Lent

Devin missed school on Ash Wednesday because he was sick. When I explained to him that Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, he asked me if it was the time that all the candy was taken away (so clearly they have been talking about giving up things for Lent at school). I told Devin that people chose to give things up for Lent because Jesus made such a big sacrifice for us, and we all take a turn sacrificing something for him for the forty days until Easter.
Devin has decided to give up treats for Lent. In Devin's mind, treats include pretty much anything sweet except fruit. So that means no candy, no cookies, no cupcakes, no ice cream, etc... until Easter morning. I wasn't sure if he understood the impact that this would have on his world, so I asked him a couple times if this was what he really wanted to do, and he was certain. Then I reminded him (again!) that once he choose something to give up he has to follow through all the way until Easter. We compromised a bit, and decided that he would give up all treats except for birthday treats, since we have a couple birthdays to celebrate between now and Easter. As a sign of solidarity, I told Devin that I would give up treats also. Then he talked Alex into doing it too, although I know Alex does not understand at all, and expect that there will be a fall from grace on his part. =)
Devin first realized the impact of his decision when the pharmacist at Target offered him a lollipop while filling his prescription, and I reminded him that he gave up treats. The lollipop conversation was repeated at the bank yesterday and at the hair salon today. After school today Devin told me that he didn't have his snack at school because he had gummies from the estimation jar (and I heard mention of rice crispy treats from the student star of the week). I reminded him what he decided to give up for Lent, and I could tell he was starting to think that this sacrifice thing was a bum deal. I feel his pain (since my chocolate cravings are getting out of hand), but I think this will be a good learning experience for him.
What I am surprised at is how often 'treats' are offered to little kids. I never really thought about it before, but in the span of just three days, Devin was offered three lollipops from businesses, candy and a baked good at school and a cookie as part of his 'kids plate' dinner (we ate out tonight). No wonder we have a childhood obesity problem in the United States. Even parents like Andy and I who limit the fast food, deny the soda and treat dessert as an occasional thing still can't manage all the junk food available. Unbelievable!
I think it will be a long forty days for Devin, but I am sure that he can do it!!

valentine's day

I think it was my sister who asked the question, "When did Valentines day turn into Halloween?". I couldn't agree more. Last year at Valentines day I was shocked to realize that Devin was the only kid in his preschool class who handed out only paper valentines. No candy in special Valentines Day packaging, no valentines with the special cut-out to hold a lollipop, not even the candy hearts with the little sayings on them. He had Pirates of the Caribbean paper valentines, and I thought they were cool since they came with tattoos. Man, was I out of the loop.
This year, Alex's teacher asked that we all bring in non-food items for the kids to have a "goody bag" for Valentine's Day. One of the moms expressed her disappointment that he kid would miss out on all the good candy and fun associated with Valentine's Day, but I was thrilled. When we were kids, Valentine's Day had little to do with candy. My parents would give us each a small heart-shaped box of candy, but we never got candy from all our friends. The excitement was around which cool valentine your good friends selected for you. We would get the occasional candy hearts with sayings on them, but no one really ever ate them; I just read them to see if any cute boys gave me one that said "Be Mine" or "You're Cute".
However, for today's valentine exchange the kids were instructed not to put names in the 'To:' field, so that they could simply drop a valentine from each kid in each kids bag. Alex has picked specific valentines for all his buddies, but couldn't give them out that way, and Devin wound up getting two of his own valentines in his collection bag. So much for seeing if your friends picked good valentines for you, and forget about a note from a potential crush!
So when did Valentine's Day become all about the candy and not about a nice note from someone who cares about you? I'm not sure, but this is one case where I miss the way things were.