Over the weekend my oldest son came to me and said, "Mom, is it okay if we (brothers and friend) set up a lemonade stand?" Hmmm.... how much effort will this require from me? Do I really want to invite this extra work? Can I legitimately say no???? Hey, I never said I was a perfect mother!
"Sure, Wyatt. Sounds Great!" Lie. He leaves happy and all is well. I am hoping he forgets about it. No such luck. Sunday afternoon, he came to me again asking if he and the boys could start their lemonade stand now. Go for it, I say, just knowing that the flood of "Help, Me!" was getting ready to start. I was trying to clean the house for a meeting we were having at our home that night and just catch up with life after starting school last week. I really didn't think I had time for this. But, to my delight, they required very little help and off they went to make some profits-- after they paid me back for the lemonade, of course-- yes, people, I confess. That was my feeble attempt at trying to detour their efforts for the day. Did I mention I'm not always at the top of my game???
They ended up doing very well for themselves. I guess Wyatt dispersed the troops to knock on doors and let people know they were selling lemonade for .25 a cup. Most people gave them a dollar or two for a glass and they ended up with over $9 after a couple hours of setting up the stand. It was very cute. I was proud of them-- and yes, a little ashamed of my earlier thoughts.
When they were all done, Wyatt came to me and said, "Here, Mom. We are giving you all the money." "No, Wyatt. Mommy wasn't serious about making you pay me for your start up costs. I was just being silly. I'm very proud of you. Just make sure you divide it evenly between the boys." He persisted. I persisted back. Tony walked in the room and persisted with him even more.
Finally, he looked at me and said; "No Mom. We all decided. We want to help you and Dad pay for our adoption. It's to bring our babies home. You have to take it. We all agreed. It is what we decided."
Tears. Foolish me. Thank you, Father for the heart of children.
Grace and Peace,
Shari
PS. We now have an envelope tucked in a safe place, filled with Lemonade money... waiting for the day we can use it to buy a first baby blanket, special stuffed animal or outfit for our newest member/s-- not so well known, but so well loved.
6 comments:
Ahhhh...what a cute, sweet story! You have a precious family. I love it how sensitive and thoughtful children can be!
Hilary
This brought tears to my eyes! I love when children's hearts are so pure and right. Can't wait until that day you get to spend the lemonade $.
Blessings! - Sherry Semlow
Sherry,
Jenna did a lemonade stand as well!! Isn't it fun to have your children so excited about a sibling!!!
Blessins,
Kim
crying. so very precious. looking forward to Sunday! :)
aaaahhhh, so sweet...
(pass the tissues)
xxoo
candy
Gotta love the heart of our kiddos! :):) The blessings we almost miss-out on ~ glad you were able to enjoy!! Picking out something special with Lemonade $ will be a treat for everyone when you get that ref.!!!
love, jori
Post a Comment