The best laid plans of mice and men

It was bright-and-early and the beginning of another beautiful day!

With my husband outside dealing with weed abatement issues, I called an emergency morning huddle with my three children, conveniently within earshot.

My oldest son responded to my request by sauntering toward me still half asleep. My daughter, along with an oversized bow on her head, skipped into the room cheerfully and my middle child bolted down the hall like a race horse out of the gate. He dove over the back of the couch; and somehow, instinctively bounced into an upright position.

I looked at my little crew and asked them excitedly, “What do you think we should get Daddy for Father’s Day?”

They looked back at me wide-eyed and silent, like it was a pop quiz, as they glanced sideways at each other.

“All I’m asking for is suggestions,” I said humored. “Does anyone have any suggestions?”

“I suggest you suggest something first,” said my oldest son completely serious.

“Come on! This will be fun! And I think it would mean more to your Dad if it were a group effort,” I said enthusiastically. “So what do you think?”

“I think no one knows what to get him this year,” said my oldest son.

“So we all need to pay attention to see if he mentions something he might want,” I said. “You can be my eyes and ears.”

“I’m not gonna be the ears,” said my daughter defiantly, shaking her head in disgust.

“Sweetie, that’s just an expression.”

“Good... then he can be the ears,” she motioned to my younger son.

“Cool,” he said indicating his approval, “but I’m not sure I know what I’m supposed to do as an ear.”

My older son rolled his eyes and said, “You are supposed to spy on Dad to find out what he wants for Father’s Day”

My younger son rolled his eyes exaggeratedly in return and said, “I think that would be the Eye person’s job.”

“Listen to what Dad says,” he clarified, “and find out what he wants for Father’s Day.” He crossed his arms against his chest, perturbed.

“What do I do?” asked my daughter.

“It’s very important that you do not tell Daddy what we’re doing,” I coached her.

“So, I’m the mouth,” she concluded.

“No, don’t be the mouth!” corrected my older son with a smile. “You’re not supposed to say anything.”

She nodded contentedly, happy to play such a vital role. My younger son fell to the ground in hysterics.

“Okay,” I said happy with our progress, “now that we know what the mission is, does anyone have any questions?”

My younger son’s hand shot up straight into the air and he asked, “What’s the mission again?”

“To find out what your Daddy wants for Father’s Day.”

Just then my husband walked into the house and my younger son smiling up at him asked, “Hi Dad! What do you want for Father’s Day?”

“BeeKay Theater tickets,” he answered.

“Mission accomplished!” announced my older son as my other two children jumped up and down with the successful completion of the task at hand.

We are so fortunate to have a live theater here locally. BeeKay Theater tickets are an amazing gift, especially for those that are difficult to buy for and I was secretly glad for my husbands suggestion!