The Gift That Keeps On Giving

The school year is winding down, and Joel has given his final concert of the year.  At this particular event, the performance was followed by an award ceremony for the kids as well as a brief opportunity for my husband to thank those colleagues that have made the school year possible.

And me.  Yep, I got a thank you.  And an award.

And flowers.  He knows that I'm not a rose girl, but I'm a big sucker for any cheery spring flowers that pop up when the weather gets warm, so the big bouquet of tulips he gave me is displayed proudly on the counter.

"Mommy?  Did you pick those pretty flowers?"

"Nope, they were a present from Daddy."

"For Mother's Day?"

"Nope, this was just a thank you present for me."

"But flowers can't be a present!"

"Why not?  I like them, and they make me happy, so I think they are a good present."

"No, Mommy.  Toys are presents.  Not flowers."

"When you're older you might want things other than toys.  I know that is hard to imagine now, but someday you might want clothes, or a book or even a car.  Not just toys."

"What about food?"

"Sometimes people give food as a present.  Like cookies or fancy chocolates."

"Or hot dogs?"

"Hmm.  I don't think people usually give hot dogs as a gift."

"Or taties?"

"Those aren't really gifts, honey.  Just food."

"But I like them and they make me happy.  Just like your flowers, right?"



How come he only chooses to listen when my words support his argument?

"Okay, Cael.  Hot dogs and potatoes are a great gift."

"Yeah.  But not as good as toys."

Touché.

So next year, if I am so blessed as to receive an honor at Joel's concert, I'm holding out for hot dogs and potatoes.  They're so much better than flowers, anyway.

But not as good as toys.