Always the Topper

We've all come across that person who always has to 'one up' whatever it is everyone else is doing or saying... Whether it's truthful or not. You might be one yourself. Is it necessarily a BAD thing? I don't think so. These 'toppers' can make the story entertaining or the event more memorble. My dad was one of the best toppers I've ever known. He could take a true event and just slightly stretch it out, add some creative details and animation, and his story was immediately better than yours. He did this without interrupting you or making you feel any less. You found yourself so emmursed in his historical account that you completely forgot that YOU started the subject at hand with your own important tale. I've been told that I inherited this talent just slightly. I'm grateful that Daddo loves me enough to keep me in check with this. I know that I'd never be able to pull off the 'topper' as well as my dad. 

As it is no surprise to anyone when I say this, our Cole Man inherited this talent of story-telling as well. Not only telling the best story but just topping everything anyone else has. He has not perfected the not-annoying part yet but he's getting close. Of course as his parents who want to teach him manners, Daddo and I are always reminding him of allowing others to enjoy their moment, being happy for them and not responding to a story with his own story. Enjoy the other person's story! (Even though he knows his could be SO much better).  :)

Cole is a topper like my dad in that he can do it without anyone realizing it. Sometimes he doesn't even know it himself. He's been very loving towards Daddo and I here lately, giving us hugs and telling us he loves us more often than usual. Friday evening I was going through his folder of his weekly classroom work and assignments. One of his papers was his New Year's Resolution. Remember mine was to read to my toddlers every night? Here is the 1st grader's resolution: 

'Everytime I see my mom or dad (tell them) that I love them.' 

Darn. I was topped again.