Finding The Humor - When life gives you lemons, just laugh.
In most homes cardboard boxes come and go without much thought. There was a time when cardboard was GOLD to child #2, The Artist.
Always amused at her creativity and overactive imagination, I still couldn’t help but be frustrated by the lack of tape in the house. Anytime I needed to mail a box or wrap a present, I found only empty dispensers in the drawers. Purchasing both packing and Scotch tape in the 3 roll packs only seemed to make it disappear three times as fast. Pulling tape off the carpet in the project assembly area of the living room became my daily routine, and I realized I was dealing with a tape obsession of epic proportions – a two-or three-roll-a-week habit at its peak.
Better than duct tape
Some people say duct tape fixes everything. The Artist felt that way about tape in general and was always in search of an excuse to wield the mighty dispenser for quick fixes on things such as mending ripped Barbie dresses and laminating a book bag. I would swear she broke things on purpose just to use tape.
I had to ask permission to post this. She made the pig nose and wolf accessories. Yes, those are pink socks on the pig's arms.
Drowning in cardboard
My house was soon invaded with large cardboard creations. After carefully constructing and decorating the stage, she created costumes and patiently practiced lines with her little sister for the “Three Little Pigs” production. It was adorable.
Cardboard cars get good gas mileage
Neighbors still reminisce about the days of seeing her out in the driveway hard at work on her cardboard masterpiece. Built atop a toddler ride-on toy with painstaking detail, she crafted a car that worked. She took her little sister for rides around the house and down the sidewalk.
I thanked her for saving me a lot of money in the future when she got a driver’s license, but eventually the car fell apart. Heartbroken at the thought of tossing it to the curb on trash day, I knew another creation would eventually take its place.
Then came the day that the creations were no more. The packing tape obsession was replaced with a cell phone addiction, boyfriends, and Lady Gaga. She turns thirteen today – an official teen although she’s been there for years.
Despite her telling me that I didn’t have to write about her like I did my son, I must. She’s my only reader in the family. My #1 fan who even stole the coffee mug with my logo on it, and asked me to come speak at career day. I dodged that appearance…maybe next year. I had no idea what I would say other than, “This is how you become crazy after having kids.”
The torch has been passed
Looks like the creative bug has bit her little sister. This weekend she used all the tape in the house and a stack of paper bags to create “Paper Sandals”. I didn’t let her wear them to the grocery store, but so far I’m impressed with their durability. Sock Monkey got a pair, too. I haven’t been measured for my designer pair yet.
The tradition of tape and paper dreams continues…
Happy Birthday Sweetie!
Your imagination, artistic talent, and natural, musical ability amaze me every day. You are so good with your little sister who adores you, and I’m so proud of you. Plus you make me laugh harder than anyone.Love Always,
Mom – Your #1 fan
Her reply…in true teen style:
Thanks mom :/ your so embarrassing!!!! -the apparently artist
P.S. I never got to choose my name for here.
I don’t approve.
And a comment from her friend that I promised to add (sorry I can’t approve comments from minors..internet safety you know) 
It’s cute and would love to have that new stylish car and it’s probably hard being you. Hope not much more tape is needed
I have a new invention reusable tape. U should try it ha ha
-K.
Disclaimer: These teen comments were translated from the original texting versions for the purpose of understanding them.
I’m awaiting reusable tape…
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