Proud Mommy

Last weekend we had dinner with a bunch of people. Details of who are not important. At dinner there was two large tables of adults and one small table of kids. My girl, Ellie (Addie was home sick) and 4 others resulted in ages ranging from 3-10 years old.

The kids were crazy. Many of the boys kept getting up and throwing stuff at each other and laughing and giggling. The other girl was no better and thought it was great fun to stick her feet into their faces. Basically, they were doing anything other than eating.

Poor Ellie, I could see that she was trying to have a polite meal. She sat there and just looked appalled at the behavoir the other kids were having. To make matters worse, it's not like she even liked the food. She was just trying to NOT eat her food in the most respectful manner possible.

Eventually Ellie spoke up. She had had enough. "Can you please stop that? It's not very polite." I had a Proud Mommy moment and the kids settled down.

For 2 or 3 minutes.

When the ruckus started up again, Ellie sent me a woeful look of defeat and I asked her if she would like to join the grown-up table. The look of relief on her face said it all.

Ellie: They're not being very polite, why isn't anyone saying anything?
Mommy: I don't know. They're not my kids, but I'm so happy that you're being polite and I'm VERY proud of you for trying to tell the other kids that they weren't.

Later that night we told Daddy about what happened.

Ellie: Did that suprise you Daddy?
Daddy: No, it did not surprise me at all that you were so nice and polite, but I AM very proud of you.

Ellie went to bed that night shining brighter for it.