Don't Judge a Book by it's Cover, no Matter how Cute it Seems!

Hosanna Joy Jinata. A little 2 (nearly 3) year old who lives in the Jinata house. She's quite cute in appearance, with Shirley Temple curls in her hair and an affinity for dresses, jewelry, shoes, purses, and everything else girly. She is a slow talker, but her mind comprehends much more than one would expect. She is constantly being reminded to do courteous things like share and to obey rules like this is so-and-so's so we musn't take it from them (but, everything is hers of course).

One rule that she has yet to submit to is that no means no, and asking someone else will not change the fact that someone already said no. We try hard daily to explain this to her, but it is difficult when not all people are present all at once. One tends to lack the current news or activity, and then the attempt crumbles.

It was on such a normal day that Hosanna spotted a bag of Frito's Honey Barbecue chips on the counter in the kitchen. She approached my mother and asked her for some. My mother, in turn, said no. It was not but one minute later when I strolled into the kitchen from upstairs. I too spotted the chips, and because I was old enough to eat without having to ask permission I took the bag and ate one myself. Hosanna came up to me and asked me for some. Not knowing what had previously occured, I handed her one. Hosanna, still holding the chip, approached my mother once again. This time, she waved the chip in front of my mother and said,

"Ha ha."

My mother was completely speechless, considering she was laughing so hard that she couldn't speak anyway. I suppose Hosanna did understand the rule, after all. She had simply decided to cheat it. She's much smarter than her appearance gives her credit for, so be awares!!!

-Jelaya Jinata