On the eighth day of Valentine's

I gave to my family: 8 Dark Chocolate and Cherry 3 Musketeers!

Boy, are they YUMMY!! No, I didn't eat any of the kids....there were a few extras left that I sampled. And so what, if I did eat some of the kids??

Let me tell you this sweet story about our sweet Caroline. She came home from school the other day and said, "They are selling suckers at lunch. Can I get some?" I was aware of this due to being involved in PTA. I knew they were a bit pricey -- $1, but they were for a fund-raiser. She noticed the hesitation and said, "I'll use my allowance. I really want to buy one! But, I'd really like to get one for each of my family minus Matthew, since he's too little for a sucker. Please, Mama?? Can I??" How many of you know where this is going?? She is such a sweetie! She got her bank down, counted out 5 $1 bills, put them in a Ziplock and was even more excited for lunch the next day when she could make her purchase.

She got off the bus yesterday and came running, partly due to excitement, partly due to the fridgid weather we are experiencing!! Before she even got her coat, gloves, scarf, hat and boots off, she was telling me about the suckers. Here is probably my favorite part. "Guess what flavor I got for you??" I wasn't sure, but I guessed strawberry. "No, Cherry Cola -- your FAVORITE!!" It nearly made me cry because she was right, cherry cola is my favorite flavor (sucker or beverage). The suckers turned out to be well worth their dollar...they reminded me of the large circle one's you can get at Cracker Barrel.

We were so impressed by her generousity in that she's willing to spend her own money to get something for others. She even continued it by getting me a glass of water while I was exercising this morning. Looking back and remembering how tough it was when she was 3 and very head-strong, it's so rewarding to see little glimpses of our hard work paying off! We are so proud of her!