Give 'em the Old Razzle Dazzle!

While I always thought it was imperative to encourage a healthy imagination in my children, I think I might have taken it a little too far. Every time my kids have to be costumed they expect a creation fit for Cirque du bloody Soleil!

If I learnt nothing more from my years as a showgirl I at least learnt that when in doubt cover it with sequins and feathers! I put this law of showgirl in to effect today when creating my daughter's "Greek Day" costume. I covered her helmet in sequins and trimmed her shield in feathers. She will be Athena the goddess of bedazzle.

I didn't used to think that kids were all that expensive. Of course they needed feeding and watering but the only really big expenses were toys they got for Christmas and Birthdays.

Until recently...

In the last month my son has started shaving, bring on the electric shaver, shaving balm, zit cream, and after shave, ka ching! A week later he passed his driving test; tweedle dumb and I taught him to drive so I saved on the cost of lessons, the license was a mere three dollars, but my insurance DOUBLED!!!! What should I do? Say "congratulations on getting your permit baby, but you're not getting a car and you can't drive mine either?" I think not...so ka ching!

Then today my daughter got braces. What an experience! I sat in a room and actually allowed a man to torture my twelve year old. I had to sit on my hands to stop myself from slapping him! He glued metal to the precious teeth we've scrubbed for nearly twelve years, then made my baby's mouth busy with expanders, retainers and braces to give her that all important culturally American smile.

Then I paid him four thousand dollars.

There should be a savings fund for braces let alone college!

At least sequins, glitter, and feathers are still pretty inexpensive frills to keep the babes (and me) entertained!