During the Little Men's Big Boy's last visit to Texas, we were eating at the Cracker Barrel and each boy had $5 they could spend. Alex quickly found a b-yue (not light b-yue, but dark b-yue) rubbery, plastic worm-like creature for about half his budget. Roo, on the other hand, was enamored with this little mechanical Chihuahua. The Chihuahua cost more than Roo had. Now, any of you who are grandparents KNOW the temptation is to help a little guy out... but, I have long believed we have to teach the hard stuff, too... What a bummer!!
So, I talked with Roo about how his Momma and Noni often have to WAIT on things we really want... and work... and save... And, that sometimes it's hard. Especially when your brother HAS something he bought and is playing with while you have to walk out empty handed.
It was a sad day... Noni offered some job opportunities. The boys are used to doing chores at home to earn their money (though, if you read here... you can see that Roo is not highly motivated by cash). I promised to take him back if he earned enough to get Chi Chi. And, Little Roo worked and worked and worked.
He worked some more the next day. There were times he would just break down and want to go back and get a blue worm like Alex "RIGHT NOW"... but, we would gently remind him that he really didn't want THE WORM... he was just wanting SOMETHING. We would talk about Chi Chi and he would resolve to wait... with the saddest little face.
They were at other family member's homes the next couple of days; and, before we knew it, it was LATE the night before they were leaving at 6 AM the next day. As tired as we were, I knew we needed to finish up this lesson... and hold true to our word. So, Pop Pop and I gathered Roo and Alex and headed to the about-to-close Cracker Barrel. Now, there ended up being MORE life lessons on that little excursion for our other love, but the bottom line is that Roo got his Chi Chi... and they've enjoyed lots of good times since.
The Five Guys people even prepared Chi Chi a special lunch in his own bowl!
And, Chi Chi has enjoyed "pamcakes" with Roo, too.
I guess what I keep trying to remind myself about from this little life lesson is this: If I really want to lose some weight... I can't eat that blue worm now!! I need to WAIT and work for my Chi Chi. Thank you, Little Roo, for reminding me of a lesson I needed to remember... in a bit different way... but, still the same lesson.
Ending with some beautiful flower pins made by one of my LYS friends, Helen Mar!! These are exquisite! She had made this bunch for the Mineola League of Arts fundraiser! Aren't they gorgeous?! I am always in awe of her detailed work. They just make you smile to see them!
"Self-denial is painful for a moment, but very agreeable in the end."
~ Jane Taylor
blessings ~ tanna
21 comments:
oh, i don't like these kinds of life lessons... :)
Beautiful flower pins and yes such detail!
I'm so glad that Roo worked hard and got his sweet pup. It was a good life lesson for both of you (I'm with you--I would have wanted to jump in and make that purchase). I always stop at Cracker Barrel on my way to Virginia. Alas, I won't be coming this year as we got together in April.
Best,
Bonnie
Life lessons for the little ones can be very hard and sometimes I think it's harder on us grandparents!! Good for you, though. This is something that he will remember and something that will move him forward in life! sweet, sweet flower pins. some folks are just super talented....
enjoy our beautiful weather...
I'm tucking this lesson away for future grands. :)
Those pins are lovely..I can see one on a hat made by you!
That's a lesson that he will not forget. I love those colorful, fun pins too!
A vey good lesson indeed! I need to wait to eat the blue worms too. Actually, if it were blue worms on offer I could resist those, it is the cake and so on that I have trouble with! Love the pins that you friend made. xx
I guess Jane is right. Maybe Self denial feels good in the end, certainly the results do. What a good grandma you are to lovingly teach this lesson and carry it through to the wonderful results. It looks like Roo is keeping his companion close. And the flowers are amazing!
Life lessons are often the hardest to learn. But what I have found is if I didn't learn it the first time, it often comes back again, at a different time or in a different form. One way or the other, we learn by patience and endurance. And hopefully will be blessed in the end :-) Thanks for the lesson Tanna.
A very good lesson every child should learn, well done Roo...I am saving this lesson for my future kids...
The flower pins are lovely...
Love,
Sabrina
I love this! I need the Chi Chi lesson reminder on a daily basis. My favorite little nugget of wisdom in the whole thing was the part about him not wanting a worm but wanting "something". That is so true.
You are an awesome grandmother. Just thought I should toss that one in there.
Oh dear I guess I need to work on my life lessons but cookies always seem so good! Maybe thinking of Roo can help! Lol!!! Love the pictures!
Lesson well received!
Hats off to you and your daughter for teaching and rewarding. This will be in his heart (also his brother).
Growing great men is not easy but the rewards are abundant.
My daughter loved to spend her money and extra, my son was a saver and a thrifty one. Love to see children in action when they shop and ponder their purchases! The flowers are beautiful!!
I am so happy for the lesson you taught your grandson (and me)
I eat the blue worm everyday.....why? If a little boy can wait, then why can't I? I think part of it is the teacher he had, I am trying to do this on my own, I need an angel like your grandson has.
that chi-chi still has his heart. =) and your other sweet little love has been working soooooooooo hard with an absolutely amazing attitude to earn his chore money to buy the t-rex optimus prime. he recently hit the mark, and i brought it home for him to "purchase" from us, and he still has a little money to spare. you should have seen his face tonight when jerry told him how proud he was of all the hard work he had put in to earn it. alex was beaming! and he said to jerry, "thank you sooo much for getting this for me." and jerry said, "no, thank you so much for all of your hard work. you earned it, buddy!" =) it was a sweet moment around here!
and i can't sign off without saying how much i appreciate that you are willing to teach the tough lessons. it will serve them well. ;-) xoxoxoxoxo
What a precious story dear Tanna.
I agree that life lessons for little ones often teach us so much.
Blessings dear. Catherine xo
You are an amazing Grandmother, sticking to the lesson that he will learn from rather than just breaking down and purchasing the little dog. All ended well and your little one learned to much. Now I have to learn I cannot have yarn every time I fancy it.
Hugs,
Meredith
I don't even like chihuahuas in real life, but that little guy is the cutest thing. No wonder Roo was in love. You all are doing the right thing. The hard lesson is that Right and Easy don't always live in the same direction….Good work! Love and hugs, donna
Now that's a great lesson for the boys. I can just imagine the reversal that took place in that last scenario. Ha! I love, love, love those flower pins. Helen does gorgeous work. Hugs, Tammy
Sweet, sweet post! We can all learn a life lesson here...
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