Sometimes I Get Inspired (or suckered)

You know when you are done Christmas shopping, and then you fall into the trap? Does this happen to anyone else? Before Christmas I went to return a toy that we decided not to give and I foolishly wandered around the store before leaving. Aaah! I'm ashamed to say that toy stores (especially the cute little ones) get me sometimes. So, this time it was an art easel. Dave has been telling for over a year now that he thinks that the kids would like one, but I didn't think they were ready yet. But there it was in all it's cheap, plastic glory and it was on SALE for today only! I mean, what luck! ;) I brought it home, ducking my head in shame as I revealed to Dave of my implulse purchases that I was so dead set against falling victim to. He just smiled and was truthfully excited. The easel wasn't the smash hit on Christmas morning that I hoped it would be. Mixed in among the other gifts from family members it stayed off to the side, mainly because I forgot to buy markers and chalk for it. Now that we have the right stuff the kids seem more interested. Already they've marked up their clothes and my living room chair. (Anyone know how to get dry eraser out of upholstery? Already tried magic eraser, rubbing alcohol, carpet and unholstery cleaner.)

My real point here is that Lincoln loves to learn, but it's on his own terms. (Like most children, I know.) While he loves to do homework, he gets tired and bored and hungry easily while we do it. And we only spend about five minutes doing homework. All morning long and after church today he's been asking me how to spell things and then writing them on the board. It may not seem amazing, but his genuine interest level is very exciting to me. He told me he's pretending that he is the teacher. He's asking questions! He's trying to sound out words! He's writing words! Watching children grow and learn is so interesting. Sometimes it's frustrating and it just makes me want to cry, but sometimes it's fun and I just want to laugh. Today, was a fun day and I was just happy that he wanted to learn.

Was I suckered? Sure. Do I regret it? Not today. =)