Keeping my promises

Keeping promises isn't always easy; that's why I hesitate to make them. I reserve those for things that I know I can fulfill.

A few weeks ago, I offered an idea to the boys that we should go see the movie Hotel for Dogs and each of them could bring a friend -- kind of a fun way to spend a Saturday in the winter. As with anything in my life, it became more complicated.

Each week I would find myself not thinking about this promise until Friday evening, which would then be too late to call their friends for Saturday morning. Last weekend, we decided that we were going to call people anyways despite my procrastination. They started dialing, and sure enough, everyone was busy. They were disheartened and began suggesting additional names of kids that they barely played with because they wanted to go. I was frustrated- with myself for waiting and with them for their overeagerness.

So, this week, I vowed I would plan earlier. We called Thursday. . . (That's early for me.) Brendan got his friend "booked" for Saturday. We attempted to arrange a friend for Ev, but that fell through Saturday. (He was fine with it- he still got a movie!) Andrew we bribed with morning golf with Chris in lieu of taking a friend to the movie.

So, yesterday we went and picked up B's friend and trooped off to see Hotel for Dogs. Of course, the boys sat two rows ahead of Chris and I. They already don't want to be seen with mom and dad. We supplied them with little boxes of store bought candy -- yes, I am teaching them to break the law at an early age. And, I bought the Mega popcorn from the theater. When the lady asked if I wanted melted butter on it, I quickly quipped that I would prefer my heart attack regular not super-sized! Yikes!

The movie was funny- I could hear the kids laughing rows away. And most importantly, they had a nice time.

Promise fulfilled. Check!