It’s the Thought That Counts…Right?

It’s the thought that counts.

I think.

The other day, a certain brown-eyed seven-year-old approached me and said, “Mom, I made this for you.”

In his hand was a construction paper turtle.

What mother’s heart doesn’t warm up when her child gives her a handmade gift? I smiled down on my skinny, little cherub. This flesh-of-my-flesh. The last child I ever grew a placenta for. The child I have spent countless nights holding, nursing, comforting.

Being a Good Mom, I didn’t just say “thank you” or “that’s nice” when he handed me his gift.

Nope, in this house, we like to foster independence, creativity, and hard work. So I was specific with my praise.

“Thank you so much, Apollo! I love that you made a turtle. I like how the eyes are 3D and look at the engineering on those legs!”

Apollo cut me off, mid-sentence.

“It will cost you five cents”.

Oh, yes, my friends. I had to cough up five cents for a construction paper turtle which appeared to be made with $2.56 worth of tape and paper. Tape and paper I bought and paid for.

Not to mention the mess spread from one end of our table to the other, with a healthy dose of homemade confetti on the floors.

I may have gotten a bargain, however, as I saw him sell one to Kalina later for a dime. And since she didn’t have change, he graciously accepted a dollar bill as payment. I suppose I should be proud that he no longer plans to be poor with a car or Panhandle for a living…

But somehow I am hoping this new hobby doesn’t last too long.

After all, Hezekiah needs new shoes.

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