Each summer when the girls were younger, I typically would leave a note on the kitchen table for my girls once they woke up – ideas for ways to spend their time other than television or computer, chores I needed them to complete that day, etc.  A few years ago at the bottom of the note I typed out something like this, “I’ll be checking when I get home so be sure you finish your chores.  I love you girls and hope you have a great day! If you’re still reading this note you’re going to be really glad you read all the way through because the secret word is peanut.  If you can tell me the secret word when I get home from work you get a surprise.  Now go do your stuff.”

When I got home I asked them if anyone knew the secret word.  They gave me blank stares and asked, “What secret word?”   Continue reading →