Team Thompson to Disneyland

PLEASE TAKE 5 MINUTES TO READ!!!

You know, I have to be honest. I feel absolutely horrible for posting this ... especially after reading the many more deserving requests. That said, here's our story.

We're a family of seven living in Southern California. We live a simple life ... and, most months are a struggle financially. After losing all the materialistic crap that really doesn't matter during the financial collapse (house, business, credit), we began anew. And, we don't complain. I mean, who doesn't go through financial hardships? My beautiful kiddos (ages 2-8) don't complain, either. Even though their clothes are second hand and their bikes and toys are from garage sales (with the exception of birthday gifts from family and friends), they don't seem to mind. They don't get to go to the movies, amusement parks, or any activity that has an admission fee. Instead, we love our local duck pond, library, and parks ... and have a blast.

HERE'S WHERE I SCREWED UP!!!! In their excitement for April Fool's Day, the kiddos set traps for Mommy and Daddy throughout the house. I thought it was very cute ... especially since it was the first time they took interest in the silly tradition. So, in order to play along, I wrote on the chalkboard "DISNEYLAND" as the activity for the day! Now, at the time, this seemed HYSTERICAL. I mean, the kiddos have never been to Disneyland, so this would really get 'em, right??? I even asked my husband if he thought it was too much, and he agreed that it was pretty funny! WRONG!!!!

My 8-year old was the first one up, read the board, and was so elated, she started doing extra chores around the house for Mommy before I even made it out of bed (which, BTW, around our house is usually no later than 5:30 a.m. seven days a week). I awoke with the other kiddos, made sure to set off all of their traps and laugh, and greeted her with a Good Morning hug. She hugged me with extreme furvor and exclaimed how excited she was for the day!

CRAP! How was I going to break the news? There was no other way than to exclaim "APRIL FOOL'S!!!" I think I saw her soul actually crush in front of my eyes ... she sobbed for twenty minutes. The other kiddos asked why she was crying, and I broke the news to them, as well. I think they'll need therapy until they're in their mid-30's. I now officially qualify for the title of WORST MOTHER EVER!!!

The kiddos have started a "Disneyland Fund" box on my desk. So far, they've collected 38 cents. It's a cute start, and I applaud their tenacity.

That said, there is no way my husband and I could ever take them to Disneyland. I mean, admission for seven people is more than we could ever afford, even if we combined all birthday and Christmas presents for at least two years!!! Add in the cost of food, parking, and hotel ... <long, dramatic sigh>

Look, kids really don't NEED to go to Disneyland. I totally get that. But, then I remember what it was like to be a kid ... that magic and wonder that the Happiest Place on Earth had to offer in my childhood eyes. It breaks my heart when my kiddos ask when they'll get to go to Disneyland after hearing all about it from friends, classmates, cousins, and the like. I know it kills tem to watch time and time again as others return with tales of spectacular wonder.

So, a friend suggested I make it right for my children by creating a post on this site. What the hell, right?

We also have our own action plan: garage sales, lemonade stands, saving birthday and Christmas money, etc.

My plea certainly isn't the most deserving, but your help would definitely put a smile on the faces of five little kids!!!

Thanks!