We're 2 weeks down and one more week to go!
We've talked A LOT about teamwork. I've explained to the kids that while dad is gone its really important for us to be brave and work as a team. To pull together and get along as best we can. In fact, after our morning meetings (or when we've started having melt downs) I pull the kids together and have then all put their hands together and on the count of 3, yell..."teamwork!" Its pretty funny. And it works most of the time.
Yesterday, I realized that we hadn't done anything special to reward ourselves for our bravery of being on our own. So I sucked it up and decided to have some bravery of a different sort.
I take my kids shopping with me all the time. No big deal cause I can confine them to a cart. But little stores and especially 7-11's and the like - I stay far away! Well, yesterday something came over me and I decided that it was time to test it out. One the way there we talked about how there were going to be lots of things that we'll want to touch. And that there will be lots places to run around. But that it was super important to stay right by mom and not touch anything so that we could have a special cold drink! And if we couldn't handle it we would have to leave without anything!
Cheers! Clapping! Promises of good behavior! *Me with my fingers crossed*
Oh, how I really wished I had documentation of the event! How cute it must have looked to see the three older ones holding hands across the parking lot. Lane holding the door for all of us. When we got inside there were "oohs and aahs" and delighted faces. Then they all stood along the wall and waited. Of course they were loud and excitedly talking about all the things they saw. And what color of straw they wanted. Could they hold their own cup, etc. But so well behaved! Amazing! (they aren't always perfect! I have had to leave the grocery store before I even got them all in the cart because they were being ridiculous!) But the stars were aligned in our favor that morning. And the reward?
Slurpees! Awesome!
Of course I got "looks" and my favorite..."are they ALL yours?" My new response to that has been, "Yes. Aren't I so lucky?" I was so proud of them (and myself) for pulling it off. We'll have to do it again. Especially in this 90* weather.
(I know what you PHX folks are saying, "boo hoo, Jessica." But 90*+ weather and no A/C is really gross!)Anyway, it was a good time for them and it helped us get through the hot day a little easier! Now if they could always be that well behaved! But then that would be too boring, right?
Here's to one more week!
