having a good time!"

(what I'd like to say: "Duh!")

(what I will say:)

"Yeah, you know I can't resist a beautiful morning, good music & being a chauffer!" (laugh jokingly)

So, back to this child of mine - as I'm returning home, just the dog & I - the song changes to Fireflies (another fave - but much less bee-boppin') & I realize that whether the DS#1 realizes it or not - he just worked me!!!!!!

He got to listen to music - he picked!

aarrgghhhhhh!!!!!!!

In the end, I started to laugh. Pulling in & letting the dog out of the car - starting my day, knowing that at least he's as smart as I know he could be!