Crack Myself Up: “The Layaway Plan”

Posted on by Victoria

Normally I share my silly ‘Crack Myself Up’ stories on Victoria Ponders but this one was too timely, given that Mother’s Day is just a few days away – this coming Sunday here in the U.S. and in Canada.

(Btw…I love this resource which provides some of the historical background about Mother’s Day – including all the other dates upon which it’s celebrated worldwide.)

In our house we have a longstanding tradition of Mother’s Day brunch, orchestrated primarily by my thoughtful husband and breakfast-making-chef, Paul.

When both of our mothers were alive, he’d delight them with his spectacularly fluffy omelettes and he’d trek to the fancy boulangerie to get the very best pastries. I’m not much of an egg eater, but baked goods – dripping with caramel, fruit and delicate layers boosted by butter? Happy me!

When Paul’s mom, Maxine passed away in 2009, followed by my mom, Sue in 2015, our brunch game became more perfunctory, but this year Paul’s got quite the feast in mind and the preparations are already in progress.

Which leads me to a giggle:

I’m not sure what dish will be prepared in this pretty vessel. Could be a Dutch baby pancake or a quiche. Might be a tarte tatin (if I can get my act together). It was an early Mother’s Day gift from daughter Delaney. She couldn’t contain her enthusiasm and gave it to me on Easter Sunday, saying, “Here – I know I’m early, but I had to give it to you right away! I love it – don’t you?!”

I do – love it. Delaney knows I love pricey Le Creuset cookware and I’ve got a modest collection but I’m always reluctant to buy for myself. This piece is a showstopper because of its beautiful, scalloped lid. Super cool – and the color is fresh, like vanilla ice cream. Yum.

I’m getting to the giggle. Stick with me.

After admonishing Delaney for spending too much, she quipped, “Well, think of it this way, I’m sorta buying for myself. Eventually your collection becomes my collection.” She’s not wrong. One of the unintended benefits of being an only child.

But Paul had a zinger of a response – not missing a beat, telling Delaney, “Ahh…your gift-giving is a twist on a layaway plan. Gifting what you’ll get…eventually.” Her reply was all giggles. Layaway plan. Sheesh.

Happy Mother’s Day – a little early – to all the mamas and beautiful mother figures in the world. I see you. Lifting others up with empathy and love. Stay strong and celebrate the power of women. I’m cheering all of us on.

-Vicki ❤️

Mother’s Day Love 💖
Mother’s Day Magic

Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue | Eckhartz Press.

Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue” – all about resilience and love.

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57 thoughts on “Crack Myself Up: “The Layaway Plan””

  1. I loooooove that dish too, and what a riot you all are, the ultimate layaway plan! glad you all have such a good sense of humor and I can’t wait to see what is cooked in that dish

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  3. Oh your daughter is very canny, Vicki! That is a truly beautiful kitchenware and La Crueset is high quality stuff! I do look forward to hearing and seeing what you make this weekend. Happy Mother’s Day to you!

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  4. LOL. The layaway plan. I like that! And I will be very suspicious if my daughter Laura ever gives me a vinyl record because she has already told me she wants my record collection when I pass to the big beyond.

    Happy Mother’s Day Vicki! It will be another delayed celebration for me as both my girls are away. I expect we’ll celebrate in June when they’re both home.

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    1. Let me just say it again…I love your girls and your quip about Laura has me smiling! Happy Mama’s Day to you — every day, my friend! Much love! 🥰

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  5. Yes, it is a beautiful object for Mother’s Day. Here’s to you, Vicki, for all the gifts you bring to the world!

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  6. That’s a beautiful baking dish, Vicki! Wow!
    And yes, I often tell my daughter and granddaughters, when I buy or bring anything into our attached apartment (to their house), this too, shall someday be yours! Ha! We talk about the Other Side a lot! Probably more than most. Oy!
    You had me at perfunctory though. Hehe!
    And the stove. It reminds me of the Jenn-Air range my mom used to have when I was a teenager.
    Isn’t living near family a hoot! I love it!

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  7. A funny conversation, and I feel that Delaney caught on a win-win situation! 🙂 The dish is pretty, and I know that brand is really high quality, so will last for many delicious meals. Also, happy early Mother’s Day to you! 🌞

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  10. Happy Mother’s Day to you, Vickie. You probably agree with that old saying “Every day is Mother’s Day.” You never stop being a mother regardless of your child’s age. By the way-your family is awesome! 🙂

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  11. WE will need a picture of whatever you make in that dish. I love the idea of a layaway plan. I gave my daughter most of my stuff before I passed on. (I moved to Spain and “couldn’t take it with me”) She tells me that now when she uses something that was once mine, she thinks of me. (I am still alive, honest!)

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    1. I love that, Darlene…an agreement that she shares what she’s using when she’s thinking of you. Perfect! And yes, yes…I’m learning toward an apple tart….yummm! 🥰💕🥰

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  13. Yay for husband breakast-making chefs and loving, enthusiastic daughters! The dish is drop-down gorgeous, Vicki. And wow! Delaney’s thought process is hysterical, hahaha. Paul said it perfectly! It absolutely is a layaway plan (a very long-term one.) So funny!! And all this talk of Dutch Babies and breakfast makes me miss our local Walker Brothers Pancake House. I have a sudden craving for their infamous Apple Pancake. I’m sure you’ve been at some point Vicki!

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    1. Oh my gosh!!! Yes! There’s a Walker Brothers just a few minutes away…and you know it! Dutch babies and their seasonal pumpkin pancakes. Yum! If you ever get up this way, we know where we’re going! 🥰😜🥰

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  15. What a beautiful Le Creuset dish. I’ve never seen one like it. I have two Dutch ovens in different sizes in bright blue Le Creuset. I use them for my oxtail soup or split pea soup. Or braised short ribs. I also have two blue fry pans, but they’re too heavy for me. Maybe my kids should get them now rather than the layaway plan!

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  21. Oh my gosh Vicki, your Le Creuset cookware is awesome! But I love your husband’s response with the layaway plan. I hope your Mother’s Day was just as special as you are my friend. Happy eating and cooking my friend! 🥘😋🥣 Hugs and smooches! 💖

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