We like to think of it as building their immune systems....

Candy and sweets aren't something that are found in our house on a regular basis.  Well, let me re-phrase that, candy and sweets for the girls and I aren't found in our house on a regular basis, Corey is another story :)

However, we do believe in treats once in awhile, because hey what's childhood without a treat or two.  Healthy eating comes with sweet rewards.  And as such, Bethany being the oldest has had her fair share.  Off all the newer sweets that she's had "lollisticks" (suckers) are her favourites.  They are something that are quite rare around here, and when she does get one she's enthralled.  Not only do they taste good and come on a stick but they change the color of your tongue! 

Letting her have one was something that was difficult for me.  I worry, about a lot of things, but about the choking factor on these candies on a stick.  But we feel she's gotten old enough to have one if she's sitting down and being supervised.  It's one of the perks of being the older sister, the crap shoot for Audrey is that she isn't allowed to have them.

Aside from her penchant for choking on random things, she still doesn't understand the consequences to sticking one too far down your throat.  So, that means she needs to wait to be allowed to have one.  And while it may seem unfair to some, I believe that there are some things that an older child can have that a younger one can't.  Audrey will get those things when she's older, but for now, she has to wait.

Or does she?

The other day, after lunch I decided Bethany could have a "lollistick" she'd been good and it was burning a hole in my cupboard.  So I pulled it out for her, explained to a little upset Audrey that while she couldn't have the same as B I had a treat for her and settled them on the kitchen floor while I did dishes.  After seeing the few gummy bears in her bowl, AJ quit crying and everything seemed fine. 

Until I turned around and found this...

Bethany decided to do what we are always asking her to, and share.

I thought about taking it away and scolding them, but the damage had already been done.  I also knew it was going to seriously damage my "Mean Mom" reputation (that's a story for another day) but hey, a kid's gotta have fun and they WERE sharing.

Anyways I went back to doing dishes, keeping an eye out.  The next time I turned around I found this...

"Audrey, what are you doing?"

"Think about it Mom..."

"Is it good?"  Mmmmm

One for me and

One for you

Ok, let me see your tongues!

Here, it looked like this...

Lollistick from Ashley Stone on Vimeo.