Life Lessons

As almost everyone knows, Lear is obsessed with Transformers. In fact, he is going to see the new Transformers movie with his dad and uncle when it comes out - and this boy is afraid of a long list of other movies half as scary. A few months ago, he declared that he was bored with the toys he already had, and I explained to him that I'm only going to buy him toys for his birthday and Christmas. He added up the months until his birthday (in October) and was very disappointed that he would have to wait that long. So, as parents who are trying really hard to be good parents, we saw an opportunity. 

Cory made a job chart, and Lear had to complete every job every day, and if he did this, at the end of the week, we'd pay him for his work. We priced the Transformers that he wanted, and we worked it out so that he'd have to save for ten weeks to earn enough money. So, for ten weeks, Lear has been cleaning his room and clearing away his dinner dishes (among other things) and faithfully saving his money for his Transformer. Some days he did this more cheerfully than others, but he did it.

Well, today was the day. He's been counting down the days for about five days. This morning, it was the first thing he thought about. He told everyone at preschool about it. Several times. After lunch, I paid him for his last week, and we went to the Red Store (that's what he calls Target). I purposely had him save a little less than what he needed for the toy he's been talking about, so he'd learn about budgeting and saving and stuff. He went straight for Grimlock, a Dinobot for those of you not in the know, but it was $23.00, and Lear only had $19. I thought he'd be all upset, but he simply chose one he could afford, and decided to use his leftover money to save for next time. He got a Cybertron Mode Optimus Prime - the sixth Optimus Prime in his collection.  And he is already planning his next purchase in about ten weeks.

Lear quote, chanted over and over at Target:"I'm getting a Transformer! I'm getting a Transformer!"

Ella quote: "Mommy, I swallowed Sleeping Beauty's pink shoe." She opened her mouth and pointed at her throat. "Get it out!" (This is where I roll my eyes and sigh bitterly.)