Homeschooling is a lot of work and, typically, it's the homeschooling mom who bears the responsibility for getting it all done. As with any high stress job, a break is needed every once in awhile. One especially exhaustive day, last week, I decided to give my wife a bit of a break by taking the kids to... Lowes. Yes, Lowes.
Our trip to Lowes was a win-win-win situation, and here's how: 1) it was a win for my wife because it gave her some time, in the evening, to herself; 2) it was a win for me because I needed to pick up some home improvement items anyway, and 3) it was a win for my kids because they like going to Lowes - it's sort of an adventure for them.
It was only a couple of years ago that my kids coined the term "Lowes' feet". It seems that they got a kick out of going to Lowes because, as they told me, they'd get Lowes' feet. After some questioning, I found out that Lowes' feet is the phenomenon of having a whitish dust, all over the soles of your shoes, after walking the aisles at Lowes.
The simple pleasures.
But it doesn't stop there. In addition to the Lowe's feet, my kids were entertained by:
- Paint chips. Paint chips are a hit with my kids (it takes time to carefully pick out the best five chips from which they're allowed). Of course, any free specialty catalogs are fair game as well (e.g., outdoor playsets, grills, etc.).
- Lawn mowers. Especially those of the ride-on variety. You'd be amazed at how much fun it is to test out the driver's seat of each one.
- Outdoor furniture. Everything from patio furniture to stainless steel cooking units. It provides them with the opportunity to pretend that there are burgers on the grill.
- Kitchen arrangements. Have you ever opened up and inspected every cabinet and drawer in those model kitchens they have at Lowes? My kids have.
- Toilets. I never realized how fascinating floor-model toilets were to little kids.
Sure, I had to pay for the items I was going to get anyway, but the cost of my wife's relaxation and my kid's entertainment was zero.
And, to top it off, we all got Lowes' feet.
Are you sure those weren't my kids there with you? We've spent many a happy moment in the paint-chip aisle. :)
Posted by: Brian | March 27, 2007 at 09:48 AM