What's in a Name?

Claire:  "I wish Mom would let me change my last name to Fletcher."

Jane:  "I wish Mom would let me change my middle name to Alligator."

Claire:  "Are you kidding me?  That's ridiculous."

Jane:  "No, it's cool."

Jane (softly):  "Jane Alligator Wiest . . . Jane Alligator Wiest . . . Jane Alligator Wiest."

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Claire:  "Mommy, do you know what I want more than anything in the world?"
Me:  "No, what?"
Claire:  "A hot glue gun."
Me: "Huh."
Claire:  "Actually, can I tell you the two things I want most in the world?"
Me:  "Yes, please do."
Claire:  "A hot glue gun and a Swiss Army knife."
Me:  "Wow, really?"
Claire:  "Yes.  But, Mommy?  Do you want to know the three things that I really, truly want more than anything else in the world?"
Me: "Of course.  What are they?"
Claire:  "A hot glue gun, a Swiss Army knife, and a ferret."
Me:  [silence]