I was lucky to spend a Saturday with one of my dear friends from the 7th grade. My kids were absolutely thrilled that Faye was coming over, only to be a little disappointed that her cute little dog (aka circle dog) wasn’t accompanying her today. After hugs and kisses the kids went about their business and we caught up. We chatted for quite a while and I noticed that the rainy day forecast I anticipated for the day wasn’t happening and then the guilt sunk  in that I hadn’t taken the boys outside. I contemplated taking them to the park but I had to wait for Finn to awake from his nap. Meanwhile Faye suggested, “Let’s got to the pet store to get Franklin a birthday present.” Faye didn’t know what she just unleashed. First of all darling, ask mommy first before making such announcements in front of kids; second, know your audience. Logan at the pet store is adorably cute but you won’t hear the end of it after you have left. You won’t hear the end of it for days or possibly weeks. Daddy took them to the pet store two weeks ago and he just stopped talking about Dusty the $600 parrot that he just had to have because he “took a liking to him.”

Needless to say we were off to the pet store. Bearded dragons, parrots, turtles, koi, ferrets….they’re “all so cute mom.” “Mom, Dusty really wants to come home with me, just look at him.” “Mom, we need to bring that whole family of turtles home, they can’t be separated, they’re a family.” “Mom, that dinosaur Pteranodon dog toy is so cute even though it’s a dog toy. I really wish I could have a toy like that.” As I sit and write this post, it’s Sunday afternoon, I’m still hearing all of this. Thanks Faye. Strike 1!

In addition, you don’t mention the words “ice cream” or any other word pertaining to sugar consumption without discreetly discussing this with the Mom. 4:15pm is too close to dinner time to be going out for ice cream. Strike 2!

Further more, don’t mention fun activities like going to play miniature golf or going to the aquarium without  first discussing with the Mom. Now explanations of why we can’t go do those things are in order. I was already asked this morning, “Are we going to the aquarium with Faye today?”

I guess what it comes down to is that Faye sounds like fun and mom’s a tyrant. The Mom is the one that has to deal with the whining, tears, and tantrums when they are denied some of these fun things. So for our non-parent friends, please take notes. Save us moms from the tears, grief, and tantrums. ASK MOM FIRST.