How Could We Say "NO"?

The dreaded happened.

Something terrible sneaked up on us as parents.

Our youngest, Todd, has been quietly saving his money.  His weekly allowances started to really add up.

However, in the midst of our chaotic life with each of us adjusting to life in this country, state and town, we didn't bother to ask the obvious question...

"Todd,  what are planning to do with all that money you have saved?"

One day, Todd just announced that he was going to buy a hamster.

The horror struck deep in my heart.

What?!?  You want what?

He made it clear.  All these months he has been carefully saving his money for one thing:  a hamster.

Not only that, he's been waiting patiently for the new PetSmart store to open in Marion.

Not only that, he had big plans to buy his new hamsters -- strike that -- his TWO new hamsters during the grand opening event at the PetSmart store in town.

How could we say NO?  (And, believe me, we wanted to!)

So, October 26th, during the grand opening event for the new PetSmart store in Marion, Indiana, we went to the new store with Todd.

Todd carried the $80 he had saved.

He picked out just the hamsters he wanted.

He picked out just the cage that he wanted.

He selected just the right food.

It was all his to do, because it was HIS money.

Before we knew it, we were walking out of the store with two new little critters to add to our home.

Can you believe it?!?

So, once again, I am eating my words.  I do distinctly remember saying I would NEVER in my life have a hamster in my home!

Oh well.... maybe some of my other "I will never" statements will actually remain true!  I can hope, right?