My Pack of Wolves

Sometimes I think I'm raising a pack of wolves.

I've had a string of events over the last few days with a few standout incidents that make me seriously question my parenting.

It all started yesterday with an innocent trip to Thanksgiving Point...

#1

We had lunch at the deli and then headed over to Farm Country. The boys have been begging me to go for a few weeks now and I promised as soon as the snow melted we would go. The weather was beautiful yesterday so we decided to go. We met Elena and Avery and spent an hour or two wandering around Farm Country. We had a few minor meltdowns but overall it was a lot of fun. On the way home Isaac was being particularly good and I complimented him several times on his excellent behavior. When we walked in the door to the house he had his hand in his coat pocket and looked right at me and said, "I don't have anything in my pocket, Mom." ...okay. So I watched him for a minute or so and he wouldn't take his hand out of his pocket. He kept checking to see if I was watching. So, of course I asked to see what was in his pocket. He then proceeded to pull out a mini 4-wheeler with a price tag still hanging off. I literally *gasped* and asked him where he got it. Of course I already knew. He had lifted it from the General Store at Farm Country. He had stolen it! Now I know this is somewhat common among 5 year olds, but still, I was disappointed. We talked about stealing and honesty and I asked him what we should do. He was not at all interested in taking it back. So I kindly put him in the car, kicking and screaming, to take it back to Thanksgiving Point.

On the way there we had a long, tearful conversation. He was terrified to tell the "lady" that he had taken it. When we got to the parking lot, I climbed in the back seat with him, held him on my lap and we talked some more. He repeated over and over that he was too scared to take it back. We decided to say a prayer and ask Heavenly Father for the courage to choose the right and be honest. Then he decided he could do it. When we got to the counter, I held him up and he did tell the lady that he had taken the toy and he wanted to pay for it now. And he said he was really sorry. She thanked him for being honest and let him pay for it. He started to cry when I told him he had to leave it there and he was pretty mad about that for a few minutes.

We got back in the car and said another prayer. I was so proud of him for telling the truth and I told him how much our Savior loves him and wants him to be good so he can return home to him. I know he felt the Spirit while we prayed. It was actually a really good experience. He keeps focusing on how proud I am of him for telling the truth. I know that's good, but I hope it also sunk in that we don't steal toys! I do love my little Isaac. :) I hope he doesn't always have to learn things the hard way.

#2

Today Mikey and Isaac were enjoying some freedom and warm weather in the backyard while I worked on my sharing time. Mikey came in without any pants on. Never a good sign. Then he smiled and showed me his backside. Not to be too gross, but it was not a pretty sight. He then smiled again and said "I pooped outside!" He was pretty proud of himself. Like he'd been so resourceful! I of course panicked, making sure nothing had gotten anywhere else. I quickly told him if he was serious and really did, I was NOT happy about it! His face quickly turned to panic as he said a half a dozen times "I'm sorry Mom! I'm sorry Mom!" Needless to say, he did. Just like a puppy. And I had to go clean it up. Oh, the things we do as Mothers! Like I said, am I raising a pack of wolves?

#3

And finally tonight while we were driving home from soccer practice, Cafe Rio, Target and a birthday party, the kids were talking in the back. I looked in the mirror and smiled at Isaac who was pouting. I told him how I loved his smile. This made him so happy so he wanted to compliment everyone else. He told me how he loved my smile and Mikey's smile and Kate's smile, etc... Not to be left out, Mikey decided to throw this one in: "And I love Isaac's blood!" .......silence......."What?" So he repeated, just for clarification, "I love Isaac's blood!" Now I'm really beginning to question what is wrong with me as a parent when Isaac gives me a little insight and shows me the face in the picture. "Mom, this is my blood." Mikey starts to giggle. "See? I love Isaac's blood!" So, I guess he just likes that funny face and calls it "blood" because of the bright red color. I was beginning to wonder if they'd been watching Twilight.

So there are a few highlights (or lowlights) from the past 2 days. I probably shouldn't even share the lowlights but I want to give an honest picture and remember the funny things too. And I do love my crazy little pack of wolves and love the lowlights as well as the highlights. But if I'm really being honest...I wish the lowlights were a little less often. :)