My Little Klepto

We had our first experience with small theft today. No, not Hailey. Not Hunter. But my sweet little Harbor. She is the last of them that I would expect it from. But I am glad to say this was our first time dealing with this particular crime, and that Hailey and Hunter have learned better than to try it. We had just come out of the hardware store and were pulling out of the parking lot when the older kids started asking Harbor where she got the Airhead. No, they weren't talking about me. You know, those 10 cent little taffy candies. I was shocked to turn around and see that my baby had just shoplifted. She had already opend the candy and was eating it. I started to ask her where she got it (in maybe a not so calm voice) and she shrugged her shoulders and started to get upset. Ryan stops me from interrogating her and calmly asks where she got it and if she took it from the store. She did admit it then. He can deal with things so much more calmly. She was upset when we told her that what she did was wrong. I felt so bad. She is one that doesn't like to be in trouble or not do what is right. We had already gotten to the place we were eating lunch, so we told her when we were done she had to go back to the store and tell them she was sorry. When we got back to the hardware store Ryan and I looked at each other and said, "Okay, who's going in with her?" Neither of us wanted to. I ended up doing it. I am so proud of Harbor. I really thought it would be a struggle to get her back in there and for her to tell the clerk she was sorry. But she got up there and showed her the candy and said she was sorry. The lady told her she was proud of her for coming back in and being honest. Harbor gave her the money and the clerk gave her back the receipt and told her that paper was to be proud that she had paid for her treat. She was very proud of that piece of paper.

Most of us will probably deal with this with our kids at some time or another. I was very blindsided by it, but I hope all my kids learned a lesson today. I learned that sometimes it is hard to be a responsible parent to make your kids right their wrong and own up to their mistakes. You have to shove that embarassment aside and do what is right. I also learned, by Ryan's example, that our children are more willing to cooperate when you talk with them calmly. I know that sounds like common sense and I know this, but I tend to jump down their throats too quickly sometimes. I need to take a step back and breathe before jumping in to deal with whatever problem needs solving. I am going to try to be better at this. Lesson learned.

Happy Valentine's Day

This morning I thought I would make a nice breakfast since we didn't have to go anywhere today. I made heart-shaped french toast and heart muffins. The kids thought that was fun and festive.

I feel almost like we have celebrated Valentines all week. Our elementary school has a Valentine box decorating contest. So the week gets spent thinking of ideas and making them. Hunter ended up making a football. Hailey just decorated a shoe box since she couldn't come up with something someone else had already done. It is amazing what creative ideas some of the kids come up with. Harbor had to have her Valentines ready for preschool on Thurs. for her party. She was so excited to give her Valentines to her friends. All the kids came home with lots of treats from their classes. However, there is not much left today. (Ignore the mess in the background. We are in the midst of organizing and de-cluttering.)
Earlier in the week we made Valentines cookies. The kids loved decorating them and making each of them unique. I think they ate them as fast as they frosted them, but it was fun. I have been trying to take some time out of our busy lives to do some fun things with the kids. They are growing up so fast, and I know I will be sad when they are gone if I don't take the time to do these things with them. I love each of them so much and enjoy their sweet personalities.

I got my Valentine's gift a little early. One day Ryan had stayed home from work recovering from the stomach flu. Harbor got to stay home with him. She love to be home just her with daddy. That afternoon they visited me at work and brought me a dozen red roses. They were beautiful. I wondered what I had done to deserve such a nice gift. Ryan is so thoughtful. Then to top it off, when I got home from work Ryan walked me in the back door and surprised me with another gift. It was one of those rotating food storage shelves. I was so excited. We had been wanting to get one for a while. Food storage has been something that has been on my mind a lot lately, but this made me realize we had more sotred up than I thought. It is nice to have somewhere to put it all. Thanks honey! I love you.

This week we also got to go see the Harlem Globetrotters. I have always wanted to go see them and thought the kids would love it. When we told them they said, "Who are they?" So I was a little disappointed they weren't more excited, but they ended up loving the show. They were very entertaining, and the kids laughed the whole time. I asked the kids on our way home what their favorite part was and Harbor said she liked the little girls dancing the best. There was a local group that performed before the game and at halftime. I guess we know what is more her cup of tea. She is too cute. Someday I'm sure it will be her performing at halftime during Hailey and Hunter's activites.

On a side note--We went to wast region wrestles last weekend and I asked Hailey if she had ever heard of the Globetrotters. She said, "No. But I wish we were watching basketball right now. All these guys do is hug each other." So that is her summary of wrestling. She was not impressed. But it is kind of true. I have love wrestling though since my brother's wrestling days.

Pay it Forward

So, I got this from a friend. The first 3 people to leave a comment on this will receive a hand made gift from me during this year. When and what will be a surprise. There's a small catch...You knew there would be didn't you? Post this on your blog then come back and leave a comment, telling me you're in. Fun, huh? Remember, only the first 3 comments receive the gift. Let's see who looks at my blog!