23 is the code

"I just don't get it, why do we need a code?"
Lil K: "In case someone tries to steal us, you know, like a stranger!"
Me: "Why is your code 23? why not cupcake, 23 is so lame! Or how about just yelling 'HEY A STRANGER IS TRYING TO TAKE ME!'"
Big K: "Because its 23!" (she is clearly exasperated with me) "We cant change it, we already decided, Ms. Penny - its 23!"
Me: "Fine. but if a stranger tries to take me I'm yelling CUPCAKE! and you better bring a cupcake when you save me! Deal?"
Big & Lil K: "ok! deal"

We've had a lot of conversations like this. They create a code or a "thing" and I don't get it. We go round and round, and then I finally relent and they laugh. I stay neutral, no laughing. Because I'm the adult, and also because I don't know why they are laughing. I've done this all week and I still don't get it.

People, you want to know what is flippin' hard? Going backwards. I'm currently parenting 21 and 22 year old girls, so backing up over a decade is like insanity.

Let me tell you what else is hard and insane: getting everyone to school on time!
Oh my, its been a heck of a week!  Can we all agree that school should start later?

They have also told me that being on time is VERY important to their mama, and that they can see I'm a more "go with the flow" type.

Me: "Well, what type is your mama?"

"She's more like a "stick to the plan type."

"Which do you like better? Because we can start going to bed at 7:30 and getting up at 6:00, eat oatmeal at home & skip the donuts if you would like, but it's totally your call." 

You'll be surprised to know they like going with the flow.

Well that's shocking! 

& it is because of our mission to try as many donut places between here & the school as possible, that we are also currently on a first name basis with the "sign-in-you-are-late" secretary at the school. (Which neither child has ever met before this week. I told them this was why God had us together, and I'm doing my part to make them into more of a people person, their mama is going to be so proud!) 

Because of the occasional tardiness, we have tried a few things to get past the front desk:
We have tried "acting" -
"Everyone act sad or Ms. Penny goes to jail." It was a little dramatic, but I was able to convince them that it was no different than Annie, we are just acting, and its entirely plausible they could take me to jail if we are late. I kicked it up a notch by adding: "So make sure your face reflects that sadness when we walk in and see the secretary."
This was a total win until the secretary asked Lil K if she wanted her to throw away her bag of donuts.
(That kid has got to work on her skills! I'm only one person, I cant do everything! Lose the prop kid!)

Then there was the day we decided to try and just "sneak in"-
Ok, we were like partially on time, because we were in the parking lot when the bell rang. And as with everything this week we discussed it at length and agreed that if you can hear the bell ring it should not count as being late. Seriously, it's almost the same thing.
Sadly, the teacher that stopped us in the hallway did not share our same theory. (every party has a pooper...)Therefore this day also did not go as planned, and we were told that we had to go through the front door. All I'm gonna say about this is that the walk through the front office is a hostile environment and a painful walk of shame. Those people need a cookie or something.

After much conversation, we agreed that we have made 2 out of 4 days, and that is half...and half is good. We also agreed that we don't want to be "over achievers" in everything we do, cause that would make the other people feel bad about themselves.
So we are taking one for the team. We have taken on the burden of being "average" at being on time. Because as with everything, we are thinking of others, and being selfless. Amen.

I have been a little concerned about a few choices we have made, but overall I feel pretty good. I always tried to work a little lesson into our times together and I think that kinda covers for the rough spots. Sometimes the lesson may have been a stretch, (that whole jail thing was iffy) but that's not the point. That said, I do want it on record that I took a stand and refused to participate in letting them do a  KOOL-AID dye on their hair. Apparently its all the rage among lil people.  I did not think their mama would remain my friend if she arrived to find both her girls hair was colored by boiling Kool Aid with names like "tropical punch" and "tutty fruity."  I tried to think up a good lesson so I could pull this "not happening" off while maintains my hotness, but I couldn't think of 1 good way to spin the hair dye thing.  I finally ended the begging and nagging by saying, "if we do this, your mom will put me in jail. I will not survive in jail, and honestly your mom will probably go crazy and not be okay...and you will never be allowed to see me again...again, it's your choice." 

I feel good about this. Friendship is definitely more important than Kool Aid hair dye. 

So, thank you very much, once again - I have nailed it.
Now, could someone please had me a cupcake?

All for the love of another mother,
Penny