For science

Please tell me mine is not the only six-year-old who asked for a microscope for her birthday.

This new tool has brought with it considerable challenges to many of my established "You may not bring that in the house" rules.

Until now, I had not found it necessary to explicitly ban such things as tree limbs bearing considerable mold growth, pieces of dead insects, whole handfuls of mud, and buckets of creek water from entering our home.

But now, when the budding scientists standing at the door with these and other treasures in hand pleads, "But Mommy, it's for science!" I find myself at a loss.

She's learning to prepare slides and adjust her scope like a pro. And Caleb even offered to pick his nose so she could look at his findings up close.

For science, remember?