Last Friday the twins turned 8. I have always thought that they came in a time in my life for so many reasons. So we was blessed with not one but two kids. I changed my career path and went from corporate American to being a stay-at-home-mom. It was a job I never doubted the importance of and so many times I have come to terms that I will not be "Mom of the Year".
Just about every weekend the kids are invited to some crazy themed party with petting zoos, clowns, jumping things and mini circus'. In the beginning I tried those parties and ran around like a chicken with my head cut off. Some Moms love it and can pull the whole event off (my hat is off to you). I found out that I am not one of those moms.
The smell of animals empting their colon on my front lawn, the fear of some rogue child plunging in the pool, and clowns…………don't get me started. So this year I came up with a new plan, flat out bribery.
Grandma and Grandpa sent money and I gave them money. Cold hard cash was the name of the game. They each got $100 to spend at Toys 'R Us. Which is another place I avoid at all costs but this is a special occassion. Not only was this birthday fun but it was a learning experience. They each figured out the value of money and the less something cost the more things they would get. It was so fun to experience how each of them spent their money.
Michaela went at it with vengence. Immediately we headed to the girly department and she picked up a pretend make-up kit, Pet Shop Animals. Then on to the Art Dept for a huge Crayola kit. Off to video games for a DS Game. She was determined and decisive and ripped through that money in no time.
Then came Joey. His shopping approach was slow and calculated and he was determined to do his own math and wanted no help. I had to threaten him to just decide. He ended up with (2) Spy Gear kits, a (2) DS games. The best was when we were walking to check out and he said "Mom, I had $20 left and that game was only $16 so you owe me $4". I am telling you he gets a bang for his buck!
We could not leave without giving it a whirl……………
It was a lot of fun for us all. So I know money cannot buy you love but it sure buys you out of a crazy birthday party. And that whole Mom of the Year thing is over-rated.