The probation week report

We laid out the rules for the week of "punishment" (for abusing Danny, if you have missed my last post) and we stuck to them. I am proud to report that I did not cave in and Pooky went with the rules understanding that she had to obey and that the deprivations (no TV, treats, kakao and no PBSkids.org) were the result of her behavior.

Today at the grocery check out before the cashier had a chance to open her mouth to offer the usual Smarty, Erin informed her: "I can not have a Smarty. I kicked Danny in the face and I am on probation! I can not have a treat." She has also been entering her friend Aliyah's house covering her eyes every time she heard the cartoons were on. I love it! She also turned down treats. Except for the one.

The neighbors were having a BBQ completed with making smores. She could not resist and accepted the offering, ha ha. Dads were making smores and you have to give them a slack as to what man will it occur to send the kid home to ask mom (well, the fact that it was around dinner time, that the kid might have allergies, that the kid is going to bed soon and any other reason you might come up with, ha ha). Aliyah's mom intervened reminding my child that this is a no treat week. As soon as Erin sensed that her smore will be confiscated, she began licking the chocolate off with the speed of a parched camel scarfing water. Other than that there were no glitches.

We had a fantastic week with little whining and lots of fun. We've been on a tour of playgrounds, harvested carrots (three bags full), had cleaning competitions, went shopping, played with friends, fed the ducks, cooked together and simply had a fabulous time . There was no fighting! There were many reassurances that Danny will be safe from and protected by his big sister. Hence I declare that the probation is complete!

Ta ta for now!

Another first!

Another first for both Erin and Danny-a bloody nose! Erin was on the giving end-Danny on the receiving... Yeah, we had quite a Saturday. I actually was gone most of the day and Andrew was holding the fort. My gang was supposed to pick me up from the bust stop around dinner time when our daughter became rather out of spirits! Her whiny and uncooperative behavior escalated into a complete aggressive meltdown that Andrew had to fight while driving (I am so grateful that the back-to-front-seat battle did not culminate in a car crash!) Pook could not get papa, hence she turned her fury towards the blond innocent angel sitting in the next seat. She proceeded to kick our Danny which resulted in giving him a bloody nose. So there was Andrew, trying to get through the traffic and see what is happening in the back at the same time. Erin completely freaked out when Danny began to bleed, so both of them were screaming in the back seat, one in pain-the other in horror of what she's done.
Let's just say that when they pulled into the parking lot Andrew let Erin know in no uncertain terms that this was not all right. He was furious! That's when I arrived to join this pandemonium.
Andrew's suggestion for a punishment was water and oatmeal for a week and no coming out of her room except to use the potty. After he cooled down we settled on no TV, PBS kids games, treats and kakao (chocolate milk)-all her favorite things. Her probation period is 1 week. Oh, and she spent the rest of the day in her premises, let out only for dinner. On Sunday she got to go to church, but had to spend the rest of the day home.
Here is my tale of another first!
Ta ta for now!

I made them lie!

I consider myself to be a pretty honest person-I do not cook my tax returns and I do not swindle my neighbor's Sunday paper for coupons ( though I will admit that the thought has crossed my mind before). However, I feel pretty guilty about today, for I made three lovely ladies lie for me!
Erin, Danny and I went to the library. I love our library outings! As a kid I frequented the one in my neighborhood. The smell of books is one of the most fabulous smells in the world and it alone makes it worth the trip. I normally combine our library trip and a morning stroll and this is exactly what we did this Monday morning. Danny rode in the stroller and waved his pinwheel cheering every time it caught the wind. Erin collected chestnuts (for crafts), captured bugs and did other Erin type things. I pushed the stroller and sang praises to the weather gods for sending me temperature in the 70s (particularly while going uphill).
I mentioned to Pooky that we will be making our traditional pit stop at the bistro by the library for some cake pops. My child on the other hand decided that she felt like ice cream and told me that she'll have that. For next five minutes we had a healthy debate on whether or not she should get the messy, melting treat (guess which side of the issue I was taking).
We made it to the bistro. Danny began smacking his lips in anticipation of the treat. Erin burst inside with a yell: "Do you have ice cream?" Danny and I were on her heals. The lady at the counter (bless her heart), also a mother, made no mistake at interpreting my mad head shaking behind my child's back. Her answer was that they ran out. We were the only customers inside, by the way, and the place is super kid friendly and both ladies who work (and I assume own the place) know me and my zoo. At that moment the other lady emerged from the kitchen to investigate the source of commotion. This is when Erin yelled her second question:" Do you have lemon soda?" My head resumed shaking and the lady informed her young customer that unfortunately they ran out of soda as well. Then we chose our cake treats and departed outside to gobble them down. They were tasty! Mine had a guilt aftertaste...
After loading up on books and paying 20 cents in fine (my record is almost 7 buckaroos) we departed for the park playground and eventually home.
So here you go, this was my confession! I promise to be better next time!
Ta ta for now!