Over the last few weeks, we have begun to experience some warm days (scattered in between the cold, windy ones). I think that means summer has arrived. With the better weather, the waters in front of our house have been much busier with all types of life and boats. One morning a majestic sailboat greeted us out the window. Finally--time to play outside!
The timing could not have been better. A couple of weeks ago, the kids pushed Rebekah to the edge (while I was away). She was alone the week of Mother's Day with a broken toe, potty training puppy and kids who took advantage of her inability to ascend the stairs. Drastic consequences were in order. The decision was made to forbid any screen time (TV, computer, iPad, iPhone etc...). In addition, all of their toys were taken away; and I mean ALL of their toys. They were boxed up, given away, thrown away, or sold. The favorites we kept were put away in storage.
To the kids credit, there has been little complaining. They willingly took up their dog walking responsibilities and completed their "We love our family" daily chores, including the task to complete one act of service for each family member.
To assist with this task, we each wrote a few things that would help us feel loved by one another, on sticky notes posted to the family room mirror. Douglas has been a real trooper and even signed his name on Shaynie's "Be Happy when I ask to LEAVE ME ALONE" love note... My favorite was when Douglas came to Rebekah unexpectedly one early evening and said, "Mom, would you like sit down and hear about my day?"
Poor Shaynie, who desperately desires a doll to snuggle with at night (i.e. "sucking bunny" and Peter the teddy bear) resorted to clandestinely sleeping with an empty "Henri Bendel" bag.
However, there have been some real positives. They have engaged in many more outdoor activities. Such as rock climbing with the dog (or even just taking the dog for a walk which was part of the reason they were in trouble in the first place)!
Exploring the neighborhood with friends.
And learning how to skip rocks under a full moon!
We have now all made it out on kayaks to Dalkey island. On a trip with Weston last Saturday, we were able to explore the dozens of seagull nests, with their large green eggs, and even a few fuffly chicks, strewn around the ground (while concerned parents squawked and swooped overhead)
Here is a picture of Rebekah in the kid's kayak, pushing the weight limit (and her safety) to the extreme. But she made it like a pro, and did not even flinch when the seals surrounded her like hungry sharks.
She also prepared and sold some of her famous brownies and sour dough bread!
Yet even with all of that, and a number of other fun activities, it was difficult to get people off the street. I suppose it is always hard to sell hamburgers opposite McDonald's and their dastardly Euro Saver Menu!
The kids arrived at the Fun Day activity and were a bit surprised to see a number of their toys and clothes for sale! But once again, to their credit, they did not complain (even when they showed up to church the next day to find many of their toys in the hands of other kids in the branch). I think it helped that Rebekah has talked to the kids about why they were trying to raise money.
In fact, Weston even took to the streets to try and draw in a crowd, barking to the people stopped at the red light "cakes and hot dogs for sale... one day only!" His enthusiasm actually brought in a few people and sparked interest in a church that might have enabled such confidence from a nine year old. They were good sports. However, the real surprise was to learn, at the end of the day, that the event had earned the Young Women almost exactly the amount of money they needed (plus 5 additional Euro).
So, despite the hardships and punishments dished out at home, we have all survived. Now, we may have to do something about that crazy dog? She may need some real toys. (That is an orchid planter.)
No comments:
Post a Comment