School Skippin'

Where to do homework has been an issue. I prefer kitchen table or bar because I am nearby for help. Isaac prefers his room because of less distractions. The problem with his room is that there is no desk and he has been sitting in a little kid rocking chair with a work-board, boxing himself into a corner.

He has been wanting a desk for months. Hannah has one that Isaac has been coveting. I saw one at IKEA, at the time of the bedroom switch, that I liked the looks of but David thought he had a better idea.


His work has done office furniture and there was a desk base that has been sitting around forever so he brought it home with a promise to make a top for it. (I can't keep track of time so let's say) Months later we are still having the desk dilemma. Now, that isn't to say David hasn't been busy with a lot of other more important projects - I am just tired of waiting.

I informed David on Tuesday that, after the roofing project this weekend, the desk was to be next TOP PRIORITY!!!


Wednesday we had a pretty rough morning. Isaac left for school and I got to thinking about the desk and how I didn't want to wait for the next priority - I wanted to go shopping at IKEA. When? Too busy! Couldn't see a free day in the near future...

I then remembered the time my mom took me with her for a one-on-one, school skipping day. I have memories of hanging out in her printing studio, eating lunch in downtown Seattle, and the important feeling I had for getting to share her day. This was it - my chance to repeat that day with my own kid!

I quickly made some arrangements for Alden, got ready, and pulled Isaac out of school. We needed a day together with just the two of us. IKEA's a pretty good drive (an hour and a half) so there wasn't a lot of time to spare.

I called Dave on the drive down to inform him of my change-in-plans. He said "That's fine, just don't spend any money" (Yeah, like that's possible!)

"Okay, I am just going down for that desk that we REALLY need" (smile sweetly with voice...)

We went down, enjoyed a yummy cafeteria lunch, and had just enough time (okay, there is never really "enough time" when it comes to IKEA). We were on a mission and knew just which area to head to.

I knew it the second I saw it. Orange drawers ($50), you pick the table top ($20), and legs ($8). Okay! A blue chair to match ($40)! Love the lamp - $20? I had set myself a $150 limit and I came in at $138 with just enough room for tax. Perfect!


Now I know this is just IKEA furniture and not anything that will last (#1 reason David wanted to make a desk) but I am pretty pleased with what we came away with! Not only does it coordinate with his bed (which is important to me) but it has drawers, a chair, AND a lamp - none of which the just-base desk had working for it.

On top of that, Isaac and I had a much-needed great day. I hope some day he will look back and remember his special day with his mom. Now, I did warn him this was an exceptional day. That rough mornings do not result in being pulled out of school and being bought things. The desk had been on the list and just happened to work out for us.

It does get me thinking how I have other kids in school that would also enjoy a day out. I will have to keep myself open to the possibility of repeat offenses. I had told the school receptionist, when I pulled Isaac, what we were really doing. I doubt if I were to start making a habit of this, if they would continue to be so understanding...