Going Out

It feels like I've spent a lot of quality time with Gus lately, especially while Lucy's at school. We went out with Hannah and Ms. Cindy on Friday morning. He's finally able to play with other kids and has some manners now (like don't take away toys or beat other children with the toys in your hands). It definitely makes my life easier.

On Saturday afternoon Dave stayed with Gus and I took Lucy to the mall. We went to Pottery Barn Kids, her favorite store, to play. Then we rode a bunch of escalators and went to Panera for a snack. We split a hot chocolate and a scone. She was perfect! She didn't throw fits or ask incessantly for toys. Occasionally she would ask, "Can I have that?" I'd say no, and she would move on to the next thing. She held my hand and didn't complain about anything. She was so sweet and carried on a conversation with me when we had our hot chocolate and scone. It was such a precious afternoon.

My mom came over Saturday night to watch the kids while we went to the SAS winter dance. It was fun getting dressed up and doing something different. And really, who can say no to free food and drinks? The kids went to bed perfectly for my mom.

On Sunday we went to the third service at church. We were ready over an hour before we needed to be there. We're NEVER that early. It was weird, we basked in it. Both kids were so excited to go to their classes. Lucy always is, Gus is not. He happily walked in his classroom without shedding a single tear. After church the kids played in the auditorium. They ran around with some of the other kids, weaving in and out of the chairs, and had a blast. We got to talk to the parents of the kids, which is such a treat. We like the parents, the kids like the kids, always a plus. We've done this a few times after church and the kids LOVE it. A few times on Sunday, some of the kids ran out of the auditorium, and Lucy stopped dead in her tracks. She didn't once cross the threshhold and leave the room. It was amazing how much she obeyed without us saying a word. Then we went out to lunch with some friends and the kids were near perfect. No whining, no fits, and they ate their food! Amazing!

We were so proud of Lucy and Gus! We've lived through some pretty nasty fits in public and have had to leave places with a screaming child flailing under our arms. We've done a lot, A LOT, of discipling and training, and it's finally paying off. Our kids are finding out that obeying is a lot more fun for everyone. Thank goodness! Meanwhile, Dave and I are able to enjoy each other's company so much more now that we're not consumed with helping the kids behave when we go out. I love it! We know they're not perfect and weekends like this past one don't come around often, but we'll happily take it!