This weekend I invited my niece and nephew for a sleep over at my place. I called their mother earlier and sought permission on the one condition of their good behavior. Aeja informed me once I picked her up, that she almost ran out of ‘chances’ that week, but she did have one remaining.
We first went to Macy’s and talked about what we wanted for dinner. Aeja desperately requested lasagna while Colman first wanted hotdogs, then changed his mind to ‘boy’ cheese sandwiches. (Not grilled cheese, but boy cheese.)
It was at the grocery store I learned an important lesson: Little kids never forget. I guess a few months ago Aeja and Coleman were reading Green Eggs and Ham. I told them the time when I was in the first grade and my teacher brought in some real green eggs and ham. Now, I’m somewhat of a busy young adult and I totally forgot this story. However, Aeja reminded me that I told them next time she and Colman were at my house, I would make them green eggs and ham. I hurry and added ham and eggs to our shopping list. (And just to let you know—food dye is expensive!)
Then we hurried and went to Jump on It in Lindon. I’m sure it’s a little kid’s dream place! It’s the size of a open warehouse with 10,000 square feet of trampolines and other jumping or blowup devices to bounce off of. (My tactic in this was having these kids as tired as they could be by bed time—I’m pretty sure it worked.)
We went home, had dinner, (which Coleman decided he wanted peanut butter and jelly sandwiches instead, and then changed his mind to a complete fruit dinner). We brushed out teeth—(somehow pulling teeth is easier than brushing them!) read scriptures and said prayers. I blew up a queen size air mattress , brought out my body pillow, their pillows, down pillows and six different kinds of blankets for their bed. I popped in Wall-E and we stayed up until 10:00 watching it. (I hate to brag, but I’m a pretty cool aunt!)
The next morning at 7:00, Coleman woke me up by whispering in my ear “It’s time to make green eggs and ham!” I let the two hop in my bed and watch cartoons while I ‘magically’ created this fictional breakfast. Some things are cooler to look at than to eat. . .and this was one of them.
All in all it was a very good experience! They were very good kids and I know I’ll never forget it. I have learned many things from that sleepover.
All in all it was a very good experience! They were very good kids and I know I’ll never forget it. I have learned many things from that sleepover.
1) No matter how much fun you’re having, never try to hold it
2) Remind a person about a promise that was made
3) Find complete joy in simple things—like jumping
4) If you really want to eat something for dinner—eat it
5) Sleep with lots of pillows and blankets
6) Fall asleep to your favorite movies
7) Read your scriptures
8) Tell God everything in your prayers
9) Never lose your sense of wonder
10) Laugh!
2) Remind a person about a promise that was made
3) Find complete joy in simple things—like jumping
4) If you really want to eat something for dinner—eat it
5) Sleep with lots of pillows and blankets
6) Fall asleep to your favorite movies
7) Read your scriptures
8) Tell God everything in your prayers
9) Never lose your sense of wonder
10) Laugh!
