Pay For It

"Pay for it" is Julia's word for a cash register. I guess it makes perfect sense to her. When we go to a store she helps me shop, put things in the cart and then throws a fit when we put the items on the conveyor belt to pay for it. So many times over the past few months I've repeated the same thing over and over "Julia, we have to pay for it". And she sniffles as the cashier scans and bags our treasures. She's getting better but she still loves to watch the check-out process.

A couple of months ago we watched as almost any item in the house was turned into a scanner. On those rare occasions that Steve and I were able to sit on the couch; she used Steve's foot to scan her various items from her play cart. She would hand them to us and then ask for them again...only to repeat the process...again...and again...and again. At Grammy and Grampy's it was a neck pillow. But hey, it kept her occupied.

So as her birthday approached I searched the stores for a scanner/cash register. And then I heard some great news from fellow Moms that one of our Target stores was discounting all of their toys to make room for renovations. AWESOME. The Mom and the bargain shopper in me both rejoiced! Thankfully, the cool cash register was marked-down and I snatched it up for J. It was so hard to wait...I wanted to give it to her as soon as I got it! Or maybe it was to save our feet from being scanners...

Anyway, yesterday was her birthday. It was a time to reflect on the little bundle she used to be and the beautiful, creative and crazy little adult she is becoming. She spent most of the day just playing with our new kitty and watching the NASCAR race, as well as the E-A-G-L-E-S (YES. They actually aired it in our area. Steve was on cloud 9). When a birthday call would come in she would announce to the well-wisher "Happy Birthday to You". What a nice gal! One of the highlights of the day was the call from across the Pond. Uncle Eric called from London and she officially wished him a happy birthday as well.

No, she didn't get a cake. She wanted cookies. So we had cookies and opened presents - FINALLY she had her "pay for it". She scanned her other gifts (Tinkerbell box, Sandra Boynton books and a monkey watch) and used the play money to "pay for it". Steve got in the action with the credit cards. It was a great family moment. (She is currently scanning our couch pillows, blankets, my school papers and lesson plans - hence why I'm able to write!) Now Steve will have an opportunity to teach Economics to our little shopping champ.

Unfortunately, I had to "pay for it" yesterday as well. As many of you know we adopted a sweet dog on July 9 and named it Phoebe. As much as I wanted it to work it was putting a strain our household...the constant attention, making sure our errands/outings weren't too long, keeping Julia from playing dentist with her and trying to keep her from chasing the cats. Although Steve grew-up with dogs he has always proclaimed that he is not a dog person and that he enjoys our cattitudes much better. He tried to make me happy by letting us adopt Phoebe. But it wasn't working. Last night Phoebe went to another family for a "vacation". If it works they will permanently adopt her. They have two beautiful boys that will certainly give her all the attention she deserves. It's hard. Especially since all of our friends and family welcomed her with love. She's a special dog that deserves a family who can shower her with love.

Now for the funny part. Julia and I were at the Farmer's Market and there was a woman with a huge box in front of her. Marked on the box, in big blue letters, was "Free Kittens". At least Julia can't read! HA HA HA. She ran right over and picked-up a cutie and stated "Mama, birthday present?" Are you kidding? Another animal? After a quick call to Steve it was determined he should be a part of our home. So, we are now a three cat family. Jimi is his name. Why Jimi? Two reasons - 1. Steve loves Jimi Hendrix. In fact Willchenzo was almost "Hendrix" until we witness his silly-willie antics. He was then christened Willie (Willchenzo when he is being calm); and 2. While watching him play with a longer cat toy (laying on floor, front paws around it and back paws scratching it) Julia yelled "Mama, Papa, baby kitty playing guitar!". And that was that - he is now Jimi. Chloe just watches him and Willie hisses and then runs under the nearest piece of furniture. Ah, yes. The Haney House is finally back to "normal".