Yesterday was a hard day for me and the kids. We attempted a trip to a new library (ours is closed now) and it flopped. This was the start of a downward spiral. We tested each others bounds, teased, fought, yelled, and all in all pushed each other over the limit several times. By the time dinner came around everyone was frazzled so Jacob wisely suggested that we go out to get something. I, still being in a bad mood, replied with my usual bad mood statement of "Whatever, I don't care". So after two quick errands Jacob asked me where I wanted to go for dinner. Once again, I give the classic response, "Whatever, I don't care". The kids started requesting Burger King or McDonald's and I quickly decided that the last thing I need right now is to go sit in a stinky play land and eat food that just didn't sound all that good at the time. So out of nowhere, I decide we should go to IHOP.
Jacob looks at me questioningly, and asks, "Are you sure you want to go to a sit down restaurant right now?" I reply "Ya, I just don't feel like fast food and the kids do okay there". Understatement of the Century!!
Our little eat out was a Golden Experience and one that I will cherish for the rest of the week. We arrived to find about 4 other cars in the parking lot and begin to be hopeful that the service will be fast. We are immediately seated, in the booth of our choice, and get our drinks. Jacob is happy to find that it is Strawberry Festival at IHOP and he can get Stuffed French toast that isn't Cinnamon Raisin flavored. Jessi is also ecstatic to find that it is Strawberry Festival and that Mommy and Daddy will let her order the huge double decker pancake with Strawberries on it that come with Hash browns and Eggs. Mommy and Daddy are ecstatic to find that it is the same price as the kids meals and is so large that her and Kristian can split it. Spencer gets his normal Silver 5 and I decide on a burger that strangely enough didn't sound good 5 minutes previously in the car, nothing like an egg on a hamburger to make it sound good again.
We order and everyone is happy with their choices. We spend 5 minutes waiting for our food. In this time the kids actually enjoy coloring on their menus and eating croutons from mommy's salad. Heaven!! The food arrives and they can't shovel it in fast enough. 15 minutes later we look around and every plate is cleaned spotless. The bill comes and it doesn't break our eat out budget for the month and we all load up to go home. Kamryn slept through the whole thing!
On the drive home Jacob and I contemplated our successful dinner. There was absolutely no fighting, winning, and/or crying. There was no waste (something that drives us crazy when we go out to eat) and everyone went in upset and came out happy. IHOP will now be know as the International House of Perfection in our home.
5 comments:
It's so nice when they surprise you with good behaviour!! Glad the end of your day was better than the beginning;>
Melissa, I quickly learned that trying to go out with four kids is a lot different than three. I pretty much avoid going anywhere with all four of mine when I am by myself unless I have no other choice. I find I am much happier and they are much happier when we avoid the stress of getting everyone in and out of the car and hearing me constantly say " stop! get over here, no! go get him, listen to me, don't touch that, etc., etc. Miss you!!
Yay for Happy Endings! And I definitely have to make a visit to IHOP during strawberry festival--I've never heard of that, but there's nothing better than strawberries and whip cream on top of a huge stack of french toast! YUMMM!
I'm so glad your day ended better then it started!
wow... I can't even survive with two... Let alone 4! You must have a Wonder Woman cape tucked away in that closet of yours! :) I'm glad you like the job chart idea too! It's worked wonders! Let me know how it turns out!
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