You know how sometimes as a parent you build things up in your mind? Ok, so I do this every day, although I try not to. But today, I was really looking forward to taking the boys to story time. We haven’t made it very often due to other meetings, jobs, Keaton’s naps, etc. But today would be different. Well, the best that I can say is that we made it… with the following disasters along the way:
- Hayden fell on the icy driveway on the way to the car, although he shook it off pretty effectively.
- On the way to the library, Hayden announced in his whiniest voice, “I’m hungry!” Too late…
- At story time, Hayden refused to face the story time lady and through the first 2 books said constantly, “I want to go someplace else.”
- Keaton sat still for the first 2 books (praise Jesus!) but then found hiding behind the floor-to-ceiling curtain to be much more entertaining (followed by “no-no” from Mommy 13 times).
- Hayden sat through the third book (while I continually chased Keaton out of said curtain), but then noticed a craft on the table. The 4th (and final) book was filled with insistent “I want to do THAT now!” and wild pointing toward the craft table.
- After the 4th book, we watched an episode of Popeye. Are you serious??? Who watches movies at story time?? So disappointing…
- The craft went without a hitch for the most part – stick glue is easy to maneuver – although there weren’t enough crafts for Keaton to have one. So, we have one version of the groundhog seeing his shadow – I don’t even want to talk about 6 more weeks of winter (& outrageous utility bills!)
- After the craft, I suggested we go pick some books before going home. Hayden had an absolute meltdown, screaming over and over again, “I don’t want to go home!” He was actually kicking his legs & throwing a tantrum – one of his first only in public. I was mortified. He was placated only when promised that he could pick out a movie as well.
- With movie in hand (as well as 5 books), we started to the van… on the way to the van, Hayden was running, bumped into me, fell down on the sidewalk, and scraped up his hands. Seriously??? Could this simple story hour have been any more of a disaster???
I think we may just have our own story time at home from now on. Is there value in requiring your small children to sit through someone else reading a story if you promise to do so at home? Will my children be wholly unready for school because I have not required them to sit still and listen to a story they didn’t pick for more than 5 minutes? School readiness… now that’s a topic for another day. Right now, I’m off to read a good book… at least something good came from story time…
But you made some memories! ;o)
We did make some memories… I will never forget this particular story time!