Worth the Candle

Quickie post, but so inspiring today!

1.) (Background info.-Bryce = 6, Brady = 8, Brenna = 11) Today whilst babysitting, I asked Bryce to put away his Nintendo DS (which was quickly corrected to DSI, because that is important!) before dinner. He obliged, but his older siblings started complaining and telling me that he was grounded from it. Bryce isn't really trustworthy usually, and as the youngest of the three, it's usually best not to trust him and ask his siblings. However, in honor of his recent sixth birthday, we had a private discussion and I explained to him (like my parents once...or many times...told me) that if he was grounded he should tell me now and give up the DSI, because the punishment would be worse if he lied about it. Even after I told him that I would talk to his mom, he insisted he wasn't grounded and that he wasn't lying. I hate to admit that I didn't really trust him, but I gave it back to him and let him play. When I did talk to his mom she explained that he was grounded all of tomorrow, because it had to be a day long punishment so none of the kids were lying. I was so glad that I gave him a chance to tell the truth and even happier that he actually did (even though the truth was easy to admit this time). I was just so so proud of him and so happy that I followed my instincts on giving him a chance to do the right thing.

2.) The kids are really good, but I have a feeling that their parents let the kids talk them into things because they try it with me all the time. The can stall like no other and it seems they are never at loss for words. Of course, the worst time for this is bed time while we're brushing teeth, getting into jammies, reading books and snuggling, but there have only been a few nights where Brenna has still been up when her parents get home and I don't know that the boys have ever still been awake. Anyway, on my way out the door tonight, Cheri told me how grateful she was that I was always able to get the kids to bed. Apparently she's had quite a few babysitters that haven't been able to. It was so encouraging to know that she's happy with how I am with the kids! I'm just glad that I've been raised so well that I can use it to benefit others and apparently do it well.

Sorry, this was a lot longer than it was supposed to be, but I just wanted to share my excitement and rewards I'm feeling from this family!

I love you all so, so much!