Today was my last day ringing the bells...as short shift for a Monday, only 2 hours. I was thankful for this as it was very cold and very wet. today was special, not just because it was my last day but because my boys joined me half way my shift.

I would love to tell you that they came eagerly and willingly. Knowing full well that sacrificing their time for others is a major priority. I would love to tell you that The Rock Star was the one who approached me with this idea, because it was put on his heart to do so. I would love to tell you that they were so proud of me for doing this that they just had to come along and be part of it....I would love to tell you that.

But here we go, snap back to reality!!! The truth is a bribed them. I started on the Rock Star  last week knowing that he would be the harder of the two to convince. I started by throwing the idea lightly out there in passing, just a nice little lob towards him...nothing too threatening, nothing to aggressive. And he picked up the idea, pondered it...it seemed reasonable to him.

Then I waved some cash in front of him...now everyone knows that teenagers love cash, especially when they have minimal means to make it!!!! That really caught his attention. Then by his own accord he sealed the deal...he gave up the cash so he could go on the computer one night!!! Yup, dug himself in nice and tight like...mamma was smilen’ now.

The Scientist, not such a hard sell. Let him know over the weekend what the plan was...didn’t really faze him. He is an easy going sort. This morning he was a little concerned about the cold, but I assured him there would be a reward to follow, one that he would really enjoy, and He was in.

Well, it wasn’t a practiced choir, the first 10-15 minutes The Rock Star looked pretty miserable in his embarrassment, there was a kuffufle about who was going to ring the bells...(thank goodness I brought some back up shakers!!!) and well the singing started a little weak, and The Rock’s Stars guitar did not even see the light of day....too cold to play mom!!!

Lets be honest it was a bit of a gong show...LOL

But once we got ourselves situated we managed to belt out a handful of tunes. The Scientist was giving his whole heart and soul, so much so it even warmed up The Rock Star who gladly rang the bells and sung a few tunes in spite of himself...bless that little Scientist Heart of his.

Why would I bother going through that you ask....to laugh....to laugh and spend some ridiculous time with my boys doing something totally out of the ordinary that in turn will make a “one of those times” kind of memory for us. And you know what, the people loved it...they really did...grumpy Rock Star and all. Who by the way, because he was not singing was in charge of saying thank you...oh...so painful. I had to remind him to open his mouth when he spoke. hahahaha

We all survived...it was certainly not a jump up and down for joy event but it was fun in the end and we all had a good laugh...and the point was to give of ourselves. I want my boys to know that giving is a way of life, and giving can be as simple as singing some carols and ringing some bells for an hour.

Yup, I bribed them to get there. But truly we all left with smiles on our faces...what more can I ask?

You may wonder where The Horticulturalist was during all this....as far from us a possible!!! lol

Though he did join us for lunch after.

Just so you can see The Rock Star play, I have added some pics from his music recital this past weekend...he did a guitar duet; MOBY DICK by Led Zeppelin, with a buddy of his....

Sometimes as a parent we have to “push” our children to do things that are not so comfortable, so that they expend and grow. As we should always be doing with ourselves.

Today had to be my favourite day....so ridiculous, and yet so good!