We stopped at AC Moore for googily eyes for Joseph’s birthday treat for school and he brought his cash box–containing about 78 cents and some coins my mom brought him from Dubai. He was hot to buy something. Anything. We left the craft place with him grumbling and he jumped at my suggestion to stop in Home Goods next door. Yeah! Sure! What could he beg for in here, I think, pleased with myself. We’ll just avoid that section with the toys!

We got five steps in the door and already I’d told him no, he could not buy the 3′ tall silver Eiffel Tower or the $50 box of plastic grass, when he spotted this:

This, he says, is what I need.

Joseph, what are you going to do with a giant topiary? It’s…$80??

Do you have that much?

No.

Do I?

No, it’s a lot.

But mom. I really, really want this popiary. I love it. You never listen to me. Pleeeeaaaaase can we get this popiary???