Tax Time!!!

As most single mommies, and even some married parents know… The beginning of the year is like a sweet-sweet birthday, without the reminder that you are yet another year older. This is the time of year that Uncle Sam reimburses us for all the broken mini-blinds, crayoned walls, and stained furniture; in the form of child tax credits. Well, like most, I have decided to do some things with my tax return that I normally would not do on my measly annual income. I am taking my four sons to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, for Spring Break. Huge, right?

I also appreciate the little things in life. I recently made a purchase that I am not entirely proud of. I bought a TWELVE DOLLAR, 10 ounce, bottle of edible goo. Totally disregarding the fact that $12 would buy an entire, budget friendly, dinner for my family of five. Shame. On. Me. But in my defense; this isn’t just any goo. This is Pampered Chef Pineapple Rum Sauce goo. Described, on their website, as “a tropical mix of pineapple, coconut cream, mango and red pepper, combined with a touch of rum, creates a refreshing, sweet and spicy sauce”. Your mouth is watering now too, right?

This evening I decided to crack open the bottle, that has been guilt-hidden in my cabinet for 2 weeks. The recipe depicted in the brochure which I selected this goo from called for a softened block of cream cheese, and crackers. You simply pour the sauce over the cream cheese and spread on crackers. I have chosen Triscuits. Mmmmm.

My youngest son was in the kitchen with me when I began preparation. As I poured the golden goo, with it’s less than appetizing appearance, over the block of cream cheese, Christopher asked “WHAT IS THAT?!” I replied “your FACE”; which is my response to questions that I do not want to answer, or when I am trying to be a smart ass. (Also see: “Your MOM”)

A minute later, curiosity brought my older 3 sons into the kitchen. “What are you making?” I did not answer, so Christopher decided to share my recipe. With the most serious demeanor he said “cream cheese, with your face poured on top… we are going to eat it with those crackers”. He has yet to develop my sarcasm trait.

Most entertaining $12 I have spent, in a long time.

MAN

Earlier this evening, I had the privilege of taking my (almost) 12 year old son to his first co-ed birthday party, being held for a girl in his 5th grade class; who just so happens to be my son's latest crush. I feel as though this was a milestone for both of us; HIS first social interaction with members of the opposite sex, that are not related by blood, marriage, or years of kinship... and, MY first urge to lock him in his room until after he graduates college, for a reason other than junk-punching his brothers.

After two grueling hours, I picked Corey up. The second his seat belt clicked, I started the 20 questions. Did she like your gift? Did you sing happy birthday with everyone else? What other classmates were there?

"Yes... Ya...." Then he rambled off a handful of girl names, and started talking about the cake. Wait a minute. Back it up. "What boys were there?" "Just me" and he continued on about the cake.

I don't know whether I am more bothered by the fact that my son was the only boy, OR the fact that he did not seem to be bothered by such. 

Baffled by his comfort, being the only boy; I concluded the interrogation with one final question, "Corey, did you go to this party in hopes that this girl would like you?"

"No Mom. I went because I wanted to see her smiles." 


Well, there you have it... My baby boy is becoming a sensitive, loving, MAN. I may not like this fact, at all times. But I could not be more proud of him.