My youngest son received Bob the Builder's Scoop under the Christmas tree many years ago. It was the big, yellow crane that spoke those joyful phrases whenever the moment struck it. My son’s smile was so beautiful and lit up the entire room when he saw it. I knew Scoop was the sweetest gift for him. He loved it very much.
My son watched Bob the Builder every afternoon with Scoop. They played most days scooping dirt in the yard or bathing in the tub. Sometimes, Scoop was even carefully tucked into bed with him as the little one drifted off into sleep.
It seemed so perfect, but now I know the truth. This toy was actually a colorfully disguised evil presence hell bent on providing me sleepless nights for the rest of its unnatural life. Scoop had the absolute worst timing to announce phrases like "Let’s play," "Good job!" and "Can you dig it!"
For instance, when my children’s cat was lost, Scoop announced a very enthusiastic, "Good job!" during mommy's, I'm-so-sorry speech. My son sobbed even harder, my daughter ran from the room, and I wanted to send Scoop to the basement, forever.
Scoop, the wonderful yellow toy from hell, also tended to speak up during those big arguments parents have with their teenagers. The toy ruined what little hope I had of them actually listening and retaining what I said. Of course, my two oldest thought this was hilarious.
I was hoping maybe Scoop would accidentally lose its batteries. It did, sadly my son replaced them. Since when do 4-year-olds know how to use a screwdriver? We even had to move it the other end of the house, downstairs, so I could sleep through the night. What a horrible idea. - Life with Scoop, Part Two
© 08-2004 Melissa C. Lyons
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