PPP Day 21: Give a Giftcard (AND A GIVEAWAY!)

      I know people who think that gift cards are the most abysmal gift ever. They feel like if you really want to show someone you love them, you should buy them a gift that specifically fits their personality. A real "thing"- not a card, which they feel like is no better than cash. And what kind of horrid, manner-less troll gives *cash*?!

    Well, I do. Actually, a lot, because my family lives far away, and I stink at mailing packages. And sometimes I send gift cards, instead. Because I LOVE a gift card. I think it is a great gift! It says, "treat yourself". And it also says, "You can't use this to pay tolls or library fines." You have to use a gift card to wherever it is for-yay! Sometimes, I spend them on "needs", but usually I hoard them until I find just the right thing. And then, I just say that whoever gave me the gift card "bought" me the perfect thing!

  And so what does this have to do with party planning? Well, for starters-everyone has a different idea of what a perfect gift is. And sometimes, to certain people (like ME) a gift card is a wonderful surprise that I get to make into whatever I want. Your party is the same. Make it into whatever you want. And if you are having trouble making it that way, try consulting whoever the party is for. They probably have some ideas-unless they are too young to talk. And in that case they will be fine with whatever-I can assure you!

   But anyway, it doesn't really have too much to do with except that I am a little fried tonight and I wanted more than anything to not type this post. But I like to see things through, and that means posting whether I want to or not. And I have been mulling over having a giveaway, but I have been super nervous about it. (Don't ask me why, I'm strange) So if you read this blog but haven't commented-now is the time!

The giveaway is closed! Thanks for your entries.:) The WINNER IS: Lisa Dawn!
Because I'm giving away a giftcard! To Target! Because I LOVE their giftcards. And I will probably throw some other miscellaneous thing(s) in the envelope. Maybe. We'll see, no promises. And you can buy party supplies with it-or whatever you want, I won't tell. So, if you want to win a $10 Target giftcard here's what you do:

1. Leave a comment! Be sure to either leave your email, or make certain it is attached to your profile. That will earn you one entry.

2. Follow me on Facebook! (Click that link to be taken directly to my page!) If you already do that, don't worry, either way just leave a comment on the post I will add tonight saying: "Comment here for the giveaway!"
That will earn you a *second* entry!

 
I think I'm supposed to put a disclaimer here? Something like-only open to residents of the U.S. because I don't know how to mail things internationally.;)
I'm going to end the giveaway on Saturday night, so be sure to enter before then! I'm excited!

This is Day 21 of "31 Days of Perfect Party Planning". See the rest of the series here.

Discipline...Or Lack Thereof

Okay, so I think that any day that goes really well and is filled with spiritual revelations must be immediately followed by a day that makes you want to pull all your hair (or perhaps your 2, almost 3 year-old's) out by the roots! Today made Thursday seem like a dream! We experienced the mother of all Target meltdowns today. I am talking tears, screaming, unkind words, threats and staring (from the poor shoppers forced to witness the terror). The whole experience was one of those that has been niggling at me all day like popcorn stuck in my teeth. What did I do wrong?

The day actually started pretty well (should I start taking that as a sign?). We had lunch and then went to Target. I had to go back because the other day we accidentally removed an item from the store that we hadn't paid for (yes, you can read that "stolen" because we took it, albeit unintentionally). Sooo, I got frustrated as soon as we got out because Josie had taken her shoes off. It only took us 5 minutes to get there-why did she take off her socks and shoes? Definitely just to vex me. Anyway, we got in the store. There were great deals everywhere! All the school/college clearance was 75% off. I am getting pretty excited when I discover Josie had removed her shoes (and of course her socks) AGAIN! Not happy, Bob, not happy. In the process of replacing them (actually yelling at her to do so) I find a book from Ross that is (cue drums) not paid for! You've got to be kidding me! I am certain at some point I am going to be arrested. You can only be allowed so many of these "mistakes" before someone assumes that you are just lying. At this point Josie is crying, Carson is crying (of course all pacifiers are safe-in Josie's purse because isn't that where they belong-in the car!) and I am about to cry. Issuing threats between clenched teeth, we go back to school supplies. At some point while deciding between lunchboxes for $2.98 Josie loses it. Weeping and gnashing of teeth ensue. So much for $7 backpacks and $5 lamps-we are headed at the door, all of us wailing the whole way. The clerk had the audacity to tell me , "Have a nice day!" Could she not see that I was on the edge of violence? Every tearful Picker loaded in the truck and Josie starts mumbling through her tears. I unkindly bite out, "What is wrong, now?!" Then I realize she is saying the dreaded phrase, "I want my daddy!" I was crushed. He is always the disciplinarian, I am the comforter. What did I do?

I apologize, she apologizes and we head to another Target (okay, I am a glutton for punishment, but also a sucker for a sale!). We successfully navigate the 2nd Target (good deals had all around). But I am still reeling. I prayed, I know the Lord knows our hearts. I just kept replaying the drama. Somehow, I feel like Josie's behavior can be excused, but I am an adult. I did not maintain self-control, so how can I expect her to? I remembered (too late this time) Dr. Dobson's sage advice to apply disciplinary action "anywhere along the timeline that it is convenient for you, the closer it moves to the front of the conflict, the better." Thankfully, I will have another chance to remember that I am the mom. I do not have to cower in the face of a toddler tantrum. I can be forgiven, and victorious. Here's to next time!