Shiny, Sparkley Things and A Green Ballon.

MRA is a Scorpio. I am not a big follower of astrology but I think Scorpio's tend to be a bit on the selfish side. MRA is no exception. Part of this is his age, at three and half, it's typical to be egocentric; but, part of it is him. Most definitely.

Now just because he is selfish does not mean he isn't thoughtful. I think sometimes those things can be confused, but MRA is definitely thoughtful. But the thoughtfulness is not consistent... yet. It happens in spurts.

Like this weekend.

On Sunday, while at the grocery store. The man bagging our groceries asked if MRA wanted a balloon. Well, yeah. There was no way he was turning down a balloon and immediately asked if he could have a green one. So, with the groceries bagged, we pushed our race car shaped cart over to the helium tank to wait for the prized green balloon.

The man attached the balloon to a white ribbon, tied a loop at the end and slid it onto MRA's little hand. I had prompted him to say thank you and was waiting for him to show a little graciousness. But instead, instead, MRA said, "Can I have another one, a blue one, for my brother?"

ASA was at home with Daddy. Out of sight, out of mind... or so I thought. MRA's thoughtfulness struck me hard and I felt a well of pride in him.

It didn't end there though. I had also taken MRA to the store to make a return. On the way, I may have been a little side tracked by another store. And, I may have walked in. My intention was just a quick peek but I ended up in the dressing room.

MRA spotted a display of necklaces and pulled off several of the biggest, chunkiest, most colorful and sparkly necklaces there and brought them to me insisting that I put them on. All of them. At the same time.

I did and then tried to explain to him that I was not going to buy them and asked if he would put them back. He stared down at the twinkling, sparkling faux jewels in his hand and returned all but one. Then he ran off to hide in the racks. I checked out and was about to leave when he came bouncing out and said, "Mama, what about this one?"

I tried to explain that I had already paid and since he was busy playing he missed his opportunity to pay for the necklace. This discussion went on for several minutes and he became more and more upset. I could sense the melt down coming. Choosing my battles, I returned to the checkout counter with MRA still clutching the necklace and asked the sales lady the price. It was on clearance and came to a total of $8.48. So we bought it.

MRA was so very proud and carried it in the little bag out of the store. But first he explained to me and the sales lady (and the sales lady in the next store). That the necklace was for me. To wear when I have been good. To wear to work. And when I did, my boss would think I'm pretty.

Oh, the sweetness (and thoughtfulness). Never mind that he has no clue whether my boss is a man or a woman or whether my boss would care about my necklace. He just wanted me to be pretty.

To MRA, I say good thinking, little MRA. Sparkly shiny things, especially jewelry, often make us feel pretty. But so do kindness and thoughtfulness and showing that you care about others. Please remember that when you are in your twenties.

And I don't mind the necklace one bit!