The Empty Wrapper

My sweet little Lily learned an invaluable lesson today and I found myself broken hearted at having to parent.  Sometimes teaching our children is far harder on us than them.

We have so much sugar in our house.  Halloween was good to the girls this year and we have a bag full of chocolate.  We dole it out at special times and keep it in a "safe" spot.  Today I realized that we just have far too  much candy and decided to get rid of some of it.  So I put it out on the ground and began to go through it.  Lily proceeded to ask if she could have a chocolate bar to which I replied, "After we have lunch we can absolutely have a chocolate bar."  She was quiet, but didn't argue.

I went through the candy, and was working on lunch when I looked over to find little Lily with chocolate on her face and a candy wrapper hidden behind her.  Muscling a giggle I calmly asked her if she had disobeyed and eaten a candy bar.  I prayed against prayer that she would choose to be truthful, but alas, she shook her head and gave me a decisive "No."  My heart broke because not only had she disobeyed, but she had chosen to lie to me.  I knew the punishment was going to have to be severe.

Bob and I agreed, and on top of a spanking for disobedience, sweet Lily had to throw every single one of her chocolate bars in the trash.  One by one I watched her and my heart broke.  What a loss.  Bob and I explained to her that her disobedience was wrong, but that her choice to lie was what cost her so much.   

There was a moment during all of this where I looked at that little empty wrapper and questioned our parenting.  Its just a wrapper, so small and non threatening.  Did the punishment match the crime? I was instantly reminded, however, of how sin has a way of starting small.  It starts with something small, but some day the lie will be big.  Sin has a way of doing that.  Being truthful is never a small task.  The choice to be truthful will be a defining characteristic of Lily, and it is my and Bob's job to shape it.  Even over an empty wrapper.  Even at such a high cost to her.

Lily Lu, 

I want you to know that today was as hard on me and your Daddy as it was on you.  We love you so much and hate to see you make wrong choices.  Being truthful may cost you honey, but lying will cost you far more. Always choose light and always choose truth.  Be a woman of integrity in every situation.  It won't always be easy, but I know without doubt that you can do it!

I love you

Mom

Candyland

I know many of you will be shocked, but I did not learn to play Candyland until about 5 years ago.  I know...appalling, but I never owned the game as a kid.  Not that I minded.  Lets face it, I had horses to ride and mountains to explore.  I must say, its a fun game!

Lily was just gifted this treat of a game this past weekend as the "lets celebrate Lily all week" party began with the arrival of Grandpa Bob and Grandma Lynn.  We just love when Gma's and Gpa's come to visit and we get back to back visits this month.  Needless to say, Lily has been beside herself!

Our wonderful weekend with G and G Longmire started on Saturday with pizza and an afternoon at the Children's Museum.  Lily couldn't get to all of the areas fast enough.  Her favorite thing to do is paint and she and Gpa spent much of their time there.  Evie, Gma and I spent most of our time trying to keep Evie from getting run over by all the museum goers!  Let me tell you....its a job.  That little lady isn't afraid of anything!

After a few hours of play we all headed home for dinner and Lily's first of many Birthday cakes.  MMMMM.   I thoroughly enjoyed my piece and the remaining parts of Bob and Lily's pieces.  Talk about a sugar rush.  Lily was also gifted a fabulous dollhouse that Dad and Gpa built together.  So much fun.

Sunday morning brought Starbucks and a yummy breakfast at the local pancake house.  Unfortunately, Evie woke up with a fever, so our entire day was kind of shot making sure we took care of her.  That said we stayed home and enjoyed our time together.  Between playing in the dollhouse and making sugar cookies with frosting, we kept ourselves busy.

Grandmas and Grandpas are so special.  We are so very blessed to have many in our kid's lives.  The weekend was wonderful and we look forward to the next!