Things that make me smile

Snow used to make me smile.  Now I smile when it's over.  But I digress.

Yesterday was a rough day for Colin and therefore me too.  I decided to not hover over him and make him close his eyes for a nap.  Admittedly, that was my fault.  I had kitchen chores I wanted to do and I thought it'd be okay for him to not nap and just play quietly in his room.  Yes, the idea would have been a good one if both parties had cooperated. 

I set the alarm for 1 hour and he came out no less than 5 times within the first 15 minutes.  Do you know how annoying it is to have to stop and wash your hands (x5) while cutting chicken?  This is already one of my least favorite chores in the kitchen entire world, let alone having to delay the process 5 times!  

Finally, I gave up.  There was lying, lack of listening skills, and crying (surprisingly not by me) all in one short hour.  That makes for one LONG hour!  What seemed like a good plan in the beginning turned south in only a matter of minutes.

I told him I was not happy, frustrated, and all the other "feeling" adjectives I had been instructed to use.  At this point, I knew I needed to get my mind off of this and quit dwelling.  A nap wasn't in the cards, nor was quiet time.

I went with the first thing that popped into my head, a lesson in humility, if you will.  I told him to come into his room, as I needed to talk to him about something very important.  Unlike adults, he came willingly and unphased by the tone of my voice or the words I had spoken.  I began to tell him about boys and girls who were less fortunate than him and how they didn't have a lot of toys to play with.  I went on to discuss money with him a little, in hopes of driving home the point that money doesn't grow on trees!  Before I could even finish my talk, he said, "I know, I can give them some of my toys."

Suddenly the past hour was erased from my mind and I got the warmest feeling throughout my body.  I was proud of myself for turning the situation around but more proud of him and his level of compassion and giving.  He quickly gathered up a pile from his room and then wanted to go down in the basement to collect more things.

I did have to steer him a bit when he tried to adamantly give away some toys that Sawyer would be playing with soon but after explaining that, he understood.  

Now I just have to find a good home for our toys.  I'd love to take him with me when we drop them off but I have to find a place first.  I'm thinking a local charity that helps young, unwed mothers would be ideal.

And the other half that makes me smile?