Because I love him. . .

On that very strange Friday that we went to Michael's where I bought the push pins (see Tuesday's post) and the green shirt (see Wednesday's layout), I also got something else. After walking around for 15 mins and being good in the cart, J wanted to get out. I can't say I blame him, I would think it torture not to be able to touch all the bits and baubles in there too. 

So, I made him our standard deal. He could get down and walk around as long as he stayed with me. If I had to chase after him, the deal was off and he would go back in the cart. He agreed and we set off in the direction of the wood aisle. After fondling several things, thinking I neither possess the ability or the dexterity to do that to paper, I was happily looking at stickers. J, who was still in compliance with his end of the bargain, came to me with something he wanted. From his eyes I could tell this was nonnegotiable. I looked at his offering.

He had brought me two wooden model sets. Things that are in tiny pieces, that have to be assembled. And that are for ages 5 and up. "No honey. . ." was all I got out before his eyes turned fierce. So I looked them over again, and checked the price. $1 a piece for each kit. In my mind I knew what I was thinking, and for a buck it seemed worth the risk. Really, what could happen. I tried one more time to convince him, appealing to his intellect and good nature. "Honey, Mommy is more like a doctor than an engineer. Really, this isn't my kind of thing. . ." For a little guy, his look was fierce. So I lost that round. Welcome to the SS Cosmo:

Snorkel Boat

Supplies: Cosmo Cricket Snorkel Patterned paper Umbrellas (front and back); Cosmo Cricket Snorkel Ready, set Chipboard; Cosmo Cricket Snorkel Rub-ons; plus Black Cat's Eye Ink and Studio Calico Red and white twine.

Instructions: Oh this is going to be good. Also known as what you can do with $1 and one piece of Cosmo paper if you have time. First you will need to get a wooden boat kit. Then trace the wooden pieces you want to cover in the front side of patterned paper. Cut out paper and adhere with memory mount glue. Paint remaining pieces desired color (white). Assemble the boat with wood glue. Bravely throw away the tissue "sails" that came with the package. Create new "sails" with the back side of patterned paper. Attach twine to the top and sides of the wooden support beams, and using the twine as an anchor for adhesive, glue ever so carefully. Apply rub-ons. It would be best if you inked the sails before adhering them, but as I learned that's optional. Apply chipboard sticker last.

Now, the biggest problem I have is that giving this to a two year old would mean certain and complete destruction in 3.5 seconds. And while it took less than an hour and a half to do, I'm emotionally invested at this point. So, I have made J a new deal. I showed him the boat and he was very pleased and said "Booooat! Booooat!" That was so worth it, all of it for me. I told him that we will put it on the shelf in his bathroom to admire. He doesn't have any theme for his bathroom yet, so maybe this is a step in the right direction. Think Cosmo makes shower curtains?