Sometimes, every once in a while, I get the idea that not only am I incredibly blessed with two amazing daughters, but that maybe, just maybe, I'm not fucking EVERYTHING up. This morning was one of those times. Sarah's birthday is coming up in just under 3 weeks (!) and Emma and I were talking about how we are going to celebrate. The plan is to have cake and invite people to stop by to celebrate, but not have an organized party. The thing that Emma is having a hard time with is that I am going to ask people not to bring gifts. I know family will get her a birthday present, and that's fine. I just am in this process of trying to de-junk our house and get it ready for us to sell, and I can't have extra stuff coming in right now. So, Emma and I were talking about how birthdays are not about presents, and how we just want to celebrate with our family and friends. We talked about how we would be asking our family and friends to give of their time to help us celebrate Sarah's birthday, which is a gift of themselves, and that is so much better than a present that Sarah could open. I told Emma that I would give her some money so she could get Sarah a birthday present. She was still unsettled and unhappy about it. Then she said, "I have a better idea".

She went into her room, where she was very busy. I folding laundry (joy!), so I don't really know how long she was gone, but it was a while. When she came back in, she was holding something behind her back. She asked for wrapping paper and tape. Now, since laundry is so exciting and I have amazing brain powers, I had forgotten our previous conversation. Also, a large part of my day is avoiding huge messes. So, I asked her what she was going to do with the tape (wrapping paper I do not fear, tape, however, is a different story, it is VERY scary). Then she put me in my place. She said, "Mom" (I'm rarely mommy anymore, I miss mommy!) "The problem is, if you give me money to get Sarah a present, then it's really a present from you. So, I'm going to give her Kenya." Then she brought out one of her favorite stuffed animal dogs that she got the last time we were in Seattle. I tried to tell her how very proud I was of her and how that was the perfect gift. She then said, "Mom, I already know all that. Can I have wrapping paper and tape. You can help me." So, I've been put in my place, but for a good cause!