Jenny On the Spot

Drafted on February 13, 2006

It was the night before Valentine's Day and it dawned on me I hadn't gotten any special little “somethings” for my kiddos. I had intended to run to the store on my own, but in a last-minute change of plans, Olivia decided to come along.

We browsed the picked through leftovers for a special cuddly creature for her sister and brother. She directed me in what she would prefer. Shortly before we headed to the checkout she saw heard a strange and wonderful noise.

You know those cheesy dolls/animals that shimmy and sing silly songs? That was what caught her attention. She decided we also needed to get the Cowboy Horse that sang Achy Breaky Heart for her brother, in addition to the stuffed monkey. I told her everyone could get one thing, and the singing horse was too expensive.

Her reasoning was sound, even persuasive. She said that Joel AND Lucy would love the music and would like to dance AND she reminded me I had the song on my computer (my dirty little secret is out). As she pondered it more, the horse would really be great because Lucy loves to dance now and it would make her dance.

I gave Olivia a choice - one small stuffed animal for each or everyone shares the singing cowboy horse. She decided she wanted her own animal. We headed toward the checkout.

“Acktcheee [actually] I fink we'll share.”

On Valentines morning we had giggling, hip swingin' kids - even tiny Lucy broke a huge grin and swayed to and fro. As irritating as that dancing horse is - it is perfect for this silly family.