"When are we leaving?"
"We aren't going anywhere today. We spent the day at the pool and now I have dinner to make." I explained to my daughter.
"Nooooooo. When are we leaving to drive YOU to YOUR mommy vacation?"
"Tomorrow. Tomorrow I leave." I explained.
My children have never been away from me, for longer then a couple of hours.
So when Lola asked me today if it was time for me to leave, I was a little shocked. I was expecting DRAMA and TEARS and HUGS and TANTRUMS as I walked through the security gate at the airport. This is what I envisioned our good-byes to be.
"When is it tomorrow? How many MINUTES? I want my toys!!!"
"I want MY TOYS too, sweet Mama." Jay chimed in. "When are you leaving?"
Over the weekend, when I explained to them I was leaving, I took them to Target and promised to buy them each a "medium expensive" toy. My children never get toys outside of their birthdays and Christmas. Sometimes they earn money for their own Legos, that happens once every full moon. But very rarely if never, do I just buy them a toy. Heck, the last time Fifi got a toy was on trash day in our neighborhood. I don't want them to be consumed by material items.
I won't allow the kiddos to open their toys until I leave.
I figured that they would be excited with a new toy and not focus so much on my departure.
I figured right.
See how easy it is to replace a loving mother?
"We aren't going anywhere today. We spent the day at the pool and now I have dinner to make." I explained to my daughter.
"Nooooooo. When are we leaving to drive YOU to YOUR mommy vacation?"
"Tomorrow. Tomorrow I leave." I explained.
My children have never been away from me, for longer then a couple of hours.
So when Lola asked me today if it was time for me to leave, I was a little shocked. I was expecting DRAMA and TEARS and HUGS and TANTRUMS as I walked through the security gate at the airport. This is what I envisioned our good-byes to be.
"When is it tomorrow? How many MINUTES? I want my toys!!!"
"I want MY TOYS too, sweet Mama." Jay chimed in. "When are you leaving?"
Over the weekend, when I explained to them I was leaving, I took them to Target and promised to buy them each a "medium expensive" toy. My children never get toys outside of their birthdays and Christmas. Sometimes they earn money for their own Legos, that happens once every full moon. But very rarely if never, do I just buy them a toy. Heck, the last time Fifi got a toy was on trash day in our neighborhood. I don't want them to be consumed by material items.
I won't allow the kiddos to open their toys until I leave.
I figured that they would be excited with a new toy and not focus so much on my departure.
I figured right.
See how easy it is to replace a loving mother?
62classy comments:
So much for their conspiracy to keep you home!
Well, I will miss you. Can't wait to hear all about your vacation with adults. Ughhh, I'm a little jealous! ;)
Who knew we were worth so little?
LMAO. That is just classic!!
What a clever idea...Mom's worth in toys!
Have a great trip...and tell me everything I miss!
I'm sorry to be laughing, but OH. MY. GOD. I am laughing! They'll miss you. Really, they will. Maybe. ;)
Have soooooo much fun! I'm totally jealous.
LMAO!!
Mine have been between tears and rushing. This will be the longest ever away from them. I demand you distract me with drinks and stiletto lessons. LOL
Have fun on your trip!
Weather in SFO looks like its going to be fine. 70 degree F., Winds 17mph
I'm going to miss you too, so um. Can I please have a toy?
If you buy me a toy....I won't throw a tantrum because you are leaving and I am going to be here cleaning my house like I do every.single.day!
My b'day is next Tues....so I guess I should technically get 2 toys!!!!
Have fun....we'll miss you too!
Will be missing you. Just have a drink for me. or if you don't drink, just eat some grapes, you know?
Will you take me to Target and get me a 'medium-priced' toy?
If not, I'm crying when you leave.
HA, hysterical! Did fifi also pick out her toy?
Have fun OHmommy...you deserve it!
Kids are so funny!
OH, "sweet Mama"--toys can't replace you. They are just trying to make leaving a little easier for you :)
We've gone from stay, stay, stay to get the heck out! OhMommy you are brilliant, it's easy to see where they get it from!
Oh that is great! Cant wait to hear all about trip..I hope you have a wonderful time!!
I just want one of them to say, 'When are you going to take Auntie Mr Lady some underwear?'
I can just hear the mental process going on ....
Let's see. On the one hand, MOMMY is LEAVING!! On the other hand, I got a NEW TOY. New Toy, Mommy leaving -- toy, mommy, toy, mommy. Mommy will be back! I'm good.
You are SO LOVED! That's funny stuff. :)
But they will miss you, really they will. lol
There's a fine line between missing mom and wanting a toy.
Have so much fun at BlogHer. You of all people deserve it.
When I used to go to conferences I would bring back toys with me. I would scrimp and save while there so I would have enough money to go mad in the toy shop.
And I would get home and they were fine. I missed them and fretted for them and turns out most of the time they thought I was in the shower.
Meh.
Smootches babe. Travel safe
Good planning by you!
Hope your trip is safe and fun!
Mommy vacations are nice. I had one just for the day so for you to get one for the weekend is sweet! Toys were a great idea to distract them. Enjoy!
mwshores@bellsouth.net
That is too funny. Enjoy your mommy vacation.
safe travels.
Does Jay REALLY say "sweet Mama?" Bear used to call me "Dear Mommy" (no idea where he got that from), but now I'm just "the Mommy"!
Have a safe and wonderful trip!
Hilarious!
And to think just a few days ago they were plotting how they would steal or tear up your plane ticket.
How things have changed.
I will have to remember the "toy" idea.
Of course they will want me to go away more often.
Have a great time at BlogHer!
You deserve it.
Good for them and good for you. I crave those alone trips like people crave chocolate. I need at least one a year-sometimes Mr.T isn't even invited.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OHMOMMY; HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.
Smart idea! It worked. But I know it is hard to hear that the toy is more exciting thant you leaving!!!
Have a WONDERFUL trip!
I'm sure they will be fine, especially with their new toys!! Have a GREAT time :-)
Now THAT sounds more like my boys. ;)
Does he really call you sweet mama?
So sweet.
How funny! I should have thought of this! We're getting ready to go in for an induction tonight so I need to go to the store and get the kiddos a new toy. that's an excellent idea!
Before your plane even lands those toys will be getting old and they will be crying for Mommy. Or, they will be thinking about they can get out of you on your next trip.
Have fun!
the games should keep them occupied for about 1/2 hour...then the tears will start. hope you have a great time in san fran!! btw - Sto Lat!
Aw! It's good that you found a way to distract them from the sadness of you leaving. I'm sure they'll get upset once they open their toys and wear them out.
Have a great trip!!
It's amazing how cheaply you can buy a toddlers' love eh?
See you TOMORROW!
hahah. my kids are easily bought too!
:)
can't wait to see you!
Happy Birthday- STO lat dla Ciebie.
Ile to masz juz Latek???
What a bribe will do. I can't wait for you to go on your mommy vacation and tell us all about it!
I am soooo going to use that one next time we leave for vacation! Thanks :)
That's pretty amusing...they want the toys :) It looks like your plan worked as far as getting them focused on something other than your departure. Just maybe not in the way thought.
Well at least it took a "medium" priced toy to replace you. Imagine how you would feel if you could be replaced with a Dollar Store toy.
Is that all it takes!?? Wow! I have a few people I need to spread the word too. lol
Good job! I love this.
Whoops, I think that idea backfired a little, huh?
Have a great trip!
Remember you're not leaving your children behind you're going away so that you can miss them!!!
Enjoy your trip!!!
Have a wonderful time, can't wait to hear all about it and very jealous that you are going! :)
Smart thinking on your part about the toys, they sure did change their tune since sharing that video! LOL! Have a safe trip to out to Ca!
That is really funny! Amazing what a toy will do!
My kids are easily bought too. They'll miss you. Eventually.
Or not.
LOL!
I love it!!! Thanks for letting us all in on the secret....we can now all "escape"!
Have the most wonderful time while you're away. You surely deserve it!
ROFL That's an interesting tactic, I admit. I bring my kids presents home when I return from a trip...but not before I leave. lol
figures.
Have a great trip! I was in the Bay Area 2 weeks ago.
I'm constantly asked the time - all the time, it drives me insane. Hope BlogHer is treating you well~
I think that is an awesome idea and plan to steal it (not your toys, just the idea) if I ever leave my kids for longer than a work day. Thank you and have fun!!
I bet they were as nuts to see you get back home as you were to see them! How did OHDaddy do on his own with all 3???
lucky you - my kids FREAK OUT if I even try to go get my nails done!!!!!!!
Oh, you're smarrrrrt...
Wow, I thought I was one of the few moms who only bought gifts for their kids only on Christmas and their birthdays.
They also had a privileged life when they were your babies' ages. People would often be surprised when I would tell them about our gift policy.
I will qualify that to say I would often be ashamed of myself come Christmas Day. They would get so many toys they would get tired of opening them!
They're 16 now, and very unspoiled considering the life they've lived.
You'll be glad you stuck to that rule when they're teens!!
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