Sometimes You Get it Right

There are lots of days that I go to bed thinking "man, I really blew it today." But not today. Today, I know I got it right. And I couldn't be more proud.

Last summer, the girls (mine plus their BFF Sydney), were desperate to raise money to purchase a snowcone machine. They wanted to go door-to-door in our neighborhood selling candy. Old candy. Leftover from the previous Halloween. And they wanted to set up lemonade stands. And various other schemes like selling their stuff. Whatever it took to get money to buy a snowcone machine. (Note: this fascination with a snowcone machine arose after our visit to Gram's where my girls got to experience homemade snowcones). We humored them. To a point. But I don't think any of us parents wanted them going door-to-door -- especially with their nasty candy! Eventually the schemes died down when they realized that their efforts just weren't going to get the desired results.

Fast forward to this afternoon. I came in the house for some water (yard work is thirsty business, you know). I discovered Olivia skulking around with something behind her back. I asked her (very calmly, mind you), what she had. She pulled out one of my old, large, glass mason jars with a sign taped to it reading "Money $2."

Me: "What's that Livvy?"
L: "Nuffin."
Me: "Well, it looks like something that is mine. What are you doing with it?"
L: "Ummmmmmmmm. Well. Ummmmmmmmmm. You see, we were learning about homeless people at school, and how you could raise money to help them out. So we decided to do that. To help them. And people can put money in the jar."
Me: *gulp* "Wow, that is a really nice idea, honey. But how are you going to raise money?"
L: "We're going to sing a song for people. And then they can put money in the jar."
Me: "Well, I like that idea, but I don't like you using my jar. It's breakable, and you could get hurt if it accidentally fell and broke. Why don't we get you something that won't break?"
L: (kind of surprised) "Okay!"

So I got them a plastic container. And moved the little paper sign from the jar to the new container. And sent her back to our curb with her friends. Then I said a silent prayer of thanks, and went to my purse to get $2 and my camera.

I went out to where they were gathered and told them that I'd like to hear them sing. And that I was very proud of what they were doing. And that once they collected $10, I would take them down to a local soup kitchen so they could give them the money.

They looked so excited! And they proceeded to raise $11 (okay a good portion of it was from us and Syd's parents, but still). I was so proud. I am so proud.

But it gets better. Before dinner I got to hand out two birthday cards that had arrived from their Aunt Jeannie. Each contained a crisp $5 bill. They were quite excited. And then Livvy said "I'm going to put mine in our jar so we can give $16 to the homeless people."

Wow. I will be matching her gift in honor of her generous heart. I am beyond proud of these girls.