Conversations with the Kiddos (over the phone but it was heavenly just the same)

So I found out from Tatay that tomorrow, he, Forest and Mama would be on a "great excursion."  They would be hunting for Rod's most coveted "coinbank."  It turned out, he was crying the whole time the night before because he wanted one.  And that he, Lola, Forest and Ate Janin were  out last weekend where the two girls got to go home with new shoes in tow.  He, however, did not get to buy any because Lola ran out of cash.  (Because Forest got two pairs of shoes! And they found his coinbank at the last minute).  So tomorrow, Forest would act as guide since aparently, she is the only one who can tell where the coinbank can be found. Lola could not remember anymore.  

Then I found out the thing cost around $12 USD.  I was like, "what?!"  How ironic could that be?  Buying something to help you save but is also expensive at the same time!  So I had a pep talk with Kuya.  I told him to think it over. Our conversation went this way:

Me:  Kuya, are you sure you want to buy that?  Isn't it a big expensive for a coinbank?  Why not buy something a lot cheaper and then save the rest of the money?

Rod (in a quiet voice): Gusto ko kasi talaga siya, Nay.  Iba kasi siya, pag ihulog mo yung coin may maglabas na cat. (I really like it, Mom.  When you drop a coin inside it, a cat comes out of the thing.)

Me:  Yeah, I get that but isn't it insanely expensive though?  Can you think it over? You think it over, you still might change your mind.  After a while, you'd get tired of it anyway.

Rod: Inisip ko na talaga siya, Nay.  

Very quietly, he added, "Gusto ko talaga siya, Nay."

Me:  Yeah, but still think it over,  It's too expensive and Lola's money should not be wasted that way.  She should use it to buy stuff for herself.  She worked hard for that money.  She deserves to spend it on things she likes for herself.  And she's old, Rod.  What if she gets sick? Do you get me?

Rod: Yes, Nay.  Gusto ko talaga siya. 

Me:  Okay if you and Lola have agreed on it already.  But this would be the last time you'd ask her for something this expensive, do you get me?

Rod: Opo.  

Then as if he remembered something suddenly, he quickly added, "Si Forest gani.  Nagpapabili kay Lola ng dollhouse sa birthday niya na tag 1,200 pesos!"

I nearly fell off my seat! It turned out it her request for her birthday.  Lola's gift.  I launched again on my "it's-too-much" speech. Really, these kids, without me there, they're getting very much spoiled.  

Forest then asked to take the phone so she can talk to me.  

Forest: Sa birthday ko, Nay. Di ba nandito ka na?

Me:  Oh, so sorry, Anak. I won't be.  I will be home for your graduation and then we can celebrate your birthday early.  Just you, me, Kuya, Ate Janin, Lola, Tatay...

Forest:  Ay! Gusto ko andiyan ang mga pinsan ko. Si Kirk, si Mia.... para masaya, Nay! Gusto ko may handa! Gusto ko may birthday party!

I'm like, "Oh my gas!" :)