This past Friday I took my youngest for some pre-birthday shopping. Pappy and Mimi sent a Kohl's card a little early so that Ellie could buy a new outfit. We set out, just the two of us on Friday night, and I learned quite a bit seeing life through the eyes of an almost 7 year old.
First, counting to 100 helps the time pass by faster. We live quite a bit away from...well, most things. Ellie's latest question when we are in the car has been, "How many times do I have to count to 100 before we get there?" It was amazing how many different ways we can count to 100! Of course everytime she asks the infamous questions her next statement is.."Count with me Mom!" Since we were in the car alone and didn't risk driving anyone nuts...we counted to 100 in some pretty interesting ways. I actually was laughing and it really did make the 30 minute trek go much faster! (I am kind of hoping she is out of this phase, however, when we head east this summer)
Secondly, getting to and from stores is much more fun when you go...."1.2.3....JUMP!" I think we entered each place (STARBUCKS, KOHLS, PANERA) with a "Ready Mom, 1,2,3...jump!" It also comes in handy when there are mud puddles everywhere!
Thirdly, being able to try on whatever you want and not being in a rush is WAY MORE FUN than being in a hurry. It also teaches an almost 7 year old "Born to Shop" kind of kid how to decide what she really, reallly, really wants without going over her birthday limit.
Fourth, Having someone to watch you make a rockstar entrance with each outfit not only does a person good, it also provides entertainment for everyone around. I thought the older gentleman was going to fall off his chair each time Ellie would come out and say, "Seriously Mom, seriously, you are going to love this!" His wife even had her arm motions down to a tee.
Fifth, Almost 7 year olds have lots to say when you take the time to listen. I think most of the night my mouth was silent but my ears and heart were filled. I wish I would listen more!
Sixth, when you go out to eat, anticipating the buzzer to light up and buzz is such A FUN GAME especially when your almost 7 year old doesn't know that you can see the worker behind the panera bar prepping your meal and you pretend to be a physic and count down and point to the buzzer and "make" it go off at exactly the precise moment!
Lastly, when you've had a full night and your almost 7 year old sits down at Panera and after we pray looks at you and says..."So, Mom,...How are YOU?...let's talk!" Well, what's there to do other than melt right there on the spot!
Yep, seeing life through the eyes of an almost 7 year old is pretty much of a "tone setter" My heart is full of the lessons this kid teaches me.
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