Grocery shopping takes a lot of energy.  And one of the many things we moms need to be able to do in the grocery store is multi-task.  I am pretty good at multi-tasking and today in the grocery store was no different.  We were waiting in line and I was
- listening to the conversatiion that my two oldest boys were having
- reading the cover of Women's Day
- loading the groceries onto the belt
- watching the man in the next line who was trying to walk right up to the cashier in the middle of checking out a long line of people, handing her his 12 pack and some money because he wanted to pay right then, apparently not understanding how a grocery line and waiting your turn works
That was about all my brain could handle at once and I did not even realize that one of my younger boys was talking to me until I heard "nevermind, you're not listening".  I turned my head to see Jacob standing next to me.  I asked him to repeat what he said but he must have known that I was pretty distracted at the time because he replied:
"OK, but are you listening?"
Me: "Of course I am" (giggling because it sounded just like me!)
Jacob: (very seriously)  "Mom, you're laughing - now focus"
Me: this made me laugh even more "I AM focused"
Jacob: "Look me in the eye - that's what you always tell me - that way I KNOW you are listening"
So, after getting more giggles out I finally was able to focus, look him in the eye and really listen to what he was telling me. 
It was pretty funny but as I thought more about it I realized that he was right.  I AM always saying "How does someone know you are listening to them?"  To which my boys now automatically answer "Look them in the eye." 
I have tried to teach them that for years and I guess maybe I am getting through.
It was a good reminder that I can try to teach them good manners and habits but if I am not modeling them myself then the lesson will not be learned as easily.  And ouch - that hurt!