You knocked my socks off this month.
There's an activity book at a cool used bookstore in town that you have to have. I acknowledged your plight but politely informed you that it was too close to Christmas and too close to your birthday to buy a $20 book for you. You were thrown into the depths of despair but an idea quickly came to mind which allowed you to see the light. "Momma, what if *I* bought the book?" I told you that if you wanted to use your own money, you were free to get it. You jumped all over that idea but then you were back into the ol' Pit o' Despair again. "But Momma! It'll take me forevvvvvvvverrrrrrrrrr to make enough money when I only get $.50 for folding bath towels!!!"
That's when I informed you that because folding towels involves clean laundry, is a chore that can be done sitting down, in the air-conditioning, while you're watching TV, and takes 15 minutes, it's only a $.50 chore. If you'd like to earn more money, you'll have to do something that's dirtier, hotter, more uncomfortable, and takes longer.
Mopping the floor; cleaning toilets; sweeping the driveway and porch; raking and bagging leaves. These are all chores that are worth more than $.50.
You agreed to all of them, and then Daddy told you the lawn needed to be mowed. I've never seen a girl more excited to mow! Daddy told you if you mowed everything (front, back, and side yard), he'd pay you $10. I was fully expecting you to tap out after 15 minutes, earning a measly $2 or $3. But you blew me away. You hung in there the entire time, only needing Daddy to take over a few times. And it was almost completely dark for the last 10 minutes you mowed, but you didn't stop until everything was done. You. Did. It. And you earned a well-deserved $8 - and a nice, cool shower afterwards. (In case you're wondering, Daddy was right beside you the whole time, with one hand on lawn mower to help you keep it going in a straight line.)
I was so proud of you, my sweet girl. You did hard, manual labor - practically nonstop - for 90 minutes. You were a hot mess afterward, dripping with sweat and covered in dirt and grass clippings. But what stood out the most was your gigantic grin on your face. You were thrilled with yourself. And for the next few days, every time we pulled up to the house, you ran around the yard, marveling at your work.
You had every right to be proud - the yard looked great.
And by the way, it's time to mow again. Chop, chop.
Hugs and smooches,
Mommy & Daddy
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Headlines for November 1, 2016:
- Trump Tells Early Voters to Change Their Ballots If They Have 'Buyer's Remorse'
- Huma Abedin lies low amid email probe
- FBI investigations into Trump-Russia ties yield little
- Justin Ross Harris' Ex-Wife Retakes Stand in Hot-Car Murder Trial: 'He Destroyed My Life'
- Boy's death linked to polio-like 'mystery illness'
- Bob Dylan: Nobel Prize 'Left Me Speechless'
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