By Shannon Magsam, Ladybug’s mama
One of our family’s favorite phrases is “geez Louise”.
It started with my Yankee husband, John, and I picked it up along the way. Then Ladybug started saying it. But the way she says it has recently morphed into a highly disdainful version. I mean, she might as well just be saying, “You are such a moron!” It’s said with more than a little venom. Sometimes directed right at her mother, too, who does not take this very well. At all.
So on Monday I started the “Geez Jar”. If any member of the family says “geez” (or if you prefer, jeez) in any shape, form or fashion, they must put a quarter into the jar and put a check mark by their name. At the end of a certain period, the person with the fewest check marks will receive all the money. Ladybug tried to convince me that we should give the money to the animal shelter – and I almost fell for it – until I realized she’d be geezing all the more to raise money for the poor, pitiful animals. She’s already made the rounds to all our neighbors’ houses asking them for donations.
After DAY ONE, John hadn’t needed to pay a dime, I’d had to pay a quarter and Laynie’s piggy bank was 75 cents lighter. That third quarter was for her response to having to pay the second quarter. “Geez!” she shouted. Oops.
I’m hoping that by the end of next week I’ll have a jar full of money and my daughter will sound more amiable.
“Can I say ‘Mama Mia!’ instead?” she asked.
Must even children have frustration phrases? Civil swears? When I asked Ladybug for an explanation, she said, “It’s so we can let out our inner madness!”
Shannon Magsam is mom to 8-year-old Ladybug, married to Ladybug’s aforementioned awesome dad, John, and co-creator of nwaMotherlode.com. To read previously published installments of Life With Ladybug, click here. Leave a comment if the mood strikes.
