Sunday, May 02, 2010

It's the Thought That Counts

Right around Jackson's third birthday, he acquired the habit of saying, "I want that for my birfday!" He literally started saying it the day after his birthday. We gently broke the news that his next birthday was quite far away, but it didn't seem to matter. He has said it every day - even multiple times a day - since then.

This may sound like an annoying habit, but it has its benefits. For example, today Jackson and I were walking hurriedly through Memorial City Mall (Gap was having a sale!) when we saw a man selling remote control helicopters. Jackson was instantly sucked in and I sensed the beginnings of a little meltdown over his desire to have one. Curtis and Annabeth were waiting for us in the car and I was trying my best to keep walking. There were a few little whimpers and I knew people were going to stare when it fully erupted, but then Jackson calmed himself down and said, "I want that for my birfday, Mommy."

"Okay, baby, just remind me of that when your birthday comes."

And that was it. The hope of the birthday present is very powerful.

Now you will understand the warmth in my heart when I tell you that twice today I've heard my son say, "I want to get that for Mommy for Mother's Day."

Never mind that it was most recently during a commercial for Garnier Fructis shampoo. It's the thought that counts.

38 comments:

Kiki said...

And if he did get you the shampoo, you'd still think it was sweet.

Lauren said...

Bless his heart.... Love that boy!!!

Diane said...

Too sweet!

Rhonda said...

Girl - I can't tell you how holidays and birthdays have saved us many a meltdown in the toy department:) Probably very wrong..

Bobbie said...

I guess he recognizes great hair, just like Mommy's!! Smart little man!

I'm totally impressed with the fact he can calm himself down! That's awesome...!

Patty said...

That is so precious and sweet! He loves his mommy. :)

Kelly @ Love Well said...

I still remember the first gift I got for my Mom for Mother's Day -- a frying pan.

(I got my Dad soap-on-a-rope for Father's Day.)

Comparatively, shampoo sounds pretty good.

Heather said...

Love his heart!!!!!

Deidre said...

oh, that is so sweet! what i'm finding out is shampoo would be an awesome gift from my girls if they are the ones that thought of it.

Kathy Cubley said...

Boys will always melt a mama's heart! My baby is 26 and still has that ability...and uses it often!

Lauren said...

Oh my gosh. That is precious.

E said...

At least your hair will be nice and shiny! :) What a sweet boy you have.

Lindsee said...

It's totally the thought that counts! That so sweet (and funny) at the same time. Sweet heart.

Tara G. said...

Precious! We've used that technique or a variation of- "save your money!" The new Olmsted scholar, an F-22 pilot, came in country this past week for his house hunting trip. He and his wife brought my boy a few things from his squadron and my son nearly hyperventilated- it was so cute! I suppose he comes by it honestly- but then I think every boy loves to dream of flying machines!

Anonymous said...

LOL! So sweet! My little boy got me some sunglasses one year. I will keep them forever!!

katiegfromtennessee said...

Aww, too cute! Love him:)

katiegfromtennessee

Anonymous said...

I love your blog! AND finally an explanation for the tiny hairs circling my face! Maybe I need some Garnier Fructis :) I linked to your blog this weekend when I was talking about my "hair problems"-- thanks!

This Is Stupid said...

I have been using that technique for a while now, too! My 3 year old (4 in August) touches every toy in the aisle and says, "Mommy, I want THIS for my birthday!" Though I kinda hope she forgets SOME of the things she's pointed out, or else I'm on the hook for about $10,000 worth of gifts.

Kirsten said...

Aw, that is so precious!

Katie said...

HAHAHAHAHAHA! That is so sweet!!!! Love him to bits!

connorcolesmom said...

Kids are so funny!!!
I have started telling my boys that I will put it on their birthday/Christmas list
I keep a pad of paper in my purse and we write down the items they mention
It is really helpful especially when it is time to buy them gifts :)
Much love

Susy said...

Well he knows how important his mommy's pelo is to her! What a sweetheart.

Anonymous said...

Awe, the sweetest heart ever.

Unknown said...

I love it! I have a 3 year old boy as well, and we've had those moments, too! I'm sure you're 'the best mom ever' to him, too! Thanks for sharing! I love reading your blog. :)

Allison said...

melting!!!!!

Shelly@Sweet Journey said...

My son loves to give gifts. One year at Christmas I was wrapping gifts and he wanted to wrap some too. That year I opened my crown--an empty diaper genie refill! It was appropriate for the time I guess, and it makes me smile years later. Go for the shampoo!

Becky Kiser said...

So sweet. I love that he said that during a shampoo commercial. Such a cute little man you got!

Manda said...

So is he saying you should have that shampoo because he connects you with the models, or he thinks you need help with your hair haha ;) that really is sweet

kari said...

I love it! At least he didn't say he wanted to get you the helicopter for Mother's Day! Titus is starting to use his logic for his own advantage. I'm sure you understand :) Yes, birthday language is hilarious! Just today T said, "Daddy, will you pray that my cough stops for my birthday?" Good. We've got 6 months for that cough to clear. LOL. LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU!

melanie said...

yeah, it's 4 days after avery's b-day and she is still asking for EVERYTHING she sees "for her birthday." i love the response you gave jackson, i will have to remember that one!

Joyful said...

I just kept thinking as I read this, I wish I was that intentional and consistant in my pursuit of Christ.

And a little child shall lead them,
Joy

TDM Wendy said...

I love how kids dream so big! Especially in the hair care department! Wouldn't that be an amazing mother's day gift?

Kelli said...

So sweet. Caroline tried to give my mother's day present from her school to Chris. :)

Misty M. said...

So sweet!
About the Yearlong birthday bonanza- Once again your boy sounds like mine. Mine is 4 however and the birthday plans still continue all year long. Also he is not as forgetful as he used to be. Luckily he earns stars now for daily achievements and 20 stars earn him a dollar and a few hotwheels here and there do a good job of curtailing the wishlists. Just last night he asked for something for his birthday (in November) and I told him he just needs to save his own money and he can get it for himself. So glad that worked!
Gotta love our boys!

The Marquarts said...

Yeah...mine say, "I want that for Christmas!" Love it!

Let me apologize for not saying "HI"!! I thought to myself...I'm sure she ALWAYS gets stopped! I'll let her have her time...uninterupted!!

Also, what a great memory you have!!! I'm VERY impressed!

So nice to see you too!

jennyhope said...

Girl, Morgan asked me today if I would get her a mothers day present since she is getting me one.
I have joked because she has literally been planning her birthday since it was her birthday last year!
I wonder if your mall has the same type kiosk people that we have. Most of the people are from Israel and we have had some good talks, but most of them don't believe. I have to dart by some of them when they are like ma'am let me show you something amazing.

i will still never forget how the dead sea mineral girl asked me to watch her kiosk for her and she did not come back for 20 minutes. I cracked up so bad when a lady asked me if I spoke English. LOL. All that over the helicopter! =)

R said...

i use that line a lot, and also "maybe you'll get it for Christmas!", or "tell your grandmas and grandpas about that!"

and secretly, i keep a page in the back of my planner dedicated to writing things down like that...things my children, husband or other family members mention in passing. then when a holiday or special day rolls around, i have a whole list of good ideas of things they really want!

Tina said...

Amanda, I feel silly following personal blogs of people I don't know, so commenting is another level. I just can't get over so many similarities with our kids. I have a 4yr old boy & a 1yr old girl. And like a few other posts of yours, this one could have been written by me!
It seems any cringing I do as the "I wants" pile up is overwhelmed with pride when he starts pointing at what he wants to get me.
It's crazy to read the same things happening in another home of someone I only know through these online diaries!