Mother’s Day was nice. This year, I asked for no gifts. I didn’t like the idea of more things coming into the house when I’m trying so hard to get things out. A few weeks ago I found a guided canoe trip which is happening nearby, and though it’s not for a few more weeks, I told Bob and Emma that I wanted that to be my Mother’s Day gift. It was in line with my goals of having less stuff and also making better use of free time.

Bob was happy to honor my wish.

Emma, being 8 and stubborn but also sweet and generous, was not.

It’s hard when people insist on getting you gifts. I’ve learned the gift buying process is as much about the gift-er as it is the gift-ee. She loves to buys presents, and I want her to hold on to her thoughtful spirit. We’ve talked in general terms about having things versus doing things and I think she sees how too much stuff makes our house hard to manage.

My Mother’s Day Present Tray

So Bob took her shopping on Friday night. Yesterday she woke me up and brought over the “present tray” which is a flat cardboard box about 12 by 18 inches in size. I think it was used at some point to deliver food. I’d been using it for recycling junk mail and circulars, and my resourceful child dumped those out so she could use it for my gifts.

She did a great job, picking out a pair of spring pajamas, which I needed, along with a couple of Lush bath bombs and some candy. So there’s only one thing I need to make permanent room for. She also got me a stuffed Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, directing me to bring them to work so they can sit on my desk, which I did today.

Bob and I were talking about the “present tray” and decided that all future gifts for birthdays and other special occasions need to fit in the present tray. I think it’s a good idea and will help me from going overboard when buying gifts. Father’s Day is just around the corner!

CinderEmma

Yesterday Emma was also eager to help me clean. She had this idea that she was going to be Cinderella and dressed accordingly. As much as I was pleased that she wanted to help, she had very definite ideas about what she wanted to do, which did not mesh with mine:

Me: Thanks for being so helpful! You should pick up all the clothes from the floor of your room.

Emma: I’m going to mop the kitchen.

Me: The kitchen doesn’t need to be mopped. You should pick up your clothes.

Emma: I’m going to reorganize all the food.

She then proceeded to take all the food out of the lazy Susan, which is where I keep 3/4 of our non-perishable food. Fortunately I was able to deflect her efforts towards putting away some things that were already out.

I probably should have let her do what she wanted, because I doubt she will ever offer to mop again.