January 09, 2008

thankful


Some of you know that I was teaching a stamping/cardmaking class in November and December. This is one of the projects I designed for the class along with a small blessing mix treat bag (for which I have no photo).
I wanted to share this card to day because I had a small scare this morning, and am very thankful that it was quickly righted!
My DH leaves for work before 6 am usually, and I get myself and the kids up and ready for work/school/daycare and make breakfast and lunches. My eight-year-old walks to school (we live within sight of the elementary school) at the same time that I and my three-year-old drive out of the driveway on our way to a town about 15 minutes away (Where I work and my little one attends daycare). We were running a bit late this morning, but I waited in the car at the end of the driveway until I saw my oldest get to the cross-walk, and then I drove away. About 15-20 minutes later I was walking into the daycare when one of the staff greeted my youngest and asked where his brother was. I looked at her quizzically, and she said, "Well, Little Valley School is closed today, they have no power, so I thought we might see Crumbgrabber here this morning."
I screamed and fled out the door! While driving I frantically called home using my work cell phone (illegally, I might add), hoping that he was wise enough to just turn around and go home. Our answering machine picked up and I quickly yelled into that if he was there to please pick up the phone. His small, scared sounding voice come on and says, "Hi, Mom!" Phewwwww. He said he was scared and I told him I'd be there soon and not to worry.
Turns out a police officer saw him in the cross-walk and told him there was no school and that she would give him a ride home. He said that he wouldn't get into her car at first (GOOD BOY!) because "you and dad told me not to get into any cars", but that she convinced him it was alright and then drove him home. He said she was nice.
I'm glad things are ok, but I was slightly perturbed at a few things.
First of all, why would she need to give him a ride, when we live basically across the street? And second of all, why would she make him get in, after he wisely said no, he would walk home?
Thirdly, she didn't bother to check if anyone was home when she dropped him off either. And our front door was locked, so he had to go around to the back. *shaking my head*
I'm thankful things turned out okay, but I did tell him that no matter what, he was not to get into a car with anyone without our permission. I explained that some people can dress up to look like police officers, and that of course they will seem nice, but if he can see our house, to just run home!
Did I do the right thing? I'm so new at the "mom" thing that I wonder sometimes.
Oh, and the adoption was official 2 days before Thanksgiving! Now both boys have our last name and new birth certificates too. Another thing to be "thankful" about!

9 comments:

Alhambra Club said...

Congratulations, so glad to hear the adoption process is complete, how scary for you. Glad he got home safe and sound. Your card is lovely.

Fran M said...

So glad this situation turned out OK, but being a mom, former teacher and former school registrar, I would definitely report this to someone. This person needs better training! Plus, I might even talk to her myself and explain that even though she was trying to do a good deed, she should never have pressed him to get and then just left him at home!! Please don't let this pass - the right authorities need to do something about this!

InspiredByInk said...

Goodness, you sure do know how to scare the pants off a person dontcha?! I think I'd have a talk w/that cop, not a very good one in my opinion! Your maternal instincts are right on target as far as I'm concerned, but then I always KNEW you'd be such a FABULOUS mom! hehehe

LOVE the card and so GLAD you're back! woo hoo! HOpe all is well w/ the family and you guys have more ROOM if you know what I mean!

Hugs

Bobbie *Ü*

Jen said...

Good job, Mom! Perfect judgement call. Worrying about doing the right thing is a normal malady that moms go through. You will lose sleep over it, feel sick over it, and get white hair over it. In the end, we can only do our best to teach them how to live.

You, dear SIL, are doing FANTASTIC!

Anonymous said...

Dana that is awesome news about the adoption!! How wonderful! I think you handled that perfectly with your son what you said is true. I would also try and find out who the cop was. Like you said there was no need to drive him home and then she didn't wait to see if you were home. Not cool!!
Your cards are beautiful!! I'm so happy your are back!
Dee

Mary Maruscak said...

Wow. He sure is a smart little cookie. Good for Dennis for knowing enough to just go home. While that police officer should have known better, I'm sure she was just doing what she felt was right in the moment. I'm not a mom, but I wouldn't make too big of a deal of it. You'll find it more effective (and less of a headache, because I guarantee you're going to become really ANNOYED should you pursue reportng the incident to her superiors) to reiterate to Dennis what a smart boy he is for following the rules the best he could and remind him of what would be a better choice, next time.
By the way, gorgeous card! I love all the colors! Its tough work sometimes remembering everything we should be thankful for...but sometimes the best reminders are worth all the hard work!

Charmaine (CharmWarm) said...

Love this card! The colors are fabulous!

Jan Scholl said...

I would call and speak to the officer too. explain your concerns. give her a chance to explain her side. BTW do you have a backup neighbor the kids can go to for help etc when something goes wrong? We did when my kids were small (daugher wet herself in class and I could not be reached as there were no cell phone then) or son had a fever and needed to come home. we also always had a password that only the trusted people could use (but my mom always forgot it and drove us nuts) So Lance Parrish-thanks for your cute face as we used your name as password for 15 years.

Jessica said...

It is scary when something like that happens. We made a plan with Zach and he knows what to do should something like this happen. i think Jan's password is a wonderful idea that i'm going to begin using right away!

Love this card, too! Sorry i've missed so much... :(