There’s a reason the recommended age is 6 years and up.

“Hey Mom,” Michelle said when her mother answered the phone.

“Hey Honey, how are you?” replied Sharon.

“Oh fine,” said Michelle. “Just wanted to call and thank you for sending that Wooden Art Set to Ella. Turns out she loves it.”

“That’s great,” said Sharon. “Has she used it much?”

“Oh yeah. She’s used the crayons, broad makers and color pencils in her coloring books. But she’s not great at staying in the lines, much to her sister’s chagrin,” said Michelle.

“You tell that Olivia that Gramma says to lighten up already,” said Sharon.

“She also did a beautiful drawing of what I think is the dog in a field of flowers with some other animal I can’t quite make out,” said Michelle. “Or maybe it’s supposed to be a cupcake. Could also be a princess. I dunno.”

“Well it sounds like she’s really letting her creativity loose!” said Sharon.

“She sure is,” said Michelle sarcastically. “All over the dining room wall.”

Sharon gasped. “What? No!”

“Yep,” said Michelle. “It’s a giant mural, about 4-foot by 6-foot. Pretty impressive for a kid her age, actually. We’re thinking of just putting up a little placard that says:

Ella
Dog with Flowers
Oil pastels on drywall
2012”

“Oh Michelle,” Sharon said trying to stifle a giggle. “I’m … so … I’m so sorry.” But she couldn’t hold it in. She broke down into a fit of laughter.

“I mean really. If she had only used the watercolors instead, we probably could have just wiped it off. I blame her father,” said Michelle.

“Oh please! Don’t you remember that time I got a call from your school principal because you and your little friend Nicky Dooley had been caught writing all over the bathroom stalls with magic markers?” said Sharon.

“I wouldn’t say we got ‘caught’ so much as she gave herself away by claiming the markers someone found stashed in one of the sanitary boxes,” Michelle said dryly. “And that little brat took me down with her. There’s just no honor in 1st grade anymore.”

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