Charge It

September 29, 2009

On Saturday afternoon, when I opened up my mailbox, there was some sort of a letter from James's elementary school.

"Huh. That's funny," I thought. "Usually they send letters home in his back pack."

I ripped open the envelope quickly, excited at the prospect of what might be inside--after all, it was far too important to send home with my irresponsible, little four-year-old. Perhaps it was the letter confirming my suspicions that James is gifted, talented, and too handsome for his own good?

I unfolded the letter, read it once, and had to read through it twice to fully take it in.

It was a bill. For nine dollars. From the elementary school cafeteria.

Apparently, my son had talked the lunch lady into opening a tab so he could buy himself an extra little something every day. You know--a pudding cup, a Nutty-Buddy, a two-pack of cookies. Basically, whatever his chubby, little heart desired.

I've never been so proud in my life.

But, regardless of my pride, I'm not the type to let my food-loving child get away with everything, so I called the cafeteria yesterday morning.

I was like, "Hi Cheryl, this Amy Lawson, James's mom."

"Oh," she chimed! "We love James, he's so darn cute!"

"Cheryl," I replied, "I didn't know that the preK students were allowed to charge things in the cafeteria without their parents' permission."

"Well they're not," she said.

"But I just got a bill for nine dollars from you guys. James has definitely been charging some snacks."

"Well he's really persistent," she said. "And cute, and convincing..." her voice trailing off. "And he loves cupcakes more than any other kid I've ever dealt with."

And I was all, "Oh Cheryl, you should see him with a milkshake--he's completely passionate."

And so on and so forth.

Last night, I made the executive decision that I'm going to continue to allow James to run a tab on his snacks at school. I think it's totally funny.

18 comments:

Blaine said...

Hah...schools always say that they don't, but my kids have never had a problem with it. Although, when they are 13 and getting extra main courses for themselves and then one for their friend and the bill is now $25+ it stops being cute.

JAMIE said...

LOL, it is cute, and hey, he loves cupcakes! :)

Miranda said...

My son has an account at school. I found out he's been "treatin'" his friends to lunch...what a guy ey? Oh...and eating breakfast AGAIN when he gets to school (after he's already eaten a "healty" "well balanced" meal at home. Ü

Laura said...

Ha, I love this story :) Who knew kids could do this?

Kimi said...

James is serious a stud. Way to sweet talk those lunch ladies

Anonymous said...

James is the coolest kid! My girls are scared beyond belief ever since Sarah was getting charged for milk in 2nd grade (this kid won't TOUCH milk with a 10-foot pole) and saw me griping on the phone about how they need to make sure Sarah learns the correct box to put her token in since she ONLY BUYS LUNCH sans milk every day! LOL

Too funny!!!

Charlotte said...

It IS totally funny. And you're a good mom for letting him carry on.

The Roberts Rollercoaster RIde said...

Like mother like son!

Grandma said...

When you called me to tell me about the bill, I knew right away=snacks...When will you tell what you did w/ the lunch $ I'd give you?

Chief said...

You are absolutely right. I think that is ridonculous! I think it should be allowed until he starts buying goodies for his buddies and charging it to the tab.

Does it worry you that he is starting to accrue debt to early though?

Patti said...

James should see if they'll give him a 0% interest loan...he seems very business savvy for 4 1/2:)

Karen said...

What a smart little son-of-a-gun. Better make sure he's not also bribing the teacher for better grades!

Lady Hermione said...

Thankfully he doesnt have our school lunch lady... she can be a real BEAR no matter how cute you are....

Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah said...

THAT. IS. AWESOME.

Of course, I'd make him pay for it, but I'd be proud.

Katy Shamitz said...

Attaboy, James. ;)

Laura said...

Stopping in from BlogHer! That is TOO funny! :)

Michelle Glauser said...

Wow, my elementary school didn't even let me take the absolutely divine Tampico orange juice that was reserved for lactose-intolerant kids. And I hate milk. So I ended up drinking chocolate milk every time that was the option, because everyone knows chocolate saves anything.

Unknown said...

I love that James loves cupcakes more than any other child she has ever dealt with :) That rules.