Monday, March 31, 2008

Lucky Lady

I have been wanting a small vacuum for some time now. When we came across the Swift Stick at the store and it was on sale for $20.00 I couldn't refuse. I knew it would work perfectly on my hardwood floors.
We brought it home, the hubby put it together and we tried it out. It was awesome! It picks up everything. So much better than the crummy old broom I had been using. It will be great for all of those dust bunnies hiding out in my bedroom. I was very happy.

The hubby was laughing at my giddiness over a vacuum and joked, "I am so glad you like your early birthday present, honey!"

Joey picked up on that right away and says, "Oh mumma, aren't you so lucky that daddy got you a vacuum for your birthday? He is just so good to you! Can you believe how lucky you are? I can't believe daddy was so nice to get you a VACUUM for your BIRTHDAY!"

Todd was trying so hard not to laugh that he had tears streaming down his face.
I, on the other hand, had to clear up the misunderstanding.

"Honey, daddy was kidding. This isn't my birthday present. Daddy is smarter than that. And just so you know you should never get a woman a cleaning device for her birthday unless she specifically asks for one." I clarified.

"Why not?" Joey said.

"Well, because it implies that the woman is the one who should be doing all the cleaning in the house, and really it is everyone's job to keep the house clean. Right?" I answered him.

"Yeah. So, can I use it then?" the smart little fart asked.

"When you get a little bigger, okay?" I said.

"Okay!" he said, clearly excited at the prospect of cleaning with the vacuum all by himself. If only his enthusiasm for cleaning would last through his teen years. Ha! I know better than to hope.

And, now that I think about it, perhaps I should have told him that exercise equipment and cooking gadgets are also prohibited gifts for women unless requested. The boy has so much to learn about women. Luckily, we have time. Lots, and lots of time.

34 comments:

the dragonfly said...

Yes, you are *very* lucky. :)

dawn klinge said...

That future daughter in law of yours is also lucky, that you're giving your sons such wise advice now.

Danielle said...

Yep, you're raising your boys to be excellent husbands! :)

just jamie said...

Kathryn, you never disappoint. Congratulations on your fabulous "gift." What sweet boys you are raising. I have a daughter you know (wink). Let's talk in about 20 years. :)

Ashley said...

ha. That's so cute! Wonder if you could find him a mini vacuum that really works. That would be SO cool lol :)

Ashley said...

ha. That's so cute! Wonder if you could find him a mini vacuum that really works. That would be SO cool lol :)

lime said...

they are never too young to stand over them as they sleep and whisper, "spa day, spa day, spa day...."

OHmommy said...

I have 2 daughters to give away.

WINK. WINK.

Keep up the great work!!!

Melissa said...

yea hopefully his attitude will conitue...or start to catch on in the house with the rest of the boys :)

Family Adventure said...

Your future daughters-in-law will be grateful for their insightful and wise mother-in-law :)

Heidi

Don Mills Diva said...

I agree with the others - you're raising good future husbands there!

Anonymous said...

Oooh! I always enjoy a new toy - even if it is only a vacuum.

It's nice to know you're teaching your boys right.

Unknown said...

That's right, teach him that lesson early because you do not want him to find a good woman and then he gives her a mop and some exercise DVDs for her birthday. That would be BAD, really, really BAD!

Anonymous said...

I wish they all felt that way. Mine seriously has given me appliances for presents. Nothing says Valentine's Day like a washer. MEN. And, may we raise our sons to be helpers.

Kristen said...

Great job Mama! You are going to have some thankful future daughter in laws! :-)

Happy vacuuming! A new vacuum would have made this Mama's day too!

Kellan said...

Such a cute story!! I love vacuum cleaners - always looking for the perfect vacuum. I couldn't stop thinking about your new vacuum all while reading your cute story!

I hope you are doing well, Kathryn - nice to see you - I have missed you. Kellan

Lisa said...

Way to set that boy straight!!!

I was just sweeping my floors for the umpteen millionth time today...and I know it's going to get worse as spring & summer come. Maybe I need to get one of those sweet little vacuums!!! Mothers Day is right around the corner - ha!!!

imbeingheldhostage said...

oh! oh! oh! We SO had this conversation the other day! After buying me KITCHEN SHEARS for my anniversary (and no, I didn't misspell Photoshop) (and yes, I'm still not over it), he tells methat for Christmas he was trying to get me some small kitchen appliance or something (I don't remember what it was because I was too busy reacting in indignation). Tsk Tsk Tsk. I understand your excitement over the sweeper though, I think I'm in love with my cute little British vacuum.

Laura said...

A very very very good lesson for the little men of our lives to learn...and early!

Kelly said...

Train 'em while they're young! LOL

It's awesome to find something that makes cleaning a little bit easier.

ConverseMomma said...

My son is obsessed with cleaning, and I do everything I can to nurture that love. Fingers crossed for us both.

JEWELGIRL said...

I think we're going to need
Wet Vacs, the way the rain is coming down! Much better than
snow, you don't have to shovel
rain!

Anonymous said...

A great lesson and a cool vacuum - sounds like a good day! (although, not a good birthday, of course)

suchsimplepleasures said...

hey, i have one of those here...not the vacuum, the kid!!
xoxo

Rachel said...

and here I was doing the happy dance when I got a Dyson for no reason :-)

Momisodes said...

"So, can I use it then?" That is so cute :) Looks like you're covering all the important stuff early ;) Good thinking!

david mcmahon said...

Sounds like you and ohmommy have got it all sorted!!

(whispers) I cook, clean, sew, wash, iron, vacuum - so tell him it's all good!!

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

Great lesson for the boy! You should get him one of those Dirt Devil vacs to play with, they're battery operated and make noise and actually have a little bit of suction.
I'm going to look for a vac like that! I have ceramic tile and I'm sick of sweeping.

Anonymous said...

All my kids love to help vacuum! The only problem is once they take the attachment hose off and start sucking each other's stomachs, butts, legs, fingers, etc...all the work stops!

Mom24 said...

Too cute! My 7 and 5 year olds take turns with the dustbuster under the table after dinner.

Cath said...

Lovely post. Looks like you are doing a great job of raising him! Train 'em young!

Over from David's (and I don't believe he does all that house work! I heard him whisper...) ;0)

Heather said...

Your boys are lucky to have you. Actually, their future spouses are lucky they have you. =)
Heather

Nissa said...

I think even if specifically requested none of those is a valid gift.. they should just be purchased. :)

Rose said...

Oh yeah, no household items for anniversary, birthday of Christmas! Well, I got a Kitchen Aid mixer for Christmas that I was SO excited about and a tea kettle that I really wanted and needed (after hubby accidentally ruined the vintage teapot - but luckily didn't burn down the house!)

But we pick out our vacuums together in giddy anticipation of using it at home!

Enjoy it!

Words To Live By

Be grateful for each new day.
A new day that you have never lived before.
Twenty-four new, fresh, unexplored hours to use usefully and profitably.
We can squander, neglect, or use them.
Life will be richer or poorer by the way we use today.
Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could;
some blunders and absurdities crept in;
forget them as soon as you can.
Tomorrow is a new day.
You shall begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be
encumbered with your old nonsense.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson