Can I wish that they would wish differently?

What does a 5 year old wish for?

Today at one of Yoko Ono's Wish Trees we each took one of the slips of paper (these look ironically like enlarged price tags) and a pencil, and started to jot down our wishes.

When I asked E & E what they wanted to wish for I was, at first, a little disappointed:

"New dolls!"
"More Webkinz!"

Was I really thinking they'd come up with something like "World Peace" or "No Hunger"? I mean, they have no idea the world they live in isn't peaceful. They've never experienced true hunger.

I've decided that what we wish for really depends on our life experience.
And so while their wishes seem shallow, it's a good thing (for now) and means they really have all they need.

It's our job as ScaryMom and Dad to teach them that not everyone is so lucky, and that may just alter what they wish for in the future.

For the record:
L settled on "I wish I had a bunny".
M chose "I wish I had more dolls. "
ScaryMom would like to consult with her dad one last time.
ScaryDad offered something unprintable in a family blog such as this!

Twofer Thumbs Up to Yoko and her idea/experiment to keep Lennon's Imagine fresh in our minds, and for making us active participants with Wish Trees all over the world.

Peace,
The Scarys

Chores? Or am I breaking child labor laws?

The list of chores is neither long, nor difficult.
The fact that I got rid of my cleaning lady, and now actually pay my kids to help is what concerns me.

I'm really trying to look at my motivation.
Note: another of my neuroses is thinking everything I do is going to screw up my kids

My reasoning to them (and to myself) is this:
We are a family.
Each member of the family has a job.
If I (or Mr. Scary) have to do ALL the work, then we don't have time to do fun things like go to the park, the pool, etc.

The fact that they earn "an allowance" is a way for them to start learning about the value of money. RIGHT?

Or am I just trying to get some help cleaning my house for $4 a week?

So far I know of only one other family (and I know lots of families) where the kids have chores...and get paid. And I keep hearing from my kids that no one else they know has "jobs".

But then I think of how cute (and proud) they were when we took them to Target and they shopped for themselves (travel pillow for M, Hannah Montana magazine for L) using money they had earned, and stuffing the change back into their wallets.

And I think - maybe I'm not so scary.

ScaryMom

T-Minus 20 Days and Counting!

Gimme an S!
Gimme a C!
Gimme an H!
Gimme an O!
Gimme another O!
Gimme an L!

What's it spell? SCHOOL!
Say it again! SCHOOL!

Let's just say this summer thing is starting to get on my nerves.

ScaryMom

Glue Sticks and Crayons and Jeans, oh my!

We had our FIRST real back-to-school shopping trip ever.

When L & M were 2 and starting preschool we went and got them backpacks and lunch boxes, and maybe a few clothes. But they didn't really get it. Plus, we've they have been happy to wear the cute, trendy hand-me-downs we get from my niece (shout out to you Jules!)

These days, it's a whole new game.

Grammy L (who is our primo, number one shopping partner) is visiting and offered to "treat" L & M to some shopping at Target. We got everything on the kindergarten shopping list, and then some.

When we moved into the clothing department all hell broke loose.
L is running around wanting to play in the clothing racks.
M is in ecstasy, drooling at the mouth as she picks out all kinds of tops, pants, skirts, a pink football jersey thing (WTF?) and just about anything that might show up in the next High School Musical movie.

As I casually steer her back to more age-appropriate items I realize the girl has a sense of style like nothing I've seen before. And, dare I say, I'm impressed! And definitely scared. She'll be the girl who can spot a pair of Prada shoes or a Marc Jacobs bag 100 yards away.

L, on the other hand, is tired of standing, and wants to just sit on the bench in the dressing room. Thank goodness she has a twin to do all the choosing! Of course we no longer do matching, but they still like the similar-but-different look sometimes (same shirt, different color).

When we got home M starts showing daddy the new clothes and shoes.
L grabs her new HSM notebook and write this (with some spelling help from me), "I wish I had a pony that can talk."

SIGH

And so as we continue to celebrate their differences, a big thank you to Grammy L for the $235 "treat". Could we possibly be done with back-to-school shopping?

ScaryMom

Sugar, Sweat & Tears...just another day at Hershey Park

"This is the BEST DAY Ever Mom!"
A direct quote from L & M.

Not so much for the parents.

I think you have to go into any amusement park in the summer knowing:
a) you'll be hot and sweaty
b) whatever the day, there will be crowds and lines
c) you will spend too much money and eat too much junk



In addition, if you're a neurotic like me you will also
d) yell too loudly as one child keeps wandering too far away
e) cringe at the thought of the germs living in the water park area




And if you are married to Mr. Scary you will
f) get annoyed when he keeps walking off and not telling anyone where he's going
g) give him the silent treatment
h) make-up and still love him because it's a team effort to get through a day like that.

That said, you are also guaranteed to get huge smiles, screams of joy, and lots of giggles from your kids. And that is what makes it worth the trip.


ScaryMom