Well, we have just seen a 180-degree turn in that little scenario. Last night when I picked Kirstin up from my mom, I expected the usual requests for evening activities. She usually asks to see a Disney movie, or to play with her friends.
No, no. Last night she said, "Mom, would you please take me shopping?" I was truly shocked.
It seems that she was just 'in the mood' to go to the mall, and window-shop and bargain-hunt. She didn't have any money burning holes in her pockets, she wasn't eager to buy anything in particular; she just thought it would be fun to shop.
Dreading the usual 'I wants' and 'I wish I could haves', but wanting to give her a chance, I arranged to meet Forest and the mall, and the three of us went shopping.
The kid who would have complained about going to the mall a year ago now eagerly led us from shop to shop, smiling, chatting, and grown-up all the way. When we explained to her that the N'Sync folder she was looking at was overpriced, she nodded, agreed, and very maturely moved on to the next rack. No whining, no 'I want', no complaint. Forest and I were able to stroll through the mall, and windowshopped at our leisure.
It was really very enjoyable. Kirstin had big hugs for both of us, and at one point pulled us in on either side of her for a group hug, then ducked out, mashing us together so we kissed. When we expressed our suprise to find ourselves smooching, she grinned, and explained that since we love each other, we ought to be kissing each other!
It was a fun night.
Looks like we will have quite a gathering tonight for Forest's impromptu suprise birthday thing. I guess Jim, Karen, my mom, Sam, Kirstin, Allyn, Bill, Kathy, Forest and I will all be there. I'm planning on showing up an hour in advance to make sure we can get a table. It could be difficult with a dozen people. I hope Forest takes to the idea of a birthday celebration well. I'm not sure if he'll be pleased or embarrassed or both.
Aferward I think we're going to get a room at the Sheraton, so we can swim and soak in the hot tub together.
It's hard to believe this is already the weekend. I guess the 4th being on a Tuesday has thrown me off a bit. Still, I'm glad of some spare time. I need to clean up my house in preparation for the assessor's visit on Monday. I guess I'm hoping for a high assessed value, so I can take out a slightly larger mortgage, and use the cash for the porch, and possibly a down payment on a fuel efficient car. Wheeee.
