Bravo!

There was quite a spectacle tonight at McDonald's on Rock Rd in Derby. A young girl (maybe around 10) was seen sitting at a table with some adults. She had a sign around her neck that read, "I am a bully and a liar". The adults she was with were carrying on as if everything was normal. Well, the manager didn't like the situation because the employees were too busy watching the child and not paying attention to their work. So, they took it upon themselves to call the police department. Mind you, the child was looking quite humiliated, but was not crying or acting scared in any way. The police come out and contact the adults, who turned out to be the girl's grandparents. Apparently, this young girl had struck another child at school. A note was sent home by the principal to the parents (who are currently out of town). The girl forged her parent's signature on the paper and turned it back in. When questioned, she lied about it multiple times until finally telling the truth. So, parents and grandparents came up with the sign as her punishment. I think it is fantastic. I love seeing parents and grandparents having an active role in their child's punishment. Yes, they could have grounded her or spanked her. But, I think this really drove a point home with her. It definitely caught the attention of everyone in McDonalds. More children need to learn their are consequences for their actions. I, for one, applaud these parents and grandparents. So, for those that know me, don't be surprised if you see one of my "Bits" running around with a sign.

Say a Little Prayer

The other night I was thinking how before every meal and at bedtime, we kids always said the same prayers. For dinner it was:

"God we thank you for this food. For rest and home and all things good. For wind and rain and sun above. But most of all for those we love. Amen."

It's funny after all these years that I still remember that like it was yesterday. For bedtime it was:

"Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. To guide me safely through the night and wake me with the morning light. Amen."

When Haley was young, I'd sit down with her every night that I was home and I taught her the same bedtime prayer. As I had more kids and my work schedule (along with too many other things) got in the way. I've decided that I am going to make an effort to teach the kids my special prayers. But, I'd love to teach them some others as well. So, for those that have them, I'd love to see them.

2 Months!

Holy cow! There is only 2 months left until Christmas! Where has this year gone? It seems like yesterday that we were moving back and now it's the end of October!

I should have realized how close Christmas was. We went to Lowe's the other day and they already have aisles filled with decorations. K-Mart is advertising lay-away (the only smart discount store to offer it. Normally I don't shop there, but I may have to make an exception.) The worst perpetrator? Nick Jr and The Disney Channel. Not that I let my kids sit in front of a TV all day long, but my goodness. Every stinkin' time they turn that thing on there is a commercial for some new, great toy that one of the munchkins just HAS to have. The other day, Middle Bit tells me we need to go to the store. I ask her why. She mumbles the name of some toy and tells me, "It's available in stores now!" Fantastic. So now I have Middle Bit and Little Bit as walking advertisements. It's amazing how many toys/books/movies they "need". Boy, will they be disappointed come December 25th when they realize I didn't leave cheese for Santa.

So, the next two months will be spent saving and purging. Saving money for Christmas and purging all the old books/toys/movies that have lost their luster. I'm big on donating, so the local Care and Share will get their toys that have been taken care of (or barely played with.) I'm also going to start a tradition this year. All 3 kids will pick an angel off of the Angel Tree and purchase something for them. From now until then, the allowance they earn will help to buy a gift for someone who needs it more than they. I figure it's never too early (or too late) to start this lesson.

VICTORY!

Thanks to my wonderful sister-in-law, I now have a stash of Pumpkin Spice Kisses. They are as decadent as I imagined.

For those wanting or needing them, the new Target store in Derby had a bunch!