BAD Aunt Christy

Whenever I teach Clare (age 5) something new, or get her a gift, I often hear the phrase: "I can't wait until you have children someday" loosely translated as, "I can't wait to torture you with this stuff when you have kids." Most recently, it occured after we gave Clare the Dora sing along CD. We told her that she could listen to it in the car, the entire way home. Her Dad tried to convince her that the cd wouldn't work in the car, but DG and I assured her that it would and that she should ask for it until she got it. (he he)

Again this weekend, I got the stink eye from Clare's mom when I showed Clare the fun things she could do with Scotch Tape. See crazy tape lady above.

Now Clare's parents are awesome and have managed to keep most commercialism out of their home. (Kudos to them!) I can only aspire to do the same. Clare is not really aware of the world of Disney, Ronald McDonald, or Barney. Beyond some Dora videos and a Cinderella movie, there is little else that she has gotten caught up in.

That is of course until Bad Aunt Christy steps in to get her the Cinderella Barbie for her 5th birthday. I know, it is two major awful conglomerates combined, Disney, and the "B" word...BARBIE. I deserve to be told NO (and I was), but I grew up with suitcases full of Barbies, and my Nana used to make clothes for them. I loved my Barbie time every Saturday morning during cartoons. I would dress Barbie up in some lovely "Little House on the Prairie" number and she would go out on a date with my brother's Spiderman doll. Though they never kissed because Spidey's mask was permanently on.

I will say that in an effort to try and make up for the B doll, I also got an Educational gift hoping that they would cancel eachother out. I just want to be on everyone's good side. Ok, I really just want to be the fun aunt, that has all the gum, and is always doing something goofy. Not the old booooring 35 year old unfun lady. So go ahead, parents of the world unite, and start your scolding!