Good Intentions

The kids and I took off on Thursday for our first trip of the summer- a quick 5 hour ride to see my sister and her family in Georgia.  We planned the trip at this time for 2 reasons:  #1 it was the only weekend that worked for both of us and #2 it coincided with Father's Day.  Since I like to make sure my children honor their father on Father's Day, I thought this would be perfect because we could stop in Columbia and have lunch with the Ex. 

As I loaded the car on Thursday, I was very proud of myself- everyone was packed, I had a" bag o fun" to keep the kids entertained, and snacks so I wouldn't blow the bank on fast food and gas station snacks.  Half way out of town it hit me....THE KIDS DO NOT HAVE A GIFT TO GIVE THEIR FATHER FOR FATHER'S DAY!!!  Crap!  This whole trip was planned around the kids getting to be with him and they have no gift! So, I regrouped, pointed the car toward WalMart, and made a pit stop.

After about 10 minutes of searching the aisles, the kids decided on a plaster cast mold to make a plaque for their Dad.  Great, I thought, we will make this at my sister's and all will be well.  I should have known it would not be that simple.

First off, neither of the kids actually wanted to take the time to make the casts in the molds.  So Mom mixed the plaster, set the molds, and waited impatiently for them to dry.  By this morning the molds were ready.  We had some plans for the day but we could finish them tonight.   Jump forward about 6 hours.  Hope and I are trying to put a handprint on her casting- we break it.  Damnit!  It's ok, there is still another, both kids can decorate that one together and we will be back on track.  Of course Young Son did not like that idea but after about 10 minutes of fighting, he gave in and decorated his half.  Forty  minutes later we had a Father's Day present.  Or so I thought.

10 minutes later, my son comes and informs me that the corner of the plaque has mysteriously broken off.  CRAP!!!  I try glue, I try hot glue, I try prayer and nothing, I mean NOTHING will hold that corner on this plaque, stepping stone, homemade Father's Day present-whatever it is.  In a moment of anger, realizing that I would not be able to fix the gift, I broke the other corner off.  Then it came to me...There is a heart in the middle of this thing and my kids have each painted a half.   I carefully began breaking away the plaster until all that was left was the heart.

Y'all, I wish I had a picture of this thing, but it is truly hideous.  Even my son doesn't want to give it to his Dad and he LOVES to make "creative" homemade presents. Still,  I carefully wrapped the heart up and put it in the back of my car, then proceeded to go down the street and buy the Ex a candy jar filled with his favorite candy.  Is this a nice gift?  I guess.  Is this a creative gift?  No, not really.  Does this gift portray any sentiment at all?  NO WAY!!!  And I am feeling bad because Baby Daddy really is a good father and deserves a good gift.  So, from the bottom of my heart....I'm sorry Jeremy.  I tried.  But I am not crafty nor domestic.  So you are getting this crappy jar of candy but please remember- your children love you and I appreciate all that you do to make them happy.

PS- I had to take a picture. It's just too priceless :$