Yesterday me and the boys went and got our family pictures taken. It's actually the first pictures I have had done professionally since the divorce. Anyway, I really wanted them to turn out great. Thus, the bribe. Yes, I bribe. I bribe A LOT.. and you know what, it works. :) So I told the kids I would let them pick out a surprise after pictures IF they were good, and the pictures turned out. (Fortunately, the photographer is a genius so getting them to turn out was easier than you'd think.)
After a few threats of them losing their surprise, we did manage to get through the photo shoot. Hallelujah. They had earned their 'prizes'.
As we were driving home, I decided to stop into this little store I always find the craziest/fun stuff. We headed inside right for the toy section.
Didn't take the kids very long to find all kinds of things...and then their negotiations began: Mom, can we get TWO prizes? Me; Nope. You weren't THAT good for pictures. ;)
After they finally came to terms with the fact that they were ONLY getting one prize, they started to narrow their choices. I usually try to encourage them to pick something cheap. WHAT? :)
Well, Wyatt finally settled on a remote control car (it was only 8 bucks) and Chase wanted some Narnia figurines (4 bucks). I saw these SWEET Kung Fu Panda swords that made noise.. seemed super cool to me! They were only 3.99 each too. i thought it was a steal. Packaging said they were normally 10$.
I guess I liked them more than the kids though, because they wouldn't budge. I decided that I liked them enough though that I'd buy them and just give the kids them for Christmas. For those that know me, you know I have a CLOSET full of stuff that I've accumulated for my boys for Christmas. I see it. I like it. I buy it. I shelve it for later. :)
Well, Wyatt woke up this morning and he realized that the toy I PICKED was WAY cooler than the one he picked. Cue negotiations and tears:
But mom, give me a chance!
Mom, I'll trade you! You can give me my controller car for Christmas!
Mom, I never had one of those!
I just need it!
Booo hoooo hooo. Yeah, it was a good 20 minute fit. One I chose to ignore.
It appears now he is over it... as he just asked if he could watch his new movie "Fall" (He means 'Up'. *giggle*)
Do you want to see what caused ALLLL the drama this morning?
There you have it. I did learn one lesson. I will NEVER pick out an Christmas gifts with the boys in tow. Just not worth it.
4 comments:
Ha ha! Frustration is good for little buggers, I say.
Haha I could totally picture the whole thing. Way to stick to your guns!
I have a gift closet too.
Good job not caving in. Now you need to put up pics of your family pictures.
I love your narratives--great description! BTW, its not a 'bribe'--its a reward for good behavior!!! Heavenly Father originated it! He sticks to his guns too! It was good to see you and your little dudes at Grandma Burnham's birthday party. They are really growing.
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