Tongue-tied

Concentrate. Think hard about doing something that takes focus. Something like drawing a three-dimensional box or cutting out a snowflake or putting a title on a scrapbook page. Or maybe kicking a soccer ball.


What does it take to concentrate?

If you are like Carter and me, it's just: Stick out tongue and engage brain cells.

When I was young, my mom would point out to me that I stick my tongue out when concentrating on an important task like decorating Christmas cookies or coloring in the lines. I don't think it's gross or anything -- just a goofy mannerism that has become so automatic I don't realize I still do it (but I do).

I've seen Carter do this during similar types of close-up concentration work. I had no idea one could carry it to the next level on a ball field. I don't think I even noticed his tongue sticking out during today's game, but it was obvious the minute I looked at the pictures later.

I guess it's proof he can think on his feet. I bet he can walk and chew gum at the same time, too ... though the gum would probably fall out when he sticks out his tongue!